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

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

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

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION At Messiah, we believe that the Word of God is the final authority over everything we are and do. Messiah is host to a number of opportunities for in-depth study of the Scriptures that form the foundation of our faith and activities. Regardless of your age, background, or level of Biblical knowledge, there is a place for you to begin or continue your journey of learning all about God's Word. If you would like more information about any of these educational opportunities, please contact the church office . GET INVOLVED Children Today's world of confusing choices and changing values makes it absolutely necessary to give our children a strong foundation in the true Word of God. Messiah's Sunday School program focuses on Scriptural truths and the development of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Kids pre-K through Grade 5 gather every Sunday during the sermon to learn about God through fun lessons and activities. Connections Class Those who have recently started attending Messiah, would like to officially join the parish, or would just like to learn more about Messiah and the Christian faith, are encouraged to take the Connections Class. This five-session class (one class per week for five weeks) covers topics such as How to Use Your Gifts and Find Your Ministry, and How to Hear From God. This is a great opportunity to meet other people and grow in your faith. The class is offered twice a year. Home Groups In addition to being a wonderful fellowship opportunity, home groups often include Bible studies in their activities. To learn more about home groups, click here. Sermon Series & Studies Periodically our Sunday sermons will follow a theme for a number of weeks, focusing on a particular season, book or topic. A study will often accompany a sermon series, allowing for more in-depth exploration of the subject. Check out some of our past series and studies here . Study Resources There are many online resources to continue your education. Here are just a few: Christian Broadcasting Network Community Bible Study BibleGateway Bible Study Tools Our Daily Bread Ministries These and other study tools can also be found on our Resources page. MISSIONS FELLOWSHIP SERVING THE COMMUNITY CHURCH MINISTRIES

Preparing for Pentecost The Holy Spirit and You Deepen your love and appreciation for the Holy Spirit and His work in our lives as we prepare our hearts for Pentecost. Deepen your love and appreciation for the Holy Spirit and His work in our lives as we prepare our hearts for Pentecost. May 2023 Who Is the Holy Spirit? M ay 7 Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen Why Do I Need the Holy Spirit? I Tell You Th e Truth: It Is For Your Good That I Am Going Away May 14 Pastor Marty O'Ro urke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Why Do We Need the Holy Spirit? May 21 Pastor Nile Go mez Watch | Listen How Do I Receive the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit in You May 28 Pastor Marty O'Ro urke Wat ch | Listen | Sermon Slides

A Study of Hebrews 10-Week Sermon Series Autumn 2015 "In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God's glory, and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word." (Hebrews 1:1-3) Hebrews was written so that: We will exalt the Messiah above all things We will grasp the greatness of our salvation We will persevere in times of persecution We will see Jesus as High Priest and Mediator of a New Covenant In particular, Hebrews speaks to: Our fear of death Overcoming temptation The right and wrong place for sex The power of encouragement September 20, 2015 The Radiance of God's Glory (Hebrews 1:1 - 2:4) Pastor Marty O'Rourke September 27, 2015 The Initiator of Our Salvation "Jesus: God, Savior, and Lover of My Soul" (Hebrews 2:5 - 3:6) Rev. Hal Scott October 4, 2015 Our Rest (Hebrews 3:7 - 4:13) Rev. Mark Cartledge October 11, 2015 Our Merciful and Faithful High Priest (Hebrews 4:14 - 5:10) Pastor Marty O'Rourke October 18, 2015 High Priest Forever in the Order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 5:7 - 8:5) Pastor Marty O'Rourke November 1, 2015 Our Sacrifice - Once for All (Hebrews 9:23 - 10) Pastor Marty O'Rourke November 8, 2015 Jesus: Author and Perfecter of Our Faith (Hebrews 11:1 - 12:2) Pastor Jim Brown November 15, 2015 A Consuming Fire (Hebrews 12:4 - 29) Rev. Mark Cartledge November 22, 2015 The Great Shepherd of the Sheep (Hebrews 13) Pastor Marty O'Rourke

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.

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.

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

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

JANUARY 3-10 · JOIN THE CAST! The Chesapeake Area Shelter Team (CAST) is a compassionate community of faith that provides overnight winter shelter for those experiencing homelessness in Chesapeake. Every year from November to April, Chesapeake churches, synagogues, mosques, and organizations open their doors for one week, providing safe and warm shelter, as well as breakfast, lunch, and dinner, to up to 50 homeless individuals and families. Church of the Messiah has participated in the CAST program since 2014. In addition to shelter and meals, Messiah volunteers provide fellowship, prayer and the love of Christ to these homeless brothers and sisters. Volunteers of all ages and skill sets are needed – that means YOU! There are a number of volunteer roles to participate in, as well as helping with donations of food, supplies, and funds. Regardless of how much time or money you have, there are many ways to participate. Explore the links here to learn about these different volunteer opportunities. Sign up sheets will be in the foyer. Watch this video to learn more about CAST. QUESTIONS? Please fill out the form below, and we will get you the information you need as soon as possible. Your message was sent successfully! Send NEEDED DONATIONS If you are able, please bring donations to the church by Sunday, December 10. Click the r oles below to learn about different volunteer opportunities. Volunteers can serve individually or in a group. Sign up sheets are in the foyer. BUS/INTA KE TEAM REGISTRA TION TEAM HALL MON ITORS DINNE R ACTIVITI ES OVERNIG HT TEAM BREAKFA ST MORNING CLEANUP BAG LU NCHES LAUNDRY TEAM VOLUNTEER! And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

Anchor 3 Abiding in Christ Through Daily Engagement with the Scriptures Spring 2021 Why are we focusing on scriptural engagement? As I was seeking the Lord about the next sermon series, I came across the research of two pastors who wanted to know how to strengthen the Body of Christ. They did research that included 1000 churches and they came to this conclusion: Nothing has a greater impact on spiritual growth than reflection on Scripture. If churches do only one thing to help people at all levels of spiritual maturity grow in their relationship with Christ, the choice is clear. They would inspire, encourage, and equip their people to read the Bible — specifically, to reflect on Scripture for meaning in their lives. The Bible’s power to advance spiritual growth is unrivaled by anything else we’ve discovered. — Pastor Marty STEP 1: TAKE A SCRIPTURAL SELF-ASSESSMENT SUNDAYS @ 10 AM February 14-May 23 in-person or livestream THURSDAYS @ 7 PM February 25-March 25 on Zoom 2/14 Shaped by God's Word Ken Shomo Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides 2/21 Abiding in the Living Word Vivian Hayes Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides 2/28 How God Reveals Himself to Us in His Word Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides 3/7 Why a Plan? Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen 3/14 Creation: Why Did God Create Us? Joe Kohm Watch | Listen 3/21 Fall and the Promises of the Word for a Savior Fr. Dominick Hankle Watch | Listen 3/28 The Word Arrives: On a Donkey - For Now Pastor John Dooley Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides 4/4 The Resurrection: The Word Is Proven to be True Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen 4/11 The Church: People Living in the Word Deacon Tom Sweeney Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides 4/18 The Great Ending Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen 4/25 What Does The Bible Say About Itself? Rev. David Martin Watch | Listen 5/2 Trusting the Bible & Living the Gospel Pastor Ken Shomo Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides 5/9 How the Word is Living and Active Vivian Hayes Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides 5/16 How the Holy Spirit Empowers Us to Engage in God’s Word Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen 5/23 Being Filled with the Holy Spirit Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides EXPLORE DEEPER Join us online on Thursday evenings for deeper explorations of Sunday sermon topics. Zoom Meeting ID: 928 2372 1136 or click here to join 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 WEDNESDAYS @ 7 PM February 24-March 31 on Zoom A LENTEN STUDY OF EPHESIANS "A Life Lived in the Spirit" with Dr. John Dooley Zoom Meeting ID: 780 7929 3062 Zoom Passcode: yfP5er or click here to join Weekly Reading Assignments 2/24 Module 1: No Longer Strangers Readings Listen | Slides 3/3 Module 2: Saved and Unified Readings Listen | Slides 3/10 Module 3: Empowered and Strengthened Readings Listen | Slides 3/17 Module 4: Living a Life of Unity Readings Listen | Slides 3/24 Module 5: Spirit Life in the Culture Readings Listen | Slides 3/31 Module 6: Stand Firm Therefore! Readings Listen | Slides SCRIPTURE PLANS Parenting by Design Daily Devotional- 280 Days Experiencing God At Home For Daily Family - 12 Days Daily Office Lectionary Navigators Reading Plan YouVersion Bible App for smartphones, tablets & online Anchor 1 Anchor 2