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Frequently Asked Questions What does your church believe? Denominationally, we are an Anglican Church and part of the Anglican Church of North America (ACNA). Our mission is to make tangible the life-transforming power of God’s love so that all may come to know Christ. We believe that: the Word of God is the final authority over everything we are and do; God has called us to take the good news of Christ to the entire world; Our Lord has called us to serve those around us as Christ has served us. To learn more, please visit the Who We Are p(https://www.churchofthemessiah.org/about-us)age. What will happen when I get there? You'll Be Welcome ~ We extend a cordial welcome to you to worship with us. Ushers will greet you, hand you a bulletin, and may escort you to a chair, if you like. They can answer any questions about the service, location of restrooms, children's Sunday School, and the nursery. Following the service, the pastor greets the people as they leave. What are your service times? Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 a.m. Coffee hour immediately following the service. Monday Night Healing Prayer Service: 7:00 p.m. What can I wear to the service? God is more concerned with you being here that he is with what you are wearing! Whether you are in your "Easter best" or in jeans, you are welcome here. What is the best way to meet people at Messiah? We have many opportunities for you to plug in and feel part of our family! Please visit the Get Involved page (https://editor.wix.com/html/editor/web/renderer/render/document/401d6c23-028e-4c08-be0f-af852b21b1ab/get_involved?dsOrigin=Editor1.4&editorSessionId=9d1777af-2ed1-4316-b2ed-8857636bc880&esi=9d1777af-2ed1-4316-b2ed-8857636bc880&isEdited=true&isSantaEditor=true&lang=en&metaSiteId=f7aa996b-208d-463c-85fd-45917200e0e7)to see all the ways in which you can get involved. Whether it be a Bible Study or a Home Group, newcomers are always welcome. You will have an opportunity to meet people during the service when we break to great one another or afterwards at our coffee hour. And if you'd like to meet with one of our pastors, you can fill out a form on the service bulletin or send them an email.(https://editor.wix.com/html/editor/web/renderer/render/document/401d6c23-028e-4c08-be0f-af852b21b1ab/contact?dsOrigin=Editor1.4&editorSessionId=9d1777af-2ed1-4316-b2ed-8857636bc880&esi=9d1777af-2ed1-4316-b2ed-8857636bc880&isEdited=true&isSantaEditor=true&lang=en&metaSiteId=f7aa996b-208d-463c-85fd-45917200e0e7) Do you have a nursery? Can I bring my baby into the sanctuary? Children are welcome in the service, however, many parents of newborns will take them to the "cry room" adjacent to the sanctuary as needed. It has one-way mirrors and speakers so you can still see and hear the service. We also have a nursery, children's program and youth class, all of which begin immediately after our worship music time and run until Communion time. · Children ages three and under welcome in our nursery, where they will play with other children and receive loving care from our volunteers. · Pre-Kindergarteners through fifth graders can participate in Children's Church, where they will partipate in fun activities while learning about the love of Jesus. · Youth in grades six through twelve are encouraged to join our Foundations class, where they will learn about our faith through instruction and discussion. How and why do I take communion? Anyone who is a committed follower of Jesus Christ is welcome to take communion, also called the Eucharist or the Lord's Supper. You may read more about the meaning of communion on our Who We Are (https://editor.wix.com/html/editor/web/renderer/render/document/401d6c23-028e-4c08-be0f-af852b21b1ab/about-us?dsOrigin=Editor1.4&editorSessionId=9d1777af-2ed1-4316-b2ed-8857636bc880&esi=9d1777af-2ed1-4316-b2ed-8857636bc880&isEdited=true&isSantaEditor=true&lang=en&metaSiteId=f7aa996b-208d-463c-85fd-45917200e0e7)page. It can make people a bit uncomfortable if they are not familiar with the "mechanics" of how to participate. This is what you can expect: 1. At the designated time, one of our ushers will motion to you to get up. There are usually three lines - two down the center aisle and one down the left hand aisle. 2. When you get in your line, it is our custom for the person behind you to place a hand on your shoulder and pray for you as you wait and advance in line. You are not required to lay hands on the person in front of you if you are not comfortable doing so, but if you are, simply lay your hand on their shoulder and silently ask God to prepare their heart to receive communion. 3. When it is your turn go up to the minister, extend both hands palm upwards toward the minister, placing one hand directly on top of the other. The minister will hold the communion wafer (sometimes it is Matzos and sometimes it is bread) in front of you and say, “The Body of Christ.” You respond by saying, “Amen.” The minister will then place the bread on your open palm. Do not attempt to grab the bread from the minister with your fingers. 4. You will then have the option of either sipping out of the communal cup (sometimes called a chalice) or dipping your bread into the common cup. Usually the communal cup will be behind the minister on your right if you are in the center aisle and the common cup will be to one side of the minister. 5. Occasionally one of the Pastors will stop and quietly pray for someone as they come up for communion if the Holy Spirit leads them to pray. 6. After you have received communion, you may continue to follow the rotational flow back to your seat where we hope you will take a moment to reflect on your relationship with Jesus and what he has done for you through the forgiveness of your sins. Or, you may proceed to the altar rail for prayer from either of our prayer teams. How do I become a member? Twice a year, our pastors will hold a New Member's Class. Everyone who desires to join Church of the Messiah needs to participate in this five-week course. It is offered once in the spring and once in the fall and usually meets from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in one of our classrooms. This is a valuable time where you will hear about topics such as How to Use Your Gifts and Find Your Ministry, and How to Hear From God. This is a great opportunity to grow in your faith while getting to know other new members, our staff, and what we believe as Christians. I'M NEW WHAT TO EXPECT WORSHIP WITH US WHO WE ARE

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.

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.