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U Matters

How wonderful it was to be back and preaching last Sunday. I received a text Monday from a friend where he used the phrase: " the overwhelming greatness of God.” Have you had an overwhelming greatness of God moment? When all else fails, the Lord prevails. No storm nor tragedy nor betrayal can ever keep us from the love and protection of our God. This week we tackle the second beatitude, “Blessed are those who mourn." Chris and Hunter insist that we use the translation from the Message: “You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you. (Matthew 5:4)” May you have overwhelming greatness of God moment this week!

Will there be church on Sunday or not? That was the big question at the Pastor’s Prayer Breakfast this morning as we wonder when and where the typhoon will hit. Just to refresh your memory, don’t show up Sunday if there is a “Typhoon Warning Signal 8” or “Black Rainstorm Warning” is issued before 7:30AM. We will have morning services if it hits later in the afternoon, as currently predicted.

Gratefully,
Pastor Greg

This Week

Adverse Weather Arrangement on Sunday
When a Typhoon Warning Signal No. 8(T8) or higher is hoisted or a Black Rainstorm Warning(Black Rain) is in effect two hours prior to all scheduled church activities(worship services, bible studies, small groups, youth activities, children's programmes etc.), these activities will be cancelled. Church activities will resume within 2 hours after the T8 or Black Rain is lowered or cancelled. 

8:45AM service
If a T8 /Black Rain on Sunday morning is in effect at or before 6:30AM, our 8:45AM service is cancelled. 

9:45AM service
If a T8 /Black Rainl on Sunday morning is in effect at or before 7:30AM, our 9:45AM service is cancelled. 

11:15AM service
If a T8 /Black Rain on Sunday morning is in effect at or before 9:00AM, our 11:15AM service is cancelled. 

5:15PM service
We will hold our last service at 5:15PM in the evening if a T8 /Black Rain is lowered/cancelled at or before 3:00PM.


Union Men’s Event “Kindness Walk”– Friday, 14 September
The next Union Men’s event will take place on Friday, 14 September.
Jeff Rotmeyer – one of our men, and founder of Impact HK – will lead us to a “Kindness Walk” in Mongkok to give away food and water to homeless people.
The meeting is at 7:00PM at The Guest Room, 29 Oak Street, Tai Kok Tsui.
We will walk for 2 hours and then have dinner at a local Indian restaurant.
All information and sign-up online or by email to Anto Ficatier


The Beatitudes: A Sunday lunch study, 3rd/8-week
Please join Monte Peterson on Sunday at 12:35PM in Meeting Room 2 & 3 for the second lesson of a small group study on the fall sermon series, the Beatitudes, lasting for eight weeks. A light lunch will be provided. Please sign up in the foyer or contact directly.

Opportunities

Spiritual Formation
Looking for a guided opportunity for growing in your walk with God? 
Contact BASILEIA or see Pastor Michele for registration.
Great structured, community building programme. 

Charity Crochet Event
Tuesday, 18 September, 10:00AM - 12:00NN at Union Church.
This class is for Intermediate Beginners, making Amigurumi toy penguin.
Tuition fee: $250 including wool, hook and pattern.  
All proceeds go to charity Impact HK.  
Contact Irene Li or Melody Landes 9300 9063.

The Marriage Course, Tuesdays, 23 October – 4 December (7 weeks)
The course offers a lifetime of practical ideas and tools to help keep your relationship strong. The course is based on Christian principles but is designed for ALL couples with or without a church background. Time: 7:00PM – 9:30PM. Cost HK$1,800/couple, fee includes dinners & course material; bursary available. Click HERE for registration and course details, please contact Ms Joanna Yau for more information. 
 

ReCharge

ReCharge is a weekly night at Union Church where we fellowship, worship, and study.
Join us on Wednesdays:
7:00PM –             dinner (there is a donation box to cover the cost of the food)
7:30PM –             worship
7:45-9:00PM –     classes

4 different classes are offered this Fall:
- Beatitudes by Monte Peterson 
- Stephen's Ministry Training by Pastor Michele
- Adulting by Anto Ficatier
- Cost of Discipleship by Pastor Greg

You can register at the Welcome Table every Sunday, or by filling out the online form HERE. 

FAMILY NEWS

Scripture says "rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn". On Saturday, 15 September, at 3:00PM
- we remember and honour the life of James (Jimmy) Frank Logan, Father to Joyce Logan. We remember Joyce, Jeffrey and the boys as they grieve. The service of memorial to be held at Sunlight Tower. 

Education

ALPHA COURSE! Next Alpha course begins in the Fall will run on Wednesdays starting 26 September to 5 December, 2018, 7:00PM – 9:15PM (NB Change of Dates). For registration and information, please click here or email to

We look forward to seeing you!
 

Serve

Union Church is always looking for people to serve. If you would like to be an usher, greeter or bible reader, please see Pastor Michele.
 

Baptism / Membership

Baptism - If you would like to be baptized classes will be held on two consecutive Mondays, 10 and 17 September, at 7:30PM in Union Church. Please sign up at the foyer. If you would like your child to be baptized, Pastor Michele would be happy to meet up with you. 

Membership - if you are not a member and would like to be, please download application forms here or collect a peach coloured application form at the Welcome Table and/or see Pastor Michele. 
 

Men

The Walk to Emmaus Weekend retreat for Men (Walk # 77) will be held from 18 - 21 October, at Tao Fong Shan Christian Centre in Shatin. The Walk is based on the New Testament scripture of Luke 24: 13-35, where the Risen Christ appears to two layman walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus. A brief overview will be provided by Eugene Chung (9:45AM service) and Lay Director Brad Landes (11:15AM service).
 

Young Adults

New to Union?
Are you a Young Adult new to Union Church?
Make sure you meet our Young Adults Director, Anto Ficatier, at the Welcome Table every Sunday. You can also email Anto for more information about Young Adults at Union!
 

Small Groups

Small groups are where we dig into the nitty-gritty of following Jesus. Studying the Bible, reading topical books, praying, laughing and eating together--small groups are where we connect with each other. Groups meet all over Hong Kong on different days of the week. Interested? Contact Monte Peterson or sign up here. New fall series is the Beatitudes.
 

Youth

Friday Youth Group – Friday 14 September
This Friday is the first ‘Fellowship’ Friday of the year. These nights are geared towards having fun, getting to know each other and inviting friends to Youth Group. This week we will be watching the film “Prince of Egypt,” an animated retelling of the Exodus story.

Both Juniors (11-13) and Seniors (14-18) are invited to come from 6:00PM-9:00PM. Senior Hangout will continue until 10:00PM
 
Sunday Youth – Sunday 16 September
Youth can attend at either 9:45AM or 11:15AM.
Juniors (11-13) and Seniors (14-18) will meet in Indigo Hotel 29/F, and seniors will head out after prayer to have a biblical discussion.
 

Kingdom Kids

Children’s Book Fair, Sunday, 16 and 23 September, Fellowship Hall
Kingdom Kids is organising a Book Fair for all of our families in September. There will be Bibles for children, teens and adults, Children’s books, DVDs, and much more. Come and check us out at the Fellowship Hall on the dates mentioned above.

Sunday School 2018/2019 Registration
Sunday School Registration for academic year 2018/2019 is open. In order to help us plan our program well and serve your family better, we would appreciate it if you could kindly register your children HERE. All children enrolling in our Sunday School and Crèche Center MUST BE REGISTERED by filling in and signing the Registration Form. For more information, please visit Union Church's website or contact us at CHILDREN or 21010414. Thank you for your kind attention and cooperation.  

Mission

Local Missions

Fundraising Walkathon for KSA Prison Ministry
The Hong Kong Christian Kun Sun Association (KSA) will hold a fundraising walkathon “Prayer Walk”, on 29 September, Saturday afternoon, for their prison ministry that has been operating for 40 years. It would be a good chance to walk with the ministry's supporters, the rehabilitated persons as well as their families, witnessing God’s work and reaching out to those behind the bars. For details, please refer to the documents as attached (Leaflet, Letter, and Application Form).

Peace for Every Child Charity Walk by World Vision Hong Kong 
Since conflict broke out in Syria in 2011, millions have been forced to leave home in search of safety. Over 3.7 million children under the age of five have been displaced since they were born. World Vision Hong Kong cordially invites our church congregation to join ‘Peace for Every Child Charity Walk’ on 6 October (Sat) to raise funds to support World Vision’s Syrian Refugee Response. Please see the attached poster, leaflets and enrollment form, or visit http://www.worldvision.org.hk/en/peacewalk for more details about the event.

Outreach

Sons and Daughters
Opportunity for ministry in the Wan Chai area consider Sons and Daughters. Next information session: Wednesday, 19 September, 7:30pm in Wan Chai. Please contact  hk.
 

Family in Need (FIN)

We have been praying for Gavin Shui as he battles cancer.  Please check out this link on how you can register as a donor for Gavin and others who need a bone marrow transplant.
 

Last Week's Sermon

"Happy Are the Helpless" by Pastor Greg Anderson