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 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. Chesapeake Resource Guide Convenient list of a wide variety of community resources available to citizens of Chesapeake. 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, hope for the future, and healing from the past. Endependence ECI provides an array of independent living services to individuals with disabilities and to the community. 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. Resources757 A Directory of resources for residents of greater Hampton Roads, including housing, food, individual and family support, health care, GED and education and much more 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.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION At Messiah, we believe that the Word of God is the final authority over everything we are and do. Messiah is host to a number of opportunities for in-depth study of the Scriptures that form the foundation of our faith and activities. Regardless of your age, background, or level of Biblical knowledge, there is a place for you to begin or continue your journey of learning all about God's Word. If you would like more information about any of these educational opportunities, please contact the church office . GET INVOLVED Children Today's world of confusing choices and changing values makes it absolutely necessary to give our children a strong foundation in the true Word of God. Messiah's Sunday School program focuses on Scriptural truths and the development of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Kids pre-K through Grade 5 gather every Sunday during the sermon to learn about God through fun lessons and activities. Connections Class Those who have recently started attending Messiah, would like to officially join the parish, or would just like to learn more about Messiah and the Christian faith, are encouraged to take the Connections Class. This five-session class (one class per week for five weeks) covers topics such as How to Use Your Gifts and Find Your Ministry, and How to Hear From God. This is a great opportunity to meet other people and grow in your faith. The class is offered twice a year. Home Groups In addition to being a wonderful fellowship opportunity, home groups often include Bible studies in their activities. To learn more about home groups, click here. Sermon Series & Studies Periodically our Sunday sermons will follow a theme for a number of weeks, focusing on a particular season, book or topic. A study will often accompany a sermon series, allowing for more in-depth exploration of the subject. Check out some of our past series and studies here . Study Resources There are many online resources to continue your education. Here are just a few: Christian Broadcasting Network Community Bible Study BibleGateway Bible Study Tools Our Daily Bread Ministries These and other study tools can also be found on our Resources page. MISSIONS FELLOWSHIP SERVING THE COMMUNITY CHURCH MINISTRIES

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.

19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

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 at what the shepherds said to them.

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 has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.