VISITOR FAQs
What do you believe and what is your mission statement?
Church of the Messiah seeks to be an inviting, welcoming and compassionate Christian community, nurturing spiritual growth through the Word, our actions, and gifts; thereby inspiring and uniting people to be examples of Christ’s love.
What is worship like at Messiah?
Worship is at the heart of all we do at Messiah. We have two services of worship on most Sundays and many opportunities for persons to join the various ministries which support worship services.
Worship Schedule
Sundays
8:00 a.m. - Holy Eucharist Rite I
9:30 a.m. - Holy Eucharist Rite II (with choir)
Occasional Services (as noted on the Calendar)
Where are you located?
We are located at 1001 Dekalb Pike (Route 202) in Lower Gwynedd. We are just south of the William Penn Inn.
Click here for Directions.
Do you have programs for children and youth?
We have Christian education, ministry, outreach and community opportunities for the children and youth of Messiah as the path to Christian formation. Sunday morning Christian Education classes for all ages (children, youth, and adults) take place at 10:45 am. Youth Group (grades 7-12) meet Wednesday evenings at 6 pm for dinner, followed by a meeting.
Click here for more information on Christian Education
What kind of music program do you have?
Music touches us in ways that mere words cannot. It reaches our inmost souls, enabling us to know God’s presence in our world. Our Ministry of Music at Messiah seeks to enrich as deeply and meaningfully as possible this transformative meeting between God and our worshipping congregation. Learn more about music at Messiah.
How do I get involved at Messiah?
There are a number of ways for newcomers to become connected at Messiah. Many volunteer opportunities are available to help you become involved at Messiah. We would love to have you join us. Click here for a list of Ministry Opportunities.
How do I become a member of the Church of the Messiah congregation?
Membership in a congregation of the Episcopal Church is through Holy Baptism. The sacrament of Holy Baptism is the full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into the church, which, as the Apostle Paul explains, is the Body of Christ in this world. Once baptized a person is a full member of the church, and that includes children. Private instruction is available for parents of infants to be baptized and for adults who are seeking Holy Baptism.
Baptisms are part of the congregation’s worship life and traditionally take place on All Saints’ Sunday, the Sunday after the Epiphany, the Easter Vigil and on Pentecost Sunday but may be scheduled at other times at the discretion of the Rector.
What is Confirmation?
Young people and adults who were baptized when very young but have not made an adult profession of faith are encouraged to seek Confirmation by our Bishop. We provide preparation for confirmation through classes.
Baptized and confirmed in another church? Persons who have been confirmed in the Roman Catholic Church, an Orthodox church, or the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America may be received as members by the Bishop. Instruction in Episcopal traditions, introduction to the Book of Common Prayer, and an introduction to the Scriptures are essential preparation for membership at Messiah. Watch for announcements concerning Inquirer’s Classes.
Transferring from another Episcopal congregation? Persons who are transferring to Messiah should write the Rector of the church where the present membership resides and request a letter of transfer to Church of the Messiah, Gwynedd, Pennsylvania in the Diocese of Pennsylvania. It is only necessary to request the transfer; no explanations to the previous parish are required.
What does it mean to be a church member?
Current members as well as newcomers may ask, “What is expected of me? What does membership mean?”
The Book of Common Prayer defines the duty of all Christians in the following way:
The duty of all Christians is to follow Christ; to come together week by week for corporate worship; and to work, pray and give for the spread of the kingdom of God.
At Messiah this means:
