U MATTERS
With the latest school announcement, I can hear shrieks from parents all over the city, “online school again!” It has not been easy for parents, particularly parents with younger children - again needing to juggle work and school responsibilities. It is not easy for teachers, educators, coaches and the list goes on. If ever there was a time for self-care it is now.
Last week in our GriefShare group we learned an acronym D.E.E.R. This acronym could easily be applied to us today:
DRINK: hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
EXERCISE: experts have found that ten minutes of exercise is worth two hours of good mood. Walking is sufficient - so take a walk and often.
EATING: healthy eating vs comfort eating. You will feel better if you eat a nutritious balanced diet.
REST: get proper rest, practice good sleep hygiene. There are a lot of materials on sleep hygiene. A phrase that I often say at home is, “sleep is your friend.”
Self-care is critical. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), self-care is important because it can help promote health, prevent disease, and help people better cope with illness.
For many of us we have been here before and we know this season does not last forever. But in the meantime, it is my hope that we can find a new rhythm. That we can find rest, peace and strength.
Jesus said:
“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
Blessings, Pastor Michele
CHURCH ONLINE
We are online for this Sunday's worship services. Join us for the livestream of the 9:45am (Traditional) and 11:15am (Contemporary) services here. Catch up with friends during Zoom Coffee Hour, Sunday, 23 January, 10:45am. Email for the Zoom link.
Study groups and classes are online too. Please talk to your ministry leader for arrangements.
THIS WEEK
Tomorrow - Friday Ladies Group, ONLINE, 21 January, 10:30am - 12 noon, Zoom: The group is continuing with the DVD and book, Elijah Faith and Fire by Priscilla Shirer. If you want the Zoom link or need the book, contact .
@thetable Zoom Social, Tuesday, 25 January, 8:00pm: Women - join with friends, bring your tea, hot chocolate or preferred beverage + meet @thetable. Ask for the Zoom link.
GriefShare, ONLINE Wednesday, 26 January, 7:30pm: The fourth session addresses The Journey of Grief - Part Two. Contact to learn more.
Young Adults Study - "Your Time is Now": ONLINE Wednesdays at 8:00pm: Want to know God's purpose for your life now? In this six-part series, speaker and chaplain Jonathan Evans encourages us to walk in God’s purpose today and for the rest of our lives. Learn how we can take hold of what God wants to give us right now. For more details and the Zoom link contact Dan Tupps.
UPCOMING
Robert Morrison, Pioneer Protestant Missionary to China, Online: Wednesdays, 16 and 23 February, 8:00pm - 9:15pm. Join Catriona Woodrow via Zoom to explore the significance of the life and work of Robert Morrison (1782 - 1834). This continues our heritage series of the rich historical foundations of Union Church Hong Kong, as we prepare to return to 22A Kennedy Road. Registration is now open.
Alpha Course, Thursdays, starting 10 March, 7:45pm: We are excited to offer the Alpha course in March - your opportunity to ask any question about the Christian faith. Bring a family member, friend or colleague! Registration is open.
Walk to Emmaus - Men's Retreat No. 82, 24 - 27 March 2022: Men, save the dates to join this Hong Kong-wide Christian retreat aimed at strengthening Hong Kong churches and communities by developing Christian disciples and leaders. Learn more https://hkwalktoemmaus.org/#next. Registration is open.
KINGDOM KIDS
Peace Vouchers for the Community: In collaboration with the Hong Kong Church Network for The Poor (HKCNP), we invite your family to join us as we bless families in Hong Kong during this challenging time. "Peace Vouchers" in the form of PARKnSHOP shopping vouchers will distributed through HKCNP's network. Any amount is welcome. Please feel free to include a loving message or Bible verse(s) on your envelope. You drop off these shopping vouchers to Union Church during office hours or mail them to us at 18/F Dah Sing Financial Centre, 248 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai. Please mark envelopes with "Peace Vouchers". The last drop-off date is 20 February. Thank you for your kind support.
Online Sunday School, 23 January, 10:30am: We are so thankful to see so many children last Sunday for Online Sunday School. We can’t wait to worship this Sunday via Zoom and learn more about God and His word. Please email
to get the Zoom link.
Kingdom Kids Sunday edition - The Baptism of Jesus - will be available at the end of the 9:45am and 11:15am worship services on the Union Church website and Facebook.
Online Friday Youth - Tomorrow! - 21 January, 6:00pm - 8:00pm: We're finishing off our series on the 10 Commandments by J.John. We'll check in on Zoom before heading to our breakout rooms for Juniors and Seniors. Zoom link is here.
Online Sunday Youth - 23 January, 11:15am: We'll continue our new series on lesser known figures from the Bible for Juniors and Seniors, as well as having time to check in, pray and more. Youth can join the Zoom here at 11:15am.
Youth Confirmation Class starting soon! This is the opportunity for Youth ages 12 and older to participate in a class that provides Christian foundations and mentorship. Sign ups are open through 28 January and the class runs February through May 2022. Contact for more information.
MISSIONS
ONE2022 Campaign: Let's pray for Faith Comes By Hearing Asia, its leaders, and the upcoming ONE2022 campaign that kicks off at Lent. Pray for citywide unity and transformation as together we get into the Gospel of John and the three Epistles of John. Check out Pastor John Snelgrove's excitement in this video! More to come.
Super Typhoon Odette devastated large swathes of the central Philippines across the Visayas and northern Mindanao in mid-December leaving a trail of destruction. We are grateful for the work of our Ministry partners on the ground: International Care Ministries (ICM) and CAMACOP Church Planting Network. They have been instrumental in delivering essential supplies and helping churches and communities to rebuild. Last week we reported on the CAMACOP church planter, Pastor Rafhel Cuadra, who was in an accident while carrying out relief work. Praise God he has had successful surgery. Please pray for his continued recovery.
Walk The Wall 2022 Hong Kong extended to 31 March! This is a global movement to give life and end abandonment for the most vulnerable children in China. Why not Walk the Wall with your own small group or ministry team?! Register today https://walkthewall.org/hk/
Light of the World Church and Preschool, Myanmar: Pastor Vum shares praises that their children's ministry is growing and Mrs. Aye, who had eye surgery, came to church last Sunday. On a very serious note, he reports that the situation in Myanmar is increasingly dire. Their church and homes are experiencing brownouts. Violence is escalating. Last Monday in a refugee area at the Kayin and Kaya state boundaries, two girls, 12 and 15 years old, and a 55 year old man were killed during the military's bombings. Pastor Vum reports that people have been abducted, beaten, imprisoned, shot or burned alive with bodies dumped or never recovered. Lord have mercy. Pray for LoTW's protection, and comfort for the grieving and terrified. Pray that the persecutors see Jesus as Saviour and Redeemer and the violence ceases now.
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.
Pastoral Care and Prayer
Need prayer? Reach out to us confidentially at .
Last week's service
“What's New in 22 - Relationships That Disappoint" Rev Dr Michele Bland
Social Media
Send images, stories and videos about church life to ! Please follow Union Church Hong Kong on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube and share with your friends and family.