WHO WE ARE VISION & VALUES CLERGY & STAFF VESTRY ABOUT JESUS We are people of various races, ages and backgrounds, some with disabilities, and all in need of the Savior’s grace and love. Denominationally, we are an Anglican Church and part of the Anglican Church of North America (ACNA). As a people, we come from various church traditions—including Baptist, Catholic, Episcopal, Presbyterian, Charismatic, nondenominational, and no church tradition at all. We are a place where people can come and be refreshed by the Living Water of the Holy Spirit. Those who have been physically or emotionally wounded or are weary of running the race are being renewed, restored and healed. The outpouring of God's Presence is bringing healing to the brokenhearted, setting free those who have been held in bondage and restoring Jesus as our first love. We are very relational and embrace the Lord’s heart to put the lonely in families. This is especially lived out through our home groups, men's and women's ministries, and fellowship events. Many of our young adults are in cross-generational friendships with older people in our church because we are seeking to make disciples who in turn make other disciples. Our services are both joyful and reverent. Our worship is not something you just watch or listen to—we enjoy participating in worship and experiencing God’s presence together. During our services, children have a special time for learning and growing, then join the church family for Communion. Our Lord has called us to serve those around us as Christ has served us. We are involved in local ministries such as Crisis Pregnancy Center, Hope Charities and C.A.S.T. (Chesapeake Area Shelter Team). On Tuesday nights, we host Joyful Noise Club , our club for young people with disabilities. We believe that the Word of God is the final authority over everything we are and do. In addition to preaching the Gospel every Sunday and teaching the Word to our children in their Sunday classes, Messiah hosts two Community Bible Study classes during the week. God has also called us to take the good news of Christ to the entire world. People connected with our church are serving the Lord in Croatia, Honduras, and Turkey. Join us any Sunday morning at 10:00 — you’ll receive a warm welcome! I'M NEW WORSHIP WITH US WHAT TO EXPECT FAQ

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

Sermon Archives December 28, 2025 | First Sunday of Christmas The Incarnation Established a New Covenant - Rev. David Martin WATCH December 21, 2025 | Fourth Sunday of Advent Salvation's Joy - Pastor Ken Shomo WATCH December 14, 2025 | Third Sunday of Advent Embracing the Fullness of the Kingdom - Pastor Vivian Hayes WATCH December 7, 2025 | Second Sunday of Advent A Highway Made Straight - Aaron Bennett WATCH November 30, 2025 | First Sunday of Advent How Should Christ's Return Affect My Life Today? - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH November 23, 2025 | The Feast of Christ the King A Thankful Christian is a Compelling Witness - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH November 16, 2025 | Twenty-Third Sunday After Pentecost He Who Wins Souls Is Wise - Tim Maurer WATCH November 9, 2025 | Twenty-Second Sunday After Pentecost The Holy Spirit: Our Source of Boldness - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH November 2, 2025 | Twenty-First Sunday After Pentecost The End of the Story - Pastor Vivian Hayes WATCH October 26, 2025 | Twentieth Sunday After Pentecost Grace and Gratitude - Bishop Chris Warner WATCH October 19, 2025 | Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost The Healing of Our Heart - Pastor Ken Shomo WATCH October 12, 2025 | Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost The Healing of Our Community - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH October 5, 2025 | Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost Sitting at the Feet of Jesus - Rev. Bisoke Balikenga WATCH September 28, 2025 | Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost Healing of the Body - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH September 21, 2025 | Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost The Healing of Our Spirit - Deacon Vivian Hayes WATCH Septermber 7, 2025 | Thirteenth Sunday After Pentecost God Wants Us Whole - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH August 31, 2025 | Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost What Is the Next Step of Obedience God Is Calling Us to Take? - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH August 24, 2025 | Eleventh Sunday After Pentecost The Word and the Spirit - Pastor Ken Shomo WATCH August 17, 2025 | Tenth Sunday After Pentecost What Master Are We Serving? - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH August 10, 2025 | Ninth Sunday After Pentecost LIfe Is More - Deacon Vivian Hayes WATCH August 3, 2025 | Eighth Sunday After Pentecost Is the Power of the Holy Spirit Expanding in Me and Through Me? - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH July 27, 2025 | Seventh Sunday After Pentecost The Mastermind - Pastor Ken Shomo WATCH July 20, 2025 | Sixth Sunday After Pentecost By the Holy Spirit - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH July 13, 2025 | Fifth Sunday After Pentecost Beyond the Comfort Zone - Aaron and Winnie Horvat WATCH July 6, 2025 | Fourth Sunday After Pentecost Let Freedom Ring - Tim Maurer WATCH June 29, 2025 | Third Sunday After Pentecost Holy, Holy, Holy - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH June 22, 2025 | Second Sunday After Pentecost God's Spirit of Adoption and Us - Deacon Vivian Hayes WATCH June 15, 2025 | Trinity Sunday The Holy Spirit and the Heart of the Gospel - Pastor Ken Shomo WATCH June 8, 2025 | Day of Pentecost Come Holy Spirit - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH June 1, 2025 | Seventh Sunday of Easter Look Up, Look Within, Look Around - Pastor Jim Brown WATCH May 25, 2025 | Sixth Sunday of Easter Holy Spirit Acts In Us - Elder Arthur W. Devine, Jr. WATCH May 18, 2025 | Fifth Sunday of Easter The Marriage Feast of the Lamb - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH May 11, 2025 | Fourth Sunday of Easter Who Is Your Shepherd? - Deacon Vivian Hayes WATCH May 4, 2025 | Third Sunday of Easter Resurrection and Eternal Life: Life Beyond the Grave - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH April 27, 2025 | Second Sunday of Easter We Must - Deacon Vivian Hayes WATCH April 20, 2025 | Resurrection Sunday Why Do You Seek the Living Among the Dead? - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH April 13, 2025 | Palm Sunday The Unexpected Kingdom - Pastor Ken Shomo WATCH April 6, 2025 | Fifth Sunday in Lent How Scripture Forms Us to Be Like Christ - Chaplain David Martin WATCH March 30, 2025 | Fourth Sunday in Lent Solitude: Securing Space for Our Relationship with God - Pastor Ken Shomo WATCH March 23, 2025 | Third Sunday in Lent Overflowing Abundance, the Heart of Christian Giving - Tim Maurer WATCH March 16, 2025 | Second Sunday in Lent Obstacles to Becoming Like Jesus - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH March 9, 2025 | First Sunday in Lent The Transfiguration: Heaven Touches Earth - Pastor Ken Shomo WATCH March 2, 2025 | Last Sunday of Epiphany (Transfiguration Sunday) God Has a Plan: Trust Him - Deacon Vivian Hayes WATCH February 23, 2025 | Seventh Sunday of Epiphany The Surprising Call of God - Pastor Ken Shomo WATCH February 16, 2025 | Sixth Sunday of Epiphany God Is Our Refuge & Our Strength, an Ever-Present Help in Trouble - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH February 9, 2025 | Fifth Sunday of Epiphany Through the Valley - Pastor Jim Brown WATCH February 2, 2025 | Fourth Sunday of Epiphany The Life Giving Power of Water- Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH January 19, 2025 | Second Sunday of Epiphany The Speed of Love - Pastor Jim Brown WATCH January 12, 2025 | First Sunday of Epiphany - Baptism of Our Lord Jesus Christ Gifts - Deacon Vivian Hayes WATCH January 5, 2025 | Second Sunday of Christmas Epiphany: Jesus, the Light of the Whole World - Pastor Ken Shomo WATCH LOAD MORE

FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Spending time together is an important activity for any family, and it's no different for the Messiah family! Forming and developing relationships with each other helps all of us grow spiritually as we eat, play, serve and work together in a variety of ways. Here are just a few of Messiah's fellowship opportunities. If you would like more information about any of these fellowship opportunities, please contact the church office . GET INVOLVED Coffee Hour Grab a cup of coffee, a cookie or pastry, and chat for as long as you like after service every Sunday! Do you have the gift of hospitality? Think about joining the coffee hour crew! Community Bible Study In addition to in-depth study of the Word of God, Community Bible Study (CBS) is a great way to meet people and fellowship on a weekly basis. Messiah hosts a Women's CBS class on Thursday mornings during the school year, a co-ed class on Thursday evenings, as well as virtual onlne classes. For more information on CBS, click here . Home Groups Experience New Testament Christianity by joining a Home Group, a gathering of people in the comfort of a home for the purpose of building and strengthening our fellowship with each other and our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Members of a home group share relevant biblical teaching; pray for, encourage and serve one another; and develop and use God-given gifts and talents for the building up of each other and the church. Messiah currently has four home groups in Chesapeake, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach. Click here to learn more about home groups. Joyful Noise Club Our club for young people with disabilities currently meets in person the second Tuesday of the month and online via Zoom the fourth Tuesday of each month. In-person meetings start with pizza, then Club members hear a special message and enjoy a fun game or activity. Online meetings include a teaching or message, followed by a time of discussion and sharing. A game or activity is often included, where participants are asked to bring a special item or topic to share with everyone online. Everyone is welcome to join the fun! For more information, contact the church office. Men's Minstry Men need to form real and deep relationships with other men that will foster growth in Christ. Join the men of Messiah at 10 am every first Saturday of the month for a time of learning, discussion, prayer, and fellowship. The group meets outside (weather permitting -- bring a chair!) or in the Fellowship Hall. Women's Ministry Messiah's Women's Ministry focuses on building relationships and getting to know each other on a personal level, so we can truly walk with each other, carry each other's burdens, and develop lasting and supporting relationships with our sisters in Christ. Monthly meetings include Bible studies, discussions about life and God, prayer and encouragement to help all women grow in their walk with the LORD. The Women's Ministry hosts events throughout the year for women to come together in fellowship. Past events have included a Spring Tea, Fall Brunch, and Christmas Lunch. These are wonderful opportunities to meet and visit with the ladies of Messiah. To keep up with the latest news and events, join the Women's Ministry Facebook group . Fellowship Events We like to spend time together! In addition to the groups and occasions listed here, Messiah hosts a number of church-wide events throughout the year.* These provide a great chance for people to come together to coordinate and attend celebrations that are open to all. Some of these events have included: Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper Seder Passover Meal Pentecost Picnic Keep an eye on your bulletin , the website, the calendar and Facebook for upcoming events! MISSIONS CHRISTIAN EDUCATION SERVING THE COMMUNITY CHURCH MINISTRIES Joyfu Noise

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