The Rev. Dr. Martin K. O'Rourke Rector If the alumni of my graduating high school class gave an award to the person who ended up in the least likely job, I believe I would win. As a teen, I was constantly trying to prove myself through sports and by being accepted by others. It is alarming to consider where I would be today if the Lord Jesus Christ had not changed my life. I am still amazed that the Lord called me to be a pastor, and my passion is to see lives transformed by Jesus Christ. My first call in ministry is to trust and love the Lord with all my heart. I am also called to love my wonderful wife as Christ loved the church, and to be a godly father to my four children and two grandchildren. I am very thankful for God’s call on me to be a pastor, serving the people of Messiah. We seek to make disciples who in turn make disciples by emphasizing mentoring relationships. I am very encouraged by the growing diversity in our church as people connect across generations, ethnicities, economic and social backgrounds, and with those who have disabilities. We also serve our community by providing Joyful Noise Club, an outreach to young people with disabilities; having a companion relationship with a church in Portsmouth that has a ministry to the poor; and participating with other ministries, including CAST, a ministry to the homeless, Heart of Compassion, and Serve the City. I have a heart for building fellowship and unity among local church pastors, so Messiah holds a monthly gathering for ministers from various denominations. God used my heart for local church pastors to develop a training titled Guard Your Heart , designed to equip Christian leaders to walk in purity. For fun and exercise, I ride my bike five days a week with my wife, and two days a week I play racquetball. Before coming to Church of the Messiah in 1995, I served as Rector at Church of the Resurrection near Akron, Ohio; as Associate Rector at St. Martin's in Monroeville, Pa.; and as Youth Advisor to the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

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

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

2025 Lenten Sermon & Speaker Series Becoming Like CHRIST What is God's purpose for His people? He wants us to become like Christ. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. (Romans 8:29 NLT) Why does God want us to become more like Christ? The more we do, the greater will be our joy, our sense of purpose, our fulfillment, and our capacity to love as He loves us. This Lenten study is designed to encourage us in spiritual habits that will enable us to become more like Jesus. Join us Sundays at 10 a.m. and Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. CLICK HERE Follow- Through Strategies Sunday Sermons Weekly @ 10 am March 9, 2025 | First Sunday of Lent The Speed of Love Pastor Jim Brown Watch | Listen ____________________________________ March 16, 2025 | Second Sunday of Lent Obstacles to Becoming Like Jesus Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides ____________________________________ March 23, 2025 | Third Sunday of Lent Overflowing Abundance, the Heart of Christian Giving Tim Maurer Listen ____________________________________ March 30, 2025 | Fourth Sunday of Lent Solitude: Securing Space for Our Relationship with God Pastor Ken Shomo Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides ____________________________________ April 6, 2025 | Fifth Sunday of Lent How Scripture Forms Us To Be Like Christ Chaplain David Martin Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Lenten Speaker Series Wednesdays @ 6:30 pm March 12, 2025 Praying Like Jesus Chaplain Bob Fox Watch ____________________________________ March 19, 2025 Walking Like Jesus Pastor Jimmy Brockway Watch ____________________________________ March 26, 2025 Living Like Jesus Pastor Durant Kreider Watch ____________________________________ April 2, 2025 Listening Like Jesus Pastor Ron Jones Watch ____________________________________ April 9, 2025 The "Why" Behind Scripture Aaron Bennett Watch

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

Francis Chan: Forgotten God SERMON SERIES WINTER 2013 What Are You Afraid Of? February 24, 2013 | Pastor Jim Brown Theology of the Holy Spirit 101 March 3, 2013 | Pastor Marty O'Rourke Why Do You Want Him? March 10, 2013 | Rev. Mark Cartledge A Real Relationship March 17, 2013 | Pastor Marty O'Rourke Lord, Forgive the Judas In Me March 24, 2013 | Pastor Jim Brown Forget About His Will For Your Life! April 7, 2013 | Ashley Plunkett Supernatural Church PowerPoint Presentation April 14, 2013 | Pastor Jim

Sermon Archives December 31, 2023 | First Sunday of Christmas A View From the Finish Line - Rev. David Martin WATCH December 24, 2023 | Fourth Sunday in Advent Unveiling the Mystery: From David's Throne to Mary's Womb - Pastor Nile Gomez WATCH December 17, 2023 | Third Sunday in Advent He Must Increase, But I Must Decrease - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH December 10, 2023 | Second Sunday in Advent Prepare the Way - Pastor Nile Gomez WATCH December 3, 2023 | First Sunday in Advent Son Of Man Coming in Clouds with Great Power and Glory - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH November 26, 2023 | Last Sunday After Pentecost (Christ the King) Overcoming through Prayer, Confession and Restoration - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH November 19, 2023 | Twenty-Fifth Sunday After Pentecost Overcoming Suffering - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH November 12, 2023 | Twenty-Fourth Sunday After Pentecost Overcoming Greed - Pastor Nile Gomez WATCH October 29, 2023 | Twenty-Second Sunday After Pentecost God's Love, Our Assurance - Bishop Chris Warner WATCH October 22, 2023 | Twenty-First Sunday After Pentecost Overcoming Worldly Wisdom - Rev. David Martin WATCH October 15, 2023 | Twentieth Sunday After Pentecost Overcoming the Tongue - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH October 8, 2023 | Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost Overcoming Dead Faith - Pastor Nile Gomez WATCH October 1, 2023 | Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost Overcoming Favoritism and Judging Others - Vivian Hayes WATCH September 24, 2023 | Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost Overcoming Self-Deception - Pastor Ken Shomo WATCH September 17, 2023 | Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost Overcoming Trials and Temptations - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH September 10, 2023 | Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost Living as an Overcomer - Pastor Nile Gomez WATCH September 3, 2023 | Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost The Greater Reality - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH August 27, 2023 | Thirteenth Sunday After Pentecost Why Am I A Christian? - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH August 20, 2023 | Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost Embracing God's Inclusive Love - Pastor Nile Gomez WATCH August 13, 2023 | Eleventh Sunday After Pentecost Who Do You Identify With? - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH August 6, 2023 | Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ Show Me Your Glory! - Pastor Nile Gomez WATCH July 30, 2023 | Ninth Sunday After Pentecost Be Still and Know that I AM God - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH July 23, 2023 | Eighth Sunday After Pentecost Divine Appointments - Pastor Nile Gomez WATCH July 16, 2023 | Seventh Sunday After Pentecost Listening Lessons from Hannah - Vivian Hayes WATCH July 9, 2023 | Sixth Sunday After Pentecost Transforming Concerns & Complaints into Conversations with God - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH July 2, 2023 | Fifth Sunday After Pentecost The Kindness of God - Tim Maurer WATCH June 25, 2023 | Fourth Sunday After Pentecost The Eucharist - Remembering, Receiving, and Renewing - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH June 18, 2023 | Third Sunday After Pentecost Devoted to Prayer - Pastor Ken Shomo WATCH June 11, 2023 | Second Sunday After Pentecost Fellowship - Pastor Nile Gomez WATCH June 4, 2023 | Trinity Sunday Church, Devote Yourselves - Vivian Hayes WATCH May 28, 2023 | Day of Pentecost The Holy Spirit in You - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH May 21, 2023 | Seventh Sunday of Easter Why Do We Need the Holy Spirit? - Pastor Nile Gomez WATCH May 14, 2023 | Sixth Sunday of Easter I Tell You The Truth: It Is For Your Good That I Am Going Away - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH May 7, 2023 | Fifth Sunday of Easter Who Is the Holy Spirit? - Pastor Nile Gomez WATCH April 30, 2023 | Fourth Sunday of Easter Five Forms of Intimacy - Pastor Ken Shomo WATCH April 23, 2023 | Third Sunday of Easter "Put On Love: Creating Connection & Fostering Relationship - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH April 16, 2023 | Second Sunday of Easter Intimacy or Isolation? - Pastor Ken Shomo WATCH April 9, 2023 | Resurrection Sunday He Is Risen! Our Firstfruits - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH April 7, 2023 | Good Friday Good Friday Homily - Bishop Chris Warner WATCH April 2, 2023 | Palm Sunday God Is in Control - Pastor Nile Gomez WATCH March 26, 2023 | Fifth Sunday in Lent Revival and Fullness - Vivian Hayes WATCH March 19, 2023 | Fourth Sunday in Lent Freedom From Depravity - Tim Maurer WATCH March 12, 2023 | Third Sunday in Lent With All Your Heart - Pastor Nile Gomez WATCH March 5, 2023 | Second Sunday in Lent God's Kindness Leads To Our Repentance - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH February 26, 2023 | First Sunday in Lent Knowing Ourselves by Knowing God - Fr. Dominick Hankle WATCH February 19, 2023 | Last Sunday of Epiphany (Transfiguration Sunday) Humbled Hearts - Pastor Ken Shomo WATCH February 12, 2023 | Sixth Sunday of Epiphany Walking in the Fear of the Lord - Rev. David Martin WATCH February 5, 2023 | Fifth Sunday of Epiphany Do It Again, God! - Pastor Nile Gomez WATCH January 29, 2023 | Fourth Sunday of Epiphany Without Faith It Is Impossible to Please God - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH January 22, 2023 | Third Sunday of Epiphany Perceive the Glory of His Marvelous Works - Vivian Hayes WATCH January 15, 2023 | Second Sunday of Epiphany Jesus, the Light of the World - Pastor Nile Gomez WATCH January 8, 2023 | First Sunday of Epiphany What Did It Mean for Jesus to Be Called King of the Jews? - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH January 1, 2023 | Second Sunday of Christmas Testimonies - What Has Jesus Done New in Your Life? WATCH December 24, 2022 | Christmas Eve The Incarnation Reveals God's Desire to Have a Personal Relationship with Us -�Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH December 18, 2022 | Fourth Sunday in Advent (Annunciation Sunday) The Incarnation Reveals Christ's Victory over Sin and Death - Pastor Ken Shomo WATCH December 11, 2022 | Third Sunday in Advent The Incarnation Reveals the Exact Imprint of God's Nature - Pastor Nile Gomez WATCH December 4, 2022 | Second Sunday in Advent The Incarnation Reveals God's Understanding of Us - Tim Maurer WATCH November 27, 2022 | First Sunday in Advent The Incarnation Reveals the Humility of God - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH November 20, 2022 | Last Sunday After Pentecost Grace to More Than Simply Get Along - Rev. David Martin WATCH November 13, 2022 | Twenty-Third Sunday After Pentecost Hardwired for Generosity - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH November 6, 2022 | Twenty-Second Sunday After Pentecost Love Is a Verb- Pastor Nile Gomez WATCH October 30, 2022 | Twenty-First Sunday After Pentecost Zacchaeus: The Unlikely Convert - Bishop John Guernsey WATCH October 23, 2022 | Twentieth Sunday After Pentecost Emotions in the Image of God - Pastor Ken Shomo WATCH October 16, 2022 | Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost The Gospel and the Whole Person - Fr. Dominick Hankle WATCH October 9, 2022 | Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost Boast in the Lord - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH October 2, 2022 | Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost Technology and the Body - Pastor Nile Gomez WATCH September 18, 2022 | Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost Wonderfully Made Why? - Pastor Ken Shomo WATCH September 11, 2022 | Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost Where Are We Now? - Tim Maurer WATCH September 4, 2022 | Thirteenth Sunday After Pentecost Who Am I? - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH August 28, 2022 | Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost Has the Church Become an Un-Safe Place? - Pastor Ken Shomo WATCH August 21, 2022 | Eleventh Sunday After Pentecost Isn't There More Than One Way to God?- Pastor Nile Gomez WATCH August 14, 2022 | Tenth Sunday After Pentecost How Can a Loving God Allow People to Go to Hell?- Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH August 7, 2022 | Ninth Sunday After Pentecost Are Science and Faith Incompatible?- Pastor Nile Gomez WATCH July 31, 2022 | Eighth Sunday After Pentecost Is There a "GOSPEL" of Biblical Sexuality? - Rev. David Martin WATCH July 24, 2022 | Seventh Sunday After Pentecost Does God Hate Women? - Vivian Hayes WATCH July 17, 2022 | Sixth Sunday After Pentecost How Could a Loving God Allow So Much Suffering?- Pastor Nile Gomez WATCH July 10, 2022 | Fifth Sunday After Pentecost Is the Church Too Political? - Pastor Ken Shomo WATCH July 3, 2022 | Fourth Sunday After Pentecost Is God Anti-Gay? - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH June 26, 2022 | Third Sunday After Pentecost Can I Really Trust the Bible?- Pastor Nile Gomez WATCH June 19, 2022 | Second Sunday After Pentecost Always Be Prepared to Be Reasonable - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH June 12, 2022 | Trinity Sunday I Tell You the Truth - Vivian Hayes WATCH June 5, 2022 | The Day of Pentecost Filled With Power - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH May 29, 2022 | Seventh Sunday of Easter Jesus Prayer for Us - Pastor Nile Gomez WATCH May 22, 2022 | Sixth Sunday of Easter What Are You Waiting For? - Pastor Jim Brown WATCH May 15, 2022 | Fifth Sunday of Easter When Does Life Begin? - Pastor Jim Brown WATCH May 8, 2022 | Fourth Sunday of Easter Live Loved - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH May 1, 2022 | Third Sunday of Easter Breakfast with Jesus - Pastor Nile Gomez WATCH April 24, 2022 | Second Sunday of Easter Jesus Departs - Rev. Justin Murff WATCH April 17, 2022 | Resurrection Sunday The Resurrection: Worth Pursuing - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH April 10, 2022 | Palm Sunday Triumphant in Christ - Pastor Nile Gomez WATCH April 3, 2022 | Fifth Sunday in Lent The Many Dimensions of Forgiveness - Rev. David Martin WATCH March 27, 2022 | Fourth Sunday in Lent Rich Toward God - Pastor Ken Shomo WATCH March 20, 2022 | Third Sunday in Lent Repentance: a Gift of Love - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH March 13, 2022 | Second Sunday in Lent Lonely for God - Pastor Nile Gomez WATCH March 6, 2022 | First Sunday in Lent Hungry for God - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH February 27, 2022 | Last Sunday of Epiphany (Transfiguration Sunday) The Mountain and the Valley - Pastor Nile Gomez WATCH February 20, 2022 | Seventh Sunday of Epiphany Here I Am Lord! Send ? - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH February 13, 2022 | Sixth Sunday of Epiphany How to Live a Happy Life - Pastor Nile Gomez WATCH February 6, 2022 | Fifth Sunday of Epiphany Do You See What I See? - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH January 30, 2022 | Fourth Sunday of Epiphany Five Intelligible Words - Pastor Nile Gomez WATCH

Ken Shomo Discipleship Pastor I grew up in the church and benefited from my mother's prayers and vibrant faith. At age 18 that faith came fully alive through the work of God's grace and Holy Spirit. I was soon called into vocational ministry and have now served in various ministries for over 30 years. I simply enjoy people and have been privileged to serve all age groups. Along the way I also earned a Master of Divinity (M.Div) degree from Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, and I'm now working on a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min). I serve as a counselor at HopeWell Ministries. I’ve been married 20 years to Cheryl and we have two children, Cullen and Zoey.

WAYS TO GIVE Your gifts and tithes are very much appreciated! Paypal : Log in to your Paypal account or sign up for Paypal using one of the links below. Your Bank : Use your bank’s online bill-pay system to set up a one-time or recurring gift payable to Church of the Messiah. Gifts should be sent to 816 Kempsville Road, Chesapeake, Virginia 23320. Church of the Messiah (General Funds) Foreign Missions Inreach/Outreach

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

"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." Proverbs 4:23 The Rev. Dr. Marty O'Rourke has served as a local church pastor for over 35 years in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Medina, Ohio; and Chesapeake, Virginia. He is passionate about equipping Christian leaders to finish well. While researching sexual misconduct in the church for his Doctor of Ministry dissertation, he discovered that prevention training of leaders reduces the likelihood of moral failure. Most prevention training has primarily a psychological approach, whereas the "Guard Your Heart" prevention training that Pastor Marty developed is grounded in the Scriptures and the social sciences. Many Christian leaders do not finish well. Paul, who finished well, writes to his spiritual son, Timothy: "Set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity" (1Timothy 4:12). The primary purpose of this training is to empower pastors and Christian leaders to finish their race well, by understanding the unique temptations leaders and their families face in a culture where temptation, especially sexual, abounds. Click the link above to watch the opening session of the Guard Your Heart training. Escaping Sexual Sin Before It's Too Late , By Rev. Marty O'Rourke. Click here to view article published on CBN.com Contact: Rev. Marty O'Rourke Church of the Messiah 816 Kempsville Road Chesapeake, VA 23320 (757) 436-2545 morourke@churchofthemessiah.org Marty has presented the Guard Your Heart training numerous times to the Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA); M.Div and D.Min. classes at Regent University; chaplains at Portsmouth Naval Hospital; the Falls Church staff in Falls Church, VA; Mid-Atlantic Christian University, and hundreds of pastors and church planters in Kenya, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. What others are saying about "Guard Your Heart" As an Executive Pastor I had my staff attend the Guard Your Heart workshop led by the Rev. Marty O'Rourke. I have been a pastor for over twenty years, and my wife and I have been in ministry in several different churches over the years. I have also had my staff take several different workshops on prevention of misconduct of various kinds. I found the Guard Your Heart workshop to be the most helpful in addressing issues straightforwardly, but from a positive Christian point of view. (The Rev. Dr.) Frederick Wright Senior Associate Rector, The Falls Church Falls Church, Va. 22046 We are greatly privileged to have such an experienced, encouraging, well-equipped presentation. You know whereof you speak, making it accessible for students to understand and practical to apply. I have no doubt that you prevented problems in our students' lives and ministries, and equipped them to serve others better. Mark A. Jumper, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Theological and Ministerial Studies School of Divinity, Regent University The Guard Your Heart training seminar is an asset to any ministry or organization, one of the most powerful tools available today is a preemptive strike against the problems of integrity and sexual misconduct before they happen. My opinion should be an essential part of all leadership preparation I strongly encourage you to consider this seminar for your ministry or organization. I would be delighted to comment further on this seminar resource contacted by phone or email. Sincerely, Dr. James T. Flynn Associate Professor of Practical Theology Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program School of Divinity, Regent University jamefly@regent.edu 757.352.4527 My husband and I have been married for 33 years. We have been in ordained ministry for 28 of those years. Entering parish life after seminary was something we were not prepared for. The demands of "The Church" and the demands of a family can become overwhelming. I wish we had heard this teaching before leaving Seminary. There are so many "mine fields" in the ministry. Rev. O'Rourke shared practical ways to prevent getting "blown away." His message was proactive, like the Priests having an accountability partner, and letting your wife know about all your appointments, especially when women are involved. There were many other great suggestions. Penny Rauh Church of the Epiphany-Anglican Herndon, VA To: Whom It May Concern From: Charles J. Cunningham Jr., Lt Gen, USAF (Retired) Joint Forces Staff College Subject: Improper Behavior, Temptation, and Avoiding Trouble This is my personal endorsement of, and professional judgment regarding a very important program designed by the Rev. Dr. Marty O'Rourke to prepare leaders to do the right things when associating with others, especially those under their leadership.

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