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U MattersThis Sunday, we start a new series entitled “Church Is….” Each Sunday we will declare different aspects of what the church is and our theme this week is “Church is Missional.” I am excited about this new series. The word Church is derived from the Greek word ekklesia which means a called-out assembly.
George Barna stated that “We are not called to go to church. We are called to be the church.” This Saturday, we would like to invite you to “be the church” in Hong Kong as we collectively Bless the City.
Join us at Union Church at 9:30AM, for a blessing, before you are called-out to:
No experience necessary. Family friendly. There is still space, please contact Monte if you are interested
Additionally, this Sunday the Missions Committee invites you to consider giving to Sons and Daughters as they raise funds for a drop in center. A special offering will be taken.
We are the Church,
Pastor Michele
Joint Leaders MessagePrayer and Discernment for Union Church - will resume on 8 May as part of Recharge.
The Discernment Prayer Group has been meeting weekly since the Wednesday before the Annual General Meeting, including during the Easter holidays. The purpose of this group is to pray and discern the next season of Union Church. Our prayer resulting from these discernment evenings, is that we not only step forward in God's time with the search for a new senior pastor, but we also discern God’s will and desired shape for Union Church in anticipation of returning to 22A Kennedy Road. It is imperative that we are Christ-centered and truly understand what God is calling Union Church to do, and who to lead us. A summary of the Discernment Prayer Group results will be presented to the Joint Leaders on Monday 6 May and after that time a path forward determined for a pastoral search committee.
This WeekBless the City - On Saturday, 4 May, we will gather to bless the city of Hong Kong in tangible, practical ways, partnering with Sons and Daughters, Hong Kong Church Network for the Poor, and more. Sign up at the on the website!
Special Offering
Sons & Daughters helps those caught in sexual exploitation to reclaim a life of love, family and freedom. Our work is to walk with people out of slavery, and into their God-given purpose and destiny.
We are fundraising for our new drop-in centre, and invite you to partner with us through a financial donation. The goal is to raise HK$60,000, which will cover moving costs, renovations, and furnishings to create a beautiful, welcoming space for many more to come and experience God's love and kingdom.
Please send your donations to Union Church, clearly marked, "for Sons and Daughters drop in centre".
Union Church 'Deja New' Clothes Sale! (5 May, 1:00PM)
ReChargeReCharge is a weekly night at Union Church where we fellowship, worship, and study.
Join us on Wednesdays: 7:00PM - dinner (suggested donation towards the cost of food: $80) 7:30PM - worship 7:45PM-9:00PM - classes ReCharge returns on the 8th of May
Parables of Jesus: Study for Youth
For the next 5 weeks we will be studying the parables of Jesus. We will look at the context in which Jesus taught them, gaining a better understanding of their meaning and how they apply in our lives. We will read the parables together, and also have time to discuss how they speak to us personally. The class is geared towards Youth (ages 11-18).
Contact: Hunter Purvis
Faith in the Midst of Suffering: Learning with Job
Job is a man who knows suffering--he loses everything! In Job’s story we hear questions all of us ask: Why do terrible things happen?
Who is really in control?
How do we comfort those around us in pain?
Dare we risk living and loving after great loss?
Join us as we ask these questions and more, not seeking answers as much as faithful ways forward, trusting in the God who created and sustains this beautiful but risky world.
The study is led by Monte Peterson.
Big Picture: a new study about the Bible (for Young Adults)
We all have questions about the Bible: What is it? Who wrote it? When? Why? In this new 5-week study Anto Ficatier (Young Adults Director) and Tyler Cox (Theology teacher at ICS) will present a “big picture” overview of the Bible, with historical, theological, and practical insights. Each session will be highly interactive and will spark great conversations!
Every Wednesday Night, as part of ReCharge, from 8 May to 5 June.
7:00PM dinner, 7:45PM-9:00PM study
OpportunitiesInternational China Concern (ICC) Circle of Hope Dinner 2019 - 17 May 2019
ICC, a Union supported charity helping the abandoned and disabled in China, is having its annual dinner on 17 May, 2019. We are arranging Union table(s) to join and help bring love, hope and opportunity of one to the neediest segments in society. To join a Union table, please contact Pastor Michele or Emilie Banfield. Or buy tickets directly at: https://bit.ly/COHHK2019
Recharge your Marriage
We are very excited to have psychologist Dr Erica Liu Wollin and her husband Rev Wade Wollin, pastor from Community Church, come to speak on Communication within your marriage. We would love to have you join us, bring a friend. Wednesday, 22 May, from 7:00PM.
One Worship, Sunday 26 May, 10:30AM
On Sunday, 26 May, we will combine the congregation for a joint worship service at SKH Tang Siu Kin Secondary School, 9 Oi Kwan Road, Wan Chai. This will be a wonderful opportunity to gather under one roof to worship and we hope it will allow everyone at Union to meet those who attend a different service. This is also a great opportunity to bring a friend. There will be a BBQ lunch immediately following the service. If you are interested in helping out, cooking a dish, bringing a dessert, ushering either on the street or in the sanctuary please contact Pastor Michele or David Ashton-Howorth, our Operations Director.
Union Book Group:
Our next book is "Everything I Never Told You", by Celeste Ng, and we'll meet to discuss it on Tuesday, 21 May, at 7:30 pm. Books available at the Welcome Table or the Hong Kong Public Library. Join us!
"One" Hong Kong 2019 Hearing the Word Campaign
To keep the momentum of the "One" Campaign accelerating, we invite you to journey with us by:
1) 50 Day Walk with Jesus using "One Hearing the Word" App. For details please watch: https://youtu.be/sPb1BQ8bTek
2) Completing the survey form http://www.onehtw.com/survey.html
3) Marking your calendar for The "One" Campaign Thanksgiving Celebration on 18 May, 2019 at Kong Fok Church from 11:00AM to 12:30PM (registration starts at 10:30AM). https://onethanksgiving.eventbrite.hk
For any enquiry, please contact the "One" Hotline at +852 97578990 (by phone or WhatsApp).
“The Marriage Course” - Social Info Gathering & Dinner - Tuesday 28 May 2019, 7:00PM to 9:30PM
Ever wondered what The Marriage Course is all about? Curious why it is open to newly-weds as well as couples married for many years? Want to know more before signing up?
Come and join us for a social, info gathering evening!!! Find out more about this course which is designed for ALL couples and how it offers a lifetime of practical ideas and tools to help keep your relationship strong. We will have couples sharing their testimonies on the course. We will also let you know the dates of the upcoming marriage course!
Union Church Fellowship Hall. Sign up in the foyer. Register online or contact Joanna Yau for more details.
Altar Flowers
We all have been blessed by the beauty of fresh flowers on the altar on Sundays throughout the years. If you would like to donate flowers for any occasion please sign the "flower calendar" on the noticeboard near the Welcome Table. You may use any florist you want, please contact the church office or email
for questions.
LadiesSemi-Annual Ladies Dinner: Sowing Seeds
Join us for dinner on Tuesday 14 May, followed by worship and some talks. You won't want to miss this opportunity to meet other Union Church ladies - it's a great night! Bring a friend - sign up in the foyer.
Fertility & Pregnancy/Infant Loss Support Group - Struggling and could use some fellowship, friendship and support? Contact Sonia Lee.
Baptism and MembershipIf you have been attending Union Church for a long time and have never gone through the official process now is your chance. Please pick up a green form and let's make this official!
If you never been baptized and are interested, please see Pastor Michele.
Small GroupSmall groups are one of the main ways we connect with each other and connect with God, learning what the Kingdom of God is all about. Interested in joining or starting a group? Contact Monte Peterson.
Young AdultsNew 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! ServeUnion Church is always looking for people to serve. If you would like to be an usher, greeter or bible reader, please see Pastor Michele.
YouthFriday Youth Group - 3 May
Juniors (11-13) are asked to arrive from 6:00PM-7:30PM
Seniors (14-18) are to arrive from 7:00PM-9:00PM with ‘hangout’ in the Youth Room from 9:00PM-10:00PM.
Sunday Youth Group – 5 May
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 KidsFilipino Ministry1:00PM - 1:50PM Congregational Prayer
2:00PM - 2:50PM Bible Study Groups
3:00PM - 4:00PM Worship Service
Every 1st Sunday of the Month from 9:00AM to 12:00PM Outreach & Evangelism.
Upcoming Services:
12 May - Mother's Day service, Theme: Honouring of Mothers
MissionsLocal Mission - Sons and Daughters (S&D) is a ministry that seeks to reach out to the men and women in the red-light districts of Hong Kong. There is an upcoming information session on Wednesday from 7:30-9:00PM (22 May). If you want to get involved or learn more, please contact Janice Chan or Brittney Tsang.
Last Week's Sermon"Holy Breath" by Antonin Ficatier
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