Can I automate the sending of email messages?

Yes, you can create emails and schedule them to go at future dates and times. You can do this for emails you send to one contact or several contacts (groups).  In the Communicate menu > Emails > use the button to 'Create Email' in the top right corner > write the subject line and content of the message > then to the next step (Recipients), where at the bottom you can schedule the date and time then click on the button to 'Schedule for later'.