Lent: A Time for Breakthrough (Based on Mark 2: 1-12) Lent starts on Ash Wednesday with a call to self-examination and the imposition of ashes as a tangible reminder that our life on earth is temporary. Show me, LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is (Psalm 39:4). Lent ends with Good Friday, then Resurrection Sunday - a celebration of the victory over sin and death we share in Christ. Remembering the shortness of life on earth, Lent is an opportunity for us to seek our Lord about where He is calling us to contend for a breakthrough - by repentance, fasting, receiving help, and perseverance in seeking a deeper relationship with Christ. Our purpose is that we may use our remaining time on earth to make tangible the life-transforming power of God's love so that all may come to know Christ. February 14 Where is Christ Calling Me to Contend for a Breakthrough? Pastor Marty O'Rourke February 21 Why Is It Hard To Accept Help? Pastor Jim Brown February 28 How to Persevere In Seeking Christ Pastor John Dooley March 6 The Power of Christ's Forgiveness Ashley Plunkett March 13 Living Without My "Mat" Pastor Jim Brown March 20 The Return of the King Reverend Mark Cartledge March 27 Resurrection Breakthrough Pastor Marty O'Rourke

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

Grasp God’s character and His work on behalf of His people, in the past and present, as a catalyst to a more intimate relationship with Him. Learn how to practically extend joy, hope, peace, and love to others during this Advent season. Fuel your worship of Christ with a deeper understanding of Advent. Sermon Series | Advent 2019 December 1, 2019 LIVING HOPE Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation December 8, 2019 THE PEACE OF CHRIST Rev. Mark Cartledge December 15, 2019 WHY IS OUR JOY SO IMPORTANT TO THE LORD? Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation December 22, 2019 LOVE: GOD LOVED Pastor Nile Gomez December 24, 2019 HOW DID GOD SHOW HIS LOVE AMONG US? (recording not available) Pastor Marty O'Rourke Please reload

"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.

Every human being is “wonderfully made” by our Creator (Psalm 139). God cares deeply and specifically about each of our bodies, and our Savior Jesus became flesh and blood for our body’s redemption. And yet so many struggles relate to our body: appearance, aging, disability, gender, sexuality, race, and the deep need for human connection. Join us beginning September 18 as we explore how the Gospel speaks to these areas in profound, powerful, and often surprising ways. The aim of this series is to encourage each of us in the Bible’s hopeful message, and also to train us to love our neighbors wholly. Sermons will all be recorded and posted online each week. Sunday Sermons September 18, 2022 Wonderfully Made… Why? Pastor Ken Shomo Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Sunday Sermons September 25, 2022 Glorify God in Your Body Pastor Marty O'Rourke Listen | Sermon Slides Sunday Sermons October 2, 2022 Technology and the Body Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen Sunday Sermons October 9, 2022 Boast in the Lord Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Sunday Sermons October 16, 2022 The Gospel and the Whole Person Fr. Dominick Hankle Watch | Listen Sunday Sermons October 23, 2022 Emotions in the Image of God Pastor Ken Shomo Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Related links: From the John 10:10 Project Skeleton Keys 18 Trillion Feet of You

"But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:57 No matter what the world throws at us, the apostle Paul tells us, “we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” (Romans 8:35-37). Thus we proclaim, “Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57). This sermon series focuses on learning to live in the victory Christ has won for us by his death and resurrection. Each week we will address an issue we face in life and seek his wisdom and practical ways for living in his victory. May 7, 2017 Victory Over Death Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation May 14, 2017 Victory Over Sin Pastor Jim Brown May 21, 2017 Victory Over Satan Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation May 28, 2017 Victory in Stress Pastor Jim Brown Slideshow Presentation June 4, 2017 Victory in the Spirit Rev. Frank Allen June 11, 2017 Victory Over Fear Pastor Marty O'Rourke June 18, 2017 Victory in Failure Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation June 25, 2017 Victory in Grief Dr. Marsha Staples July 2, 2017 Victory Over Shame Rev. Robert Walter July 9, 2017 Victory Over Temptation Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation July 16, 2017 Victory in Finances: The Stewardship of Affluence Pastor John Dooley Sermon Handout July 23, 2017 Victory Over Un-Forgiveness Pastor Jim Brown Slideshow Presentation July 30, 2017 Victory in Our Emotions Rev. Mark Cartledge August 6, 2017 Victory in Broken Relationships Rev. David Martin August 13, 2017 Victory Over Our Past Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation August 20, 2017 Lifelong Living in Christ's Victory Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation August 27, 2017 Knowing Christ Deeply Through Suffering Pastor John Dooley Sermon Handout Please reload

The Rev. Dr. Martin K. O'Rourke Rector If the alumni of my graduating high school class gave an award to the person who ended up in the least likely job, I believe I would win. As a teen, I was constantly trying to prove myself through sports and by being accepted by others. It is alarming to consider where I would be today if the Lord Jesus Christ had not changed my life. I am still amazed that the Lord called me to be a pastor, and my passion is to see lives transformed by Jesus Christ. My first call in ministry is to trust and love the Lord with all my heart. I am also called to love my wonderful wife as Christ loved the church, and to be a godly father to my four children and two grandchildren. I am very thankful for God’s call on me to be a pastor, serving the people of Messiah. We seek to make disciples who in turn make disciples by emphasizing mentoring relationships. I am very encouraged by the growing diversity in our church as people connect across generations, ethnicities, economic and social backgrounds, and with those who have disabilities. We also serve our community by providing Joyful Noise Club, an outreach to young people with disabilities; having a companion relationship with a church in Portsmouth that has a ministry to the poor; and participating with other ministries, including CAST, a ministry to the homeless, Heart of Compassion, and Serve the City. I have a heart for building fellowship and unity among local church pastors, so Messiah holds a monthly gathering for ministers from various denominations. God used my heart for local church pastors to develop a training titled Guard Your Heart , designed to equip Christian leaders to walk in purity. For fun and exercise, I ride my bike five days a week with my wife, and two days a week I play racquetball. Before coming to Church of the Messiah in 1995, I served as Rector at Church of the Resurrection near Akron, Ohio; as Associate Rector at St. Martin's in Monroeville, Pa.; and as Youth Advisor to the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

Our Vision: Our mission is to make tangible the life-transforming power of God’s love so that all may come to know Christ. We will accomplish this through: Dynamic Worship, Authentic Community, and Creative Outreach. We make tangible the power of God’s love through Dynamic Worship: Worship in which our love for God is expressed, the Word of God is proclaimed and applied to everyday life, and Anglican liturgy is infused with the life and gifts of the Holy Spirit. We make tangible the power of God’s love through Authentic Community – Community in which all people can experience a sense of being loved and connected to one another in Christ. We make tangible the power of God’s love through Creative Outreach – Church of the Messiah is outwardly focused and committed to taking the Gospel of Christ, in the power of the Spirit, to people across the room, across the street, across the city, and across the world to reach and serve the least, the last, and the lost. Our Values: Our personal love relationship with the Triune God, through the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Worship in which the Word of God is proclaimed and applied to everyday life, and Anglican liturgy is infused with the life and gifts of the Holy Spirit. Listening to God and staying in step with the Spirit in our decision-making and in accomplishing our vision. Relationships in which all people can experience a sense of being loved and connected to one another in Christ. Making and equipping disciples who submit to the Word of God as the final authority of everything they are and everything they do. Being “missional,” or outwardly focused, and committed to taking the Gospel of Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit, to a people across the room, across the street, across the city, and across the world, to reach and serve the least, the last, and the lost. Contending for a biblical faith and worldview in all aspects of our culture. WHO WE ARE ABOUT JESUS Learn more about Messiah's vision and values by listening to Pastor Marty's sermon, "Why Does Church of the Messiah Exist?"

with Dr. John Dooley Presented February/March, 2021 MODULE 1: February 24, 2021 - No Longer Strangers Reading Assignments February 18 – 23: Primary reading : Ephesians 1:1-23. Read through several times, then read the following texts the remaining of the week: Church at Ephesus : Acts 18:24-28 Related passages : Genesis 1:1-2; 3:1-24 Isaiah 14:12-21 & 61:1-4 Matthew 13:16-17 Romans 8:15-23 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 Galatians 4:5 Colossians 1:1-2,11-20 Hebrews 11:3 1 Peter 1:20 2 Peter 1:3-4 1 John 5:19 Questions to ponder as you read: What is the purpose of the Bible, that is, why was it written? What is the purpose for the Book of Ephesians? (Why was it written? Identify in Ephesians 1 at least three major points you think are important. MODULE 2: March 3, 2021 - Saved and Unified Reading Assignments February 25 – March 2: Primary Reading : Ephesians 2:1-22 (Read through several times.) Church at Ephesus : Acts 19:1-10 Related passages : Leviticus 19:9-18 Deuteronomy 22:1-4; 30:1-10 Numbers 21:4-9; 32:20-27 Psalm 49:5-9 Isaiah 57:18-19 Mark 9:38-41; 12:28-34 John 3:25-27 & 8:42-44 Romans 12:1-2 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 1 John 4:7-21 Revelation 21:2-4 MODULE 3: March 10, 2021 - Empowered and Strengthened Reading Assignments March 4-9: Primary Reading : Ephesians 3:1-21 (Read several times) Church at Ephesus : Acts 19:11-20 Related passages : Isaiah 55:6-11 Matthew 16:13-18 Acts 9:1-19 Romans 11:33-36 1 Corinthians 15:8-11 2 Corinthians 12:1-6 Colossians 2: 6-15 Titus 1:1-3 MODULE 4: March 17, 2021 - Living a Life of Unity Reading Assignments March 11-16: Primary Reading : Ephesians 4:1-32 (Read through several times.) Church at Ephesus : Acts 19:21-41 Related passages : Genesis 3:14-24 Psalm 4:4 Jeremiah 9:4-9 Zechariah 8:16-17 Matthew 27:50-54 Luke 16:19-31 John 17:1-26 1 Corinthians 12:14-31 Galatians 5:16-26 1 Timothy 4:1-5 2 Timothy 2:1-4 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Hebrews 5:11-14; 9:22-28 & 10:11-18 2 Peter 1:3-11 Revelation 21:1-4 MODULE 5: March 24, 2021 - Spirit Life in the Culture Reading Assignments March 18-23 Primary Reading : Ephesians 5:1-33 & 6:1-9 (Read several times.) Church at Ephesus : Acts 20:17-27 Related passages : Exodus 30:7-10 Leviticus 1:8-13 & 19:17-18 Deuteronomy 7:9 & 30:6 Matthew 5:43-48, 19:16-22, & 20:24-28 Mark 10:1-12 Luke 10:25-28 Philippians 4:8 Colossians 2:8-15 & 3:12-17 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 Hebrews 13:1-17 1 Peter 2:18-3:7 1 John 2:15-17 & 4:7-12 MODULE 6: March 31, 2021 - Stand Firm Therefore! Reading Assignments March 25-30 Primary Reading : Ephesians 6:10-24 (Read several times.) Church at Ephesus : Acts 20:28-38 Related passages : Exodus 14:13 Psalm 76:3 & 144:1-2 Isaiah 7:9 & 59:17 Joshua 1:1-18 Matthew 24:11-12 Luke 11:5-13, 18:1-8 Romans 5:2 Hebrews 7:25 Philippians 1:27 & 3:20 Colossians 1:11 1 Timothy 2:1, 4:1-2 2 Timothy 3:1-5 & 13-17 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 1 Peter 1:1, 17, 2:11, & 5:4-14 2 Peter 2:4-16 Jude 20 Revelation 18:20 Listen Slides Listen Slides Listen Slides Listen Slides Listen Slides Listen Slides Module 1 Module 2 Module 3 Module 4 Module 5 Module 6

Our Ministry Staff The Rev. Dr. Marty O'Rourke Rector The Rev. Dr. Ken Shomo Discipleship Pastor The Rev. Tom Sweeney Deacon Melissa Scraba Church Administrator Lauren Coleman Children's Ministry Assistant Bob Greeley Sexton Terry Hayes Multimedia Coordinator Tim Maurer Worship Leader Caleb Stern Live Stream Producer

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