Names of God PRINTABLE VERSION Names of God Our Father a forgiving God a Master in heaven a refuge for the poor a shelter from the storm an ever present help in trouble commander of the Lord's army eternal King Father to the fatherless God Most High God my stronghold God of glory God of hope God of truth God over the kingdoms of the earth God who gives endurance great and powerful God Holy Father I AM Judge of all the earth living and true God Lord God Almighty Lord my Banner. Lord of heaven and earth Lord our Maker Lord who makes you holy Maker of heaven and earth my Comforter in sorrow my helper my light my refuge in times of trouble my support our leader our refuge and strength Rock of our salvation the Eternal God the exalted God the glorious Father the God who sees me the living Father the one who sustains me the rock in whom I take refuge the true God a fortress of salvation a refuge for His people a sanctuary a source of strength architect and builder Creator of heaven and earth Father God God my Rock God of Abraham, Isaac & Jacob God of gods God of love and peace God our Father God the Father God who gives encouragement great and mighty God Holy One I AM WHO I AM King of glory Lord Lord is Peace Lord my Rock Lord of kings Lord our shield Lord will Provide Most High my confidence my hiding place my mighty rock my song only wise God our Mighty One Righteous Father Shepherd the consuming fire the faithful God the Glory of Israel the great King above all gods the Majestic Glory the only God the spring of living water a glorious crown a refuge for the oppressed a shade from the heat a stronghold in times of trouble builder of everything defender of widows Father of compassion God Almighty God my Savior God of all comfort God of grace God of peace God our strength God who avenges me great and awesome God Helper of the fatherless Holy One among you Jealous King of heaven Lord Almighty Lord Most High Lord of all the earth Lord our God Lord who heals you Maker of all things my advocate my help my hope my refuge in the day of disaster my strong deliverer our dwelling place our Redeemer righteous judge Sovereign Lord the everlasting God the gardener (husbandman) the God who saves me the just and mighty One the Majesty in heaven the potter the strength of my heart Names of Jesus a banner for the peoples Anointed One author of their salvation bread of God chief cornerstone Christ of God crown of splendor first over all creation friend of tax collectors God's Son great Shepherd of the sheep head of the body, the church heir of all things Holy One of God born of salvation indescribable gift KING OF KINGS light for revelation to the Gentiles light of the world LORD OF LORDS Lord of the Sabbath Mediator of a new covenant Messiah my intercessor Physician Prince of princes refiner and purifier righteous man ruler of God's creation Shepherd and Overseer of your soul Son of the living God Teacher the Beginning and the End the First and the Last the Head the Living One the most holy the radiance of God's glory . the true light the way wisdom from God Word of God Alpha and Omega author and perfector of our faith blessed and only Ruler bread of life Chief Shepherd consolation of Israel Faithful and True friend of “sinners" God of all the earth great high priest he who searches hearts head of the church His one and only Son holy servant Jesus image of the invisible God Jesus King of the ages light of life Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Lord of peace man of sorrows merciful & faithful high priest morning star our Passover Lamb Prince and Savior Prince of the hosts resurrection and the life Righteous One ruler of the kings of the earth Son of Man Son of the Most High God the Amen the bright Morning Star the gate (door) the last Adam the living Stone the One and Only the rising of the sun, Dayspring the true vine the Word (Logos) witness to the peoples Word of life Ancient of Days author of life Branch of the Lord bridegroom chosen and precious cornerstone covenant for the people first to rise from the dead fragrant sacrifice to God God over all great light head of every man head over every authority Holy and Righteous One hope of Israel Immanuel (God with us) judge of the living and the dead Lamb of God light of men light of the mind Lord of the harvest Master messenger of the covenant my friend our peace Prince of Peace ransom for all men Righteous Judge Rock eternal (rock of ages) Savior of the world Son of the Blessed One sure foundation the atoning sacrifice for our sins the representation of his being the good shepherd the life the Lord our Righteousness the only God our Savior the stone the builders rejected the truth true bread from heaven Wonderful Counselor Names of The Holy Spirit a deposit (earnest) Holy One seal spirit of faith spirit of grace and supplication Spirit of Jesus Christ Spirit of life Spirit of the Sovereign Lord Spirit of wisdom and revelation the same gift another Counselor Holy Spirit Spirit of Christ spirit of fire Spirit of His Son spirit of judgment Spirit of our God Spirit of truth the gift Voice of the Almighty breath of the Almighty Holy Spirit of God Spirit of counsel and of power Spirit of glory Spirit of holiness spirit of justice Spirit of the Lord Spirit of understanding the promised Holy Spirit Voice of the Lord

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

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

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

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

The early church devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. This 4-week series will inspire you to live an empowered life of deep devotion. Embrace the divine call to triumphant living through the Word of God. Every individual birthed in the Spirit has the power to rise above worldly challenges, a victory achieved through unshakeable faith. Who can claim this victory? Only those who acknowledge and believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, as stated in 1 John 5:4-5. The Book of Revelation, a divine testament provided for our understanding and preparation for the end times, unfolds seven distinct and extraordinary promises for those who choose to overcome. Yet, the reality is that many among us are not experiencing this victorious life due to our personal wounds, an unwillingness to forgive, negative thought patterns, or even self-condemnation. Enter the Book of James, a treasure trove of practical wisdom that guides us on living as overcomers, particularly during periods of trials and tribulations. This sermon series will explore these teachings, illuminating the path to victorious living, and empowering every believer to embrace their identity as an overcomer. Living an Overcoming Life September 10 Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen Overcoming Trials and Temptations September 17 Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Overcoming Self-Deception September 24 Pastor Ken Shomo Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Overcoming Favoritism and Judging Others October 1 Vivian Hayes Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Overcoming Dead Faith October 8 Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen Overcoming the Tongue October 15 Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Overcoming Worldly Wisdom October 22 Rev. David Martin Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Overcoming Worldly Desires November 5 Pastor Marty O'Rourke Listen | Sermon Slides Overcoming Greed November 12 Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen Overcoming Suffering November 19 Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | List en | Sermon Slides Overcoming Through Prayer, Confession and Restoration November 26 Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides

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

Morning Trinitarian Prayer Good morning heavenly Father, good morning Lord Jesus, good morning Holy Spirit. Heavenly Father, I worship you as the creator and sustainer of the universe. Lord Jesus, I worship you, Savior and Lord of the world. Holy Spirit, I worship you, sanctifier of the people of God. Glory to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Heavenly Father, I pray that I may live this day in your presence and please you more and more. Lord Jesus, I pray that this day I may take up my cross and follow you. Holy Spirit, I pray that this day you will fill me with yourself and cause your fruit to ripen in my life: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Holy, blessed and glorious Trinity, three persons in one God, have mercy upon me. Amen. – John Stott, quoted in Basic Christian: The Inside Story of John Stott PRINTABLE VERSION

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.

Our Call to Reconciliation " We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God." (2 Corinthians 5:20) To be fully reconciled to God we must first be fully reconciled to each other. This sermon series looks to God’s Word for His wisdom and to His Holy Spirit for His counsel on those areas of life that so easily divide us. Our desire is to be effective ambassadors proclaiming the message of reconciliation, not only in the words we speak, but in the life we live individually and corporately. September 3, 2017 Introduction: What is the Purpose of a Memorial? Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation September 3, 2017 Where Do I Start? Pastor Jim Brown Slideshow Presentation September 10, 2017 Listen with Understanding Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation September 17, 2017 Battle Preparation for Reconciliation Dr. Marsha Staples Bulletin Insert September 24, 2017 God's Word on Politics Pastor Jim Brown Slideshow Presentation October 1, 2017 God's Word on Racism Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation Testimony from Tom Rohrer October 8, 2017 God's Word on Religion Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation October 15, 2017 Confronting Evil Pastor Jim Brown Slideshow Presentation October 22, 2017 Are You Pushing Back? Rev. Mark Cartledge Please reload

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