U MATTERS:
We are in a stewardship series and the word generosity continues to be a theme. When you think about it, generosity is a value that should be the hallmark Christianity. God has been generous to us. And as we reflect God, we in turn are to be generous to others. Scripture says, “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” 1 John 3:1 NIV We need to be generous to others, generous with our time, our talents, our resources, mindful that, ‘the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” 2 Corinthians 9:6
I was very encouraged in staff meeting this week as various ministry leaders named the seeds they were wanting to sow in their ministries -seeds of hope, love, compassion, prayer, community, a heart for worship and for God’s word. I was also encouraged this week to hear about the seeds that are being sown daily so people can have the gospel in their own language through the continued work of Faith Comes By Hearing. All of these are kingdom seeds. They are redemptive and life-giving seeds. These are seeds that will reap an eternal harvest. As we think about our own gardens -our family, workplace, church and city -I wonder what type of seeds do we want to plant?
This week, we hope you will join us for in-person worship –
8:45AM Classic Service -Dan Tupps – By Faith: Give Generously
9:45AM Traditional Service -Alia Eyres -CEO of Mothers Choice
11:15AM Contemporary Service & U-Café -Alia Eyres
12:45PM Contemporary Service -Alia Eyres
3:00PM Tagalog Service -Pastor Ruth
Blessings, Pastor Michele
Stewardship:
On Sunday we started our annual Stewardship campaign. Each week, one of our Committee of Management members will be sharing their testimony. This week we hear from our Honourary Treasurer: George Ding:
Matthew 6:21 "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. "
Jesus tells us the most important lesson about money. Our heart, our desire and hope, is tied closely to our treasure. Our money and our heart go together. We all know that, of course, to some extent. But when Jesus calls our attention to this part of our character, he confronts us. He alerts us to the powerful tug that material wealth possesses, an allure that makes us do and act and believe contrary to our Christian confession. We say that we live for heaven. Our pocketbook shows us what we really live for. He calls us to examine where we place our money and our heart: earthly pleasures that fade away or eternal kingdom investments that last forever.
George Ding.
CHURCH FAMILY NEWS:
We are delighted to announce that Bronwyn Alexander has joined our staff team as Director of Communications. Bronwyn responded to our advertisement and after a number of interviews was clearly the best person for the role. Bronwyn has extensive experience in communications having worked in this area for many years and knows Union Church very well having been a member of our congregation as well as serving in leadership positions. Please join us in welcoming her on board.
We are currently meeting in-person at half our normal capacity in the Sanctuary - 100 people. Starting from this Sunday (15th November) we will be offering a NEW SERVICE at 12:45PM in addition to our live services at 8:45AM (with communion), 9:45AM and 11:15AM. We will also hold U-Cafe, with a live Worship team, at Hotel Indigo (2nd floor) at 11:15AM. We look forward to seeing you at one of our services in-person. If you are unable to come and worship with us in the sanctuary or Hotel Indigo please join us online, at either 9:45AM or 11:15AM, via our website, mobile app or Facebook page. If you are unable to be online at the time of our worship services, you can watch them later in the day, again via our website, app or Facebook page
Creche & Sunday School Arrangements for Sunday 15th November 2020 and until further notice: the Creche Centre will be open with restricted capacity. For children aged 3 years old above, Veggie Tales Movies will be shown in rooms 2 & 3 with strict hygiene measures and in accordance with the government guidelines. We greatly appreciate your understanding and kind cooperation as we gather and worship God responsibly.
Prayer and Discernment: Join us as we continue to pray for our church. Tuesdays, at 7:45AM - 8:30AM on Zoom. Contact ADMIN for the zoom link.
Don't forget that you can still give your offering online via the giving page of our website, or by using the QR code below. You can also send us a cheque, made payable to "Union Church" or "Friends of Hong Kong Charities, Inc" if you are a US taxpayer. Please send them to: 18F, Sunlight Tower, 248 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong.
Upcoming:
A new study! Friday mornings ladies starting tomorrow,13th November, 10:00AM to gather and chat, then from 10:30AM -12:00PM: Goliath must fall - a 6 week study as we discover some key giants in our life - Fear must Fall, Rejection must fall, Comfort must fall, Anger must fall and Addiction must fall. We hope you will join us either in-person or via zoom. Please contact Pastor Michele or Ellen Ahn to sign up or for more information.
“ReCreate!” Open Arts Studio, 12noon-2pm, 5 Thursdays, Starting 19 November. Creating art is a great way to relax, de-stress and rejuvenate your mind, soul and spirit. We’re inviting you and our neighbours in Sunlight Tower to “ReCreate!”- an open time and space to refresh and express yourselves through art-making. A diverse assortment of art supplies will be provided for you to create any artwork of your own. Feel free to drop by and say hello, to de-stress and create together! Join us for one or more Thursdays as we find new inspirations each week. It’s free of charge! Click HERE for more details and to sign up. Contact Crystal Lo for more information.
Men's Dinner - Monday, 23 November. Join us for a fun night of fellowship and testimonies - 6:30PM at Fini's (Italian, near Sunlight Tower), 7:45PM at Union Church Sanctuary. Sign up HERE or contact Dan Tupps
Book Group: Do you enjoy reading? The Union Book Group reads a variety of Christian and secular books, and discusses them from a Christian perspective. Our upcoming book is The Inner Voice of Love, by Henri Nouwen, meeting Nov 24, 7:30 pm. Books available at church, 100$. Contact Monte Peterson with any questions.
Young Adults Hike + Dinner: We would love to have all our young adults join us for a fun hike followed by dinner at Dan and Geeta Tupps' home in Discovery Bay on Saturday, 28 November. To RSVP or for more details please contact Dan Tupps.
Youth: Christmas Banquet Save the Date – December 4. We’ll be doing things a little differently this year for the Christmas Banquet – we are asking members of our congregation to host smaller ‘Home Banquets’ and invite friends and neighbours to join. Entertainment and an auction will be zoomed in! If you are interested in hosting or just being involved, please email Hunter.
Ladies Retreat: We are organising the 2021 Ladies Retreat. Please save the date, January 28-29, 2020. More details to follow soon
Young Adults ReCharge: Young adults will be joining the "Choosing Generosity" study throughout November (see details above).
Missions:
Sons & Daughters is looking for a donation of an electric piano to use during worship times at their drop-in centre. They are also in need of everyday items for their drop-in centre and safe house. Please see the link to donate: https://forms.gle/
In speaking with our partners at Light of the World Church and Preschool in Yangon, Myanmar, the present situation there is rather dire due to COVID-19. Most church members are out of a job and have no income. Churches and schools are closed. Church members need assistance to meet their basic needs. Pastor Vum and his family have been providing food to church members during this time using funds provided by Union Church. Please pray for: strong faith in God and Christ Jesus during this time; safety and health for each family during the pandemic; for places of work, schools, and churches to be able to re-open. Please also pray for Pastor Vum's father-in-law, Pastor Kam, who will be having surgery within the next few weeks.
Kingdom Kids:
Youth:
Friday Youth Group - Friday November 13. Youth are invited to join us at Union Church! This week we are looking for 8 volunteers to participate in a Kindness Walk, feeding and serving those in need in our local community in Wan Chai. The walk will begin at 6:30 and return by 7:15 for debrief and reflection. Youth not attending the walk will have discussion in small groups.
What: Friday Youth Group – Kindness Walk. Signup HERE
When: Friday Nov 13, 6PM-9PM. Juniors (11-13) dismissed at 7:30PM
Details: As per government restrictions, we will not serve dinner. Youth are asked to sign a health declaration form on entry.
Sunday Youth – Sunday November 15. We will also be having In Person Sunday Youth this week at both 9:45 and 11:15 services. Youth are invited to join us at 29/F Indigo Hotel as we read scripture, discuss the sermon and pray together.
Wednesday Church History Study – November 18. On Wednesdays we’ve started series based around the History of the Church – diving into how the church started, how it has evolved and grown over the centuries.
What: Youth Church History Study
When: Every Wednesday, 6:30-8PM
Details: Zoom Link HERE.
Small Groups:
Meeting as a small group in this time is challenging, but the support from each other is more important than ever. There ARE online options - please reach out if you need help figuring this out! If you aren't currently in a group, we encourage you to try it out. There are groups for women, men, couples, day-time, night-time, etc. Interested? Contact Monte Peterson.
Connecting:
The Marriage Course: please contact Joanna Yau for more details.
Pastoral Care Support, if you are looking for some support and prayer please let our staff know. Contact Ministry leaders directly or admin at: or call 6225 5042.
If you have been attending Union Church for a while and have never gone through the official process to become a member, now is your chance! Please collect a green form and make it official! If you have never been baptised and are interested, please contact Monte Peterson.
A Stephen Minister can help. Stephen Ministers are members of our congregation who listen, care, encourage, and provide emotional and spiritual support to people going through a crisis or a difficult time. Please contact Pastor Michele if we can help ( )
Fertility & Pregnancy/Infant Loss Support Group - Struggling and could use some fellowship, friendship and support? Contact Sonia Lee.
Family in Need (FIN):
If you would like to help support our family in need ministry, which helps people monthly with basic needs, please mark your envelope "FIN".
"By Faith: Sow Generously" Senior Pastor Michele