U MATTERS
The Olympics seem to be fitting for us at this time in Hong Kong - as most of us feel like we are running a marathon. Whether you are in quarantine, homeschooling, working from home, standing in line for COVID tests, waiting the results of COVID tests, managing logistics and contingency plans yet again - you are running a marathon.
Today, I experienced my own marathon as I was able to participate in “a day in the life of a BUFF member”. It started at 9:30am and finished at 2:00pm - this Zoom marathon included meetings with professionals discussing the details of Lighting, IT and AV. Thank you Maurice O’Brien, Patrick Wilson, Shaun Dove, Ricky Lai, Rob Porter, Patrick Raths and Jessey Xiong! What a marathon this team and the entire BUFF team have been running - we are truly grateful.
We run with a purpose and we do not run alone - God is with us and we have each other. So then, “…let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-3
Strength and peace as you run your own marathon,
Pastor Michele
CHURCH ONLINE
We are in the midst of the Psalms of Hope sermon series. Find comfort and strength in the promises of God! Join us for the livestream of the 9:45am (Traditional) and 11:15am (Contemporary) services here. Please note that in line with the latest Government regulations, the church premises are closed to visitors until 24 February.
You may also catch up with friends during Zoom Coffee Hour, Sunday, 13 February, 10:45am. Email for the Zoom link. Check the website for all of the online programmes for children, youth, young adults, men and women.
STAY CONNECTED
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THIS WEEK
Robert Morrison, Pioneer Protestant Missionary to China, Online: Wednesdays, 16 and 23 February, 8:00pm - 9:15pm. Catriona Woodrow - former Deacon, historian and seminary graduate - takes us on another tour of church history. She will look at the significance of the life and work of Robert Morrison (1782 - 1834). This continues our heritage series of the rich historical foundations of Union Church Hong Kong. Look for Catriona's video on church history in the worship services this Sunday! Register for the class now.
Young Adults Study - "Your Time is Now": ONLINE Wednesdays at 8:00pm: Speaker and chaplain Jonathan Evans encourages us to walk in God’s purpose today and for the rest of our lives. Learn how we can take hold of what God wants to give us right now. For more details and the Zoom link contact Dan Tupps.
GriefShare course extended: Session 6 on Tuesday, 15 February - "Why?" - addresses the many questions you may have surrounding your loved one's death. We will continue on Tuesdays 22 February and 1 March, on Zoom. Learn more about GriefShare.
Oxfam Hong Kong is hiring! Oxfam is an independent development and relief agency based in Hong Kong and a member of the Oxfam federation. They are looking for a Director of Fundraising and Communications. Take a look - applications close on 25 February.
UPCOMING
@thetable Zoom social, Tuesday, 22 February, 8:00pm, The women of Union and their friends are gathering for more fun this month. Last month's online social featured a great cross section of our diverse congregation - join us for the next one! Email for the Zoom link. (Hint: it's the same Zoom link as for the January social.)
Women's Ministry - New Online Wednesday Lunchtime Study, 6 weeks, starting 9 March, 12:30pm - 1:30pm: Juliana Rotmeyer is leading a new online study group for busy women looking for lunchtime spiritual refreshment. Our first study is Eugene Peterson's Run with the Horse: The Quest for Life at Its Best. Please register so we can send you the book.
Alpha Online, Thursdays, starting 10 March, 7:45pm, with the introductory session, Is There More To Life Than This? The Alpha course is your opportunity to ask any question about the Christian faith. Bring a family member, friend or colleague to the online course - ask God who that person is. Registration is open.
Women's Ministry - Save the Date - Tuesday, 29 March, 7:30pm - 9:30pm: Let's Koinonia! More coming soon.
KINGDOM KIDS
Peace Vouchers: There is still time to mail in PARKnSHOP voucher(s) to help some families in Hong Kong who are struggling during this difficult time. Any amount is greatly appreciated and feel free to include a loving message or Bible verses on your envelope. Please post the vouchers to Union Church at 18/F Dah Sing Financial Centre, 248 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai. Please mark envelopes with "Peace Vouchers". The deadline is 20 February. Thank you!
Online Sunday School, Every Sunday at 10:30am: Children ages 3 to 10 years old are invited to join us! There will be a time of worship, learning about God's Word, sharing and praying for each other and a Kahoot game. It will be fun to learn together. Please email to get the Zoom link.
Kingdom Kids Sunday edition - Jesus Teaches Us How to Pray - will be available at the end of the 9:45am and 11:15am worship services on the Union Church website and Facebook.
Online Friday Youth - Tomorrow! - 11 February, 6:00pm - 8:00pm: We're into our new series, Fruit of the Spirit: The 9 Keys to Happiness. We'll meet on Zoom at 6:00pm before heading into breakout rooms for Juniors and Seniors. See you on Zoom - the link is here.
Online Sunday Youth - 13 February, 11:15am: We'll continue our series on forgotten figures of the Bible for Juniors and Seniors, as well as having time to hear a testimony, pray and more. Youth can join the Zoom here at 11:15am.
MISSIONS
Meet our Ministry Partners - International Care Ministries (ICM): Learn more about the work of ICM's pastors network in the Philippines and how our partnership has helped bring the Gospel and practical support to ultrapoor communities. ICM will join us for Zoom Coffee Hour on Sunday, 20 February to share and answer questions. Ask for the Zoom link.
Typhoon Odette disaster relief: Our ministry partners, ICM and CAMACOP Church Planting Network, have responded swiftly to help families, communities, and churches, thanks in part to generous giving by individual donors. Thank you for being Christ's hands and feet. Did you see the video last Sunday? Watch here.
Walk The Wall 2022 Hong Kong: Every kilometre you walk, every dollar you raise helps children and young adults with disabilities in China overcome their challenges. Under the current Covid regulations, we can still hike with a buddy (groups of 2)! Please join our Ministry Partner, International China Concern, as they care for some of the most vulnerable people in China. Please join here: https://walkthewall.org/hk/
SAT-7, a Union Ministry Partner, witnesses to Jesus Christ through inspirational, informative and educational television services. A recent story tells about a 13-year old boy from Iran who got in touch with Persian children’s show Hashtag, asking to give his life to Jesus. Read that story and also take a look at SAT-7's prayer calendar.
Sons & Daughters, another Ministry Partner, serves individuals caught in sexual exploitation so they may reclaim their lives and freedom in Christ. Their aftercare ladies have created a new candle for Valentine's Day and it's available at their social enterprise, ReStore. Shop with a purpose at www.restoreshop.org!
ONE2022 Campaign: Let's continue praying for the upcoming ONE2022 campaign that kicks off on Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, on 2 March. We are praying for our city, the churches in our city and churches worldwide. Rev Dr Edmound Teo of ICAHK shares how the ONE Hearing the Word campaign has fostered unity. Watch the video.
Light of the World Church and Preschool, Myanmar: Please continue to pray for the salvation and safety of the people of Myanmar. Pastor Vum also asks for prayers for his two sons, Caleb and Paul, who have cough, pain and fever, as do some of the preschool children. We ask that the Lord bring them back to full health.
Small Groups
Stay connected while church is online. The support from your friends in a small group is tangible demonstration of God's love for us. Interested in joining one? There are groups for women, men, couples, day-time, night-time, etc. Contact so that we might suggest a good group for you.
Prayer
Prayer changes everything. Need prayer? Reach out to us confidentially at .
Stephen Ministry
Going through a crisis or a difficult time? Stephen Ministers are members of our congregation who listen, care, encourage, and provide emotional and spiritual support during life's challenges. Please contact if we can help.
Last week's service
“Psalms of Hope - Step Out of the Clutter and Sing a New Song" Rev Dr Michele Bland. Watch anytime as we continue our sermon series, Psalms of Hope.