Welcome to the Episcopal Church of the Messiah!
We are a vibrant and intentionally inclusive community in the heart of Myrtle Beach
welcoming residents and visitors!
Epiphany Season
A season of four to nine weeks, from the Feast of the Epiphany (Jan. 6) through the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. The length of the season varies according to the date of Easter. The gospel stories of this season describe various events that manifest the divinity of Jesus. The coming of the Magi is celebrated on the Epiphany. The Baptism of our Lord is observed on the Sunday after Epiphany. The gospels for the other Sundays of the Epiphany season describe the wedding at Cana, the calling of the disciples, and various miracles and teachings of Jesus. The Last Sunday after the Epiphany is always devoted to the Transfiguration. Jesus' identity as the Son of God is dramatically revealed in the Transfiguration gospel, as well as the gospel of the baptism of Christ. We are called to respond to Christ in faith through the showings of his divinity recorded in the gospels of the Epiphany season.
(Epiphany Season – The Episcopal Church)
The liturgical color for the Season of Epiphany is green.
Lent
Early Christians observed “a season of penitence and fasting” in preparation for the Paschal feast, or Pascha (BCP, pp. 264-265). The season now known as Lent (from an Old English word meaning “spring,” the time of lengthening days) has a long history. Originally, in places where Pascha was celebrated on a Sunday, the Paschal feast followed a fast of up to two days. In the third century this fast was lengthened to six days. Eventually this fast became attached to, or overlapped, another fast of forty days, in imitation of Christ's fasting in the wilderness. The forty-day fast was especially important for converts to the faith who were preparing for baptism, and for those guilty of notorious sins who were being restored to the Christian assembly. In the western church the forty days of Lent extend from Ash Wednesday through Holy Saturday, omitting Sundays. The last three days of Lent are the sacred Triduum of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. Today Lent has reacquired its significance as the final preparation of adult candidates for baptism. Joining with them, all Christians are invited “to the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God's holy Word” (BCP, p. 265).
Ash Wednesday
The first of the forty days of Lent, named for the custom of placing blessed ashes on the foreheads of worshipers at Ash Wednesday services. The ashes are a sign of penitence and a reminder of mortality, and may be imposed with the sign of the cross. Ash Wednesday is observed as a fast in the church year of the Episcopal Church. The Ash Wednesday service is one of the Proper Liturgies for Special Days in the BCP (p. 264). Imposition of ashes at the Ash Wednesday service is optional.
(Ash Wednesday – The Episcopal Church)
Ash Wednesday Worship, February 18
Noon & 7:00 p.m.
Rev. Roy Tripp, Celebrant
The Liturgical color of the season is purple.
FAQ's
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What do people love about Messiah?
An informal survey was taken & this is what people said:
- I love the friendship & caring.
- The people of Messiah are so warm, friendly, loving & accepting.
- The fellowship, the support, the sermons, the music.
- Very welcoming!
- Diversity of people. Trying "new things" but observing the prayer book and hymnal.
- I love . . . Messiah's inclusive attitude, kindness & love.
- The people!
- I enjoy the community atmosphere.
- I enjoy singing with our choir!
- Wonderful church family!
- Being surrounded by such strong=faithed people! I love the vibrancy & spirit at Messiah.
What is Messiah's worship style?
We follow the Book of Common Prayer and often use the Rite II Service which is traditional in style. Many of our hymns are from the Hymnal but we like to mix it up too! Holy Communion is offered every Sunday.
What about children?
Children are always welcome! We offer a Children's Program in our Upper Room where they hear Bible stories, do arts and crafts, and enjoy snacks together. The children come back down to worship to join their families for Communion.
Who is welcome to receive communion?
In the Episcopal Church, all are welcome to receive communion at the Lord’s Table. This includes everyone from those searching for faith to those who are cradle Episcopalians and everyone in between.
If you are not familar with an Episcopal service, feel free to introduce yourself to a person sitting near you and ask them to help you follow along.
What should I wear?
God gives us so much; we can praise him by wearing our best. And, God knows our hearts which is what counts. Whichever is your perspective, and however you are comfortable is how you should dress. We welcome all!
As a beach community, we like to follow in Jesus' footsteps by wearing sandals!
How do I get to know some people in the church?
A great way to get to know us is to join us after worship in the Upper Room for coffee and nibbles. We'd love to get to know you, share about ourselves, and brag on our church!
Or getting involved is another way to meet people - check out these opportunities!
What if I have a question about theology? or faith? or what Episcopalians believe? Who do I ask?
You're in luck! I know a guy who loves to discuss theology, faith & the Episcopal Church! Simply send Father John an email.
Read our weekly newsletter!
It has detailed information
about our daily happenings.
- February 1 Worship Cancellation
- February 1, 2026 Newsletter
- January 25, 2026 Newsletter
- January 18, 2026 Newsletter
Use the bulletin as you worship from home.
And here are the announcements.
The Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina has purchased a three-acre parcel of land for us on March 17, 2025 where we will build a new church home! When you drive by, say a prayer.
