About Our Speakers: THE REV DR. JIM BROWN served as Executive Pastor at Church of the Messiah for over 20 years, and has been involved in ministry and pastoral counseling for more than 30 years. He has served the Body of Christ in many ways in various roles in teaching, counseling and coaching. ​ THE REV. DAVID JOHNDROW, ordained with World Harvest Ministries, is currently a member of the Big House ministry team. In the past, he was involved in the Charismatic Renewal in the Episcopal Church. He has been part of missions teams in Brazil, Korea, and Norway, was a prayer ambassador with The Call, and has written five books. ​ VIVIAN HAYES , wife and mother of three, is a Bible teacher, postulant, and seminarian at Trinity School for Ministry. ​ THE REV. DAVID PETERSON is Senior Pastor at Apostles Lutheran Church in Chesapeake, VA, and has over 30 years of experience in ministry and chaplaincy. He is the author of Journey to Forgiveness: 21 Milestones to Freedom. ​ FR. NIGEL MUMFORD is an author and international speaker, and founder of “By His Wounds” healing ministry. He served in the UK’s Royal Marine Commandos and ministers with the Welcome Home Initiative for veterans suffering from PTSD or moral injury. February 21 Deny Ourselves The Rev. Dr. Jim Brown Listen | Worksheet ​ February 28 Tak ing Up Our Cross The Rev. David Johndrow Watch | Listen ​ March 6 Following Him Vivian Hayes Listen | Slides | Worksheet ​ March 13 Following Him by Forgiving the Way H e Forgave The Rev. David Peterson Watch | Listen March 20 Following Him by Becoming an Instrument of God's Healing Fr. Nigel Mumford Listen ​ Our 2024 Lent Lecture Series is based on the passage from Mark 8:34: And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. ​ The words of Augustine describe the purpose of Lent: "We must empty ourselves of all that fills us so that we may be filled with what we are empty of." The 40 days of Lent serve as a time of emptying ourselves of things of the world, to be filled with a deeper appreciation of the profound significance of Christ's life, suffering, death, and resurrection. ​ ​ Resurrection Sunday is much more meaningful and joyous when we walk with Jesus through Good Friday. In the same way, participation in the 40 days of Lent enables us to receive the fullness of all that Christ did for us on Palm Sunday, at the Passover Meal, the washing of the disciples' feet, His betrayal and arrest, the mockery of His trial, the tremendous beating He took, then finally, being nailed to a cross and laid in a tomb. Then on the third day He rose from the de ad, proving the truth of His earlier declaration: I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. By walking with Christ through these final days of His ear thly life, we can embrace the extent of His sacrifice for us and the depth of God's love for us. ​ The theme for our 2024 Lenten lecture series is based on the passage from Mark 8:34: And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” The Words of Augustine describe the purpose of Lent: We must empty ourselves of all that fills us so that we may be filled with what we are empty of. The 40 days of Lent serve as a time of emptying ourselves of things of the world, to be filled with a deeper appreciation of the profound significance of Christ's life, suffering, death, and resurrection. By walking with Christ through the final days of His earthly life, we can embrace the extent of His sacrifice for us and the depth of God's love for us.

JANUARY 3-10 · JOIN THE CAST! The Chesapeake Area Shelter Team (CAST) is a compassionate community of faith that provides overnight winter shelter for those experiencing homelessness in Chesapeake. Every year from November to April, Chesapeake churches, synagogues, mosques, and organizations open their doors for one week, providing safe and warm shelter, as well as breakfast, lunch, and dinner, to up to 50 homeless individuals and families. Church of the Messiah has participated in the CAST program since 2014. In addition to shelter and meals, Messiah volunteers provide fellowship, prayer and the love of Christ to these homeless brothers and sisters. Volunteers of all ages and skill sets are needed – that means YOU! There are a number of volunteer roles to participate in, as well as helping with donations of food, supplies, and funds. Regardless of how much time or money you have, there are many ways to participate. Explore the links here to learn about these different volunteer opportunities. Sign up sheets will be in the foyer. Watch this video to learn more about CAST. QUESTIONS? Please fill out the form below, and we will get you the information you need as soon as possible. Your message was sent successfully! Send NEEDED DONATIONS If you are able, please bring donations to the church by Sunday, December 10. ​ Click the r oles below to learn about different volunteer opportunities. Volunteers can serve individually or in a group. Sign up sheets are in the foyer. ​ BUS/INTA KE TEAM REGISTRA TION TEAM HALL MON ITORS DINNE R ACTIVITI ES OVERNIG HT TEAM BREAKFA ST MORNING CLEANUP BAG LU NCHES LAUNDRY TEAM ​ ​ ​ ​ VOLUNTEER! And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

Our Advent Journey with Luke Advent 2021 J ourney along with Luke in preparation for the coming of Our Lord. This Advent, we are asking you to commit to join Our Advent Journey with Luke by each day saying a brief prayer, then reading an assigned passage for that day and answering one or more of the questions below. ​ Prayer : Father in heaven, your Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Open our eyes by your Holy Spirit to the wonders of your Word. Give us humble, teachable, and obedient hearts that we may receive what you have revealed, and do what you have commanded through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. ​ Questions : Based on this passage, what might the people directly involved or those listening to these words be thinking or feeling? What does this passage say about God? How does this passage apply to me? How might the wisdom from this passage help prepare us for Christmas? Scriptures : Each day, click the appropriate date below to access the daily Scripture. By signing in with your email address, you will have the opportunity to make, read, and reply to comments from others. ​ For a list of all the daily readings, click here . Advent Scripture Journey Log In Friday, December 24 | Luke 2:19-20 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all... 4 comments Thursday, December 23 | Luke 2:17-18 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,18 and all who heard it were amazed... 3 comments Wednesday, December 22 | Luke 2:15-16 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that... 3 comments Tuesday, December 21 | Luke 2:13-14 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest... 1 comment Monday, December 20 | Luke 2:11-12 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a... 3 comments Saturday, December 18 | Luke 2:8-10 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to... 4 comments Sunday Sermons First Sunday of Advent | November 28, 2021 ADVENT BEGINS WITH THE END IN MIND Luke 21:5-7, 25-33 Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Slides Second Sunday of Advent | December 5, 2021 HOW NOT TO TALK TO AN ANGEL Luke 1:3-22 Pastor Frank Allen Watch | Listen Third Sunday of Advent | December 12, 2021 HOW TO TALK TO AN ANGEL Luke 1: 26-38 Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Slides Fourth Sunday of Advent | December 19, 2021 JOHN THE BAPTIST PREPARES THE WAY Luke 1: 67-80 Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen Christmas Eve | December 24, 2021 THE BEST CHRISTMAS GIFT Luke 2:1-20 Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Slides

Sermon Series Church of the Messiah often focuses on a particular topic or season with a special sermon series. Explore the topics below and discover what messages the Lord has in store for you! Show More

Our Call to Help Hurting People Presented by Dr. Paul VanValin of Eden Counseling and Consulting Wednesday Nights @ 7pm Sept 30 | Oct 7 | Oct 14 | Oct 21 Online via Facebook Live www.facebook.com/churchofthemessiahchesapeake ​ Not on Facebook? Click here! Session 1: September 30 Helping People Under Stress View recorded session here Session 2: October 7 Helping People Experiencing Conflict in Relationships View recorded session here Session 3: October 14 Helping People Who Have Experienced Significant Loss View recorded session here Session 4: October 21 Helping People Who Are Battling Depression View recorded session here All classes are free & open to the public | Registration Not Required Dr. Paul VanValin, Ph.D. , has been interested in the integration of Christian faith and the practice of psychology since 1975. In addition to counseling individuals, couples, and families, Dr. VanValin writes and speaks on topics such as marriage, parenting, childhood disorders, and psychological assessment. He has been featured on the “700 Club” and presents at regional and national conferences. He and his wife, Becky, developed Back to the Garden, a marital workshop presented in the United States and abroad. Dr. VanValin earned his Ph.D. from University of Missouri in Columbia in 1982. He served as an Army Psychologist from 1982 to 1987. Dr. VanValin has been president of Eden Counseling and Consulting, Eden Family Institute since 1995, and FirstFruits Crisis Response, created after the 9/11 World Trade Center tragedy.

Francis Chan: Forgotten God SERMON SERIES WINTER 2013 What Are You Afraid Of? February 24, 2013 | Pastor Jim Brown Theology of the Holy Spirit 101 March 3, 2013 | Pastor Marty O'Rourke Why Do You Want Him? March 10, 2013 | Rev. Mark Cartledge A Real Relationship March 17, 2013 | Pastor Marty O'Rourke Lord, Forgive the Judas In Me March 24, 2013 | Pastor Jim Brown Forget About His Will For Your Life! April 7, 2013 | Ashley Plunkett Supernatural Church PowerPoint Presentation April 14, 2013 | Pastor Jim

Who I Am in Christ I am a child of the living God and a joint-heir with Jesus Christ. I’m a new creation and part of a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. I am more than a conqueror through Christ who loves me. No weapon formed against me shall prosper. My mind is being renewed by the Word of God. I pull down strongholds, I cast down imaginations, and I bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. If God is for me, who can be against me? Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. Nothing can separate me from the love of Christ. I’m the righteousness of God in Him. I know the Truth, the truth has set me free. I am free indeed. For this purpose the Son of God came into the world, to destroy the works of the devil. Satan is defeated. I will not believe his lies. He will not intimidate me. I will submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee from me. No temptation will overtake me because God will not let me be tempted beyond my strength. He will always provide a way of escape that I may be able to endure. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I will stand firm clothed in the full armor of God. I will wear the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness and the shoes of peace. I will take up the shield of faith and the helmet of salvation. I will wield wisely the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. And I will pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers for all my fellow saints. Thanks be to God who gives me the victory through my Lord, Jesus Christ! I am secure because. . . I am free from condemnation. (Rom. 8:1-2) I am hidden with Christ in God. (Col. 3:3) I am a co-heir with Christ. (Rom. 8:17) I am at peace with God. (2 Cor. 5:18-19) I am chosen by God and loved. (Col. 3:12) I am righteous and holy in Christ. (Eph. 4:24) I am anointed by God. (2 Cor. 1:21-22) I am filled with the Holy Spirit. (2 Cor. 6:19) I am confident that God will complete His good work in me. (Phil. 1:6) I am accepted because. . . I am God’s child. (John 1:12) I am Christ’s friend. (John 15:15) I am born again in Christ. (1 John 5:18) I am part of Christ’s body. (1 Cor. 12:27) I am a saint. (Eph. 1:1) I am adopted as God’s child. (Eph. 1:5) I am complete in Christ. (Col. 2:10) I am a new creation. (2 Cor. 5:17) I am redeemed and forgiven. (Col. 1:14) I am a citizen of heaven. (Eph. 2:6) I am significant because. . . I am the salt of the earth. (Matt. 5:13) I am the light of the world. (Matt. 5:14) I am a branch of the true vine. (John 15:1,5) I am God’s workmanship. (Eph. 2:10) I am God’s co-worker. (2 Cor. 6:1) I am a witness for Christ. (Acts 1:8) I am one of God’s living stones. (1 Peter 2:5) I am an enemy of the devil. (1 Peter 5:8) I am victorious in Christ. (1 Cor. 15:57) PRINTABLE VERSION

MARCH 20 WORKSHOP HAS BEEN POSTPONED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS RESTRICTIONS. PLEASE WATCH FOR UPDATED INFO.

Father's Love Letter MY CHILD… You may not know me, but I know everything about You … Psalm 139:1 I know when you sit down and when you rise up … Psalm 139:2 I am familiar with all your ways … Psalm 139:3 Even the very hairs on your head are numbered … Matthew 10:29-31 For you were made in my image … Genesis 1:27 In me you live and move and have your being … For you are my offspring … Acts 17:28 I chose you when I planned creation … Ephesians 1:11-12 You were not a mistake … Psalm 139:15-16 For all your days are written in my book … Psalm 139:15-16 You are fearfully and wonderfully made … Psalm 139:14 I knit you together in your mother's womb … Psalm 139:13 And brought you forth on the day you were born … Psalm 71:6 And it is my desire to lavish my love on you … Simply because you are my child and I am your Father … 1 John 3:1 I offer you more than your earthly father ever could … Matthew 7:11 For I am the perfect Father … Matthew 5:48 Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand … James 1:17 For I am your provider and I meet all your needs … Matthew 6:31-33 Because I love you with an everlasting love … Jeremiah 31:3 My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore … Psalm 139:17-18 And I rejoice over you with singing … Zephaniah 3:17 Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart … Psalm 37:4 I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine … Ephesians 3:20 For I am your greatest encourager … 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles … 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you … Psalm 34:18 As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart … Isaiah 40:11 One day I will wipe every tear from your eyes and take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth … Revelation 21:3-4 I am your Father and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus … John 17:23 For in Jesus my love for you is revealed … John 17:26 He is the exact representation of my being … Hebrews 1:3 And He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you … Romans 8:31 And to tell you that I am not counting your sins … 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled … 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you … 1 John 4:10 If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me … 1 John 2:23 And nothing will ever separate you from my love again … Romans 8:38-39 Love, Your Dad Excerpts from Father’s Love Letter compiled by Bany Adams © 1999. Visit the interactive website at www.FathersLoveLetter.com. Father's Love Letter MY CHILD… You may not know me, but I know everything about You … Psalm 139:1 I know when you sit down and when you rise up … Psalm 139:2 I am familiar with all your ways … Psalm 139:3 Even the very hairs on your head are numbered … Matthew 10:29-31 For you were made in my image … Genesis 1:27 In me you live and move and have your being … For you are my offspring … Acts 17:28 I chose you when I planned creation … Ephesians 1:11-12 You were not a mistake … Psalm 139:15-16 For all your days are written in my book … Psalm 139:15-16 You are fearfully and wonderfully made … Psalm 139:14 I knit you together in your mother's womb … Psalm 139:13 And brought you forth on the day you were born … Psalm 71:6 And it is my desire to lavish my love on you … Simply because you are my child and I am your Father … 1 John 3:1 I offer you more than your earthly father ever could … Matthew 7:11 For I am the perfect Father … Matthew 5:48 Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand … James 1:17 For I am your provider and I meet all your needs … Matthew 6:31-33 Because I love you with an everlasting love … Jeremiah 31:3 My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore … Psalm 139:17-18 And I rejoice over you with singing … Zephaniah 3:17 Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart … Psalm 37:4 I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine … Ephesians 3:20 For I am your greatest encourager … 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles … 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you … Psalm 34:18 As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart … Isaiah 40:11 One day I will wipe every tear from your eyes and take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth … Revelation 21:3-4 I am your Father and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus … John 17:23 For in Jesus my love for you is revealed … John 17:26 He is the exact representation of my being … Hebrews 1:3 And He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you … Romans 8:31 And to tell you that I am not counting your sins … 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled … 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you … 1 John 4:10 If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me … 1 John 2:23 And nothing will ever separate you from my love again … Romans 8:38-39 Love, Your Dad Excerpts from Father’s Love Letter compiled by Bany Adams © 1999. Visit the interactive website at www.FathersLoveLetter.com. PRINTABLE VERSION

ANGER: Appropriate or Inappropriate? A recent poll says that 69% of Americans are either very or somewhat angry about how things are going in our country. God’s Word has a great deal of wisdom for us about the roots of anger, when it is appropriate, and how to overcome inappropriate anger. This sermon series focuses on how we can serve as a light for Christ by showing an angry world healthy ways to handle emotions. "Be Angry But Do Not Sin" Ephesians 4:2 6 April 8, 2018 Why Are You Angry? Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation April 15, 2018 A Fool Gives Full Vent to His Anger Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation April 15, 2018 Special Testimony from Deacon Tom Sweeney April 22, 2018 Be Angry and Do Not Sin: The Reality of Anger Rev. Robert Walter Slideshow Presentation April 29, 2018 Antidotes to Anger: Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak Pastor Jim Brown Slideshow Presentation May 6, 2018 Stay Angry or Stay in Step with The Spirit Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation Please reload

Morning Trinitarian Prayer Good morning heavenly Father, good morning Lord Jesus, good morning Holy Spirit. Heavenly Father, I worship you as the creator and sustainer of the universe. Lord Jesus, I worship you, Savior and Lord of the world. Holy Spirit, I worship you, sanctifier of the people of God. Glory to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Heavenly Father, I pray that I may live this day in your presence and please you more and more. Lord Jesus, I pray that this day I may take up my cross and follow you. Holy Spirit, I pray that this day you will fill me with yourself and cause your fruit to ripen in my life: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Holy, blessed and glorious Trinity, three persons in one God, have mercy upon me. Amen. – John Stott, quoted in Basic Christian: The Inside Story of John Stott PRINTABLE VERSION