Category: Uncategorized

  • Holy Week at Church of the Messiah

    This Sunday, April 5th, marks the beginning of the holiest week of the Christian calendar, however, this year, COVID-19 has changed the way that Christians will be observing Holy Week throughout the world.  On Wednesday, April 1st, both the Mayor of Jacksonville and the Governor of Florida issued their own “Safer at Home” orders directing non-essential businesses to close, residents to stay home unless on essential activities, and for everyone to maintain safe social distancing practices.

    Thankfully, Governor DeSantis’ executive order specifically declares that churches and other houses of worship are essential during this time, but we will not do anything that might endanger either our congregation or those with whom they might come in contact.  The verse that Fr. Looker said would guide our actions during this time is still 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”  We will continue to do everything that we can to share the love of God, but we will do so in a prudent way that makes every use of the sound minds which God has given us.

    Recognizing that this current crisis makes for very fluid circumstances, here are our plans at the moment.  We will continue to live stream our Sunday morning services via Facebook Live.  We will do so with a skeleton crew that will be ten people or less, which follows the CDC recommendations and our Bishop’s directives.  Those people who are present in the building will do their best to maintain a healthy 6 feet of social distance whenever possible.  We will provide Holy Communion through the Host only to those who are present in the Sanctuary and those who join us in the parking lot at the designated times.  We believe that this allows us to be in submission to all of our earthly authorities while still remaining faithful to our heavenly authority which calls us to preach the Gospel at all times, and in all places; to be a light which shines in the darkness; and to bring hope to those who otherwise might have none.

    In particular, we will hold our Palm Sunday service on Sunday, April 5th, beginning at 10 o’clock.  We will live stream the service through Facebook Live and those wishing to receive Holy Communion may do so in our parking lot from around 11 o’clock to 11:30.  At the time which we serve Holy Communion we will also distribute blessed palms to anyone present to take home.

    Our Maundy Thursday service will be April 9th, starting at 7 o’clock.  While this service typically includes the clergy washing the feet of the congregation, we will obviously not be able to do that this year.  This service will be live streamed via Facebook Live.

    Our Good Friday service will be release on our YouTube channel at noon on Friday, April 10th.  This will not be streamed live but we encourage those of you who watch it to share it on Facebook.  Our service will include the traditional reading of the Passion Gospel, the Solemn Collects, the adoration of the Cross, and, as is our tradition, seven meditations on the Passion of Our Lord.

    We have yet to determine exactly how we will observe Holy Saturday.  In the past we have prayed the Liturgy for the Pre-Born outside a local abortion clinic.  We have yet to make a determination about this service.

    Easter Sunday, April 12th, we will do our very best to celebrate the glorious resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ and to give that day all of the glory and honor it deserves.  Our service will be streamed live via our Facebook channel starting at 10 o’clock.  If you just cannot imagine an Easter Sunday without going to Church, then celebrate with us in our parking lot and receive Holy Communion from 11:00-11:30.

    We know that these are anxious and uncertain times.  This will be a Holy Week unlike anything anyone has ever celebrated in over 100 years.  At Church of the Messiah, we are doing our very best to bring honor and glory to God, to bring hope and joy to God’s people, and to be that city on a hill that shines out God’s light in this dark time.  We invite you to join with us during this time.  By God’s grace, we will get through this together.

  • UPDATE: Church of the Messiah’s Sunday Service

    In an effort to give the very best response to the ever-changing Corona Virus crisis, we are changing our plans for our service this Sunday, March 22nd.  While Mayor Lenny Curry has restricted building occupancy to less than 50 people, we believe that it is most prudent to follow the President’s and the CDC’s guidelines and restrict those gathering in Church of the Messiah’s building to 10 people or less.  Obviously, that begs the question, “How can you have church with 10 people or less?”  Our response to that question will be three-fold.

    First, we will livestream our service on Facebook Live.  We encourage everyone to watch on-line and to start their own “watch parties” and share the church service in this “Corona Virus era” way.

    Second, we still urge that anyone showing flu or cold symptoms, anyone who is considered high-risk, and anyone who has traveled to a country where there has been an outbreak, as well as anyone who has been in contact with someone who has traveled to a country where there has been an outbreak to remain home and contact the church office or one our priests.  We are blessed to be able pray for you and to bring Holy Communion to you in such a way that you will not put yourself or anyone else at risk.  To be clear, those who are considered high-risk are those with cardio vascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, people in treatment for other illnesses, and those who are over sixty years old.  

    We feel the need to reiterate the second point because our third method of responding to this crisis is where we are really breaking new ground.  As we livestream our service, we are opening our parking lot to those who are able to join us.  We encourage those who feel so led to join us in our parking lot and watch us via livestream for what we are calling “Drive In Church.”  You gather in your car in our parking lot and, when we have consecrated the Eucharist, at around 11 o’clock, we will bring the Body of Christ to those who are in the parking lot.

    This is not a perfect solution.  It is far from it, but it does allow us adhere to the guidelines set by the President and the CDC, while addressing the two biggest shortcomings of just livestreaming our service.  Watching a service on your phone, tablet, or even cast up onto your television does not allow you to have the sense of community that is vital to a church fellowship.  We hope that gathering together in the parking lot will foster and strengthen that “we’re all in this together” sense of community that the Church has always had.  Secondly, your electronic device cannot ever give you the Blessed Sacrament.  While it is not prudent at this point to administer the Blood of Christ, we can still prudently and cautiously administer the Body of Christ to those who gather in our parking lot and remain in their cars.  We are working on the way to do this in the most sanitary, secure, and holy way possible.

    We do not know how long we will continue to have our services in this manner.  We do not know how long this crisis will last.  As circumstances continue to unfold, we will continue to adapt to that we can continue to minister the Word of God and the Sacraments of the Church to as many people as we are able in the best and most responsible way that we can find.  For this Sunday, we look forward to you joining us on our livestream or in our parking lot.

    God bless you all!

  • Church of the Messiah’s COVID-19 Response Plan

    Please take a few moments and read the following pastoral letter from Fr. Scott Looker, Rector of Church of the Messiah.

    Beloved in Christ,

    As most of us have in the past few days, the Rector’s Council and I have been very attentive to all of the news and most recent updates on the Corona Virus pandemic and how we can best fulfill our call to be good pastors and shepherds of the congregation which God has entrusted us.  In light of that, we met last night and prayerfully formulated this response, aware that this situation is ever-changing and that what we say now may need to be amended in just a few hours.

    First and foremost, our response to this and every other situation, crisis or otherwise, is to be guided by the words of Holy Scriptures.  Near the time of his own death, St. Paul reminded his disciple Timothy that “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)  This verse is terribly relevant because it reminds us of both how we will respond and how we will not respond.

    We will not respond in fear.  We will not shutter the churches, lock ourselves away, and forget that we are Christians, called that name by a Savior who overcame death itself and calls us to be lights that shine in the darkness.  We are, indeed, walking through a dark time in America and in the world, and they shall know that we are Christians by our love.  The Great Commission has not been put on hold because a disease runs through the land.  The world needs Jesus now more than ever.

    We will respond, however, in the spirit of power and of love and of a sound mind which God has given us.  In respect to the “sound mind,” that means that we will employ the Christian virtue of Prudence.  We will not take foolhardy or dangerous actions because we do not fear the repercussions.  Such actions would imperil the lives of countless others and would not be acting in love but rather the height of selfishness.  As it relates to the power, we will remember that God bestows on us the Gift of Healing and calls us to pray for others and move in the confidence that even death is not a true defeat because Our Lord has conquered death.

    When in comes to love, the greatest of all the gifts, we must be mindful to be charitable in this dark time.  Our friends, neighbor, and loved ones will not respond to this crisis the same way that we will.  We must show them the love of God.  Hundreds of thousands of thousands of people will be financially impacted by this crisis.  We should do what we can to reach out in love to those who are hurting.  People’s lives have been completely upturned.  They need to hear the calming, loving voice of Him who can speak to the wind and waves and say, “Peace, be still.”  We must be that voice.

    As to practicals changes, we will comply will with the Mayor’s directive to limit occupancy to less than 50 people in a building.  We ask that anyone showing flu or cold symptoms, anyone who is considered high-risk, and anyone who has traveled to a country where there has been an outbreak, as well as anyone who has been in contact with someone who has traveled to a country where there has been an outbreak to remain home and contact the church office or one our priests.  We are blessed to be able pray for you and to bring Holy Communion to you in such a way that you will not put yourself or anyone else at risk.  To be clear, those who are considered high-risk are those with cardio vascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, people in treatment for other illnesses, and those who are over sixty years old.  

    We will continue our Wednesday night adult Bible study and youth group as regularly scheduled unless otherwise notified.  We will be postponing our women’s ministry Bible study on 2 Timothy until further notice.  We will be “livestreaming” our Sunday morning services for those who are shut in.  Our first attempt at this was last Sunday and it was met with all of the challenges one would expect from launching new technology.  We are endeavoring to improve this as we go.  You should be able to watch the livestream on our Facebook channel at Facebook.com/mycomjax.  We ask everyone to be faithful with their tithes and offerings during this time.  As with every other business, bills remain largely unchanged regardless of attendance.  Please consider sending in checks by mail or giving on-line.  If you have not already set up on-line giving, you can visit mycomjax.com/give or text “mycomjax” to 77977 and follow the directions.  The service which we use to process on-line donations is PCI DSS Level 1 compliant meaning that they meet the highest standards of industry safety for on-line financial transactions.  Thank you for your faithfulness and generosity.

    Now, the obvious question is how will we proceed with Holy Communion?  In the past week, I have reached out all over.  I have talked with dozens of clergy, read all sorts of web-pages and blogs, looked at what this parish and that diocese is doing.  I have made my decision.  Not everyone will like it.  Some will think it too harsh; some will think it too weak.  Remember that responding in power, love, and a sound mind requires that each of us move in faith, make prudent decisions for ourselves, and be charitable to those with whom we disagree.

    We will continue to distribute the the Body and Blood of Christ in the Holy Eucharist and we will make the Chalice available to those who wish to drink from the Chalice.  We will in no way think less of those who refrain from partaking of the Blood of Christ in the Chalice, nor will we think more highly of those who choose to partake.  It is a choice that is made with a great many factors involved and we will not judge.  We will NOT allow any longer, however, what is known as intinction, or the dipping of the Host into the Chalice.  Many see this as the healthier and more sanitary option and wonder why I exclude it.  I will explain.

    If we are going to make a change, it must be a change that will legitimately and truly impact the health of those worshiping with us and not just appear to do so.  While intinction appears to be more sanitary, having consulted with medical professionals and other clergy, I believe that is not more sanitary, rather it is just a different way of transmitting germs.  Instead of the possibility of transmitting germs from mouths on the Chalice (mitigated by several factors: diligent acolyte cleanliness, the metallic surface of the Chalice, the alcohol content of the wine, etc…), intinction creates contact with every hand in the congregation, and then places the fingers of the server in the Chalice and then near the mouth and nose of every other member of the congregation.  This is not a more sanitary way of receiving Communion; it is rather a different way to transmit germs.  To be clear, there will be NO dipping of Hosts into the Chalice by anyone, clergy or lay, until this crisis has passed.

    It is worth acknowledging that we believe both the Body and Blood of Christ are contained within the Host so one is “fully” partaking of Communion if one “only” receives the Host and elects not to drink from the Chalice.

    All of what has been said before can change in the blink of an eye.  As of the current press releases, tweets, and updates, this is the best course of action that the Rector’s Council and I can assemble in the face of this current crisis.  Given the fluidity of the circumstances, this may change very quickly and we will do our very best to update everyone as soon as possible.  We are very aware that Holy Week and Easter are only a few weeks away and we want those experiences to be the best, most glorious services which we have ever had, while at the same time maintaining the safety of all our members.

    While these circumstance may change daily, it is important to remember that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow, and that His Word never changes.  The Church has been through crises before.  It has been through plagues and pestilences before.  We will not stop being the Church because of COVID-19.  We may start doing some things differently, but our mandate to share the Gospel has not changed because of a virus or a limit on the number of people who can gather in one place at a time.  Prior to His betrayal and Crucifixion, when Our Lord would endure His own isolation and ultimately conquer death, He reminded His Disciples, “Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:32-33)  In this season, we may find ourselves isolated, but we are not alone because Christ is with us.  We are facing a trial the likes of which none of us has ever faced before.  Nevertheless, be of good cheer.  We serve a God who has overcome the world.

    I am praying for you and I look forward to worshiping Our Risen Lord together with you on Sunday morning (on livestream or in person).

    In Christ,

    sjl+

  • You’re Invited to Ash Wednesday Service

    On Wednesday evening, March 26th, starting at 7 o’clock, Church of the Messiah will hold its annual Ash Wednesday Service.  Ash Wednesday is the traditional beginning of the Holy Season of Lent which commemorates Our Lord’s forty days in the wilderness following His baptism in the River Jordan.  Lent is time of prayer, fasting, and charitable giving as well as deliberately focusing on strengthening our walk with The Lord.  The Ash Wednesday Service is wonderful way to begin the season of Lent.  The service includes a time of praise & worship, readings and a homily from Holy Scriptures, the special once a year Imposition of Ashes and Litany of Penitence as well as the Holy Eucharist.   Our Youth Group will be included in the special service and childcare is provided for those between the ages of one year old to fifth grade.  We invite everyone to join us this Wednesday night, beginning at 7 o’clock, as observe Ash Wednesday and begin a Holy Lent.

  • March for Life at Church of the Messiah

    This week more than a dozen members of Church of the Messiah will be heading up to Washington, D.C., to join with CEC for Life and participate in the 47th Annual March for Life.  If you cannot make the trek to the frozen north, you can still participate in a series of events planned right here at Church of the Messiah.

    On Thursday night, beginning at 7:00, we will have a night of pro-life intercession and prayer at Church of the Messiah.

    On Friday morning, starting at 9 o’clock, we will participate in a silent prayer vigil at All Women’s Health Center at 1545 Huffingham Road (click HERE for a map.  Please park in the church parking lot or alongside the road.)

    On Saturday morning, starting at 9 o’clock, we will be leading the Liturgy for the Pre-Born in front of All Women’s Health Center.  If you have never attended one of these liturgies, this will be a perfect opportunity to do so.

    For more information on any of these services, please contact Casey Harlow or Fr. Scott Melanson.

    In light of these scheduled event and our many youth who are traveling to Washington this week to participate in the March for Life, we are cancelling both Youth Group and our Adult Bible Study on Wednesday night, January 22nd.  This events will resume as normal on Wednesday, January 29th.

  • The Patriarch’s Letter on the Feast of Our Lord the Giver of Life

    The Gospel of John chapter 10 and verse 10 reports Jesus telling His disciples that He came that we might have life and have life abundantly. It is through the sacraments and the Scriptures that we find the essence and fullness of human life, now and for all eternity. John further records in John 14:6 that life is not a “concept” or merely something “spiritual” but is the person of Jesus. The person of Jesus shows that, in the eyes of God, all human life is not only good and sacred but is the focus of His love in Jesus and therefore worthy of redemption.

    Every Christmas season the whole world and especially the Church are reminded that the God and King of the entire universe has become human in the womb of a virgin. Not human for a time, but for all time. He never abandons His humanity but takes humanity, through His death and resurrection, upon His Kingdom throne and sits in His humanity over all creation. This Christ Jesus, whom we worship because of His humanity and divinity, is God with us to never leave us.

    The Church is called to proclaim that Jesus is Lord. He is the truth. Our task is not to debate the world about this truth but to proclaim this truth. Our convincing the world of this truth is far more profound than just discourse with our society and culture about truth; it is the presentation of Christ in us in the world. We are to live out the truth that is revealed to us by living that revelation in the culture and society in which we dwell.

    I am absolutely opposed to abortion. I believe abortion is never necessary. I believe abortion is the taking of human life and, in some cases, not only killing but murder. I am abhorred by any abortion but particularly by late-term abortion and by those who are now comfortable even with infanticide. I am appalled by those who march forward with advocating abortion for any reason whatsoever, including genetic selection, gender selection, and racial selection.

    Because I am opposed to abortion in this manner, I am often challenged with the charge that “being pro-life is more than being anti-abortion.” Of course to be pro-life is to be more than anti-abortion. And, the church, particularly the ancient and historic church, has always been in the forefront of proclaiming the dignity of human life. The church is called to bring life, not only for the salvation of our souls, but in the food for the hungry, water for the thirsty, and shelter for the homeless. The church has always embraced a welcome to strangers and refugees. The church has always visited those in prison and declared release to those who are in bondage to sin, the world, and the devil.

    Drug addiction, alcoholism, sexual promiscuity, greed, materialism, consumerism, poverty, domestic violence, and the sex trade industry are breeding grounds for the killing of the unborn. The church must bring the Gospel of life and the light of that Gospel into those areas of darkness. The Gospel is the way to address these horrors.

    At this moment in our history, we are confronted in the United States with around 3,000 abortions a day or 1,095,000 a year. Around the world there are more than 100,000 abortions a day or 36,500,000 a year. More abortions committed in one day than in all of World War II.

    Abortion is not a legal issue or a political issue, though we need to address the issue in the courts and in the legislature. Abortion is a moral issue and an issue of the soul. Mother Teresa reminds us that a country that allows the killing of its infants in the womb has lost its soul. Have the nations of the world who have permitted and legalized this murder of children lost their soul, particularly the United States?

    Because this is a moral issue our primary weapons are not carnal but spiritual to the tearing down of this stronghold of death. Prayer must be at the front of the Pro-Life movement. Through prayer that is sustained, not for days, but for day after day, we are going to see spiritual victories won in the physical realm. We are going to see the Gospel lived out in the flesh of transformed lives living out the Pro-Life discipline of discipleship. Abortion will end because we will see it for the evil that it is and always will be.

    For this reason, at the core of the mission of CEC for Life is prayer. We know we belong in front of abortion mills, as well as places where abortion mills are being constructed, to stand and pray. We do the

    Liturgy for the Preborn at the Time of Death because this is what the Church is called to do. We are called to pray.

    Secondly, we educate the church on the issue of abortion. We keep the church informed of victories that are happening around the world. We educate people on how they can work in their own church and in their communities to end abortion. And, particularly, we educate young adults for the future of this ministry. They are the generation that will end abortion.

    The CEC is not a church that is Pro-Life; it is a Pro-Life church. From the beginning we have been given signs and symbols to make visible the Pro-Life message, and not only on Sunday morning. We are a communion of people birthed in the jails of Los Angeles and around the country, making visible the Gospel of Life. We are a Church that knows we are to identify with the preborn, the woman in crisis, those in need of healing from abortion, and with those who seek freedom from the abortion industry.

    On January 19th, the third Sunday of the Christmas season, the International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church celebrates a feast in honor of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord and Giver of Life. During the Eucharist, an offering is to be taken where we ask every participant and member of the ICCEC to give generously to the Pro-Life work of our communion. We also ask every clergy, along with every parish, to partner with CEC for Life by submitting their membership request for the year.

    I know you will want to participate with me in this holy work. I know you will want to give sacrificially and generously. Go to our website and see all that is happening because of your generosity and the blessing of God.

    You are always in my prayers.

    Under His mercy,

    +Craig W. Bates, Patriarch ICCEC

  • The Patriarch’s Christmas Message

    One of the horrific wars of the 20th century was fought in Europe it is called the First World War or some called it the “war to end all wars.”  It is estimated that between 15 million and 19 million died in the conflict and 23 million were wounded.  The war to end all wars ended with a treaty intended to bring peace.  However, it led to the rise of fascism and the Nazi Party and the outbreak of the Second World War where an estimated 70 to 85 million people died. This was about three percent of the world’s population.  These two wars mean that some call the 20th century, the most violent in humanity’s history.

    Yet despite the horror of these two wars, other wars, and those that continue to take place there are incredible stories of light, courage, and hope.  The ravages of the two wars gave rise to a list of Christian men and women who, today, provide examples of how to live in and with suffering. Their lives pointed to something far greater and beyond the horrors of war and the inhumanity of man. I have several favorites, from this time, including St. Maximillian Kolbe, St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein), and Dietrich Bonhoeffer who died at the hands of the Nazi’s in concentration/death camps.  Also, Corrie Ten Bloom, who spent time in a concentration camp and survived influenced, has influenced other’s walk with the Lord, particularly regarding reconciliation.

    Europe was forever changed as a result of these two wars and the evil of genocide not only in Germany but in the Soviet Union where over 20 million died at the hand of communism. Many had their faith challenged, and they rejected the Church and her message.  A large portion of Western Europe that has surrendered to the values of secular humanism still experience this rejection.  Now, countries that were once the center of Christian life and thought have an attendance of less than 5% of the population.  This suggests that the Church failed to answer the deep discouragement and hopelessness of war.  Despite this, some of the greatest theological works originated from that time.  Some of these works are from great authors like C.S. Lewis, Karl Barth, and others.

    One story from the first World War has always stood out in my mind. There are many but this one is so unique.

    World War I was fought in trenches.  These trenches were cold and wet.  Two thousand Americans and seventy-five thousand British soldiers died of trench foot; a disease caused by feet and socks that didn’t dry.  Thousands more had feet and legs amputated from the same disease.  World War I also introduced gas warfare.  Men died horrible deaths.  One can barely read the effects that gas warfare had on the dying person because it is so graphic.  It is no wonder, that despite many nations storing toxic gases, every civilized society has condemned the use of chemical gases in warfare.

    The young men in the trenches suffered.  During suffering, Pope Benedict, on December 7,1914 called for a truce but the warring governments refused to heed his plea.  But on Christmas Eve of 1914, the soldiers themselves put down their weapons.  Across the no-man’s land (the area between the opposing trenches) the British soldiers heard the German soldiers singing Christmas Carols.  Some suggest that the first carol was Silent Night sung in German to which the British sang the same back in English.  On Christmas Day, the Germans, unarmed crossed into the no man’s land with gifts for the British soldiers.  The British did not trust them at first but eventually they too entered the land and gave gifts to the Germans.  For a moment, if only so briefly there was “peace on earth.”  The war resumed on December 26th.  And, it took four more years before a very fragile and vindictive treaty was signed.  A treaty that historians tell us was doomed to fail.

    Christ was among the suffering; he was in the trenches singing hymns with them. Christ was with them amid the darkness. Christ enters the darkness of humanity by becoming complete and perfectly human to redeem humanity and restore it to its proper dignity and worth.  Christ becomes human and takes it upon Himself to be the enemy of death defeating our enemy and making it the very means by which we are born again into eternal life.  We can now participate in His death and so know the power of His resurrection, seating us with Him in the place we belong both now and then.

    It is incredible that God became a baby.  God became a helpless dependent baby, born of a human mother making every womb a holy sanctuary of life.  The creator God became dependent on His creation for food, shelter, warmth, and even human affection.  God reveals Himself not as wrathful or vengeful but in love with humanity (John 3.16) by coming to us in humanity.  It is the gift Him that is the mystery that silenced a war.  It is also the mystery that silences the stirring and rumblings of a restless soul.  As St. Augustine wrote, “you have made us for yourself and our souls are restless until they find their rest in you.”

    The Incarnation we see at Christmas time is God’s solution to the problem of evil, whether it be from war, genocide, or the horror of the modern holocaust of abortion.
    The Incarnation is God’s solution to the continual fight against sin, the world and the devil.  The Incarnation is that which turns sinners into saints – even martyrs.  The Incarnation is that which gives us hope.  The Incarnation calls us out of fear and compels us to seek that which is greater than the horrors in the trenches.

    There is so much suffering in the world even today.  But our faith tells us that we will always find Him among the suffering and the poor, in the prisoner, the stranger, the hungry, the thirsty, and the homeless.  We will always find Him fully human and divine in a small piece of bread and a sip of wine.  Forever Christ is with us – Emmanuel.

    I pray each of you, no matter what your circumstances, will find a moment to ponder, like Mary, the mystery of infant Jesus.  I pray you have a most blessed Advent and Christmas.

    Under His mercy

    +Craig, Patriarch

  • Christmas Services at Church of the Messiah

    Church of the Messiah invites you to join us as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior this Christmas season.  Our Christmas services begin at 7 o’clock on Christmas Eve with our Family Service.  This is s special service with all sorts of family fun and traditional Christmas Carols by candlelight.  This year there will be a special presentation of the Christmas Story by our youth and children that was written and produced by one of our own youth.

    On Christmas Day, beginning at 10 o’clock, we have our Christmas morning service.  This is a said Mass and generally lasts between forty-five minutes to an hour, but is a wonderful way to help “Keep Christ in Christmas.”

    As the season of Christmas is twelve days long and begins on Christmas day (not ends), we also will be celebrating the Christmas season on the First and Second Sundays after Christmas, December 29th and January 5th, at our 10 o’clock services.

    We invite you to join us at any or all of our services throughout the entire Christmas Season this year and wish you and all of your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a blessed new year.

    For unto us a Child is born,
    Unto us a Son is given;
    And the government will be upon His shoulder.
    And His name will be called
    Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

    Isaiah 9:6

     

  • Church of the Messiah to Host Life & Leadership Conference

    We are excited to announce that on Saturday, December 14th, Church of the Messiah will host the first-ever Life & Leadership Conference in America.

    Throughout history, the biggest changes in the tide of time were brought about by dedicated servant leaders.  This training brings those leaders to life and offers intense spiritual instruction that will equip Christians to change their world.

    Fr. Terry Genesmer, the Director of CEC for Life and long-time friend of Church of the Messiah, has led several Life & Leadership conferences in Europe, usually over three days.  This event will be an intensive one-day course geared towards men and women (ages 17 & up) who are currently in leadership or actively seeking to become leaders in their church or community.

    The cost is $30 and covers your leadership booklet, light breakfast and lunch.  Only 35 spots available!  To register for the conference, click HERE.  To pay for the conference, you may give Sunday at church or you may pay on-line by clicking HERE (select “Life & Leadership Conference” option).

    Join with Church of the Messiah and Fr. Terry Gensemer on Saturday, December 14th, as we learn how to become focused servant leaders who will turn the tide for this country and the Kingdom of God.

  • Celebrate Thanksgiving with Church of the Messiah

    This Wednesday night, November 27th, Church of the Messiah will hold its annual Thanksgiving Eve Service.  St. James reminds us that “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” (1:17)  Since every good gift we have comes from Our Father in Heaven, it is only right that we come together and give thanks to Him as we celebrate our Thanksgiving Feast.

    Our service begins at seven o’clock and will combine our regular adult Bible study and Youth Service into one service for the entire congregation.  The service will include praise & worship, readings from Holy Scripture, a special guest preacher, the Litany of Thanksgiving, and the celebration of Holy Eucharist.  There will be childcare for those younger than 6th grade.  We know that Thursday will be an especially busy day, so we remain committed to conclude the service by 8:30 so that everyone can be ready to go early on Thursday morning.

    Please join us this Wednesday night, beginning at 7 o’clock as we “enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.”