Resources Scripture, Study & Prayer Resources Sermon Series​ @ Church of the Messiah Sermon series at Messiah focus on special church seasons or events. Some sermon series are accompanied by classes or lectures that further explore the series topic. Homegroup Studies Our Home Group program offers a variety of studies throughout the year, with members meeting in private homes to study and discuss a given book or topic. Bible Study Tools Scripture look-up, Bible reading plans, commentaries, inspirations and more. Bible Gateway Searchable online Bible in over 150 translations, reading plans, devotionals, apps and more. ​ Lifeway Supplier of Bibles, Bible studies, Christian music, books and literature, gifts and more. Also provides other church and ministry resources. Prayers & Meditations Online and printable versions of prayers and meditations that have been used at Messiah. Scripture Plans Parenting by Design Daily Devotional- 280 Days Experiencing God At Home For Daily Family - 12 Days Daily Office Lectionary Navigators Reading Plan YouVersion Bible App for smartphones, tablets & online Church Resources Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) Our Province within the worldwide Anglican Communion. Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic Our Diocese within the ACNA, covering Virginia, Maryland, Washington DC, Delaware, and northeastern North Carolina. Guard Your Heart Training for pastors and Christian leaders to understand the unique temptations leaders and their families face in a culture where temptation, especially sexual, abounds. Messiah Facebook Keep up-to-date with the latest news and events at Church of the Messiah! Online Directory Current members can access our secure online directory! Click here for instructions on setting up an account and accessing the directory. Click the "Online Directory" link above to go directly to the directory! Prayer Request Send a confidential prayer request to our prayer team. Take Them a Meal Online sign-up resource for coordinating and providing meals for individuals and families in need, such as at times of illness, birth recovery, or bereavement. Community & Social Resources ABBA List Searchable list of free support resources available at local churches and in the communities of Hampton Roads / Tidewater. Burfoot House : 757-522-7050 Transitional home and comprehensive program designed for homeless single women to achieve self-sufficiency. Caring.com : 800-973-1540 Comprehensive information for senior citizens on topics like financial support and assisted living options that are available in their area. Virginia-specific information available here . Chesapeake Area Shelter Team (C.A.S.T.) Emergency overnight winter shelter program from mid-November through early April. Click here for eligibility and rules. Community Connections Resource Guide Resource guide for families, caregivers and educators of young children in South Hampton Roads. Crisis Pregnancy Center : 757-499-4444 Christ-centered organization with a calling to reach out to women and families involved in crisis-related pregnancies by offering real help for the present, ope for the future, and healing from the past. Food Pantries Searchable index of local food pantries. FOTE Outreach & Community Services : 757-431-0052 Resources and help for homeless and low-income families and individuals to locate affordable housing, job training, and more, to bring about permanent self-sufficiency. Greater Hampton Roads Diaper Bank: Local partners that provide free diapers. Assistance for the elderly also available. H.E.R. Shelter for Domestic Violence : 757-251-0144 Emergency shelter for domestic violence victims and homeless individuals, as well as their children; counseling, goal coaching, help finding a job, help finding housing and other services; court advocacy; and aftercare. The Planning Council Links for people needing a variety of human services to providers, government agencies, non-profits, corporations, and other organizations, all working to improve quality of life. Regional Housing Crisis Hotline: 757-587-4202 Starting point for anyone experiencing a housing crisis throughout Greater Hampton Roads, including anyone living on the street or in an emergency shelter, or anyone who has received an eviction notice. Virginia 2-1-1 Free information on services in your community and statewide, including basic human needs, health resources, work initiatives, support for children and families, support for elders and special needs, and more. Visit online at www.211virginia.org , or dial 2-1-1 to connect to a trained professional. Virginia Department of Social Services The Department is responsible for administering a variety of programs, including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, Adoption, Child Care Assistance, Refugee Resettlement Services, and Child and Adult Protective Services.

Home Fellowship Groups Messiah currently has four home groups in Chesapeake, Suffolk and Virginia Beach. Members of a home group gather in the comfort of a home, usually share a meal, enjoy fellowship time together, discuss Scripture or other relevant topics, and pray together. Messiah currently has four home groups in Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, and Suffolk. To get connected with a home group -- or to start a new one! -- fill out the form on this page. Chesapeake - Great Bridge Date/Time: Second & Fourth Fridays @ 7:00 p.m. Contact: Conway Telfeyan Chesapeake - Norfolk Highlands Date/Time: Alternating Fridays @ 7:00 p.m. Contacts: Nile & Doris Gomez Suffolk Date/time: Wednesdays @ 7:00 p.m. Contacts: Gary and Karen Phillips Virginia Beach Date/time: Mondays @ 12:00 p.m. Contacts: Larry and Wavy Riggs I'd like to learn more about a home group! Your details were sent successfully! Send

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

"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." Proverbs 4:23 The Rev. Dr. Marty O'Rourke has served as a local church pastor for over 35 years in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Medina, Ohio; and Chesapeake, Virginia. He is passionate about equipping Christian leaders to finish well. While researching sexual misconduct in the church for his Doctor of Ministry dissertation, he discovered that prevention training of leaders reduces the likelihood of moral failure. Most prevention training has primarily a psychological approach, whereas the "Guard Your Heart" prevention training that Pastor Marty developed is grounded in the Scriptures and the social sciences. Many Christian leaders do not finish well. Paul, who finished well, writes to his spiritual son, Timothy: "Set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity" (1Timothy 4:12). The primary purpose of this training is to empower pastors and Christian leaders to finish their race well, by understanding the unique temptations leaders and their families face in a culture where temptation, especially sexual, abounds. ​ Click the link above to watch the opening session of the Guard Your Heart training. Escaping Sexual Sin Before It's Too Late , By Rev. Marty O'Rourke. Click here to view article published on CBN.com Contact: Rev. Marty O'Rourke Church of the Messiah 816 Kempsville Road Chesapeake, VA 23320 (757) 436-2545 morourke@churchofthemessiah.org Marty has presented the Guard Your Heart training numerous times to the Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA); M.Div and D.Min. classes at Regent University; chaplains at Portsmouth Naval Hospital; the Falls Church staff in Falls Church, VA; Mid-Atlantic Christian University, and hundreds of pastors and church planters in Kenya, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. ​ What others are saying about "Guard Your Heart" As an Executive Pastor I had my staff attend the Guard Your Heart workshop led by the Rev. Marty O'Rourke. I have been a pastor for over twenty years, and my wife and I have been in ministry in several different churches over the years. I have also had my staff take several different workshops on prevention of misconduct of various kinds. I found the Guard Your Heart workshop to be the most helpful in addressing issues straightforwardly, but from a positive Christian point of view. ​ (The Rev. Dr.) Frederick Wright Senior Associate Rector, The Falls Church Falls Church, Va. 22046 ​ We are greatly privileged to have such an experienced, encouraging, well-equipped presentation. You know whereof you speak, making it accessible for students to understand and practical to apply. I have no doubt that you prevented problems in our students' lives and ministries, and equipped them to serve others better. ​ Mark A. Jumper, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Theological and Ministerial Studies School of Divinity, Regent University ​ ​ The Guard Your Heart training seminar is an asset to any ministry or organization, one of the most powerful tools available today is a preemptive strike against the problems of integrity and sexual misconduct before they happen. My opinion should be an essential part of all leadership preparation I strongly encourage you to consider this seminar for your ministry or organization. I would be delighted to comment further on this seminar resource contacted by phone or email. ​ Sincerely, Dr. James T. Flynn Associate Professor of Practical Theology Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program School of Divinity, Regent University jamefly@regent.edu 757.352.4527 ​ ​ My husband and I have been married for 33 years. We have been in ordained ministry for 28 of those years. Entering parish life after seminary was something we were not prepared for. The demands of "The Church" and the demands of a family can become overwhelming. ​ I wish we had heard this teaching before leaving Seminary. There are so many "mine fields" in the ministry. Rev. O'Rourke shared practical ways to prevent getting "blown away." His message was proactive, like the Priests having an accountability partner, and letting your wife know about all your appointments, especially when women are involved. There were many other great suggestions. ​ Penny Rauh Church of the Epiphany-Anglican Herndon, VA ​ ​ To: Whom It May Concern From: Charles J. Cunningham Jr., Lt Gen, USAF (Retired) Joint Forces Staff College Subject: Improper Behavior, Temptation, and Avoiding Trouble ​ This is my personal endorsement of, and professional judgment regarding a very important program designed by the Rev. Dr. Marty O'Rourke to prepare leaders to do the right things when associating with others, especially those under their leadership. ​ ​

Anchor 3 Abiding in Christ Through Daily Engagement with the Scriptures Spring 2021 Why are we focusing on scriptural engagement? As I was seeking the Lord about the next sermon series, I came across the research of two pastors who wanted to know how to strengthen the Body of Christ. They did research that included 1000 churches and they came to this conclusion: Nothing has a greater impact on spiritual growth than reflection on Scripture. If churches do only one thing to help people at all levels of spiritual maturity grow in their relationship with Christ, the choice is clear. They would inspire, encourage, and equip their people to read the Bible — specifically, to reflect on Scripture for meaning in their lives. The Bible’s power to advance spiritual growth is unrivaled by anything else we’ve discovered. — Pastor Marty STEP 1: TAKE A SCRIPTURAL SELF-ASSESSMENT SUNDAYS @ 10 AM February 14-May 23 in-person or livestream THURSDAYS @ 7 PM February 25-March 25 on Zoom 2/14 Shaped by God's Word Ken Shomo Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides 2/21 Abiding in the Living Word Vivian Hayes Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides 2/28 How God Reveals Himself to Us in His Word Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides 3/7 Why a Plan? Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen 3/14 Creation: Why Did God Create Us? Joe Kohm Watch | Listen 3/21 Fall and the Promises of the Word for a Savior Fr. Dominick Hankle Watch | Listen 3/28 The Word Arrives: On a Donkey - For Now Pastor John Dooley Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides 4/4 The Resurrection: The Word Is Proven to be True Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen 4/11 The Church: People Living in the Word Deacon Tom Sweeney Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides 4/18 The Great Ending Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen 4/25 What Does The Bible Say About Itself? Rev. David Martin Watch | Listen 5/2 Trusting the Bible & Living the Gospel Pastor Ken Shomo Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides 5/9 How the Word is Living and Active Vivian Hayes Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides 5/16 How the Holy Spirit Empowers Us to Engage in God’s Word Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen 5/23 Being Filled with the Holy Spirit Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides EXPLORE DEEPER Join us online on Thursday evenings for deeper explorations of Sunday sermon topics. Zoom Meeting ID: 928 2372 1136 or click here to join ​ ​ 2/25 "Praying Through the Scriptures" Fr. Dominick Hankle Watch | Slides 3/4 Going Deeper Vivian Hayes Watch | Slides 3/11 What Are My Plan Options? Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Resource Sheet ​ 3/18 The Big Story Ken Shomo Watch 3/25 Prophecy Fulfilled Theresa Newell Watch WEDNESDAYS @ 7 PM February 24-March 31 on Zoom A LENTEN STUDY OF EPHESIANS "A Life Lived in the Spirit" with Dr. John Dooley ​ Zoom Meeting ID: 780 7929 3062 Zoom Passcode: yfP5er or click here to join ​ Weekly Reading Assignments 2/24 Module 1: No Longer Strangers Readings ​ Listen | Slides 3/3 Module 2: Saved and Unified Readings ​ Listen | Slides 3/10 Module 3: Empowered and Strengthened Readings ​ Listen | Slides 3/17 Module 4: Living a Life of Unity Readings ​ Listen | Slides 3/24 Module 5: Spirit Life in the Culture Readings ​ Listen | Slides 3/31 Module 6: Stand Firm Therefore! Readings ​ Listen | Slides SCRIPTURE PLANS Parenting by Design Daily Devotional- 280 Days Experiencing God At Home For Daily Family - 12 Days Daily Office Lectionary Navigators Reading Plan YouVersion Bible App for smartphones, tablets & online Anchor 1 Anchor 2

What do you sense God wants you to focus on this Lent? More time in prayer? More time in the Word? Increased devotion to worship? Involvement in a home group? Lent is a time of reflection and repentance, prayer and preparation. Many of us were brought up with the idea of abstinence and fasting, "giving something up" or perhaps adding a special task or discipline to our daily activities. But what happens after Easter -- do we go back to our old routines? What if we approach Lent with the purpose of growing our relationships, with God and each other? Our 2019 Lenten sermon series and "equipping Wednesdays" are designed to help you focus on ways to develop an ever-deepening relationship with Jesus. Let's GO DEEPER with Him and see where He takes us. April 28, 2019 FOR PEOPLE WHO DOUBT Deacon Nile Gomez May 5, 2019 FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE FAILED Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation May 12, 2019 FOR WOMEN Vivian Hayes Slideshow Presentation May 19, 2019 FOR PEOPLE WANTING TO SERVE Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation Special Testimony by Joan Cartledge May 26, 2019 FOR PEOPLE IN TRANSITION Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation June 2, 2019 FOR RELATIONSHIPS The Rev. David Martin Slideshow Presentation Please reload

Saturday, March 23 , 2024 | 5 pm The Passover Seder celebrates God setting Israel free from Egyptian bondage, delivering His people from slavery to freedom. Believers in Y'shua the Messiah participate in Passover because through Him, our lives have passed over from death to life. We have been redeemed by the Passover Lamb, through the Perfect Atonement through His Blood. Each food on the Seder plate symbolizes a part of this redeeming act of God. Each person has a little taste of each food, coming together to participate in what God has done for His people. The Seder gives us the historical Jesus, putting into perspective what He did for us. We participate in the life of Y'shua and celebrate this through the Cup of Redemption, which is a part of the Passover Seder. We become one with Jesus through receiving His Body and Blood, remembering He celebrated this dinner with his disciples the night before He was handed over to suffering and death. Come join this celebration on Saturday, March 23, at 5:00 p.m. Please sign up by Sunday, March 17, so we can plan our seating and supply needs. There are sign-up sheets for both attendance and for helpers and donations. We ask that each family bring the following: Last name A-L: A dessert that will feed 8 people and a v egetable dish or salad for 8.* Last name M-Z: A meat dish that will feed 8 people and a vegetable dish or salad for 8.* A bottle of grape juice for your family. If you're coming solo, just bring double what you would eat yourself. The Seder ceremony takes place before dinner, so please provide a snack beforehand for young children, so they will not become too hungry. *Please, no shellfish, pork, lamb, dairy, or anything with leavening (yeast, baking soda/powder.)

Listen to different speakers share practical ways to experience Lent during deeper explorations of topics from the sermon series, "Abiding in the Living Word ." 2/25 "Praying Through the Scriptures" Fr. Dominick Hankle Watch | Slides 3/4 Going Deeper Vivian Hayes Watch | Slides 3/11 What Are My Plan Options? Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Resource Sheet ​ 3/18 The Big Story Ken Shomo Watch 3/25 Prophecy Fulfilled Theresa Newell Watch Module 1 Module 2 Module 3 Module 4 Module 5 Module 6

Our Ministry Staff The Rev. Dr. Marty O'Rourke Rector The Rev. Nile Gomez Associate Pastor Pastor Ken Shomo Children's Ministry Director The Rev. Tom Sweeney Deacon Alicia Greeley Office Manager Bob Greeley Sexton Terry Hayes Multimedia Coordinator Tim Maurer Worship Leader Caleb Stern Live Stream Producer

Sermon Series | June-July 2020 It’s trendy to “love Jesus but not church.” Yet during this season of protests and pandemic, it’s vital that we become the full expression of Christ in the world today. Here at Messiah, we have been praying for a move of God. Please join us for an engaging new sermon series as we explore: What significance does Christ give the Church? Why do we need the Church, and why does the Church need us? How does Christ use the Church to make a difference in the world? June 7, 2020 We the Church Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation June 14, 2020 We the Church: The Bride of Christ Pastor Nile Gomez June 21, 2020 We the Church: The Temple of the Holy Spirit Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation June 28, 2020 We the Church: The Family of God Pastor Nile Gomez July 5, 2020 We the Church: The Body of Christ Pastor Marty O'Rourke and Jennifer Sporl-Palmer Please reload

INTERESTED IN THE BIBLE? If you’ve never studied the Bible or you are a seasoned student, this seven-week study will give you a roadmap to navigate your way through the best-selling book of all time. Classes will be held each Thursday from 10:00-11 :30 am from June 1 through July 13. This study includes a self-paced workbook, video lessons, group discussion, notes, and more! The class is open to all; there is no cost and reservations aren’t required. For more information, complete the contact form below , and we'll answer your questions as soon as poss ible! Send us a note with your questions and we'll get back to you! Email (required) Phone (optional) Subject Your message Send

Lent 2022 The Lent Experience, a video series and journal by Eric Ferris, aims to embrace the heart and purpose of Lent traditions, encouraging people to experience and be transformed by the main elements of Lent in their real lives. It is designed to help people, both familiar and unfamiliar with liturgical calendar practices, to observe Lent and rediscover the significance of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Sunday Sermon SEries Sunday Sermons March 6, 2022 FASTING: "Hungry for God" Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Sunday Sermons March 13, 2022 SOLITUDE: "Lonely for God" Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen Sunday Sermons March 20, 2022 repentance: A Gift of Love Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Sunday Sermons March 27, 2022 ALMSGIVING: Rich Toward God Pastor Ken Shomo Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Sunday Sermons April 3, 2022 FORGIVENESS: The Many Dimensions of Forgiveness REv. David Martin Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Sunday Sermons April 10, 2022 PALM SUNDAY: Triumphant in Christ Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen Sunday Sermons April 17, 2022 The Resurrection: Worth Pursuing Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides The Lenten Challenge Explore in-depth the elements of the Lenten season talked about in the Sunday sermons and challenge yourself to put them into practice. Each session will include a video and discussion. Additional content and opportunities for personal reflection can be found in The Lent Experience Journal (if you didn't get a paper copy, digital copies can be purchased by clicking here .) ​ There are two ways to join this "Lenten Challenge": ​ In-Person Class - Tuesdays @ 11:30 am Join Pastor Marty in the Fellowship Hall for teaching, discussion, and lunch! ​ ​ Zoom Class - Wednesdays @ 7 pm Pastor Nile will lead this online class and discussion group. From your Zoom App: Meeting ID: 850 2341 5629 Passcode: 863767 Or Click Here to join! ​ Links for each week's videos can be found below. ​ The Lent Experience: Trailer Video The Lent Experience: Ash Wednesday ​ March 8 (In-Person) / March 9 (Online) Challenge #1: Fasting Video: The Lent Experience - Fasting Pastor Marty's Class Slides ​ March 15 (In-Person) / March 16 (Online) Challenge #2: Silence & Solitude Video: The Lent Experience - Solitude ​ March 22 (In-Person) / March 23 (Online) Challenge #3: Repentance Video: The Lent Experience - Repentance ​ March 29 (In-Person) / March 30 (Online) Challenge #4: Almsgiving Video: The Lent Experience -Almsgiving ​ April 5 (In-Person) / April 6 (Online) Challenge #5: Forgiveness Video: The Lent Experience - Forgiveness ​