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

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 Series | June-July 2020 Sermon Series | Summer-Fall 2020 How do we run the race of life in the midst of a pandemic? And what does winning look like? When our in-person services were first affected by COVID-19, I thought this would be a short-term issue, more like running a sprint or a quick obstacle course. Making the jump to hold online services meant overcoming a wall for us. Now, however, it seems like we are in the midst of a marathon. -- Pastor Marty O'Rourke What goes into running — and finishing — a marathon? How do we prepare ourselves physically and mentally? Who will run with us? And what happens if we fall and hurt ourselves? Messiah member Vivian Hayes, a runner herself, shares this insight: Whether on a course filled with obstacles or on a flat road, the longer one remains on that course, the more challenging that appointed race becomes as physical and mental fatigue sets in. An endurance race has a different type of difficulty than a sprint. A sprint is about physical ability, whereas in an endurance race mental strength plays an important role. Join us in exploring how God will equip us to run this race together to become more like Christ. July 26, 2020 Our Course: Run the Race to Win Pastor Marty O'Rourke Audio Only Slideshow Presentation August 2, 2020 Our Commitment: Finish the Race Pastor Marty O'Rourke Audio Only Slideshow Presentation August 9, 2020 Our Training: Throw Hindrances Aside Pastor Nile Gomez Audio Only August 16, 2020 Our Team: Not Running Alone Pastor Marty O'Rourke Audio Only Slideshow Presentation August 23, 2020 Our Attitude: Run With Perseverance Vivian Hayes Audio Only Slideshow Presentation August 30, 2020 Our Encouragement: Cloud of Witnesses Vivian Hayes Audio Only Slideshow Presentation September 6, 2020 Our Commitment: Get Back Up Pastor Nile Gomez Audio Only September 13, 2020 Our Endurance: Overcoming Injury Rev. Ken Shomo Audio Only Slideshow Presentation September 20, 2020 Our Focus: Victory In Christ Pastor Marty O'Rourke Audio Only Slideshow Presentation Please reload

Lent 2022 The Lent Experience, a video series and journal by Eric Ferris, aims to embrace the heart and purpose of Lent traditions, encouraging people to experience and be transformed by the main elements of Lent in their real lives. It is designed to help people, both familiar and unfamiliar with liturgical calendar practices, to observe Lent and rediscover the significance of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Sunday Sermon SEries Sunday Sermons March 6, 2022 FASTING: "Hungry for God" Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Sunday Sermons March 13, 2022 SOLITUDE: "Lonely for God" Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen Sunday Sermons March 20, 2022 repentance: A Gift of Love Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Sunday Sermons March 27, 2022 ALMSGIVING: Rich Toward God Pastor Ken Shomo Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Sunday Sermons April 3, 2022 FORGIVENESS: The Many Dimensions of Forgiveness REv. David Martin Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Sunday Sermons April 10, 2022 PALM SUNDAY: Triumphant in Christ Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen Sunday Sermons April 17, 2022 The Resurrection: Worth Pursuing Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides The Lenten Challenge Explore in-depth the elements of the Lenten season talked about in the Sunday sermons and challenge yourself to put them into practice. Each session will include a video and discussion. Additional content and opportunities for personal reflection can be found in The Lent Experience Journal (if you didn't get a paper copy, digital copies can be purchased by clicking here .) There are two ways to join this "Lenten Challenge": In-Person Class - Tuesdays @ 11:30 am Join Pastor Marty in the Fellowship Hall for teaching, discussion, and lunch! Zoom Class - Wednesdays @ 7 pm Pastor Nile will lead this online class and discussion group. From your Zoom App: Meeting ID: 850 2341 5629 Passcode: 863767 Or Click Here to join! Links for each week's videos can be found below. The Lent Experience: Trailer Video The Lent Experience: Ash Wednesday March 8 (In-Person) / March 9 (Online) Challenge #1: Fasting Video: The Lent Experience - Fasting Pastor Marty's Class Slides March 15 (In-Person) / March 16 (Online) Challenge #2: Silence & Solitude Video: The Lent Experience - Solitude March 22 (In-Person) / March 23 (Online) Challenge #3: Repentance Video: The Lent Experience - Repentance March 29 (In-Person) / March 30 (Online) Challenge #4: Almsgiving Video: The Lent Experience -Almsgiving April 5 (In-Person) / April 6 (Online) Challenge #5: Forgiveness Video: The Lent Experience - Forgiveness

"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.

with Dr. John Dooley Presented February/March, 2021 MODULE 1: February 24, 2021 - No Longer Strangers Reading Assignments February 18 – 23: Primary reading : Ephesians 1:1-23. Read through several times, then read the following texts the remaining of the week: Church at Ephesus : Acts 18:24-28 Related passages : Genesis 1:1-2; 3:1-24 Isaiah 14:12-21 & 61:1-4 Matthew 13:16-17 Romans 8:15-23 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 Galatians 4:5 Colossians 1:1-2,11-20 Hebrews 11:3 1 Peter 1:20 2 Peter 1:3-4 1 John 5:19 Questions to ponder as you read: What is the purpose of the Bible, that is, why was it written? What is the purpose for the Book of Ephesians? (Why was it written? Identify in Ephesians 1 at least three major points you think are important. MODULE 2: March 3, 2021 - Saved and Unified Reading Assignments February 25 – March 2: Primary Reading : Ephesians 2:1-22 (Read through several times.) Church at Ephesus : Acts 19:1-10 Related passages : Leviticus 19:9-18 Deuteronomy 22:1-4; 30:1-10 Numbers 21:4-9; 32:20-27 Psalm 49:5-9 Isaiah 57:18-19 Mark 9:38-41; 12:28-34 John 3:25-27 & 8:42-44 Romans 12:1-2 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 1 John 4:7-21 Revelation 21:2-4 MODULE 3: March 10, 2021 - Empowered and Strengthened Reading Assignments March 4-9: Primary Reading : Ephesians 3:1-21 (Read several times) Church at Ephesus : Acts 19:11-20 Related passages : Isaiah 55:6-11 Matthew 16:13-18 Acts 9:1-19 Romans 11:33-36 1 Corinthians 15:8-11 2 Corinthians 12:1-6 Colossians 2: 6-15 Titus 1:1-3 MODULE 4: March 17, 2021 - Living a Life of Unity Reading Assignments March 11-16: Primary Reading : Ephesians 4:1-32 (Read through several times.) Church at Ephesus : Acts 19:21-41 Related passages : Genesis 3:14-24 Psalm 4:4 Jeremiah 9:4-9 Zechariah 8:16-17 Matthew 27:50-54 Luke 16:19-31 John 17:1-26 1 Corinthians 12:14-31 Galatians 5:16-26 1 Timothy 4:1-5 2 Timothy 2:1-4 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Hebrews 5:11-14; 9:22-28 & 10:11-18 2 Peter 1:3-11 Revelation 21:1-4 MODULE 5: March 24, 2021 - Spirit Life in the Culture Reading Assignments March 18-23 Primary Reading : Ephesians 5:1-33 & 6:1-9 (Read several times.) Church at Ephesus : Acts 20:17-27 Related passages : Exodus 30:7-10 Leviticus 1:8-13 & 19:17-18 Deuteronomy 7:9 & 30:6 Matthew 5:43-48, 19:16-22, & 20:24-28 Mark 10:1-12 Luke 10:25-28 Philippians 4:8 Colossians 2:8-15 & 3:12-17 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 Hebrews 13:1-17 1 Peter 2:18-3:7 1 John 2:15-17 & 4:7-12 MODULE 6: March 31, 2021 - Stand Firm Therefore! Reading Assignments March 25-30 Primary Reading : Ephesians 6:10-24 (Read several times.) Church at Ephesus : Acts 20:28-38 Related passages : Exodus 14:13 Psalm 76:3 & 144:1-2 Isaiah 7:9 & 59:17 Joshua 1:1-18 Matthew 24:11-12 Luke 11:5-13, 18:1-8 Romans 5:2 Hebrews 7:25 Philippians 1:27 & 3:20 Colossians 1:11 1 Timothy 2:1, 4:1-2 2 Timothy 3:1-5 & 13-17 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 1 Peter 1:1, 17, 2:11, & 5:4-14 2 Peter 2:4-16 Jude 20 Revelation 18:20 Listen Slides Listen Slides Listen Slides Listen Slides Listen Slides Listen Slides Module 1 Module 2 Module 3 Module 4 Module 5 Module 6

What do you sense God wants you to focus on this Lent? More time in prayer? More time in the Word? Increased devotion to worship? Involvement in a home group? Lent is a time of reflection and repentance, prayer and preparation. Many of us were brought up with the idea of abstinence and fasting, "giving something up" or perhaps adding a special task or discipline to our daily activities. But what happens after Easter -- do we go back to our old routines? What if we approach Lent with the purpose of growing our relationships, with God and each other? Our 2019 Lenten sermon series and "equipping Wednesdays" are designed to help you focus on ways to develop an ever-deepening relationship with Jesus. Let's GO DEEPER with Him and see where He takes us. April 28, 2019 FOR PEOPLE WHO DOUBT Deacon Nile Gomez May 5, 2019 FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE FAILED Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation May 12, 2019 FOR WOMEN Vivian Hayes Slideshow Presentation May 19, 2019 FOR PEOPLE WANTING TO SERVE Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation Special Testimony by Joan Cartledge May 26, 2019 FOR PEOPLE IN TRANSITION Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation June 2, 2019 FOR RELATIONSHIPS The Rev. David Martin Slideshow Presentation Please reload

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

Holy Week at Church of the Messiah Palm Sunday - March 29 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 2 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 3 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 5 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.

"But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:57 No matter what the world throws at us, the apostle Paul tells us, “we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” (Romans 8:35-37). Thus we proclaim, “Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57). This sermon series focuses on learning to live in the victory Christ has won for us by his death and resurrection. Each week we will address an issue we face in life and seek his wisdom and practical ways for living in his victory. May 7, 2017 Victory Over Death Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation May 14, 2017 Victory Over Sin Pastor Jim Brown May 21, 2017 Victory Over Satan Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation May 28, 2017 Victory in Stress Pastor Jim Brown Slideshow Presentation June 4, 2017 Victory in the Spirit Rev. Frank Allen June 11, 2017 Victory Over Fear Pastor Marty O'Rourke June 18, 2017 Victory in Failure Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation June 25, 2017 Victory in Grief Dr. Marsha Staples July 2, 2017 Victory Over Shame Rev. Robert Walter July 9, 2017 Victory Over Temptation Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation July 16, 2017 Victory in Finances: The Stewardship of Affluence Pastor John Dooley Sermon Handout July 23, 2017 Victory Over Un-Forgiveness Pastor Jim Brown Slideshow Presentation July 30, 2017 Victory in Our Emotions Rev. Mark Cartledge August 6, 2017 Victory in Broken Relationships Rev. David Martin August 13, 2017 Victory Over Our Past Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation August 20, 2017 Lifelong Living in Christ's Victory Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation August 27, 2017 Knowing Christ Deeply Through Suffering Pastor John Dooley Sermon Handout Please reload

Every human being is “wonderfully made” by our Creator (Psalm 139). God cares deeply and specifically about each of our bodies, and our Savior Jesus became flesh and blood for our body’s redemption. And yet so many struggles relate to our body: appearance, aging, disability, gender, sexuality, race, and the deep need for human connection. Join us beginning September 18 as we explore how the Gospel speaks to these areas in profound, powerful, and often surprising ways. The aim of this series is to encourage each of us in the Bible’s hopeful message, and also to train us to love our neighbors wholly. Sermons will all be recorded and posted online each week. Sunday Sermons September 18, 2022 Wonderfully Made… Why? Pastor Ken Shomo Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Sunday Sermons September 25, 2022 Glorify God in Your Body Pastor Marty O'Rourke Listen | Sermon Slides Sunday Sermons October 2, 2022 Technology and the Body Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen Sunday Sermons October 9, 2022 Boast in the Lord Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Sunday Sermons October 16, 2022 The Gospel and the Whole Person Fr. Dominick Hankle Watch | Listen Sunday Sermons October 23, 2022 Emotions in the Image of God Pastor Ken Shomo Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Related links: From the John 10:10 Project Skeleton Keys 18 Trillion Feet of You