U MATTERS
This week, we begin a new series entitled "Lean In." As we explore people from the Old Testament, their challenges and difficulties, we will discover how they "leaned in" and found comfort, direction, courage and strength to face their trials. We can lean into God's word, community, His promises and His Spirit.
We can also lean into our convictions. Leaning into our convictions is important, however, how we do this is critical. Recently, I was speaking to a mentor and he suggested that typically there are four different ways people tend to demonstrate and justify convictions:
- Passion: the person with the most passion and enthusiasm
- Consumerism: the person who communicates what "most people" want - i.e. "survey says"
- Dogmatism: the person who uses their position, voice tone and volume to dominate
- Experience: the person who has the valued experience - i.e. the longest serving
However, each of these convictions are competitive and often prohibit the ability to hear other points of view. Many of us have a passion for ministry, for our new church building, for our future outreaches but how we communicate that passion is essential.
As followers of Christ unity is what Christians have been called to. Biblical unity can be messy, uncomfortable and requires intentionality. Unity is not uniformity. Unity is not a virtue to aspire to at the expense of sweeping evil and wrong under the carpet. Unity takes work.
As we discuss and make decisions, it is critical that we remember the words of the Apostle Paul, "Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony." Colossians 3:14
"Do nothing from selfish ambition or empty conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests but to the interests of others." Philippinas 2:3-4
I am excited about this next season of ministry. As we continue to prepare our hearts and minds for the next steps may we remember the words of Augustine, "In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things charity."
Leaning in, Pastor Michele
CHURCH IN-PERSON & ONLINE
We're looking forward to seeing you in-person on Sunday, 15 May at one of the three services, 8:45am Family Communion, 9:45am Traditional Worship and 11:15am Contemporary Worship.
For our online congregation we will livestream the 9:45am and 11:15am services here. Please register in advance and note that we will start closing registration on Fridays at 5:00pm. On arrival, have your phones ready for scanning with LeaveHomeSafe and up-to-date vaccination status.
Join us at a Zoom Coffee Hour to connect with friends online - 10:45am and 12:15pm. Email Admin for the Zoom link.
FAMILY NEWS
Congratulations to Monte Peterson who will be ordained on 14 May, Saturday at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Greendale, Wisconsin. We rejoice with Monte, and are grateful for the ministry she had at Union Church.
Congratulations to Sharon Dhavale on graduating with a Master of Theology degree from Regent College, Vancouver. Sharon also has a Master of Divinity degree and is currently serving as the Pastoral Resident with one of the campus churches at Grace Chapel in the United States. We rejoice and give thanks to the Lord for His faithfulness!
We are so excited to welcome our new summer co-Youth directors. Our interns are Sebastian Caldwell and Elise Bland.
Sebastian has been attending Union Church since he was young. He is the oldest of four siblings. He has studied and graduated from South Island in 2020. Later that year he started attending Redeemer University, in Hamilton, Ontario. At Redeemer, Sebastian is studying Theology, with a focus on Urban and Intercultural Ministries. At Redeemer he is currently serving as the Spiritual Events Coordinator on campus. Sebastian is currently on summer break after completing his second year of university, and is very excited to be serving as the co-youth director at Union Church. He is excited about the opportunity to apply what he has learned at university practically into Union's youth ministry program. Sebastian has a specific passion for spiritual formation, and discipleship for the youth. In his spare time you will catch Seb biking, and hiking across Hong Kong's hills, along with his dog Maple. He is also a big pop culture guy, with a love for movies and television shows. Sebastian is someone who cares deeply about the people around him, and is available if you need him.
Elise was born and raised in the 852, attended the Canadian International School, graduating in 2020, and has been actively involved in Union Church, serving in youth and worship ministries. She is currently going into her third year at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, pursuing an MA (Hons) in International Relations & International Law. She has particularly enjoyed her elective: Jesus & the Gospels, studying the gospels from an academic perspective. With a heart for evangelism + discipleship, Elise serves as the Prayer Coordinator on the Christian Union Committee, and is also is the Vice- President of the Christian Union's International Cafe, a ministry which focuses on sharing Jesus with international students through friendship evangelism. The highlights this year has been witnessing God changing hearts and lives within the international student community, seeing non-Christian friends attending Bible studies, asking questions and even coming to faith! One major take-away from this year has been that no act is too small to make a difference in someone coming to know Christ for themselves, even if it is as simple as giving them a hot chocolate and inviting them to a Christian-run event! You have no idea the difference that YOU can make!
Elise is SO excited to work with the youth this summer, and is looking forward to sharing God's amazing God's love with the youth. She is a big believer in going for coffee and catching up, and is always available and looking forward to building relationships.
Hunter's memory book & love gift! It's not too late to add notes and photos to his book in the Fellowship Hall and give your love gift. If you're worshipping online, you can email content for his book and also give online - look for the line item for Hunter's gift.
Pastor Ruth to retire! After 31 years in ministry to the Filipino fellowship and Union Church as a whole, the Rev Ruth Tablada is departing for the Philippines at the end of May. She is leaving such a legacy! Please leave mementos and photos in her memory book in the Fellowship Hall or email your photos and message to Admin and give online.
Annual General Meeting (AGM): All are welcome at our AGM on Saturday, 21 May 2022, 7:00pm at Union Church. People who have been church members for at least six months may vote. The Union Church Annual Report and Financial Reports are available at the church.
THIS WEEK
Young Adults New Study, Wednesdays, 8:00pm: Be Still. In this video series, we will explore creative ways we can connect with God each day, learning how to practically develop and grow habits that cultivate daily stillness in the midst of our busy and fast-paced world. Questions? - contact Dan Tupps.
Halftime Small Group Study, Saturdays, 6:00pm online: This 6 weekly sessions study will help you consider your core abilities and passions and discover creative ways to channel your talent towards Kingdom-significance. If interested in joining, please email and Vivien Teu, the coordinator for this study, would love to have a chat and involve you.
Film & Theology, Tuesday, 17 May, 8:00pm, Zoom: Join Chris McKenzie and other movie lovers for this discussion about The Dreamseller. This film features a disillusioned psychologist who tries to commit suicide until he strikes up a friendship with an unlikely saviour who teaches him a new way of living. Watch the film in advance (hint: you'll find it on Netflix) and then Zoom in on the 17th. Register to get the Zoom link.
UPCOMING
Creativity Ministry: Let's EAT - a dinner with Jesus, 24 May, 7:30 - 8:30pm, online: The idea for Let's EAT comes from Eugene Peterson's book Run with the Horses where he compares prayer to dinner with God. This will be an evening of spiritual food, not actual food. Come join this special evening + experience a deepening in your relationship with Jesus. Please sign up here.
stART Retreat, Saturday, 28 May, 9:00am - Sunday, 29 May, 1:00pm: Creativity Ministry invites women, men and young adults to come together at a two-day retreat to experience God in new ways, being immersively present using art as a companion. Come join us at the Heritage Lodge for this creative journey. Learn more - registration open!
New Study: The Artist Way, starting Tuesday, 7 June, 12:30pm - 1:30pm, online: Creativity Ministry invites you to join a study that explores the Artist Way, A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity. The 12-week study is open to men, women and young adults. Learn more and register.
New Men's Study: Gospel of John 13-17, starting Tuesday, 7 June, 8:00 - 9:00pm, online. How do you respond to life's trials? Hardships threaten to bring separation, sorrow and despair. But Jesus offers a better way. In daily troubles of every kind, we can seek God's comfort in confidence through faith. Men, we'd love to have you join this six-week study with Dan Tupps and Andrew Lo. Register here.
KINGDOM KIDS
In-person Creche and Children's Church, Sunday 9:45am and 11:15am: Children attending Creche and Children's Church are required to be pre-registered weekly and registration is available at Union Church website. We look forward to see your children and learn together about the Armor of God.
Online Sunday School, 10:30am: We are also excited to continue our worship ONLINE and learn about God's Armor together. Children aged 3 to 10 years old are welcome to join us via Zoom. Please email for the Zoom link.
Kingdom Kids Sunday edition: BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS - is available at the end of the 9:45am and 11:15am worship services on the Union Church website or Facebook page.
Sunday School Registration 2021-2022: Registration for the academic year 2021/2022 is open. Children ages 0-11 years old enrolling in our Creche and Sunday School programme must be registered by completing the form here. Registration forms are also available at the Children's welcome table. For more information, please visit our website or email or call 2101 0414.
YOUTH
In-person Friday Youth - 13 May, 6:00-9:00pm: Dinner at Fini's at 6:00pm (TBC). Youth 12 and over must be vaccinated and bring records via the LHS app. We will dismiss at 9:00pm.
In-person Sunday Youth - 15 May at Union.
MISSIONS
Outreach to Home of Loving Faithfulness - Sunday, 26 June. We will share the painted birdhouses and small branches we've made and we will paint tyres for the sensory garden too. Please bring your creations back to Union for collection on/before 26 June. Register here. Transportation will be provided.
Restrictions lifting - time to Walk the Wall! ICC Hong Kong is excited to announce the resumption of Walk the Wall 2022. This crucial walkathon raises support for children in ICC's centres who have been abandoned and in their Family Partners Programme (FPP). Young people in FPP are often raised by low-income families ineligible for government social welfare. Learn more and sign up for "Walk On Your Own" or Walk the Wall Competition". Just do it!
Light of the World Church and Preschool, Myanmarr: The Vums ask us to keep their preschool graduation ceremony, planned for 21 May, in our prayers. Preschool events such as this are great opportunities for outreach to the parents, family members, and friends who attend. Please pray for receptive hearts for the gospel message! Also, Pastor Vum's brother has started radiation treatment for his cancer this week, and Pastor Vum asks that we keep his brother in our prayers as he is physically very weak from his recent chemotherapy treatments. Please continue to pray for healing and restoration.
Baptism
Are you following Jesus and want people to know? Share with others the new hope you have in Jesus through baptism. Interested and ready to celebrate? Contact Pastor Michele.
Small Groups
Stay connected and get support from your friends in a small group that is a tangible demonstration of God's love for us. Interested in joining one that is right for you? Contact so that we might suggest one for you.
Stephen Ministry
Lonely? Grieving? Going through a separation or divorce? Stephen Ministers are members of our congregation who listen, care encourage and provide emotional and spiritual support during life's challenges. Please contact .
Giving
Thank you for your tithes and offerings! If you are not coming to church this Sunday, you may post a cheque payable to "Union Church", deliver it to the church office, or give online. May you be blessed as you give of your time, talent and treasure!
Prayer
These are troubling times. Sometimes we need people to come alongside for spiritual support. Would you like someone to pray with you? Simply email or WhatsApp us at +852 9182 7247. Our Deacons and prayer ministry team will respond.
Last week's sermon
"Tend My Sheep." Watch last week's message by Hunter Purvis
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