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- About Us
WHO WE ARE VISION & VALUES CLERGY & STAFF VESTRY ABOUT JESUS We are people of various races, ages and backgrounds, some with disabilities, and all in need of the Savior’s grace and love. Denominationally, we are an Anglican Church and part of the Anglican Church of North America (ACNA). As a people, we come from various church traditions—including Baptist, Catholic, Episcopal, Presbyterian, Charismatic, nondenominational, and no church tradition at all. We are a place where people can come and be refreshed by the Living Water of the Holy Spirit. Those who have been physically or emotionally wounded or are weary of running the race are being renewed, restored and healed. The outpouring of God's Presence is bringing healing to the brokenhearted, setting free those who have been held in bondage and restoring Jesus as our first love. We are very relational and embrace the Lord’s heart to put the lonely in families. This is especially lived out through our home groups, men's and women's ministries, and fellowship events. Many of our young adults are in cross-generational friendships with older people in our church because we are seeking to make disciples who in turn make other disciples. Our services are both joyful and reverent. Our worship is not something you just watch or listen to—we enjoy participating in worship and experiencing God’s presence together. During our services, children have a special time for learning and growing, then join the church family for Communion. Our Lord has called us to serve those around us as Christ has served us. We are involved in local ministries such as Crisis Pregnancy Center, Hope Charities and C.A.S.T. (Chesapeake Area Shelter Team). On Tuesday nights, we host Joyful Noise Club , our club for young people with disabilities. We believe that the Word of God is the final authority over everything we are and do. In addition to preaching the Gospel every Sunday and teaching the Word to our children in their Sunday classes, Messiah hosts two Community Bible Study classes during the week. God has also called us to take the good news of Christ to the entire world. People connected with our church are serving the Lord in Croatia, Honduras, and Turkey. Join us any Sunday morning at 10:00 — you’ll receive a warm welcome! I'M NEW WORSHIP WITH US WHAT TO EXPECT FAQ
- Sermon Archive | Messiah-Online
Sermon Archives December 28, 2025 | First Sunday of Christmas The Incarnation Established a New Covenant - Rev. David Martin WATCH December 21, 2025 | Fourth Sunday of Advent Salvation's Joy - Pastor Ken Shomo WATCH December 14, 2025 | Third Sunday of Advent Embracing the Fullness of the Kingdom - Pastor Vivian Hayes WATCH December 7, 2025 | Second Sunday of Advent A Highway Made Straight - Aaron Bennett WATCH November 30, 2025 | First Sunday of Advent How Should Christ's Return Affect My Life Today? - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH November 23, 2025 | The Feast of Christ the King A Thankful Christian is a Compelling Witness - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH November 16, 2025 | Twenty-Third Sunday After Pentecost He Who Wins Souls Is Wise - Tim Maurer WATCH November 9, 2025 | Twenty-Second Sunday After Pentecost The Holy Spirit: Our Source of Boldness - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH November 2, 2025 | Twenty-First Sunday After Pentecost The End of the Story - Pastor Vivian Hayes WATCH October 26, 2025 | Twentieth Sunday After Pentecost Grace and Gratitude - Bishop Chris Warner WATCH October 19, 2025 | Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost The Healing of Our Heart - Pastor Ken Shomo WATCH October 12, 2025 | Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost The Healing of Our Community - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH October 5, 2025 | Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost Sitting at the Feet of Jesus - Rev. Bisoke Balikenga WATCH September 28, 2025 | Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost Healing of the Body - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH September 21, 2025 | Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost The Healing of Our Spirit - Deacon Vivian Hayes WATCH Septermber 7, 2025 | Thirteenth Sunday After Pentecost God Wants Us Whole - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH August 31, 2025 | Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost What Is the Next Step of Obedience God Is Calling Us to Take? - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH August 24, 2025 | Eleventh Sunday After Pentecost The Word and the Spirit - Pastor Ken Shomo WATCH August 17, 2025 | Tenth Sunday After Pentecost What Master Are We Serving? - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH August 10, 2025 | Ninth Sunday After Pentecost LIfe Is More - Deacon Vivian Hayes WATCH August 3, 2025 | Eighth Sunday After Pentecost Is the Power of the Holy Spirit Expanding in Me and Through Me? - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH July 27, 2025 | Seventh Sunday After Pentecost The Mastermind - Pastor Ken Shomo WATCH July 20, 2025 | Sixth Sunday After Pentecost By the Holy Spirit - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH July 13, 2025 | Fifth Sunday After Pentecost Beyond the Comfort Zone - Aaron and Winnie Horvat WATCH July 6, 2025 | Fourth Sunday After Pentecost Let Freedom Ring - Tim Maurer WATCH June 29, 2025 | Third Sunday After Pentecost Holy, Holy, Holy - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH June 22, 2025 | Second Sunday After Pentecost God's Spirit of Adoption and Us - Deacon Vivian Hayes WATCH June 15, 2025 | Trinity Sunday The Holy Spirit and the Heart of the Gospel - Pastor Ken Shomo WATCH June 8, 2025 | Day of Pentecost Come Holy Spirit - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH June 1, 2025 | Seventh Sunday of Easter Look Up, Look Within, Look Around - Pastor Jim Brown WATCH May 25, 2025 | Sixth Sunday of Easter Holy Spirit Acts In Us - Elder Arthur W. Devine, Jr. WATCH May 18, 2025 | Fifth Sunday of Easter The Marriage Feast of the Lamb - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH May 11, 2025 | Fourth Sunday of Easter Who Is Your Shepherd? - Deacon Vivian Hayes WATCH May 4, 2025 | Third Sunday of Easter Resurrection and Eternal Life: Life Beyond the Grave - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH April 27, 2025 | Second Sunday of Easter We Must - Deacon Vivian Hayes WATCH April 20, 2025 | Resurrection Sunday Why Do You Seek the Living Among the Dead? - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH April 13, 2025 | Palm Sunday The Unexpected Kingdom - Pastor Ken Shomo WATCH April 6, 2025 | Fifth Sunday in Lent How Scripture Forms Us to Be Like Christ - Chaplain David Martin WATCH March 30, 2025 | Fourth Sunday in Lent Solitude: Securing Space for Our Relationship with God - Pastor Ken Shomo WATCH March 23, 2025 | Third Sunday in Lent Overflowing Abundance, the Heart of Christian Giving - Tim Maurer WATCH March 16, 2025 | Second Sunday in Lent Obstacles to Becoming Like Jesus - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH March 9, 2025 | First Sunday in Lent The Transfiguration: Heaven Touches Earth - Pastor Ken Shomo WATCH March 2, 2025 | Last Sunday of Epiphany (Transfiguration Sunday) God Has a Plan: Trust Him - Deacon Vivian Hayes WATCH February 23, 2025 | Seventh Sunday of Epiphany The Surprising Call of God - Pastor Ken Shomo WATCH February 16, 2025 | Sixth Sunday of Epiphany God Is Our Refuge & Our Strength, an Ever-Present Help in Trouble - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH February 9, 2025 | Fifth Sunday of Epiphany Through the Valley - Pastor Jim Brown WATCH February 2, 2025 | Fourth Sunday of Epiphany The Life Giving Power of Water- Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH January 19, 2025 | Second Sunday of Epiphany The Speed of Love - Pastor Jim Brown WATCH January 12, 2025 | First Sunday of Epiphany - Baptism of Our Lord Jesus Christ Gifts - Deacon Vivian Hayes WATCH January 5, 2025 | Second Sunday of Christmas Epiphany: Jesus, the Light of the Whole World - Pastor Ken Shomo WATCH LOAD MORE
- In Spirit and in Truth | Messiah-Online
Worshiping In Spirit and In Truth "Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." (John 4:23-24) September 25, 2016 Worshiping in Spirit and in Truth Pastor Jim Brown October 2, 2016 How to Engage in Worshiping God Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation October 16, 2016 Why the Eucharist in Worship? Pastor Marty O'Rourke & Pastor Jim Brown Slideshow Presentation October 23, 2016 Why the Spirit in Worship Rev. Mark Cartledge October 30, 2016 Why the Arts in Worship? Marsha Staples November 6, 2016 Worship and Right Relationships Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation November 13, 2016 The Sacrifice of Worship Pastor Marty O'Rourke Rev. John Dooley Vivian Hayes November 20, 2016 Continual Worship Pastor Jim Brown Slideshow Presentation Please reload
- Missions | Messiah-Online
FOREIGN MISSIONS The Foreign Missions Committee oversees the financial and spiritual support we provide to missionaries and organizations outside the United States, as well as to individuals from our congregation who go on short-term mission trips to other countries. The list here describes some of the areas we support. If you feel led to donate to any of our foreign missions, please click here . If you would like more information about any of these missions, please contact the church office . GET INVOLVED Eastern Europe: Aaron & Winnie Aaron and Winnie have been working with teens in Eastern Europe since 2009. Their youth center ministers to middle- and high-schoolers through music, drama and the arts. They have also been active with supplying humanitarian aid and witnessing to many refugees fleeing from Syria. Middle East: Betsy & David David and Betsy have ministered for over 20 years to a small but growing Christian community. They have also responded to the desperate needs of refugees from Syria by seeking out ways to welcome in and care for these refugees and provide medical aid. Central America: Carmen & His Love in Action School for the Deaf Since 1989, Carmen and His Love in Action School and Vocational Training Institute have been educating and training hearing impaired children. FELLOWSHIP CHRISTIAN EDUCATION SERVING THE COMMUNITY CHURCH MINISTRIES
- Fellowship Opportunities | Messiah-Online
FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Spending time together is an important activity for any family, and it's no different for the Messiah family! Forming and developing relationships with each other helps all of us grow spiritually as we eat, play, serve and work together in a variety of ways. Here are just a few of Messiah's fellowship opportunities. If you would like more information about any of these fellowship opportunities, please contact the church office . GET INVOLVED Coffee Hour Grab a cup of coffee, a cookie or pastry, and chat for as long as you like after service every Sunday! Do you have the gift of hospitality? Think about joining the coffee hour crew! Community Bible Study In addition to in-depth study of the Word of God, Community Bible Study (CBS) is a great way to meet people and fellowship on a weekly basis. Messiah hosts a Women's CBS class on Thursday mornings during the school year, a co-ed class on Thursday evenings, as well as virtual onlne classes. For more information on CBS, click here . Home Groups Experience New Testament Christianity by joining a Home Group, a gathering of people in the comfort of a home for the purpose of building and strengthening our fellowship with each other and our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Members of a home group share relevant biblical teaching; pray for, encourage and serve one another; and develop and use God-given gifts and talents for the building up of each other and the church. Messiah currently has four home groups in Chesapeake, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach. Click here to learn more about home groups. Joyful Noise Club Our club for young people with disabilities currently meets in person the second Tuesday of the month and online via Zoom the fourth Tuesday of each month. In-person meetings start with pizza, then Club members hear a special message and enjoy a fun game or activity. Online meetings include a teaching or message, followed by a time of discussion and sharing. A game or activity is often included, where participants are asked to bring a special item or topic to share with everyone online. Everyone is welcome to join the fun! For more information, contact the church office. Men's Minstry Men need to form real and deep relationships with other men that will foster growth in Christ. Join the men of Messiah at 10 am every first Saturday of the month for a time of learning, discussion, prayer, and fellowship. The group meets outside (weather permitting -- bring a chair!) or in the Fellowship Hall. Women's Ministry Messiah's Women's Ministry focuses on building relationships and getting to know each other on a personal level, so we can truly walk with each other, carry each other's burdens, and develop lasting and supporting relationships with our sisters in Christ. Monthly meetings include Bible studies, discussions about life and God, prayer and encouragement to help all women grow in their walk with the LORD. The Women's Ministry hosts events throughout the year for women to come together in fellowship. Past events have included a Spring Tea, Fall Brunch, and Christmas Lunch. These are wonderful opportunities to meet and visit with the ladies of Messiah. To keep up with the latest news and events, join the Women's Ministry Facebook group . Fellowship Events We like to spend time together! In addition to the groups and occasions listed here, Messiah hosts a number of church-wide events throughout the year.* These provide a great chance for people to come together to coordinate and attend celebrations that are open to all. Some of these events have included: Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper Seder Passover Meal Pentecost Picnic Keep an eye on your bulletin , the website, the calendar and Facebook for upcoming events! MISSIONS CHRISTIAN EDUCATION SERVING THE COMMUNITY CHURCH MINISTRIES Joyfu Noise
- Liturgy for the Ritual of Morning Coffee | Messiah-Online
PRINTABLE VERSION Liturgy for the Ritual of Morning Coffee Meet me, O Christ in this stillness of morning. Move me, O Spirit, to quiet my heart. Mend me, O Father, from yesterday’s harms. From the discords of yesterday, resurrect my peace. From the discouragement of yesterday, resurrect my hope. From the weariness of yesterday, resurrect my strength. From the doubts of yesterday, resurrect my faith. From the wounds of yesterday, resurrect my love. Let me enter this new day, aware of my need and awake to your grace, O Lord. Amen From Every Moment Holy by Doug Mckelvey PRINTABLE VERSION
- Vestry
Our Vestry Chris Woodland Senior Warden Marc Bagwell Junior Warden Drew Bohs Vestry Member John Curtis Vestry Member & Treasurer Susie Martin Vestry Member Carole Menzel Vestry Member
- The Weary World Rejoices - Advent 2019 | Messiah-Online
Grasp God’s character and His work on behalf of His people, in the past and present, as a catalyst to a more intimate relationship with Him. Learn how to practically extend joy, hope, peace, and love to others during this Advent season. Fuel your worship of Christ with a deeper understanding of Advent. Sermon Series | Advent 2019 December 1, 2019 LIVING HOPE Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation December 8, 2019 THE PEACE OF CHRIST Rev. Mark Cartledge December 15, 2019 WHY IS OUR JOY SO IMPORTANT TO THE LORD? Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation December 22, 2019 LOVE: GOD LOVED Pastor Nile Gomez December 24, 2019 HOW DID GOD SHOW HIS LOVE AMONG US? (recording not available) Pastor Marty O'Rourke Please reload
- Church Ministries | Messiah-Online
CHURCH MINISTRIES If you are looking for ways to get involved with Messiah, our many church-based ministries are a great place to form relationships while serving the Body of Christ. If you would like to join or would like more information about any of these ministries, please contact the church office . SERVING THE COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN EDUCATION FELLOWSHIP MISSIONS Acolyte Ministry Acolytes are young men and women who assist the Celebrant in Holy Communion and other liturgical rites. We are always looking for young people to serve in this vital ministry. The usual age range for Acolytes is grades 6 through 12, but younger candidates may be considered. Altar Guild Altar Guild members prepare the altar for Sunday and othe services, and set up the Eucharist. This ministry provides a wonderful opportunity to serve "behind the scenes" with a minimal time commitment! Altar Prayer Ministry The Altar Prayer Ministry prays for the specific needs of individuals at the altar rail during Sunday morning Communion time. This ministry's dedicated membes find it a blessing and a privilege to serve in the way, and a joy to hear of answers to prayer. Two-person prayer teams serve approximately one Sunday per month. Altar Flower Guild The talented members of the Altar Flower Guild create the beautiful floral arrangements that appear behind the altar on Sundays and major church holidays. These arrangements may be sponsored by individuals and dedicated in honor or memory of a loved one. The Altar Flower Guild also helps decorate the sanctuary at Christmas and Easter with the poinsettias and lilies purchased by members of the congregation. Children's Ministries The Children's Ministry cares for and instructs our littlest members in our nursery, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and many other ways. Eucharist Ministers Eucharistic Ministers are licensed communicants who assist the priests by administering the Sacraments. Greeters & Ushers Our Greeters are an essential part of Messiah's outreach to visitors and members, welcoming all with the love of Jesus. Ushering is a way to serve the Body of Christ by assisting worshipers during services by handing out bulletins, helping people find seats, assisting those with special needs, taking attendance, collecting the offering and assisting with queuing for Communion. Media & Sound Ministry The Media & Sound Ministry serves the audio and visual needs of the various services, meetings and special events held at Church of the Messiah. Prayer Chain This group of dedicated "prayer warriors" is always at the ready for any prayer requests that come in. Prayer requests are communicated by email and/or telephone. Reader Ministry Lay readers present the first and second Scripture readings at Sunday worship and other services. Readers generally serve once or twice a month. Worship Team Messiah's Worship Team leads the congregation in praise and worship through music, encouraging all to come together to glorify God and sing of His goodness. Youth Ministry The mission of the Youth Ministry is to help our young people develop their own relationships with Jesus. Youth in grades 6-12 are encouraged to attend Foundations Class during the Sunday service. Youth Group, for 8th to 12th graders, meets on Sundays following the service. GET INVOLVED
- Ken Shomo | Messiah-Online
Ken Shomo Discipleship Pastor I grew up in the church and benefited from my mother's prayers and vibrant faith. At age 18 that faith came fully alive through the work of God's grace and Holy Spirit. I was soon called into vocational ministry and have now served in various ministries for over 30 years. I simply enjoy people and have been privileged to serve all age groups. Along the way I also earned a Master of Divinity (M.Div) degree from Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, and I'm now working on a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min). I serve as a counselor at HopeWell Ministries. I’ve been married 20 years to Cheryl and we have two children, Cullen and Zoey.
- Genesis in the New Testament Fall 2019 | Messiah-Online
Sermon Series | Fall 2019 September 8, 2019 The Lord Receives Glory, Honor and Power for Creating All Things Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation September 15, 2019 In the Beginning ... Word Became Flesh The Rev. Dr. Mark Cartledge Slideshow Presentation September 22, 2019 Let Light Shine Out of Darkness Pastor Marty O'Rourke with Dr. John Adam Dr. Adam's Slideshow Sermon Slideshow September 29, 2019 Created in His Image in an Image Driven Culture Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation October 6, 2019 God Created Them Male and Female Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation Testimony by Shelly James October 13, 2019 What Is the Way of Cain? Rev. Mark Cartledge October 20, 2019 Old Adam -- Christ Our New Adam Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation October 27, 2019 Are We In the Days of Noah? Deacon Nile Gomez November 3, 2019 Abraham: Is Anything Too Hard for the Lord? Pastor Marty O'Rourke November 10, 2019 Our Mission with Jesus Bishop John Guernsey November 17, 2019 Isaac on the Altar Slideshow Presentation November 24, 2019 Joseph: Trusting God's Greater Plan Pastor Nile Gomez Please reload How did the universe come to be? Why did God create us in His image? How did evil, sin and death enter His creation? What is God’s plan to accomplish His original purpose for us? Paul said the fullness of this plan was a mystery revealed in Christ Jesus. To understand this unfolding plan—connecting the creation of the heavens and earth in Genesis with the new heaven and earth in Revelation—we must start at the beginning. This sermon series will explore this plan and examine why Genesis is alluded to about 200 times in the New Testament.
- Vision and Values | Messiah-Online
Our Vision: Our mission is to make tangible the life-transforming power of God’s love so that all may come to know Christ. We will accomplish this through: Dynamic Worship, Authentic Community, and Creative Outreach. We make tangible the power of God’s love through Dynamic Worship: Worship in which our love for God is expressed, the Word of God is proclaimed and applied to everyday life, and Anglican liturgy is infused with the life and gifts of the Holy Spirit. We make tangible the power of God’s love through Authentic Community – Community in which all people can experience a sense of being loved and connected to one another in Christ. We make tangible the power of God’s love through Creative Outreach – Church of the Messiah is outwardly focused and committed to taking the Gospel of Christ, in the power of the Spirit, to people across the room, across the street, across the city, and across the world to reach and serve the least, the last, and the lost. Our Values: Our personal love relationship with the Triune God, through the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Worship in which the Word of God is proclaimed and applied to everyday life, and Anglican liturgy is infused with the life and gifts of the Holy Spirit. Listening to God and staying in step with the Spirit in our decision-making and in accomplishing our vision. Relationships in which all people can experience a sense of being loved and connected to one another in Christ. Making and equipping disciples who submit to the Word of God as the final authority of everything they are and everything they do. Being “missional,” or outwardly focused, and committed to taking the Gospel of Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit, to a people across the room, across the street, across the city, and across the world, to reach and serve the least, the last, and the lost. Contending for a biblical faith and worldview in all aspects of our culture. WHO WE ARE ABOUT JESUS Learn more about Messiah's vision and values by listening to Pastor Marty's sermon, "Why Does Church of the Messiah Exist?"







