U MATTERS

We are in the season of Lent - a time of prayer and reflection. And it is during this Lenten season we are encouraging you to be more intentional to pray - both privately and corporately. Looking at our city, looking at the needs around the world, we have much to pray for.

Martin Luther said, "To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing."

Billy Graham said, "To get nations back on their feet, we must first get down on our knees."

I know many who turned to Philippians 4:6-10 for comfort during COVID-19. Reading from The Message:

“Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the centre of your life. Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious - the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse... Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies. I'm glad in God…” Philippians 4:6-10 The Message

I like that, “instead of worrying, pray”. This week we gathered (online) to pray for our city. Let’s continue to pray for the many needs in our city. Consider these prayer points.

1. For the sick and infected: God, heal and help. Sustain bodies and strengthen spirits. Contain the spread of infection and calm fears.
2. For those with mental health challenges who feel isolated, anxious, fearful and helpless: God, we ask that you provide them every necessary support.
3. For our vulnerable populations: We ask God that you protect our elderly and those suffering from chronic disease. Provide for the poor, the homeless, refugees and asylum seekers.
4. For those grieving the loss of a loved one: May you give peace, comfort and hope.
5. For our government leaders: Give them wisdom as they make decisions, give them clarity and empathy.
6. For our scientific community, leading the charge to understand the disease and communicate its gravity: God, give them knowledge, wisdom, and a persuasive voice.
7. For NGOs, educators and mental health professionals: Provide them with words of hope, and equip them to love and serve those around them. Strengthen and encourage them.
8. For workers facing layoffs, churches and NGOs facing financial hardship: God, keep them from panic, and we ask that you provide.
9. For families with young children at home: Help parents to partner together creatively for the care and flourishing of their children. For single parents help them as they juggle work, home-schooling, etc.
10. For frontline health care workers, God:
    • keep them and their families safe and healthy
    • help them to be knowledgeable about the diagnosis and treatment of this disease, as well as the changing protocols
    • help them to stay clear-minded in the midst of the surrounding panic
    • deliver them from anxiety for their own loved ones (aging parents, children, spouses, roommates)
    • give them compassion for every patient in their care
    • help Christians in health care to exhibit extraordinary peace, so that many would ask about the reason for their hope. Give them opportunities to proclaim the gospel.

God is our refuge and strength, our ever-present help in times of need. Let’s continue to lift up the needs of our city to the Lord. For He sees us, knows us and walks with us.

Lord hear our prayer, Pastor Michele

CHURCH ONLINE

Let's worship together! This Sunday we are continuing with the seven "I AM" statements of Jesus in the Book of John. Join us for the 9:45am (Traditional) and 11:15am (Contemporary) services here and on Facebook. RTHK is broadcasting Union's 13 March service this coming Sunday. Pray for people's hearts to be touched. Pray they have new hope. 

Join us during Zoom Coffee Hour - a great time to catch up. Email us to get the Zoom link.

GIVING

Thank you as you continue to tithe and give of your time and talent! May you experience the joy and blessing of giving. 

Giving by HK taxpayers - the deadline is in two weeks! If you wish to make a tax-deductible donation, kindly date and send your cheques made payable to “Union Church” to the Union Church Accounts department no later than 31 March 2022. If it is late, your donation cannot be recognised in the 2021/2022 HK tax year. For other methods of giving, please refer to our website. 

The church remains closed. If you need to drop something off, there is a box right outside the front door. Please email Admin to make arrangements. Thank you for understanding.

TONIGHT

Alpha Course, 7:45pm, tonight! Last week was our introductory session and tonight we look at "Who is Jesus?" Please feel free to invite someone and Zoom. Get the Zoom link. 

NEW THIS WEEK

Film & Theology, Tuesday, 22 March, 8:00pm, Zoom: Chris McKenzie is back with the conversations that celebrate movies - the storytellers of our time. Here's how it works: Watch Inside Out on your own and then Zoom in on the 22nd to talk about the film. While it's a Pixar animation, this conversation is definitely for adults! Register here to get the Zoom link. You can also sign up for The Case for Christ on Tuesday, 19 April, and save the date for Film & Theology on Tuesday, 17 May.

LENT 

Every week, Juliana has a new Lesson on Lent. Last Sunday she asked "What is your sanctuary?" Watch on our Lent and Easter webpage.

We have many ways to connect during Lent. We look forward to seeing you online! 

Praying as ONE individually -

• ONE2022 Hearing the Word campaign - thank you to Faith Comes By Hearing who joined us last Sunday. Watch the video. 
  
  
• “Praying as ONE” guides us daily through scripture and prayers of our leaders. Scan the QR code or click here to opt in to get the prayers and occasional messages from Union Church. Be sure to add the Union Church WhatsApp number to your Contact list. +852 9182 7247 - Click here to download the church profile.  

Praying as ONE corporately - Last night we prayed for our city's health care workers and government officials. Join us again next Wednesday, 23 March, 7:30pm. Register here to receive the Zoom link. 

Men's Online Study - Wednesdays 8:00-9:00pm and Thursdays 12:30-1:30pm, 23 & 24 March: 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. Please register here.

Young Adults Online Study - Wednesdays at 8:00pm: Join us on 23 March for our next instalment of Jesus' seven "I AM" statements from the Gospel of John. Contact Dan Tupps

ALSO THIS WEEK

MISSIONS 

Hands, feet and bibs! Thank you Union Missions committee for leading a collaboration between two of our ministry partners. The Home of Loving Faithfulness (HOLF) needed new bibs for their residents. Some kind person donated towels. Then the Inner City Ministries' sewing team - comprising mostly Nepalese ladies who sew for charity - created fabulous new bibs. Thank you everyone! 

Kun Sun Association Prison Ministry (KSA): So many of our ministry partners and the people they serve are suffering during the pandemic. Please pray for KSA's after care ministry. They holistically shepherd rehabilitated persons and their transition to society, church, and in time, to witnessing and serving. Learn more about the after care programme's objectives and needs here, and the Chairman's latest message here.

From Omicron to Alpha - Lessons Learned from the Pandemic (in Cantonese language): Alpha Hong Kong has invited key leaders in the city to share their insights and learnings from these unique times. Register here to hear from Barney Cheng tomorrow the 18th, Antony Leung on 25 March and David Wong on 1 April. 

Sons & Daughters: Please lift up S&D in prayer as they continue to seek funding for the new Promise House - the safe place for the after care of women desiring to exit the sex trade. Please pray that they will be granted a brief extension of their stay in their current premises. Check the progress. 

Flourishing Future Mongolia: Our ministry partner shares news that Mongolia has opened schools, universities, places of work and borders to help the struggling economy. Flourishing Future has just started their Head Start programme / preschool for 60 young children. Pray for safety, protection and the joy of the Lord! FF looks forward to seeing us in Mongolia soon. Please watch Munkhuu's video greeting here. 

Leadership Conference from Alpha, 2 & 3 May: The Leadership Conference 2022 will be a time for leaders, from whatever sphere, to have an opportunity to encounter God, be filled with the Holy Spirit, and be mobilised to continue evangelising the nations, revitalising the church and transforming society. 4 times slots available. Learn more and register.

Light of the World Church and Preschool, Myanmar: Pastor Vum would so appreciate our prayers for 1) his younger brother who is in hospital being checked for cancer, 2) a new church member with possible appendicitis, and 3) the government's planned nationwide electricity cuts. Thank you. 

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

Looking for the Netflix of Bible study videos? 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. 

Prayer

Prayer changes everything. Looking for someone to pray with? Reach out to us confidentially at  .

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. 

Last week's service

“I AM - The Light of the World" Dan Tupps

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