U Matters

As I think about this week, I am mindful of the many pastoral cares and concerns that people in our congregation are facing. School has begun for some, teachers are beginning to engage in the new semester, young adults are getting ready to leave for University, some have health issues and there are employment stresses. And as a community we are adjusting to continued social isolation and learning to be the ‘scattered church’ in these uncertain times.

Recently, I came upon a sermon -a 1930 sermon that the young German Dietrich Bonhoeffer preached. It was during a time of widespread fear, danger and uncertainty. Bonhoeffer wanted followers of Christ to know where to turn – he said this - “God stands above all . . . his Word unstayed,” He preached,

“The overcoming of fear—that is what we are proclaiming here. The Bible, the gospel, Christ, the church, the faith—all are one great battle cry against fear in the lives of human beings. Fear is, somehow or other, the archenemy itself. It crouches in people’s hearts. It hollows out their insides, until their resistance and strength are spent, and they suddenly break down. Fear secretly gnaws and eats away at all the ties that bind a person to God and to others, and when in a time of need that person reaches for those ties and clings to them, they break and the individual sinks back into himself or herself, helpless and despairing, while hell rejoices.” Bonhoeffer 1930.

We are living with a lot of uncertainty and change. But may we never forget that “God has not given us a spirit of fear but a spirit of power and sound mind.”  1 Timothy 1:7

May we remember the words of the prophet Isaiah who said, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

May we remember the words of Jesus when He spoke to the disciples during a storm in Matthew 14:27 -Jesus immediately said to them: “Take Courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

There is much that we can fear. But may we always remember that we are not alone, that God promises never to leave us nor forsake us and that He is the Great “I Am” -and He is with us. Jesus said, "Surely I am with you always, even to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:20

Blessings, Pastor Michele

UNION CHURCH LEADERSHIP BODIES:

We welcomed new members of Deacons’ Court, Committee of Management (CoM) and the Board of Trustees at the AGM on 27 June 2020. Thank you for your service to Union Church! Please read about our leaders on the church website. Kindly note that an error was made at the AGM. Tariq Dennison was in fact voted in successfully to join CoM with more than 50% of the votes of members present—we apologise for communicating inaccurately that he did not have sufficient votes. We also would like to thank Juliana Rotmeyer who has agreed to continue to serve on CoM until the end of her three-year term in March 2021. We welcome all new Union Church leaders in this new season of serving our community! 

THIS WEEK:

Youth: During the month of August, Youth are invited to join us on Wednesdays for our Youth Acts Study at 7PM, or on Sundays at 12:30PM as we discuss the scripture and sermon for the week! See our weekly Newsletter for more info.

New Sunday Morning Class: Faith In Trying Times. It's not too late to join! 
Join us from 10:30-11:15am on zoom as we discuss how times of uncertainty (like now!) are really opportunities to grow in faith. Using Laurie Short's video series "Fear, Waiting, Hope" we'll look at situations in the Bible where people had to overcome fear, lean into God’s timing and see dark times as an opportunity to increase hope. Register here to get the zoom link. Led by Dan Tupps, Monte Peterson and Pastor Michele. August 16, 23, 30. 

Please join us this Sunday, ONLINE ONLY, at 9:45AM for our traditional service and 11:15AM for our contemporary service. Please join us 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.  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:

International China Concern (ICC) was founded in 1993 by David Gotts after seeing firsthand the suffering of Chinese children with disabilities who had been abandoned and left without hope in desperate conditions.In the beginning, ICC sent short-term teams into China to provide care in government welfare centres.

Inner City Ministries focuses on helping the ethnic minorities and their families in Hong Kong. One special group of people that Inner City Ministries help are recovering drug addicts. After a year of rehab, many of these individuals cannot find employment, and they quickly slip back into drug abuse. If you know of any job opportunities that are open to hiring rehabilitated individuals, please contact emmanuel@innercityministries.org.

Another exciting opportunity is to volunteer and help in their children’s program. Learn more about how to keep kids safe or to mentor them at innercityministries.org/children

Sons & Daughters, our neighbours in Wan Chai, share God's love with the women and men of the red light districts throughout Hong Kong.  Calling all bakers! Your baking skills can help open doors and transform lives in the red light districts. Email info@sonsanddaughters.org.hk to help! They are also in need of food, toiletries, cleaning supplies, electronics, and board games. If you're able to make a donation, please see the items needed at: https://forms.gle/ZDzeekPP2Nhdpekg6

Pour out your love 傾福行動 - https://fundrazr.com/pouroutyourlove: We invite you to share the blessings and contribute one-tenth of your $10,000 government subsidy for the ICC children.

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.

Kingdom Kids: