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?"

Sunday Sermons JUNE 19, 2022 Always Be Prepared to Be Reasonable Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Sunday Sermons JUNE 26, 2022 Can I Really Trust the Bible? Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen Sunday Sermons July 3, 2022 Is God Anti-Gay? Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Special Testimony by Tim Maurer Sunday Sermons July 10, 2022 Is the Church Too Political? Pastor Ken Shomo Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Sunday Sermons July 17, 2022 How Could a Loving God Allow So Much Suffering? Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen Sunday Sermons July 24, 2022 Does God Hate Women? Vivian Hayes Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Sunday Sermons July 31, 2022 Is There a "GOSPEL" of Biblical Sexuality? Rev. David Martin Watch | Listen Sunday Sermons August 7, 2022 Are Science and Faith Incompatible? Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen Sunday Sermons August 14, 2022 How Can a Loving God Allow People to Go to Hell? Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Sunday Sermons August 21, 2022 Isn't There More Than One Way to God? Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen Sunday Sermons August 28, 2022 Has the Church Become an Un-Safe Place? Pastor Ken Shomo Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Sunday Sermons September 4, 2022 Who Am I? Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Sunday Sermons September 11, 2022 Where Are We Now? Tim Maurer Watch | Listen Why did Jesus so often respond to a question with a question? I read that “Jesus is almost 40 times more likely to respond to a misstatement, a comment, a question, or a threat from someone by drawing them further into conversation rather than just pouncing with a proclamation.” How different this is than how people relate to one another through social media. I also know that one of the main reasons young people walk away from the faith is that there is no opportunity given them to discuss these tough questions. As our culture continues to move away from Christian values, and the attack on our faith grows more intense, we need to be able to give a reasonable answer for the hope that we have in Christ. — Pastor Marty Please join us beginning June 19 for our summer sermon series, “Tough Questions.” Two goals for this series are: To help us personally answer tough faith questions; To equip us to respond to others, believers and unbelievers, who are asking tough faith questions. Topics will include: Always Be Prepared to Be Reasonable Can I really trust the Bible? Is God anti-gay? Is Christianity misogynistic? How and why should Christians engage with politics? What do Christians believe about sex and human sexuality? How could a loving God allow so much suffering? Are science and faith incompatible? How can a loving God allow people to go to hell? All sermons will be recorded and will be posted online each week.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. - Romans 15:13 According to Scripture, hope is confident expectation in the certainty of God's faithfulness to fulfill his promises. Our sermon series will explore various facets of hope that empower us to live victoriously as witnesses for Christ in the midst of life's trials and tribulations. Come and be filled with joy and peace; go and share from the overflow of hope to those in need. December 3, 2017 The Power of Hope in Christ Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation December 10, 2017 Hope Is On the Way Pastor Jim Brown December 17, 2017 The Reason for Hope Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation December 24, 2017 (10:00 am) The Certainty of Hope Pastor Jim Brown Slideshow Presentation December 24, 2017 (Christmas Eve) Hope Has Arrived Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation December 31, 2017 The Love That Hope in Christ Releases! Deacon Tom Sweeney When He Comes January 14, 2018 The Light That Hope in Christ Releases! Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation January 21, 2018 The Joy That Hope in Christ Releases! Pastor Jim Brown Slideshow Presentation January 28, 2018 The Boldness That Hope in Christ Releases! Rev. David Martin Slideshow Presentation "Confession" handout February 4, 2018 The Hope in Christ that Releases Endurance Pastor John Dooley Slideshow Presentation Sermon Handout Please reload

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.

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

Ladies' Christmas Dinner Monday, December 3, 6:00 p.m. Join us for a time of food, fun and fellowship! Ladies ages 13 to 113 are invited, so bring a guest to enjoy a delicious potluck dinner, music, and a talk! Please bring a dish to share (see the sign-up sheet in the foyer) and a toy gift for Sanctuary of Hope. (It's helpful if the gifts are in gift bags, marked "boy" or "girl" and an appropriate age range.) Please contact Elizabeth McGinnis with any questions, and we hope to see you there!

Seasons of Planting and Harvest Women's Ministry Fall Potluck Brunch Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; y ou will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 Saturday, September 28 | 9:30 - 11:30 am Messiah Fellowship Hall For ALL women | Bring a guest & a dish to share | Sign up in the foyer We will be collecting items to benefit the women at H.E.R. Shelter in Portsmouth. Help and Emergency Response provides intervention, advocacy, and shelter for victims of domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking, and human trafficking. These women are often forced to leave their homes for safety with little more than the clothes they have on. Please consider helping another woman feel strong, empowered and loved by bringing in new personal items such as soaps, lotions, shaving gel, razors, body spray, deodorants, make-up, nail polish, inc. Filling a make-up bag is always a nice touch. If you would like, you can include a note of encouragement or scripture that would bless and comfort a woman in crisis. Tidewater Domestic Violence 24-hour Hotline: 757-251-0144

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

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

Father's Love Letter MY CHILD… You may not know me, but I know everything about You … Psalm 139:1 I know when you sit down and when you rise up … Psalm 139:2 I am familiar with all your ways … Psalm 139:3 Even the very hairs on your head are numbered … Matthew 10:29-31 For you were made in my image … Genesis 1:27 In me you live and move and have your being … For you are my offspring … Acts 17:28 I chose you when I planned creation … Ephesians 1:11-12 You were not a mistake … Psalm 139:15-16 For all your days are written in my book … Psalm 139:15-16 You are fearfully and wonderfully made … Psalm 139:14 I knit you together in your mother's womb … Psalm 139:13 And brought you forth on the day you were born … Psalm 71:6 And it is my desire to lavish my love on you … Simply because you are my child and I am your Father … 1 John 3:1 I offer you more than your earthly father ever could … Matthew 7:11 For I am the perfect Father … Matthew 5:48 Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand … James 1:17 For I am your provider and I meet all your needs … Matthew 6:31-33 Because I love you with an everlasting love … Jeremiah 31:3 My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore … Psalm 139:17-18 And I rejoice over you with singing … Zephaniah 3:17 Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart … Psalm 37:4 I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine … Ephesians 3:20 For I am your greatest encourager … 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles … 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you … Psalm 34:18 As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart … Isaiah 40:11 One day I will wipe every tear from your eyes and take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth … Revelation 21:3-4 I am your Father and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus … John 17:23 For in Jesus my love for you is revealed … John 17:26 He is the exact representation of my being … Hebrews 1:3 And He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you … Romans 8:31 And to tell you that I am not counting your sins … 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled … 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you … 1 John 4:10 If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me … 1 John 2:23 And nothing will ever separate you from my love again … Romans 8:38-39 Love, Your Dad Excerpts from Father’s Love Letter compiled by Bany Adams © 1999. Visit the interactive website at www.FathersLoveLetter.com. Father's Love Letter MY CHILD… You may not know me, but I know everything about You … Psalm 139:1 I know when you sit down and when you rise up … Psalm 139:2 I am familiar with all your ways … Psalm 139:3 Even the very hairs on your head are numbered … Matthew 10:29-31 For you were made in my image … Genesis 1:27 In me you live and move and have your being … For you are my offspring … Acts 17:28 I chose you when I planned creation … Ephesians 1:11-12 You were not a mistake … Psalm 139:15-16 For all your days are written in my book … Psalm 139:15-16 You are fearfully and wonderfully made … Psalm 139:14 I knit you together in your mother's womb … Psalm 139:13 And brought you forth on the day you were born … Psalm 71:6 And it is my desire to lavish my love on you … Simply because you are my child and I am your Father … 1 John 3:1 I offer you more than your earthly father ever could … Matthew 7:11 For I am the perfect Father … Matthew 5:48 Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand … James 1:17 For I am your provider and I meet all your needs … Matthew 6:31-33 Because I love you with an everlasting love … Jeremiah 31:3 My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore … Psalm 139:17-18 And I rejoice over you with singing … Zephaniah 3:17 Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart … Psalm 37:4 I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine … Ephesians 3:20 For I am your greatest encourager … 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles … 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you … Psalm 34:18 As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart … Isaiah 40:11 One day I will wipe every tear from your eyes and take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth … Revelation 21:3-4 I am your Father and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus … John 17:23 For in Jesus my love for you is revealed … John 17:26 He is the exact representation of my being … Hebrews 1:3 And He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you … Romans 8:31 And to tell you that I am not counting your sins … 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled … 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you … 1 John 4:10 If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me … 1 John 2:23 And nothing will ever separate you from my love again … Romans 8:38-39 Love, Your Dad Excerpts from Father’s Love Letter compiled by Bany Adams © 1999. Visit the interactive website at www.FathersLoveLetter.com. PRINTABLE VERSION

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