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

WOMEN'S LUNCHEON AUTUMN 2015 GUEST SPEAKER BETTE LAWRENCE Many times when we see bad things happen to good people, we bemoan our lives and say this shouldn't be. He was a good person, or they are good people, or she was only a teenager. And we secretly question God's plan. Maybe we think how? Why? Yet in the Bible, we read about Stephen, who in Acts is described as "full of grace and power, and was doing great wonders and signs among the people," who was just beginning his ministry. Yet he was violently stoned by his neighbors. Paul, a man complicit in the crime, watched. But we say, well, Stephen knew God, and his vision probably mitigated his horrible death. It probably wasn't so bad. Even John the Baptizer, a cousin of Jesus and a holy man, languished in prison, perhaps hoping for Jesus to rescue him. In times of isolation and waiting, we wonder, like John, what is going on. Did I really hear God? Have I placed my hope in the right person? Is God real? He sent his friends to ask Jesus, "Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?" (Matthew 11:3) Maybe his unspoken question was, "Are you going to get me out? Do you know where I am? Hey Cuz, how can you heal others and not help me????" Jesus tells his disciples: "Tell John what you see and hear: the blind see and the lame walk. Lepers are cleansed; the dead are raised, and the poor have good news preached to them. AND BLESSED IS THE ONE WHO IS NOT OFFENDED BY ME." (Matthew 11:4-6) In other words, John, you are blessed if you are not disappointed in me. (Wow. . It's not just about me.) Isaiah 55:8-9 For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Neither are your ways, my ways For as the heavens are higher than the earth So are my ways higher than your ways And my thoughts than your thoughts. When we come to a place like John's, we come to a crossroads. My mother was the youngest of nine living children. Her mother had five others who did not live to adulthood--not unusual for those times. My mother had five brothers--all of whom, as she would say, were cursed with alcoholism. Her response was not to drink, EVER! She prayed. She would make different choices and would save her family from this curse. Yet my brother did not escape. A neighbor of mine confessed to being an unbeliever after his son was born with cerebral palsy. His anger expressed itself in saying, "How could a loving God curse an innocent baby to go through life like that?" All of us come to similar crossroads. Even in secular literature, we see the same principle operating. In Greek drama, Oedipus is prophesized over at birth that he will kill his father and marry his mother. So, he is sent away. Later, unbeknownst to him, he kills who he thinks is a beggar and marries the queen, his mother. So in trying to escape, he fulfills the prophecy. In fantasy, we read about Aurora in Sleeping Beauty , who at birth is given many gifts except for an evil prophecy which foretells her death in the prime of her life when she pricks her finger on a spinning wheel. Unfortunately, getting rid of all the spinning wheels does not protect her from her FATE. Even unbelievers are aware of their inability to escape the human condition. They tried to make sense of it by calling it Fate. We Christians do not have to wonder. We know it as original sin. If that were the full measure of our knowledge, we would be no better than unbelievers. We would be aware of the harshness of life, and our inability to escape from it. So God, in His mercy and great love for all He has made, revealed Himself to us. The law made us aware of our sin; the blood sacrifices made us aware of our continual propensity to sin, and our inability to not sin. We realized our need for a Savior. At this moment in our own lives, we have a choice: Will we be the seed on rocky places with no root that falls away and says, "Live for today, for tomorrow we die," or will we be the seed that seeks God and the richness of His love? So this is the time in which Jesus must enter our lives as a person , not an idea, not a law. However, God has to prepare our hearts. He must get us ready. Jesus, after relating the parable of the seeds to his disciples, explains his reasons for speaking in parables: Though seeing, they do not see; Though hearing, they do not understand. In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: You will be ever hearing but never understanding; You will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people's heart has become calloused; They hardly hear with their ears, And they have closed their eyes. Otherwise, they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears. Understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them. (Matthew 13:13-15) So, we are in a state of blindness and deafness, and we are not aware that we are. Like newborn animals, we are born with our eyes shut. Our problem is worse than we know, and it cannot be remedied by any worldly means. For it is a spiritual problem . Proverbs 4:19: "The way of the wicked is like deep darkness. They do not know over which they stumble." Paul writes in Ephesians 5:8, "At one time you were in darkness, but now you are light in the Lord." Today, many of us would equate depression with darkness. Yet this is not a new experience. Even Elijah (1 Kings 19:4-6) experiences the hopelessness that accompanies a great downturn in his life: "I have had enough, Lord, take my life; I am no better than my ancestors." The Lord does not strike him dead or remove His presence from him. He allows him to sleep and sends an angel to feed him. God knows our needs. Perhaps this is an experience we all need so that God can reveal himself to us. Elijah arrived at his crossroad. David expresses his feelings more emotionally: "For the waves of death encompassed me, the torrents of destruction assailed me, the cords of Sheol entangled me; the snares of death confronted me. In my distress, I called upon the Lord; to my God I called. From the temple He heard my voice, and my cry came to His ears." (2Samuel 22:5-7) When my grandparents were dying and my mother was driving from Baltimore up to Cumberland, Maryland every weekend to nurse them, she reached the end of herself and cried out, "Lord if you don't stop this, I'll never go to church again!" Her mother died that night. Later, in telling me this story, she said she was filled with dread. But she knew God had heard her. I believe, when we are honest with God, He acknowledges our heartfelt cry because it is a cry of utter pain and true hopelessness in our own abilities. David says again in Psalm 51, "Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart." So what is this personal truth God wants to impart to us? Jesus tells Nicodemus we must be born again, because without it we cannot see the kingdom of God. Without it, we cannot enter the kingdom of God (John 3:3-8.) The water, we know, is Baptism. So we must know, believe, feel, and experience God's forgiveness. It is a state of being , not only knowing. For ten years I worked with a woman who had been severely abused as a child. She enjoyed coming to therapy; she was a member of a church; she sent her kids to Christian school. Yet she could not experience God's forgivenss because in some way, she would not admit that the person who had abused her was evil in his actions. Conversely, another person who had also been abused very early in her life did admit that what happened to her was evil and was able to process it emotionally, confront those responsible and experience freedom from shame. She believed that God had a purpose for her, and it was not to be cast aside. So, as John (1:5) writes, "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." He also states that some people prefer darkness to light becuase their deeds are evil (John 3:19). Then again, (lest we exclude ourselves from this population), Paul says "For at one time, you were all in darkness, but now you are the light of the Lord." So, we need the Baptism of water. Jesus, very emotionally cries out, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture (Isaish 58:11) has said, Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water!" (John 7:38) So what are these rivers of living water if not continual conviction, confession, forgiveness, and cleansing. We may know they flow out of Jesus, BUT DO THEY FLOW OUT OF YOU AND ME? D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones in his book, Studies in The Sermon on the Mount describes the Christian as always a person who walks in the fear of the Lord, always aware of her own limitations. He says there are always two sides to the Gospel: there is the pulling down and the rising up. You remember the words of the ancient Simeon, concerning the infant Jesus as He was presented in the temple: "The child is set for the fall and the rising again of many." The one who is poor in Spirit is the one who is emptying self. Conviction must always precede conversion. (One's attitude toward oneself.) Martyn says Jesus is speaking of humility. This is not a natural state. It comes from a sense of one's own sinfulness. Isaiah 57:15 says, "For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite." The way to become poor in Spirit is to look at God. Those who are to be converted, and who wish to be truly happy and blessed, are those who first of all mourn. As I confront God and His holiness, and contemplate the life that I am meant to live, I see myself in utter helplessness and hopelessness. A person who truly faces oneself, and examines onself and his/her life is a person who must of necessity mourn for his/her sins also for the things he/she does. {paraphrased} We need the Holy Spirit. Who is this Holy Spirit? Jesus says, "The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit (John 3:8). It sounds like a wild ride to me! What we can't be, if we are to allow the Holy Spirit in us, is controlling or bossy or unforgiving or lazy or self-righteous or stingy or critical. When you give God full reign, He will sprinkle water on you, and you will be clean. "And I will give you a new heart." (He will bind up our broken hearts. He heals us while we seek His face.) And He will put a right Spirit within us. (Ezekiel 36:25-27) He will DO IT. We just need to ask Him for His Spirit, and He will give it to us, and He will enter our hearts and have an intimate meal with each one of us. We don't need to search for a person filled with His Spirit. One of our Messiah family who recently went to be with the Lord said: "I am beyond all limits. God has opened up my eyes to all the limitations I have previously perceived. There is a hidden place in Christ of protection, of provision, of every good and perfect gift from God. We don't have to seek it. It seeks us. We step out on it, and it is there, waiting for us. God's love is eternal, everlasting. Although fear might try to rear its ugly head, God's might overcomes. I would encourage each of you to find a place to look for Him; do not fear Him." Karen Brockman Paul, in Romans 6, writes: "Don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ were baptized into His death in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. . . Offer yourself to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body as instruments of righteousness. For sin shall not be your master, for you are not under the law, but under grace." We can live a victorious life because Jesus lives in us. Our relationships with others must reflect His relationship with us, characterized by forgiveness and change, becoming more like Jesus every day. Bette Lawrence October 10, 2015 All Bible quotations are from the English Standard Version

Messiah hosts two Community Bible Study classes on Thursdays during the school year. The 2023-24 term begins on September 7. Both classes will be studying "A King is Coming," in the books of Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel, and Ephesians. The LADIES’ DAY CLASS takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday mornings. Nursery care is provided for infants and toddlers, as well as age-appropriate curriculum for older kids. An online class is also available. The CO-ED EVENING CLASS runs from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.This group offers men’s, women’s and co-ed classes, as well as online classes. Virtual online classes are also available; please ask for details. Annual registration is $35 for adults and $10 per child (day class only). The registration fee includes the cost of study materials. Scholarships are available, so please don't let financial concerns keep you from learning more about God's Word. To learn more and to register for one of these questions, visit: www.chesapeake.cbsclass.org . You can learn more about the Community Bible Study organization at: www.communitybiblestudy.org.

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

The Daily Office from the 2019 ACNA Book of Common Prayer Prayer of General Thanksgiving Prayer to Become Like Christ Who I Am in Christ Morning Trinitarian Prayer Liturgy for the Ritual of Morning Coffee Father's Love Letter Names of God Personal & Corporate Pentecost Prayers Prayers & Meditations Online & printable versions

The purpose of Advent is to prepare for one of the greatest miracles in all history, the Incarnation of God in the person of Jesus Christ. The Eternal, Almighty and Invisible God has taken on a human body and entered our world as a baby so that we could know God by knowing Jesus. This Advent we are going to explore what the Incarnation reveals to us about God’s character and His great love and commitment to us. The Son of God became man to enable us to become the sons of God. — C S. Lewis, Mere Christianity Sunday Sermons First Sunday of Advent | November 27, 2022 The Incarnation Reveals the Humility of God Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Sunday Sermons Second Sunday of Advent | December 4, 2022 The Incarnation Reveals God's Understanding of Us Tim Maurer Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Sunday Sermons Third Sunday of Advent | December 11, 2022 The Incarnation Reveals the Exact Imprint of God's Nature Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen Sunday Sermons Fourth Sunday of Advent (Annunciation Day) | December 18, 2022 The Incarnation Reveals Christ's Victory over Sin and Death Pastor Ken Shomo Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Sunday Sermons Christmas Eve | December 24, 2022 The Incarnation Reveals God's Deep Desire to Have a Personal Relationship with Us Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen

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

Sermon Series Church of the Messiah often focuses on a particular topic or season with a special sermon series. Explore the topics below and discover what messages the Lord has in store for you! Show More

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 page. 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 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. 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 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

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. Those not on Facebook can view the service by clicking the orange icon below. 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 look explore sermon series, testimonies, and special messages by our bishop, using the buttons here. SERMON SERIES TESTIMONIES BISHOP'S MESSAGES SERMON ARCHIVES Past livestreams December 21, 2025 | Fourth Sunday of Advent | Livestreamed Service Salvation's Joy - Pastor Ken Shomo Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides December 14, 2025 | Third Sunday of Advent | Livestreamed Service Embracing the Fullness of the Kingdom - Pastor Vivian Hayes Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides December 7, 2025 | Second Sunday of Advent | Livestreamed Service A Highway Made Straight - Aaron Bennett Watch | Listen November 30, 2025 | First Sunday of Advent | Livestreamed Service How Should Christ’s Return Affect My Life Today? - Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides November 23, 2025 | The Feast of Christ the King | Livestreamed Service A Thankful Christian is a Compelling Witness - Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides November 16, 2025 | Twenty-Third Sunday After Pentecost | Livestreamed Service He Who Wins Souls Is Wise - Tim Maurer Watch | Listen November 9, 2025 | Twenty-Second Sunday After Pentecost | Livestreamed Service The Holy Spirit: Our Source of Boldness - Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides November 2, 2025 | Twenty-First Sunday After Pentecost | Livestreamed Service The End of the Story - Pastor Vivian Hayes Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides October 26, 2025 | Twentieth Sunday After Pentecost | Livestreamed Service Grace and Gratitude - Bishop Chris Warner Watch | Listen October 19, 2025 | Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost | Livestreamed Service The Healing of Our Heart - Pastor Ken Shomo Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides October 12, 2025 | Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost | Livestreamed Service The Healing of Our Community - Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides October 5, 2025 | Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost | Livestreamed Service Sitting at the Feet of Jesus - Rev. Bisoke Balikenga Watch | Listen September 28, 2025 | Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost | Livestreamed Service Healing of the Body - Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides September 21, 2025 | Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost | Livestreamed Service The Healing of Our Spirit - Deacon Vivian Hayes Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides September 14, 2025 | Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost | Livestreamed Service The Healing Of The Mind: Renewing Our Thoughts and Thinking - Rev. David Martin Listen | Sermon Slides Septermber 7, 2025 | Thirteenth Sunday After Pentecost | Livestreamed Service God Wants Us Whole - Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides August 31, 2025 | Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost | Livestreamed Service What Is the Next Step of Obedience God Is Calling Us to Take? - Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides August 24, 2025 | Eleventh Sunday After Pentecost | Livestreamed Service The Word and the Spirit - Pastor Ken Shomo Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides August 17, 2025 | Tenth Sunday After Pentecost | Livestreamed Service What Master Are We Serving? - Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides August 10, 2025 | Ninth Sunday After Pentecost | Livestreamed Service LIfe Is More - Deacon Vivian Hayes Watch | Listen August 3, 2025 | Eighth Sunday After Pentecost | Livestreamed Service Is the Power of the Holy Spirit Expanding in Me and Through Me? - Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides July 27, 2025 | Seventh Sunday After Pentecost | Livestreamed Service The Mastermind - Pastor Ken Shomo Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides July 20, 2025 | Sixth Sunday After Pentecost | Livestreamed Service By the Holy Spirit - Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides July 13, 2025 | Fifth Sunday After Pentecost | Livestreamed Service Beyond the Comfort Zone - Aaron and Winnie Horvat Watch | Listen July 6, 2025 | Fourth Sunday After Pentecost | Livestreamed Service Let Freedom Ring - Tim Maurer Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides June 29, 2025 | Third Sunday After Pentecost | Livestreamed Service Holy, Holy, Holy - Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides June 22, 2025 | Second Sunday After Pentecost | Livestreamed Service God's Spirit of Adoption and Us - Deacon Vivian Hayes Listen | Sermon Slides June 15, 2025 | Trinity Sunday | Livestreamed Service The Holy Spirit and the Heart of the Gospel - Pastor Ken Shomo Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides June 8, 2025 | Day of Pentecost | Livestreamed Service Come Holy Spirit - Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides June 1, 2025 | Seventh Sunday of Easter | Livestreamed Service Look Up, Look Within, Look Around - Pastor Jim Brown Watch | Listen May 25, 2025 | Sixth Sunday of Easter | Livestreamed Service Holy Spirit Acts In Us - Elder Arthur W. Devine, Jr. Watch | Sermon Slides May 18, 2025 | Fifth Sunday of Easter | Livestreamed Service The Marriage Feast of the Lamb - Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Sermon Slides May 11, 2025 | Fourth Sunday of Easter | Livestreamed Service Who Is Your Shepherd? - Deacon Vivian Hayes Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides May 4, 2025 | Third Sunday of Easter | Livestreamed Service Resurrection and Eternal Life: Life Beyond the Grave - Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides April 27, 2025 | Second Sunday of Easter | Livestreamed Service We Must - Deacon Vivian Hayes Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides April 20, 2025 | Resurrection Sunday | Livestreamed Service Why Do You Seek the Living Among the Dead? - Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides April 13, 2025 | Palm Sunday | Livestreamed Service The Unexpected Kingdom - Pastor Ken Shomo Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides April 6, 2025 | Fifth Sunday in Lent | Livestreamed Service How Scripture Forms Us to Be Like Christ - Chaplain David Martin Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides March 30, 2025 | Fourth Sunday in Lent | Livestreamed Service Solitude: Securing Space for Our Relationship with God - Pastor Ken Shomo Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides March 23, 2025 | Third Sunday in Lent | Livestreamed Service Overflowing Abundance, the Heart of Christian Giving - Tim Maurer Listen March 16, 2025 | Second Sunday in Lent | Livestreamed Service Obstacles to Becoming Like Jesus - Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides March 2, 2025 | Last Sunday of Epiphany (Transfiguration Sunday) | Livestreamed Service The Transfiguration: Heaven Touches Earth - Pastor Ken Shomo Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides February 23, 2025 | Seventh Sunday of Epiphany | Livestreamed Service God Has a Plan: Trust Him - Deacon Vivian Hayes Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides February 9, 2025 | Fifth Sunday of Epiphany The Surprising Call of God - Pastor Ken Shomo Watch the Livestream | Listen | Sermon Slides February 16, 2025 | Sixth Sunday of Epiphany God Is Our Refuge & Our Strength, an Ever-Present Help in Trouble - Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch the Livestream | Listen | Sermon Slides February 2, 2025 | Fourth Sunday of Epiphany Through the Valley - Pastor Jim Brown Watch the Livestream | Listen | Sermon Slides January 26, 2025 | Third Sunday of Epiphany | Recorded Livestream Not Available To Act Justly and Love Mercy - Pastor Marty O'Rourke & Pastor Ken Shomo Listen | Sermon Slides January 19, 2025 | Second Sunday of Epiphany | Livestreamed Service The Life Giving Power of Water- Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides March 9, 2025 | First Sunday in Lent | Livestreamed Service The Speed of Love - Pastor Jim Brown Watch | Listen January 12, 2025 | First Sunday of Epiphany - Baptism of Our Lord Jesus Christ | Livestreamed Service Gifts - Deacon Vivian Hayes Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides January 5, 2025 | Second Sunday of Christmas | Livestreamed Service Epiphany: Jesus, the Light of the Whole World - Pastor Ken Shomo Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides December 29, 2024 | First Sunday of Christmas | Livestreamed Service Why Was the Incarnation Necessary? - Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides December 24, 2024 | Christmas Eve I Bring You Good News of Great Joy That Will Be for All the People - Pastor Marty O'Rourke Listen December 22, 2024 | Fourth Sunday in Advent | Livestreamed Service Mary's Song - Deacon Vivian Hayes Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides December 15, 2024 | Third Sunday in Advent | Livestreamed Service Rejoice Always—The Advent of True Joy - Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen December 8, 2024 | Second Sunday in Advent | Livestreamed Service What Can We Learn from Zechariah, Mary & John the Baptist About Preparing for the Coming of Christ? - Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides December 1, 2024 | First Sunday in Advent | Livestreamed Service The Proclamation of Two Advents - Rev. David Martin Watch | Listen November 24, 2024 | Last Sunday After Pentecost | Livestreamed Service Baptism: Union With Christ by Faith, in His Death and Resurrection - Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides November 17, 2024 | Twenty-Sixth Sunday After Pentecost | Livestreamed Service It Shall Not Be So Among You - Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides November 10, 2024 | Twenty-Fifth Sunday After Pentecost | Livestreamed Service Yours Is the Kingdom - Pastor Ken Shomo Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides November 3, 2024 | Twenty-Fourth Sunday After Pentecost | Livestreamed Service Holding Fast to What Endures - Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen October 27, 2024 | Twenty-Third Sunday After Pentecost | Livestreamed Service Sermon by Bishop Chris Warner Watch | Listen October 20, 2024 | Twenty-Second Sunday After Pentecost | Livestreamed Service Cry Out to God - Vivian Hayes Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides October 13, 2024 | Twenty-First Sunday After Pentecost | Livestreamed Service Holy Brothers and Sisters - Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides October 6, 2024 | Twentieth Sunday After Pentecost Self-Made Stress - Pastor Ken Shomo Listen | Sermon Slides September 29, 2024 | Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost | Livestreamed Service Christ’s Care For Those Stressed Out - Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides September 15, 2024 | Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost | Livestreamed Service Faith in Action: More Than Words - Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen September 8, 2024 | Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost | Livestreamed Service Think On These Things - Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides September 1, 2024 | Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost | Livestreamed Service Suited Up: Wearing God's Armor in a World of Spiritual Warfare - Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen August 25, 2024 | Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost | Livestreamed Service “Lord, To Whom Shall We Go? You Have the Words of Eternal Life.” - Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides August 18, 2024 | Thirteenth Sunday After Pentecost | Livestreamed Service The Feast of Wisdom: Nourishing Our Souls - Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen September 22, 2024 | Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost | Livestreamed Service What It Means for Us to Be the Temple of God - Tim Maurer Watch | Listen August 11, 2024 | Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost | Livestreamed Service “Pray Then Like This…” Part 2 - Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides August 4, 2024 | Eleventh Sunday After Pentecost | Livestreamed Service “Pray Then Like This…” - Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides July 28, 2024 | Tenth Sunday After Pentecost | Livestreamed Service In His Service - The Rev. Adrian Knight Watch | Listen July 21, 2024 | Ninth Sunday After Pentecost | Livestreamed Service Listening for God - Vivian Hayes Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides July 14, 2024 | Eighth Sunday After Pentecost | Livestreamed Service Unleashing the Power of the Word - The Rev. David Martin Watch | Listen July 7, 2024 | Seventh Sunday After Pentecost | Livestreamed Service Celebrating Our Dependence - Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides June 30, 2024 | Sixth Sunday After Pentecost | Livestreamed Service Staying Focused in a Distracting World - Pastor Ken Shomo Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides June 23, 2024 | Fifth Sunday After Pentecost | Livestreamed Service Not Available The Message of Job - Pastor Marty O'Rourke Listen | Sermon Slides June 16, 2024 | Fourth Sunday After Pentecost | Livestreamed Service Sweetly Broken - Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides June 9, 2024 | Third Sunday After Pentecost | Livestreamed Service Sweetly Broken - Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen June 2, 2024 | Second Sunday After Pentecost | Livestreamed Service Jars of Clay: Surpassing Power Belongs to God, Not to Us - Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides May 26, 2024 | Trinity Sunday | Livestreamed Service Beyond Comprehension, Within Reach: The Trinity's Love - Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen May 19, 2024 | Day of Pentecost | Livestreamed Service Come Holy Spirit - Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides May 12, 2024 | Seventh Sunday of Easter | Livestreamed Service Empowered by the Spirit - Pastor Nile Gomez Listen | Video sermon not available May 5, 2024 | Sixth Sunday of Easter | Livestreamed Service Love = Trust = Obedience - Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides April 28, 2024 | Fifth Sunday of Easter | Livestreamed Service GPS for the Soul - Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen April 21, 2024 | Fourth Sunday of Easter (Good Shepherd Sunday) | Livestreamed Service Sovereign LORD Says: I Myself Will Search and Find My Sheep - Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides April 14, 2024 | Third Sunday of Easter | Livestreamed Service Living in the Light of Resurrection - Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen April 7, 2024 | Second Sunday of Easter | Livestreamed Service From Shame to Redemption: Embracing God's Forgiveness & Grace - Vivian Hayes Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides March 31, 2024 | Resurrection Sunday | Livestreamed Service How Powerful Is the Resurrection of Jesus? - Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides March 29, 2024 | Good Friday The Seven Last Words of Christ Watch | Listen March 24, 2024 | Palm Sunday | Livestreamed Service The Paradox of Power - Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen March 17, 2024 | Fifth Sunday in Lent | Livestreamed Service Living in Christ’s Newness - Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides March 10, 2024 | Fourth Sunday in Lent | Livestreamed Service Our Need, His Gift - Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen March 3, 2024 | Third Sunday in Lent | Livestreamed Service Overcoming Spiritual Attacks of the Enemy - Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides February 25, 2024 | Second Sunday in Lent | Livestreamed Service Choices - Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen February 18, 2024 | First Sunday in Lent | Livestreamed Service Learning to Receive - Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides February 11, 2024 | Last Sunday of Epiphany (Transfiguration Sunday) | Livestreamed Service Shining Savior, Suffering Servant - Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen February 4, 2024 | Fifth Sunday of Epiphany | Livestreamed Service For My Eyes Have Seen Your Salvation! - Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides January 28, 2024 | Fourth Sunday of Epiphany | Livestreamed Service Frail Vessels, God's Power - Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen January 21, 2024 | Third Sunday of Epiphany | Livestreamed Service Lord, Teach Us to REALLY Pray! - Rev. David Martin Watch | Listen January 14, 2024 | Second Sunday of Epiphany | Livestreamed Service The Cost of Discipleship: Answering the Call, Embracing the Challenge - Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen January 7, 2024 | First Sunday of Epiphany | Livestreamed Service When Grace Is No Longer Amazing! - Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides

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

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