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

Prayers for Personal & Corporate Pentecost Prayer for Personal Pentecost Father, I am thirsty and dry and I need the refreshment of Your Holy Spirit. Fill me to overflowing that streams of living water might flow from within me. I want to grow more deeply and intimately acquainted with You, Lord. I desire to worship You in spirit and in truth with my whole heart, soul, mind and strength. I need a drink from Your well of living water that never runs dry. Create in me a clean heart, O God. I invite You to do in me that which You need to do in order to do through me that which You desire to do. Send Your Spirit to lead me into all truth and understanding that I might serve You with a glad and sincere heart and that I might use the gifts You have given me to serve others. Lord, here I am. I am Yours. Help me to love my neighbors as You love them. Give me opportunities to share the good news of what You have done in my life with those who are hurting and those who are searching for truth. Clothe me with Your power, Lord, for my desire is to take hold of that for which You have taken hold of me, and I can only do so in the power of Your Spirit. Lord, thank You for loving me, forgiving me, equipping me, and sending me. May all I say and do bring You honor and glory. In the precious name of Jesus I pray, Amen. Prayer for Corporate Pentecost Father, we celebrate Your goodness. We delight in Your Presence. We remember the wonderful things You have done and we thank You for Your continued patience with us and provision for us. We come to You now in faith asking You to rain down Your Spirit on us once again. Baptize us in a fresh outpouring of Your love and power. Drench us. Refresh us. Revive us. Lord, we can only be who You’ve called us to be in and by the power of Your Holy Spirit. So, send Your Spirit of wisdom and revelation upon us now that we may fulfill the hope to which You have called us. Empower us by Your Spirit to go where You send us, sharing the good news of Jesus with all who will listen. May Your streams of living water flow from within us to all with whom we come in contact. Thank You for the bountiful resources that will enable us to do all that You’ve called and equipped us to do. Freely we have received, Lord. Freely we will give. By the power of Your Spirit we will be steadfast, unmovable, and always abounding in the work to which You have called us for we know our labor is not in vain because we have the victory thorough our Lord, Jesus Christ. And it is in His mighty name we pray, Amen! PRINTABLE VERSION

Lent 2022 The Lent Experience, a video series and journal by Eric Ferris, aims to embrace the heart and purpose of Lent traditions, encouraging people to experience and be transformed by the main elements of Lent in their real lives. It is designed to help people, both familiar and unfamiliar with liturgical calendar practices, to observe Lent and rediscover the significance of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Sunday Sermon SEries Sunday Sermons March 6, 2022 FASTING: "Hungry for God" Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Sunday Sermons March 13, 2022 SOLITUDE: "Lonely for God" Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen Sunday Sermons March 20, 2022 repentance: A Gift of Love Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Sunday Sermons March 27, 2022 ALMSGIVING: Rich Toward God Pastor Ken Shomo Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Sunday Sermons April 3, 2022 FORGIVENESS: The Many Dimensions of Forgiveness REv. David Martin Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Sunday Sermons April 10, 2022 PALM SUNDAY: Triumphant in Christ Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen Sunday Sermons April 17, 2022 The Resurrection: Worth Pursuing Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides The Lenten Challenge Explore in-depth the elements of the Lenten season talked about in the Sunday sermons and challenge yourself to put them into practice. Each session will include a video and discussion. Additional content and opportunities for personal reflection can be found in The Lent Experience Journal (if you didn't get a paper copy, digital copies can be purchased by clicking here .) There are two ways to join this "Lenten Challenge": In-Person Class - Tuesdays @ 11:30 am Join Pastor Marty in the Fellowship Hall for teaching, discussion, and lunch! Zoom Class - Wednesdays @ 7 pm Pastor Nile will lead this online class and discussion group. From your Zoom App: Meeting ID: 850 2341 5629 Passcode: 863767 Or Click Here to join! Links for each week's videos can be found below. The Lent Experience: Trailer Video The Lent Experience: Ash Wednesday March 8 (In-Person) / March 9 (Online) Challenge #1: Fasting Video: The Lent Experience - Fasting Pastor Marty's Class Slides March 15 (In-Person) / March 16 (Online) Challenge #2: Silence & Solitude Video: The Lent Experience - Solitude March 22 (In-Person) / March 23 (Online) Challenge #3: Repentance Video: The Lent Experience - Repentance March 29 (In-Person) / March 30 (Online) Challenge #4: Almsgiving Video: The Lent Experience -Almsgiving April 5 (In-Person) / April 6 (Online) Challenge #5: Forgiveness Video: The Lent Experience - Forgiveness

Listen to different speakers share practical ways to experience Lent during deeper explorations of topics from the sermon series, "Abiding in the Living Word ." 2/25 "Praying Through the Scriptures" Fr. Dominick Hankle Watch | Slides 3/4 Going Deeper Vivian Hayes Watch | Slides 3/11 What Are My Plan Options? Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Resource Sheet 3/18 The Big Story Ken Shomo Watch 3/25 Prophecy Fulfilled Theresa Newell Watch Module 1 Module 2 Module 3 Module 4 Module 5 Module 6

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

Sermon Series | Fall 2019 September 8, 2019 The Lord Receives Glory, Honor and Power for Creating All Things Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation September 15, 2019 In the Beginning ... Word Became Flesh The Rev. Dr. Mark Cartledge Slideshow Presentation September 22, 2019 Let Light Shine Out of Darkness Pastor Marty O'Rourke with Dr. John Adam Dr. Adam's Slideshow Sermon Slideshow September 29, 2019 Created in His Image in an Image Driven Culture Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation October 6, 2019 God Created Them Male and Female Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation Testimony by Shelly James October 13, 2019 What Is the Way of Cain? Rev. Mark Cartledge October 20, 2019 Old Adam -- Christ Our New Adam Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation October 27, 2019 Are We In the Days of Noah? Deacon Nile Gomez November 3, 2019 Abraham: Is Anything Too Hard for the Lord? Pastor Marty O'Rourke November 10, 2019 Our Mission with Jesus Bishop John Guernsey November 17, 2019 Isaac on the Altar Slideshow Presentation November 24, 2019 Joseph: Trusting God's Greater Plan Pastor Nile Gomez Please reload How did the universe come to be? Why did God create us in His image? How did evil, sin and death enter His creation? What is God’s plan to accomplish His original purpose for us? Paul said the fullness of this plan was a mystery revealed in Christ Jesus. To understand this unfolding plan—connecting the creation of the heavens and earth in Genesis with the new heaven and earth in Revelation—we must start at the beginning. This sermon series will explore this plan and examine why Genesis is alluded to about 200 times in the New Testament.

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

CHURCH MINISTRIES If you are looking for ways to get involved with Messiah, our many church-based ministries are a great place to form relationships while serving the Body of Christ. If you would like to join or would like more information about any of these ministries, please contact the church office . SERVING THE COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN EDUCATION FELLOWSHIP MISSIONS Acolyte Ministry Acolytes are young men and women who assist the Celebrant in Holy Communion and other liturgical rites. We are always looking for young people to serve in this vital ministry. The usual age range for Acolytes is grades 6 through 12, but younger candidates may be considered. Altar Guild Altar Guild members prepare the altar for Sunday and othe services, and set up the Eucharist. This ministry provides a wonderful opportunity to serve "behind the scenes" with a minimal time commitment! Altar Prayer Ministry The Altar Prayer Ministry prays for the specific needs of individuals at the altar rail during Sunday morning Communion time. This ministry's dedicated membes find it a blessing and a privilege to serve in the way, and a joy to hear of answers to prayer. Two-person prayer teams serve approximately one Sunday per month. Altar Flower Guild The talented members of the Altar Flower Guild create the beautiful floral arrangements that appear behind the altar on Sundays and major church holidays. These arrangements may be sponsored by individuals and dedicated in honor or memory of a loved one. The Altar Flower Guild also helps decorate the sanctuary at Christmas and Easter with the poinsettias and lilies purchased by members of the congregation. Children's Ministries The Children's Ministry cares for and instructs our littlest members in our nursery, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and many other ways. Eucharist Ministers Eucharistic Ministers are licensed communicants who assist the priests by administering the Sacraments. Greeters & Ushers Our Greeters are an essential part of Messiah's outreach to visitors and members, welcoming all with the love of Jesus. Ushering is a way to serve the Body of Christ by assisting worshipers during services by handing out bulletins, helping people find seats, assisting those with special needs, taking attendance, collecting the offering and assisting with queuing for Communion. Media & Sound Ministry The Media & Sound Ministry serves the audio and visual needs of the various services, meetings and special events held at Church of the Messiah. Prayer Chain This group of dedicated "prayer warriors" is always at the ready for any prayer requests that come in. Prayer requests are communicated by email and/or telephone. Reader Ministry Lay readers present the first and second Scripture readings at Sunday worship and other services. Readers generally serve once or twice a month. Worship Team Messiah's Worship Team leads the congregation in praise and worship through music, encouraging all to come together to glorify God and sing of His goodness. Youth Ministry The mission of the Youth Ministry is to help our young people develop their own relationships with Jesus. Youth in grades 6-12 are encouraged to attend Foundations Class during the Sunday service. Youth Group, for 8th to 12th graders, meets on Sundays following the service. GET INVOLVED

"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.

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

Testimonies & Special Presentations Messiah members and guests frequently give testimony to the works that God has done in their lives. See how the Lord makes His presence known! August 25, 2024 | Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost Testimony by Jim Flynn Audio | Video June 23, 2024 | Fifth Sunday After Pentecost Testimony by Debbie DeBose Audio May 19, 2024 | Day of Pentecost Testimony by Jim Brown Audio | Video March 31, 2024 | Resurrection Sunday Testimony by Vivian Hayes Audio | Video November 5, 2023 | Twenty-Third Sunday After Pentecost Testimony by Doris Gomez Audio October 29, 2023 | Twenty-Second Sunday After Pentecost Testimony by Ken Nickel Video October 29, 2023 | Twenty-Second Sunday After Pentecost Testimony by Jim & Monica Flynn Video September 17, 2023 | Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost Testimony by Alicia Greeley Video | Audio July 30, 2023 | Ninth Sunday After Pentecost Testimony by Jim & Monica Flynn Video | Audio July 30, 2023 | Ninth Sunday After Pentecost Testimony by Jonathan Bekker Video | Audio June 18, 2023 | Third Sunday After Pentecost Juneteenth by Vivian Hayes Video | Audio June 4, 2023 | Trinity Sunday Testimony by Nakita Albritton Video | Audio June 4, 2023 | Trinity Sunday Testimony by Ellen Belfi Video | Audio May 28, 2023 | Pentecost Pentecost Special Reading by Vivian Hayes & Rev. David Martin Video | Audio May 28, 2023 | Pentecost Song & Testimonies by Voices of Hope & Bp. Frank Allen, Sanctuary of Hope Video | Audio May 14, 2023 | Sixth Sunday of Easter Testimony by Drew Bohs Video April 30, 2023 | Fourth Sunday of Easter Testimony by Misty Taylor Video April 9, 2023 | Resurrection Sunday Testimony by Wendy O'Rourke Video March 19, 2023 | Fourth Sunday in Lent Testimony by David Martin Video March 5, 2023 | Second Sunday in Lent Testimony by Marcia Curtis Video February 19, 2023 | Last Sunday of Epiphany Testimony by Jeff Ivester Video January 1, 2023 | Second Sunday of Christmas Testimonies - What Has Jesus Done New in Your Life? Video | Audio November 13, 2022 | Twenty-Third Sunday After Pentecost Testimony by Marc Bagwell Video | Audio October 30, 2022 | Twenty-First Sunday After Pentecost Testimony by Ann Lucier | Testimony by Jonathan Bekker & Madelyn Tubbs Video | Audio Video | Audio October 10, 2022 | Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost Testimony by Drew & Rose Marie Bohs Video | Audio | Slide October 10, 2022 | Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost Testimony by Laurie Swain Video | Audio August 14, 2022 | Tenth Sunday After Pentecost Testimony by David Borst Video | Audio July 3, 2022 | Fourth Sunday After Pentecost Testimony by Tim Maurer Video | Audio June 19, 2022 | Second Sunday After Pentecost | Juneteenth Juneteenth Presentation by Vivian Hayes Video | Audio June 5, 2022 | The Day of Pentecost Testimony by Chris Woodland | Testimony by Terry Hayes Video | Audio Video | Audio April 17, 2022 | Resurrection Sunday Testimony by Jenny Jenson Video | Audio | Text March 6, 2022 Testimony by Alicia Greeley Video | Audio February 13, 2022 Installation & Testimony of Worship Director Tim Maurer Video October 31, 2021 Testimony by Chris & Lauren Coleman Video October 3, 2021 Testimony by Cindy Little Video | Audio June 20, 2021 Testimony & Song by Lauren Pearson Video | Audio June 13, 2021 - Farewell to Worship Director Dean Zawacki Testimonies by Amanda Corona and Terry Hayes Video | Audio Testimony by Dean Zawacki Video | Audio May 23, 2021 - Pentecost Sunday Pentecost Testimony by Jo Ann and Chris Woodland Video | Audio April 4, 2021 Testimony by Lauren Pearson Video | Audio January 17, 2021 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Remembrance - Vivian Hayes Video | Audio December 6, 2020 Testimony by Rickee Dozier Video | Audio November 15, 2020 Testimony by Shelley James Video | Audio November 8, 2020 Testimony by Deacon Jennifer Sporl-Palmer Video | Audio October 25, 2020 Testimony by Ken Shomo Video | Audio October 18, 2020 Testimony by Becky Presnall Video | Audio October 11, 2020 Testimony by Lauren Pearson Video | Audio September 20, 2020 Children's Sermon by David Borst Video | Audio September 6, 2020 Testimony by Deacon Tom Sweeney: "Back in the Race" Audio August 23, 2020 Testimony by Joanne Falk Video | Audio August 9, 2020 Testimony by Ben & Kaylee Stern Audio July 26, 2020 Testimony by Debi Balch Audio July 26, 2020 Testimony by Wendy Giancoli Audio June 28, 2020 Testimony by Lorene Evans Audio June 21, 2020 Testimony by Mary Stern Audio June 14, 2020 Testimony by Vivian Hayes & Jennifer Sporl-Palmer: "Sisters in Christ" Audio June 7, 2020 Testimony by Doris Gomez Audio May 31, 2020 Testimony by Chris & Jo Ann Woodland: "Messiah's First Pentecost" Audio

Holy Week at Church of the Messiah Palm Sunday - April 13 Worship | 10 am Together we will commemorate the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem with a palm branch procession, then turn our focus to the events leading up to the Crucifixion with a special reading. Maundy Thursday - April 17 Maundy Thursday Service | 7 pm This modified instructional Eucharist commemorates the institution of Holy Communion at the Last Supper. The service includes the “stripping of the altar,” Eucharist and foot washing. Good Friday - April 18 Meditation Service | 12 pm - 3 pm Come for all or part of this time of reflection and prayer, which features brief meditations every 30 minutes. Good Friday Service | 7 pm This solemn service features readings, music and the nailing of the cross to help us appreciate Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. Easter Sunday - April 20 Resurrection Sunday Celebration | 10 am Don't miss this joyful celebration of our Lord's resurrection, which includes a special procession by our children and “Flowering of the Cross.” The children will have a special celebration with an Easter message, activities and egg hunt.