U Matters
Many of us have grown accustomed to looking for God in predictable places -like church, mission trips, Sunday School or youth group but God does not restrict himself to appearing in such favourable settings. He often chooses to make Himself known in our everyday ordinary lives, in unlikely places and in unusual ways.
In our journey through the book of Acts we have witnessed the Apostle Paul’s faith and we have witnessed where and how he has encountered and experienced the living God. The Apostle Paul has met God on roads, in jails, in storms, on ships, in court trials, during floggings and so much more.
When we think about meeting God or seeing God I am reminded of the theological terms -general and natural revelation. General (natural) revelation is knowledge about God, which is often discovered through nature, God’s providence and through an overall sense that God exists. The Psalmist declares:
“The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they reveal knowledge.” Psalm 19:1-2
The Apostle Paul wrote, “Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.” Acts 14:17
Special revelation is a supernatural communication with God, either through spoken or written word. We saw the Apostle Paul experience that special revelation on the road to Damascus, and we witnessed the angels ministering to the Apostle Paul throughout his journey. It is by special revelation that God communicates to us his redemptive purpose.
We too can meet God in unexpected places. May we take walks and enjoy nature, may we be attentive to His Spirit and those acts of kindness or “coincidences.” May our eyes be attuned and our senses alerted. May we “seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.” Isaiah 55:6. May we claim His promise: "ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7
Blessings, Pastor Michele
FAMILY MATTERS:
The final minutes of the Union Church AGM have been approved by the Committee of Management and are now available in the church office. If you wish to pick up a copy, please call in advance on 2523 7247. Thank you.
THIS WEEK:
Youth: During the month of August, Youth are invited to join us on Wednesdays for our Youth Acts Study at 6.30PM, or on Sundays at 12:30PM as we discuss the scripture and sermon for the week! See our weekly Newsletter for more info.
New Sunday Morning Class: Faith In Trying Times. It's not too late to join!
Join us from 10:30-11:15am on zoom as we discuss how times of uncertainty (like now!) are really opportunities to grow in faith. Using Laurie Short's video series "Fear, Waiting, Hope" we'll look at situations in the Bible where people had to overcome fear, lean into God’s timing and see dark times as an opportunity to increase hope. Register here to get the zoom link. Led by Dan Tupps, Monte Peterson and Pastor Michele. August 23, 30.
Please join us this Sunday, ONLINE ONLY, at 9:45AM for our traditional service and 11:15AM for our contemporary service. Please join us via our website, mobile app or Facebook page.
If you are unable to be online at the time of our worship services, you can watch them later in the day, again via our website, app or Facebook page. Don't forget that you can still give your offering online via the giving page of our website, or by using the QR code below. You can also send us a cheque, made payable to "Union Church" or "Friends of Hong Kong Charities, Inc" if you are a US taxpayer. Please send them to: 18F, Sunlight Tower, 248 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong.
Upcoming:
Think you can't play games online? Think again! Join us as we laugh our way through games like Pictionary, Charades, and Taboo, getting to know our neighbours and our church community better. Sign up HERE
Are you just starting (or restarting) your walk with Jesus? Or perhaps you'd like to grow from a "Sunday faith" to a 7 days/week faith? This journey through Paul’s letter to the Philippians is ideal for new believers, those recommitting to their relationship with God, or anyone who seeks to deepen their discipleship. Wednesdays, 1-2 pm. Begins September 9. Contact Monte.peterson@unionchurchhk.
- Join us on Wednesdays as we gather ONLINE for prayer. We meet from 8:00-8:30 pm, and there is time for praise and thanksgiving, for silent confession, for hearing and meditating on God's Word, as well as lifting our concerns before the Lord. A wonderful, peaceful way to end the day. Email Monte Peterson for the zoom link to join.
Missions:
International China Concern is pleased to invite you to a unique 1-hour experience packed with entertainment, compassion, inspiring stories and cute kids. On 12th September 2020 (Saturday), we will bring you an exclusive performance by a violin impresario, plus Dr. Peter Cheung will share his personal testimony. The joy will be provided by dozens of children who are learning what it’s like to be part of a family that cares deeply about them and strives to meet their needs. At a time when there is so much gloom and stress in the world, we offer you a brief respite and a glimpse into our special world. Tiaras are optional! Smiles and warm hearts are guaranteed. To join, please use these links:
International China Concern (ICC) was founded in 1993 by David Gotts after seeing firsthand the suffering of Chinese children with disabilities who had been abandoned and left without hope in desperate conditions.In the beginning, ICC sent short-term teams into China to provide care in government welfare centres.
Pour out your love 傾福行動 - https://fundrazr.com/pouroutyourlove: We invite you to share the blessings and contribute one-tenth of your $10,000 government subsidy for the ICC children.
Connecting:
The Marriage Course: please contact Joanna Yau for more details.
Pastoral Care Support, if you are looking for some support and prayer please let our staff know. Contact Ministry leaders directly or admin at: or call 6225 5042.
Kingdom Kids:
‘ROCKY RAILWAY’ VBS ONLINE SUNDAY SCHOOL
Save the Date: SEPTEMBER 6, 13, 20, 27 and OCTOBER 4
TIME: 10.30 AM
Children aged 3 to 11 years old are invited to join us for Kingdom Kids ROCKY RAILWAY” VBS ONLINE SUNDAY SCHOOL. On this faith-filled adventure, kids will discover that trusting Jesus, especially during this pandemic time, helps pull them through life’s ups and downs. The VBS package will be mailed home to families and an email notification with the link to Zoom will be sent to families who complete the ONLINE Registration Form. Please make sure to include your correct and complete postal address to ensure the package reaches your home. Children are welcome to invite their friends to join too. REGISTER HERE
Sunday School 2020/2021 Registration IS NOW OPEN: All children enrolling in our Sunday School and Creche Centre MUST BE REGISTERED by filling in and signing the Registration Form HERE. For safety reasons, only children officially registered in our Sunday School program will receive the Zoom link to our Online Bible Study. For more information, please visit Union Church's website or contact us at or 21010414.
Creche and Sunday School are SUSPENDED until further notice. To safeguard the health and safety of all of our families and staff and to help curb the spread of Covid-19, we have SUSPENDED all of our Children’s Ministry Programs until further notice. We encourage the children to join our Online Sunday School Lessons. Thank you for your patience and kind understanding, we look forward to sending you all an update once we can meet in person again.
ONLINE SUNDAY SCHOOL:
- 3-5 years old students: Fruit of the Spirit Bible study, starting this Sunday via Zoom, from 10.45 am - 11.15 am.
- 6 years old and above students: How to Study Your Bible for Kids, every Sunday via Zoom, from 10.45 am - 11.30 am.
- Kingdom Kids Sunday edition, through Union Church website, app and Facebook, at the end of the 9.45 am and 11.15 am services.
Youth:
No Friday Youth Group
We are taking a break from Friday Zoom Calls until our Fall Kick Off in September. There are a bunch of other options for youth however - see below for more details!
Wednesday Youth Acts Study - August 26
During the month of August we are jumping into the book of Acts - Youth are invited to join us as we read Scripture, watch the video series from Joe Boyd on Acts, and discuss together about the founding of the early Church
- What: Youth Acts Study
- When: Every Wednesday, 6.30-8PM
- Details: Zoom Link HERE. Please note that Youth need to have a Rightnow Media Account to watch the videos with the group - use this LINK to register for free through Union Church.
Sunday Discussion – August 23
Youth are invited to join a small group discussion on the Sunday sermon at 12:30 on Sunday. Zoom link is available HERE
Small Groups:
Meeting as a small group in 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.
+ Anyone interested please WhatsApp Andrew Lo @ 9864-5999
A Stephen Minister can help. Stephen Ministers are members of our congregation who listen, care, encourage, and provide emotional and spiritual support to people going through a crisis or a difficult time. Please contact Pastor Michele if we can help ( )
Fertility & Pregnancy/Infant Loss Support Group - Struggling and could use some fellowship, friendship and support? Contact Sonia Lee.
Family in Need (FIN):
If you would like to help support our family in need ministry, which helps people monthly with basic needs, please mark your envelope "FIN".