U MATTERS
We give thanks for the ONE Hearing the Word Campaign - a listening and watching opportunity that linked churches from many denominations and languages from around the world. It is incredible that during the Lenten season we united with 32 countries in listening to the Gospel of Mark which included 107 language groups. Lives have been changed through this ministry. We give thanks for the leadership and ministry of Aaron Tan, Linda Ngan and Carrine Wong who rallied pastors, leaders and volunteers of all languages and denominations in Hong Kong and around the world. It is thrilling to see how this has become a movement.
This weekend, we hope you are able to join another global movement. We hope you have registered for the Union Reunion this Saturday - a gathering in homes in Hong Kong or on your own screen at home to hear more about building Union for the future. There will be testimonies, entertainment, updates, a silent auction and much more. If you would like to connect it’s not too late! It will be exciting to join with former Union Church members who will be tuning in from the United States, Scotland, Portugal, UK and more. If you are interested in participating, please find the details below.
Blessings, Pastor Michele
“So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.” 1 Corinthians 3:7
WORSHIP SERVICE UPDATES
While we are allowed only 30% of floor capacity, space is tight! We are sorry that we need to decline some of the excess bookings. At this time, the 9:45am and 11:15am services are full. There is currently capacity at the 8:45. Please pray with us that we can go to 50% occupancy or higher soon. Please register early - starting at 10:00am on Mondays. You’ll find the link on the website home page or here. If you have successfully registered and subsequently need to cancel or reduce the number of people attending, please email at your earliest convenience so we may offer your space to others. Thank you for understanding.
In addition to the in-person 8:45am (Family Communion), 9:45am (Traditional Worship) and 11:15am (Contemporary Worship) services, we also livestream the 9:45am and 11:15am services on our church website, Facebook page, church app and YouTube.
Zoom Coffee Hour is on! We want to connect with our online worshippers. Zoom Coffee Hour is this Sunday in between services, 10:45am - 11:15am. To get the link, email .
THIS WEEK
Union ReUnion Silent Auction: Remember the Christmas Banquet silent auction? Well, it’s back, a bit bigger and it’s helping fund the interior fit-out of the new church building at 22A. Bidding is live NOW https://airauctioneer.com/union-reunion-silent-auction and it's getting HOT! Who wouldn’t want canoeing for 12 (gift it to Young Adults!), baking with Monte (back by popular demand), 5 nights in Lisbon, a round of golf and dinner, a Lantau staycation, and two exquisite ink on gold paper paintings with contemporary frames by the award-winning Chui Pui Chee. And 25+ more auction items lovingly donated by our Union Church family members - perfect for reunion. Get bidding and be part of our journey back to 22A together – to sow seeds of grace throughout our beautiful city and beyond!
Union ReUnion on the night! Join us at 6:00pm for music and conversations and we formally kick off at 6:30pm. The Zoom link is here. (If prompted the passcode is 875292.)
UPCOMING
Annual General Meeting (AGM): As soon as we can start meeting in greater numbers, we will announce a date for our AGM. Thank you for your patience.
Union Book Group: Our next book is Pachinko, by Min Jin Lee. Pachinko is a story of identity and belonging, a multigenerational tale of a Korean family in Japan. We'll discuss it on Tuesday, 27 April at 7:30pm. Time to get reading! Join us - all are welcome. Contact Monte Peterson with questions. Books are available for pick up at church, $100.
WEDNESDAYS AT UNION
We are kicking off exciting new courses on 28 April 2021.
- Alpha: This is the chance to ask big questions about life and to explore the Christian faith in a fun, non-pressurised environment. Every week you will enjoy getting to know one another, watching a short film, and talking about the content.
Young Adults Alpha will meet in-person on Wednesdays, 8:00pm.
Adults will meet online on Wednesdays at lunchtime.
Learn more and register here. Start thinking and praying about whom YOU can invite.
(And get ready for Youth Alpha in May!)
Also on Wednesdays at Union:
- James Legge: the man, the mission, the legacy: This 3-part online series brought to you by Catriona Woodrow will explore how the early years of James Legge fitted him uniquely to play an outstanding part in early missionary endeavours in the Far East. From his early arrival in Hong Kong, his influence contributed significantly not only to the vision of the London Missionary Society but also the development of the colony as a whole. These important insights will allow the current congregation to appreciate more fully the life and work of James Legge, and the history of Union Church Hong Kong. Register here.
- Difference: This 5-session course explores what it means to follow Jesus in the face of conflict and see transformation through everyday encounters. Monte Peterson will teach this in-person course. Register here.
24-7 Prayer Hong Kong - virtual prayer room: The 24-7 virtual prayer room is a great way to commit to your prayer time on a daily or weekly basis. Let’s not give up praying for our city and the world. Sign up here https://www.24-7prayer.com/signup/705233 and you will receive a handy email reminder. Lord, we lift up Hong Kong.
KINGDOM KIDS
Online Sunday School, Sunday 18 April: Children ages 3 to 10 years old are invited to join us for our Online Sunday School.
- 3-7 year old students: Jesus Befriends Zacchaeus (Luke 19: 1-10), via Zoom, from 10:45 am - 11:30am
- 8-10 year old students: God Is In Charge (Psalm 46:10), via Zoom, from 10:45am - 11:45am
- Kingdom Kids Sunday edition is available at the end of the 9:45am and 11:15am worship services on the Union Church website or Facebook page.
The link to the Zoom classes will be emailed to families with children registered in our Sunday School programme for the year 2020-2021.
Creche & Sunday School Arrangements for Sunday 25 April 2020 and until further notice: The Creche Centre will be open with restricted capacity. For children ages 3 years old and above, Veggie Tales movies will be shown in rooms 2 & 3 with strict hygiene measures, in accordance with the government guidelines. Services fill up quickly and your family must be successfully registered. Thank you for your patience during the occupancy restrictions.
YOUTH
Friday Youth - 16 April - Union Youth is meeting in-person, and will be taking part in the HELP FirstHand experiential learning program from our friends from St John’s Cathedral! Juniors (11-13) are invited to join from 6:00pm - 7:30pm; Seniors (14-18) will meet from 7:30 - 9:00pm at church. Please note that we cannot serve food. Youth are encouraged to eat before or after. We will also wear masks and be socially distanced.
Sunday Youth - 18 April - This Sunday we are taking a break from our regular gatherings and instead joining the 11:15am service to celebrate the baptism of Ashley Lam! Please contact Hunter (6466 5080) if you have any questions.
Wednesday Youth - 21 April - We’re returning to our Wednesday sessions of discussing the TV series Chosen, an in-depth and creative look at the life of Jesus and his disciples. Please note that Wednesday Youth will continue online for the time being. Join us on Wednesday, 6:30pm - 8:00pm. Zoom link here
Youth Alpha - coming in May!
MISSIONS
Young Life: If you are a teacher, church worker or youth volunteer, we’re calling you! Hong Kong Young Life will be hosting an interactive leaders training on Monday 19 April via Zoom from 7:00pm - 8:30pm. The topic is "Continuing the Connection: the next steps of contact." Young Life will share ways of interacting with young people after the initial contact point and discussing how they build deeper, engaging and empowering friendships together. Expect to hear stories and be equipped with tangible resources on how to care and share the gospel with adolescents in the city. For more information on how to get involved or volunteer, feel free to reach Karinda Chuntavorn ( ).
Prayers for Light of the World Church (LoTW), Myanmar: We are heartbroken to learn this week that the father of two children at the LoTW preschool was shot and killed in Yangon. We also understand from Pastor Vum's family that other fathers and brothers of preschool children have been killed. Please pray for these grieving families, for justice and peace in Myanmar, and that all people come to know the love and salvation of Jesus. Pray for an extra portion of courage and wisdom for Pastor Vum as he shepherds his flock during such challenging and sad times. "He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." Psalm 91:4
Union Church Missions Partner, SAT-7, has just issued their Annual Report for 2020. You may read it here. In rising to the challenges 2020 brought, SAT-7 responded to multiple crises in the Middle East and North Africa, resulting in a record number of viewer responses to the hope, discipleship, and holistic support offered by SAT-7's broadcast channels.
Inner City Ministries (ICM) has shared its Annual Report 2020 and it is now at our welcome table at 18/F. Inner City Ministries has pushed through the pandemic year by continuing programmes online, providing material assistance, counselling and outreach programmes to many people in need, while sharing the love of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.
Home of Loving Faithfulness (HOLF) has shifted its focus during the pandemic year to provide more holistic care that attends to the developmental needs of their family members. One of HOLF’s main goals this year is the re-engineering work for the nursing unit (Block C) to create a warm and homely atmosphere. Pray that the work and resources will proceed smoothly so HOLF may invite more people in need into community - including their primary caregivers or parent. HOLF looks forward to being able to open its doors again to friends and supporters. You can read their spring newsletter here.
Small Groups
Meeting as a small group at 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.
Fertility & Pregnancy Loss
Fertility & Pregnancy/Infant Loss Support Group - Struggling and could use some fellowship, friendship and support? Please contact Tess Lyons.
Pastoral Care and Prayer
Need prayer? Reach out to us confidentially at .
Stephen Ministry
We provide high-quality, confidential care to people who are hurting through our Stephen Ministry programme. Contact Pastor Michele if you would like to know more about the programme or meet with a Stephen Minister.
Last week's sermon
“On the Road with Jesus” Monte Peterson
Social Media
Please follow Union Church Hong Kong on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube and share with your friends and family. Do you have images, video and stories for UC social media? Please share with Bronwyn.