U MATTERS
Today is Maundy Thursday - the night before Jesus was crucified. Gathering in the Upper Room for the Passover meal Jesus was with his disciples, breaking bread together. According to John 13, knowing that the time was coming, Jesus didn't miss an opportunity to teach - He washed the disciples’ feet. What an intimate experience, and they were uncomfortable. If you have ever had your feet washed you know why. Dirty, stinky, unclean feet - typically a job for servants. But Jesus again demonstrates that He came to seek and save the lost. Luke 19:10
It was also in this context that Jesus instructed the disciples in how they were to relate to one another. Jesus said,
"I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35
Fundamental to the Easter story is our treatment of others and service to them.
As we enter Good Friday - may we remember the love and sacrifice of Jesus in ‘while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.’
He has shown us how to live - may we follow His lead - Pastor Michele
CHURCH ONLINE
Easter Week is here! Tomorrow is Good Friday and this year our worship service begins at 10:30am. We have prepared a beautiful service - please join us.
On Easter Sunday, we celebrate Christ's Resurrection at 9:45am (Traditional) and the 11:15am (Contemporary) services here and on Facebook. We are excited that our choir will be featured on an RTHK radio Easter broadcast at 11:05am.
Easter Sunday will be our 15th week of online worship this year - you have persevered! Connect with your Union friends and make new ones during Zoom Coffee Hour at 10:45am. Email us at to receive the Zoom link. Guess what? We'll be adding a second coffee 'hour' at 12:15pm starting 24 May!
The church will open soon! We will inform you as soon as we know the details of the church reopening. Please watch the website. We can't wait to see you again! In the meantime, if you need to drop something off, there is a box right outside the front door. Please email Admin to make arrangements.
Throughout Lent, Juliana Rotmeyer has shared meditations on the 40-day Lenten journey with God. Last Sunday, she encouraged us to pause and seek the Lord. You can watch all of her Lessons on Lent videos here.
MORE THIS WEEK
Tonight - Be Prayed For! Join this Zoom session tonight, Thursday, 14 April, 7:30pm - 8:15pm and be prayed for in breakout rooms with Pastor Michele and Deacons - prayer can transform lives. Register to receive the Zoom link.
Film & Theology, Tuesday, 19 April, 8:00pm, Zoom: Chris McKenzie is back with the conversations that celebrate movies. Here's how it works: Watch The Case for Christ on your own and then Zoom in on the 19th for a lively conversation. Register here and find a link that will help you to view the film. (You can also register for Film & Theology's 17 May gathering to discuss The Dreamseller.)
Men's Online Study - Wednesdays 8:00-9:00pm and Thursdays 12:30-1:30pm, 20 & 21 April: Men are taking a closer look at Jesus' seven "I AM" statements from the Gospel of John. Two options: Andrew Lo and Warren Ke are facilitating on Wednesdays, while Dan Tupps is facilitating on Thursdays. We will conclude these studies next week.
Young Adults Online Study - Wednesdays at 8:00pm: Join us on 20 April for our final instalment of Jesus' seven "I AM" statements from the Gospel of John. Contact Dan Tupps
UPCOMING
Restored - Reservoirs of Living Water, Tuesday, 26 April, 7:30pm - 9:00pm. Juliana Rotmeyer and Crystal Lo have designed a special online experience for women to journey through a creative process - without needing any particular creative talent! Be led through expressions of creativity while being refilled by the Lord. Register here.
Women Who Move Mountains studies: We are starting this new study in early May. Ladies, you have two options: Wednesday lunchtime or Friday mornings. Learn more here and register to request the book.
Save the date: Let's EAT - a dinner with Jesus, 24 May 2022, 7:30pm - 8:30pm. This online event is open to all and brought to you by the Creativity Ministry. Learn more.
PRAYER ANYTIME
These are difficult 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.
KINGDOM KIDS
Kingdom Kids Sunday Edition - Jesus Comes Back to Life - will be available at the end of the 9:45am and 11:15am worship services on the Union Church website and Facebook. See recent episodes here.
Online Friday Youth will not meet on the public holiday and we encourage you to watch the Good Friday service with your family at 10:30am here.
Online Sunday Youth - Easter Sunday, 17 April, 11:15am: We'll continue our series on lesser known figures of the Bible for Juniors and Seniors, as well as having time to check in with one another, pray and more. Youth can join the Zoom here at 11:15am.
MISSIONS
Prayers for Home of Loving Faithfulness: Our Ministry Partner, HOLF, is creating some plant displays that will be accessible to their residents in wheelchairs and those who can move around freely. The plants will encourage the use of all of the senses. Read all about it in their Spring Newsletter. (Save the date! HOLF is visiting during "Meet our Ministry Partners" on Sunday, 8 May.)
IT Volunteer needed for Sports Services International: Our Deacon Malama Piliae serves as the Outreach Coordinator for Sports Services International (SSI) which organises sports activities and counselling for individuals and small groups. The team is looking for an IT-savvy volunteer who can assist for a day a month on computer hardware and software support, email, website etc. If you would like to learn more about the mission of SSI and their volunteers needs, please email Malama at . Thank you!
ICC upcoming virtual tour! Save the date for International China Concerns's virtual tour in China of the Family Partners Programme, Thursday, 9 June, 5:00pm.
Light of the World Church and Preschool, Myanmar: Pastor Vum's brother, No Ling Thang, continues treatment for cancer. We pray for strength and healing in the name of Jesus!
Small Groups
Stay connected while church is online. The support from your friends in a small group is tangible demonstration of God's love for us. Interested in joining one? There are groups for women, men, couples, day-time, night-time, etc. Contact so that we might suggest a good group for you.
RightNow Media
Need ideas for your next small group study? You have free access to RightNow Media's streaming library of 20,000+ Bible study videos through the Union Church account. Learn how to access them here.
Stephen Ministry
Many of us are going through a crisis or a difficult time. Stephen Ministers are members of our congregation who listen, care, encourage, and provide emotional and spiritual support during life's challenges. Please contact if we can help.
Giving
Thank you for your tithes and offerings! You may post a cheque payable to "Union Church" and send it to the church office, contact Admin to arrange a time to drop off the cheque or place it in the box outside the front door, or you may give online. May you be blessed as you give of your time, talent and treasure!
Last week's sermon
“I AM - The True Vine" Watch last week's message by Rev. Dr. Michele Bland
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