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

Advent Sermon Series Advent 2020 Sermon Series November 29 What Is God Like? Pastor Marty O'Rourke Video | Audio | Sermon Slides December 6 How Does God Respond to Our Suffering? Vivian Hayes Video | Audio | Sermon Slides December 13 Dr. Paul Van Valin Where Can I Find Peace on Earth? Video | Audio | Sermon Slides December 20 Pastor Nile Gomez Why Did the Son of God Come Into the World? Video | Audio December 24 Pastor Marty O'Rourke Why Are We Here? Video | Audio

Join us online at this time of fellowship and encouragement as we learn about the Holy Spirit! When: Thursday evenings for 8-10 weeks, starting May 27 Time: 7 pm to 8 pm Where? Zoom - Meeting ID 850 2341 5629, Passcode 863767 or, click the button below to join the meeting! The Holy Spirit & His Gifts Click here to join the Zoom meeting! Session 1: May 27, 2021 Watch | Listen Session 2: June 3, 2021 Watch | Listen Session 3: June 10, 2021 Watch | Listen Session 4: June 17, 2021 Watch | Listen Session 5: June 23, 2021 Watch | Listen Miss a Class? Click the date below to watch or listen to the recorded Zoom session! Session 6: July 1, 2021 Watch | Listen Session 7: July 8, 2021 Watch | Listen Session 8: July 15 Watch | Listen Session 9: July 22, 2021 Watch | Listen Session 10: July 29, 2021 Watch | Listen Session 11: August 5, 2021 Watch | Listen Session 12: August 12, 2021 Watch | Listen Session 13: August 19, 2021 Watch | Listen Session 14: August 26, 2021 Class Discussion | No Recordings

Prayer of General Thanksgiving Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all whom you have made. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; Through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen. From The Book of Common Prayer PRINTABLE VERSION

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

< Back 2021 This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. You can create as many collections as you need. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own, or import content from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, videos and more. You can also collect and store information from your site visitors using input elements like custom forms and fields. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. Preview your site to check that all your elements are displaying content from the right collection fields. Previous Next

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

HOW TO ASK JESUS TO BE YOUR SAVIOR God made you. And God loves you! No one lives a perfect life or does everything they should. Everyone needs forgiveness. For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16) Everyone deserves to be punished. We've all failed to love God and others. We need God's gift of Jesus. For all have sinned; all fall short of God's glorious standard. (Romans 3:23) God sent Jesus to take our punishment and die for us. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23) Jesus came alive and rose from the dead. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. (Romans 5:8) Open the door of your heart to Jesus. Jesus said, "Look! Here I stand at the door and knock. If you hear me calling and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal as friends." (Revelation 3:20) You can pray a prayer similar to this one: Thank you, Jesus, for dying on the cross for me. Please forgive all I've done wrong. Come into my life and be my Savior. Thank you for loving me and giving me eternal life. Fill me with your Holy Spirit and help me live for you. Amen. As soon as you ask Jesus for his forgiveness, you can be sure he forgives you. Trust God's promise that Jesus is your Savior and that you have a home in heaven. For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9)

WAYS TO GIVE Your gifts and tithes are very much appreciated! Paypal : Log in to your Paypal account or sign up for Paypal using one of the links below. Your Bank : Use your bank’s online bill-pay system to set up a one-time or recurring gift payable to Church of the Messiah. Gifts should be sent to 816 Kempsville Road, Chesapeake, Virginia 23320. Church of the Messiah (General Funds) Foreign Missions Inreach/Outreach

IMG_0503_edited.jpg IMG_0490_edited.jpg IMG_0508_edited.jpg What to Expect What you can expect when you visit Church of the Messiah: You'll Be Welcomed: Our team of friendly greeters will meet you at the door with a warm welcome (along with a handshake or a hug!). As you head toward the sanctuary, ushers will greet you, hand you a bulletin, and may escort you to a chair, if you like. They can also answer questions about the service, location of restrooms, children's Sunday School, and the nursery. The Place of Worship: The central items in our sanctuary are the altar and the cross. This helps turn our focus to Christ and to God, whose house the church is. On or near the altar there are candles to remind us that Christ is the "Light of the world" (John 8:12). Flowers behind the altar beautify God's house and recall the resurrection of Jesus. The Act of Worship: We begin with praise and worship, led by our praise team. Songs include up-tempo praise songs, traditional hymns, and devotional worship. Words for all the music are projected in the front of the church. After the singing, we generally have a time when we listen for the Lord's guidance. Sometimes people will read a scripture, pray, or give a prophetic word. In the seats you will find liturgical booklets, which enable the congregation to share fully in every service. Communion: We celebrate the Eucharist, or Holy Communion, at each service. All who love the Lord Jesus and are baptized are welcome to receive communion with us. The priest or Eucharist minister intincts (dips into the wine) the wafer and then places it into your open hands. Children who love the Lord and have been baptized are also welcome to receive. The Church Year: Our church observes the traditional Christian calendar. The season of Advent, during which we prepare for Christmas, begins on the Sunday closest to November 30. Lent, the forty days of preparation for Easter, begins on Ash Wednesday. Easter season lasts fifty days, concluding on the feast of Pentecost. During these times the Bible readings are chosen for their appropriateness to the season. Fellowship: Our post-service coffee hour is a favorite tradition at Church of the Messiah! Help yourself to a cup of coffee and a snack, and come mingle with our friendly congregation as we enjoy this time of fellowship. WHO WE ARE WORSHIP WITH US FAQ I'M NEW

Preparing for Pentecost The Holy Spirit and You Deepen your love and appreciation for the Holy Spirit and His work in our lives as we prepare our hearts for Pentecost. Deepen your love and appreciation for the Holy Spirit and His work in our lives as we prepare our hearts for Pentecost. May 2023 Who Is the Holy Spirit? M ay 7 Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen Why Do I Need the Holy Spirit? I Tell You Th e Truth: It Is For Your Good That I Am Going Away May 14 Pastor Marty O'Ro urke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Why Do We Need the Holy Spirit? May 21 Pastor Nile Go mez Watch | Listen How Do I Receive the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit in You May 28 Pastor Marty O'Ro urke Wat ch | Listen | Sermon Slides

We want to get to know you! Click here to fill out our Digital Connection Card! WORSHIP WITH US ONLINE! Sunday Worship | 10:00 a.m. Livestream Our services are livestreamed on our Facebook page , where FB members can post greetings, comments and prayer requests. For the latest news and announcements, click the "Sunday Bulletin" button to download the current bulletin. Refresh your web page if these links do not reflect the current service. Non-Facebook Users Facebook Livestream Sunday Bulletin Recorded Services & Sermons Sermons If you miss a service or just want to experience it again, use the links below to watch an entire service, watch just the sermon, or listen to the sermon while viewing any accompanying slide shows or sermon notes. You may also explore sermon series, testimonies, and special messages by our bishop, using the buttons here. SERMON SERIES TESTIMONIES BISHOP'S MESSAGES SERMON ARCHIVES March 29, 2026 | Palm Sunday | Livestreamed Service Have This Mind Among Yourselves - Pastor Jim Brown Watch | Listen March 22, 2026 | Fifth Sunday in Lent | Livestreamed Service Jesus Desires to Meet Us in the Stillness - Pastor Ken Shomo Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides March 15, 2026 | Fourth Sunday in Lent | Livestreamed Service Prayer Is to Our Renewal What Breath Is to Our Bodies - Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides March 8, 2026 | Third Sunday in Lent | Livestreamed Service The Satisfaction of Being Known - Aaron Bennett Watch | Listen March 1, 2026 | Second Sunday in Lent | Livestreamed Service One on One with Jesus - Pastor Jim Brown Watch | Listen February 22, 2026 | First Sunday in Lent | Livestreamed Service Christ Desires to Meet Us in Community - Pastor Ken Shomo Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides February 15, 2026 | Last Sunday of Epiphany (Transfiguration) | Livestreamed Service Christ Desires to Make Us New Again - Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides February 8, 2026 | Fifth Sunday of Epiphany | Livestreamed Service Waiting on the Lord - Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides January 25, 2026 | Third Sunday of Epiphany | Livestreamed Service Wisdom: The Door to Abundant Life - Pastor Jim Brown Watch | Listen January 18, 2026 | Second Sunday of Epiphany | Livestreamed Service Wisdom: A Possession and a Person - Pastor Ken Shomo Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides January 11, 2026 | First Sunday of Epiphany | Livestreamed Service Epiphany: Laying Our Crowns at the Feet of Jesus - Pastor Marty O'Rourke Listen | Sermon Slides January 4, 2026 | Second Sunday of Christmas | Livestreamed Service Behold - Pastor Vivian Hayes Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Past livestreams EXPLORE SERMON ARCHIVE