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U MattersLast night, over 70 people joined together to kick off Lent with an Ash Wednesday service, a service where we were reminded that we are dust and to dust we will return. It was a service that reminded us to turn from sin, to live faithfully to Christ and to the community. Yesterday, thousands of us throughout the city started listening to the Gospel of Luke in the “One”, Hearing the Word Campaign. We are on a journey towards Easter and if you haven’t started a Lenten practice there is still time.
This Sunday, we start a sermon series entitled, “The Words from the Cross.” Each Sunday leading up to Easter we will focus on the final words of Jesus. The text this Sunday is, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do” and we welcome the President of Regent College, Dr. Jeff Greenman to speak in the morning. In the evening, we invite you to join a Taize prayer service with Anto Ficatier.
Lewis Smedes in his book Forgive and Forget wrote, “To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.” There is much in the Bible on forgiveness. Colossians 3:13 reminds us to “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” As we journey toward Easter, may God soften our heart so we too can feel free, so we too will experience that abundant life, that life in the full, in which Christ came to give. (John 10:10)
Blessings,
Pastor Michele
Annual General MeetingNotice of AGM
Union’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on Saturday, 23 March 2019 at 6:00PM. Please join us as we celebrate together, and give glory to God. Non-members are welcome to attend. Please bring a dish to share. Nominations Announcement
Nominations for 2019 Committee of Management (CoM) are now open. Members of 6 months and longer, over 18 years of age and in good standing, who wish to nominate a candidate for the 2019 CoM, please fill in a nominations form at the Welcome Table or from the church office and submit to the office, attention the Honorary Secretary. Nominations must be seconded by another voting member and have the agreement of the nominee. Nominations will be closed Friday 8th of March. Minutes AvailableIf you would like to read the minutes from the Special General Meeting they are available at the Welcome Table.LentTaizé Service
Please join us Sunday, 10 March at 5:15PM for a meditative service of prayer and singing in the style of Taizé. The service will include songs, scripture, prayer, a short message, and time for silence and reflection.
The Crucified Life: a study of Jesus' last seven words. Offered at ReCharge, beginning 13 March, and Sundays after the 11:15AM service, beginning 10 March.
"One" Hong Kong 2019 Hearing the Word Campaign
We have just started! Come join the other 15,000 + people around HK to listen to God’s Word over Lent.
Start by downloading the APP from the link at the bottom of our web page: https://go.onehongkong2019.asia
No time? God says in 2 Peter 1 that His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life. God promised he would give you that 25th hour in the day to listen to His word.
We challenge you to do more than just listen:
• Write your own Acts 29 and join our “One Bring One” initiative. Journey with a friend who may not know Christ yet by listening together to “One” over Lent. To help you deepen your sharing, download discussion questions from our website: https://go.onehongkong2019.asia under the "How to participate for individuals".
• Join the “One Discussion Group” at Recharge on Wednesdays from 13 March - contact Monte via her email:
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• Join some church members who plan to distribute download cards in Central to Tagalog speakers every Sunday of this month. We meet at the foyer after 11:15AM Service.
Opportunities2019 Spring Family Retreat: Rooted and Nourished in Christ
Date: Friday 29 - Saturday 30 March 2019.
Overnight camp: $450 pp. Children under 12 years old: $350 pp. Day cost: $125 pp. Join us at the Methodist Retreat Centre on Lantau. Speakers, intergenerational activities, small groups, dynamic worship and lots of fun. Sign up and pay at the Welcome Table. Union Family News
Union celebrates 175 years this year. If you would like to be a part of the planning team we would love to hear from you. Please see Pastor Michele.
"CHILD, DISRUPTED” - Movie Screening and Talk
When: Sunday 24 March 12:30PM to 2:15PM
Join us for a documentary film about how technology impacts children’s behaviors and which offers insight into how parents/guardians can curb its influence while equipping children to develop healthy relationships with technology. Followed by a short talk on Biblical Perspective on Technology and Q&A with Antonin Ficatier.
* Suitable for children aged 8 years old and above, parents, grandparents, educators and caregivers.
* Suggested donation of HK$50 per adult, light lunch and child care for children below 8 years old will be provided.
* Register at
or Sign Up at the Welcome Table.
"Moms in Prayer” Conference
Guest Speaker: Barb Hawn, International speaker and author of “Glory Arising”- The Beginning of Moms in Prayer Mongolia.
When: Friday, 22 March: 7pm-9pm & Saturday, 23 March: 9am-4pm (Light refreshments served 30 minutes before)
Cost: HK$200 pp
Venue: International Baptist Church of HK, 7/F Tower A, Southmark Building, 11 Yip Hing Street, Wong Chuk Hang.
PEACE BOX 2019 CAMPAIGN
Join us as we bless the children from the under-privileged families and the elderly living alone by contributing a box filled with necessities.
Please drop off the boxes during office hours on weekdays or on Sundays until 17 March. For more info, please click HERE or visit the Welcome Table.
ReChargeReCharge is a weekly night at Union Church where we fellowship, worship, and study.
Join us on Wednesdays: 7:00PM - dinner (suggested donation towards the cost of food: $100) 7:30PM - worship 7:45PM-9:00PM - classes March 13: New studies begin:-
The Crucified Life (sign-up and get your book at the Welcome Table)
Network (for Young Adults)
Luke/Acts "One" Campaign listening group (sign-up at the Welcome Table)
LadiesLadies Night Out - All Welcome
It's Wing Night - join us Monday, 25 March, 5:00PM - 7:00PM at Fini's (across the street - 69 Stone Nullah Ln, Wan Chai) for conversation and connectivity.
Fertility Support Group
Struggling and could use some support? Contact Sonia Lee.
Baptism and MembershipBaptism classes will be offered on Sundays, 3 and 10 March from 12:45PM-2:00PM. If you are interested in baptism or membership please sign up in the foyer, collect a form and submit it or see Pastor Michele.
Adult EducationSunday Lunch Study
Beginning 10 March, The Crucified Life: Seven Words From the Cross. This is a video-based class, with study guide available at the Welcome Table. Join us in the Youth Room after the 11:15AM service. Small GroupLots of good stuff is happening in the small group world! There is some interest in a lunch time small group, during the week, at Union Church. Is this a good time for you? Want to join a group or start a group? Contact Monte Peterson.
Young AdultsNew to Union?
Are you a Young Adult new to Union Church? Make sure you meet our Young Adults Director, Anto Ficatier, at the Welcome Table every Sunday. You can also email Anto for more information about Young Adults at Union! ServeUnion Church is always looking for people to serve. If you would like to be an usher, greeter or bible reader, please see Pastor Michele.
YouthFriday Youth Group – 8 March
Juniors (11-13) are asked to arrive from 6-7:30PM
Seniors (14-18) are to arrive from 7-9PM with ‘hangout’ in the Youth Room from 9-10PM.
This week we will be joining together in an activity that simulates how resources are distributed and used by countries around the world.
Sunday Youth Group – 10 March
Youth can attend at either 9:45AM or 11:15AM.
Juniors (11-13) and Seniors (14-18) will meet in Indigo Hotel 29/F, and seniors will head out after prayer to have a biblical discussion.
Wednesday Youth Bible Study - 13 March
Starting 13 March and continuing for the next 5 weeks we will be having a Youth Bible Study during Wednesday Night ReCharge at Union.
7PM Dinner and Worship
7:45 - 9PM Bible Study
The subject of our Bible study will be the Parables of Jesus.
Kingdom KidsSunday School Teachers
Kingdom Kids is seeking additional lead teachers for our 8 to 10 years old group at the 11:15AM service. Join us for raising our children for God's Kingdom. Contact Jacklien at
.
Sunday School 2018/2019 Registration
Register HERE. Registration Forms are also available at the Welcome Table.
Filipino Ministry1:00PM - 1:50PM Congregational Prayer
2:00PM - 2:50PM Bible Study Groups
3:00PM - 4:00PM Worship Service
Every 1st Sunday of the Month from 9:00AM to 12:00PM Outreach & Evangelism
MissionsLocal Mission - Sons and Daughters (S&D) is a ministry that seeks to reach out to the men and women in the red-light districts of Hong Kong. There are many opportunities for volunteer support, including the following: lunchtime intercessory prayer, male and female volunteers for outreach ministry, house parents for their shelter, education providers for job skills/training as part of their exit program, administrative support, musicians and worship leaders, social work interns, cookie baking, card writing, and assistance with fundraisers. There are several upcoming information sessions on Wednesdays from 7:30-9:00PM (20 March, 17 April, and 22 May). If you want to get involved or learn more, please contact Janice Chan or Brittney Tsang.
HK TaxpayerFor HK Taxpayers wishing to make tax-deductible donations for the tax year of April 2018 to March 2019, please ensure that cheques are made payable to “Union Church” and are dated before 31 March 2019.
Please send your cheques to our Church Accounts Department latest by 31 March 2019, otherwise your donation will not be recognised in the 2018/2019 tax year. Thank you for your continuous support to Union Church.
Last Week's Sermon"Hospitality to Strangers" by Rev. Dr. Judy Chan
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