Mother’s Day came early when I got to watch my grandson Carter interact with his mother (Lindsey), grandmother (Holly), and great grandmother. He is one lucky little fellow.  As I watched my daughter with her son, I realised that there is something special and spiritual in the way a mother cares for her child.  As God spoke through the prophet Isaiah, “As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you” (Isaiah 66:13).

As we continue our study of James, there is a strong verse: “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world” (James 1:27).   It is clear that mothers and children are close to the heart of God in a way I better understand by watching my daughter, wife, and mother-in-law in action. Let’s be sure to remember and/or thank our mothers this great day.

Pastor Greg 

2017 CHURCH DIRECTORY UPDATE Please stop by the Directory Table in the courtyard to update or confirm your contact details this Sunday. Photographers will stand by to take your pictures for the directory. Members as well as regular attendees are welcome to have their details included. Alternatively, please visit here to update your information and upload your photo.

This Friday, 12 May - Junior High Poverty X Lock-In
This week Junior High Youth are invited to sleep over at Union, alongside the Juniors from Community Church. This Lock-In will focus on Poverty, its insidious, cyclical nature and what we can do to help. Junior High will arrive at 6PM and are free to go after 9:00AM Saturday morning.

Senior High Youth are invited to a Bowling night together in Kowloon, alongside our Senior High friends from Community Church. We will leave from Union at 6:00PM, and dismiss from the bowling alley at 9:00PM.

Mom’s Date
Saturday, 13 May 2017, 2 – 5:00PM
Moms and children are invited to join us for a lovely afternoon of “love” pattern craft stamping followed by interactive African drumming, a dancing session, and tea time together in the Fellowship Hall. For more information, or to sign up for this event, please email us at CHILDREN.

Sunday School Dad’s Version  
On Mother’s Day, 14 May, a group of Dads will be taking over Sunday School duties. Please pray for these Dads that they will have a blessed time together as they share God’s words with our children, play games and make crafts for all the Mothers.  Also please encourage these Dads with words of affirmation as you pick up your children from the Sunday School class.

Class: Successful Missions? 
Sunday, 14 May 12:30PM, Fellowship Hall
Teacher: Joe Handley, President of Asian Access Asian Access is an organisation dedicated to developing leaders and multiplying churches.  We are privileged to have its president, Joe Handley, speak and lead the Q & A.  What is the best way to do missions?  Paint a school on a trip?  Support a missionary?  Donate to a research or infrastructure project?  Join Doctors without Borders?  Let's discuss!

Sunday Evening Young Adult Fellowship 
Sunday, 14 May, 6:00-6:50PM
Meet after the 5PM worship service in the Fellowship Hall with other university students, professionals in their twenties and thirties, and young couples for a time of fellowship, food, and games.  Please RSVP to Pastor Matthew for refreshments.

Annual Ladies Double Up Dinner
Theme: Seasons of Life
Monday, 15 May 2017; 6:30PM Drinks, 7:30PM – 9:30PM
Dinner Speaker: Rev. Christa von Zychlin
Testimony: Janita Dubois Bring your friend. 
Sign up at the Welcome Table this Sunday.

Town Hall Meeting
Wednesday, 17 May, 7:30PM
Sunday, 28 May, 12:00PM
There will be two Town Hall Meetings in May to learn more about the move and how it affects you.  Deacons, CoM, and staff will be there to hear your concerns. 
 
UCare Phone Calls
From now until Friday, 16 June Pastors, Ministry Directors, CoM and BUFF Leaders will reach out to you with a personal phone call and ask you about your greatest needs from Union Church and any concerns you have. We are looking forward to talking to you!

Family in Need (FIN): Sometimes life throws us challenges and we need to reach out for help. If you need spiritual, emotional, physical, and/or financial help please contact Pastor Michele and/or members of the FIN Team Charles Schmitt, Isabel Morrison, and Jean De Groot. To maintain accountability, we ask that requests come through this group. If someone in need approaches you for financial assistance, please refer them to the Pastors or the FIN Team.