U MATTERS
This week we had the pleasure of visiting 22A Kennedy Road to look at the stage, consider musical instruments and their placement. It was once again exciting to see the progress of our new space - and again I was mindful of all the details, logistics and considerations that our BUFF team processes regularly.
Details and logistics have been something that our staff team have been wrestling with this week as we prepare for in-person worship - Sunday May 1st. There is much to consider.
Sometimes details can become overwhelming. This week I found comfort in the words of American Architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (1886–1969) - "God is in the details."
God Himself paid attention to detail. The Psalmist wrote, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Psalm 19:1 “When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” Psalm 8:3-4 There is tremendous detail in the solar system, ecology, creation, and humanity. We read in Exodus the specific instructions God gave for the building of the tabernacle, “Make this tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you.” Exodus 25:9 Details are important - they keep airplanes in the sky, buildings erect, surgeries successful and us healthy and safe.
This week as you navigate the endless details and logistics in your life - as you adapt to new requirements for work, school and church - I pray you can see God in the details.
Blessings and look forward to seeing you soon, Pastor Michele
CHURCH ONLINE & IN-PERSON
Sunday, 24 April - ONLINE ONLY.
Sunday, 1 May we're back! Here is what you need to know for in-person worship services!
Vaccine Pass: Union Church must comply with the Vaccine Pass requirements. This means that you must:
- Have a Vaccine Pass or an official exemption
- Scan LeaveHomeSafe on arrival and we will scan your QR code to verify the vaccine pass
- Wear a mask at all times
- Remain socially distanced
Union Church will:
- Operate at 50% capacity
- Require worshippers to pre-register on the church website, starting on Monday, 25 April, 10am
We are committed to our Online congregation and will continue to livestream the 9:45am Traditional service and the 11:15am Contemporary service here. Whether you are in-person or online, we will take Communion at the Lord's Table on the 1st of May.
We also look forward to inviting our 8:45 Family Communion worshippers back to the early in-person service.
Zoom Coffee Hour: Connect with your Union friends and make new ones during Zoom Coffee Hour at 10:45am and now also 12:15pm. Email Admin for the Zoom link.
Visiting church - As of today Thursday, 21 April all visitors to Union Church must comply with the Vaccine Pass and scan LeaveHomeSafe on arrival. Thank you for understanding and helping the church to stay compliant with government regulations.
FAMILY NEWS
Annual General Meeting (AGM): All are welcome at our AGM on Saturday, 21 May 2022, 7:00pm at Union Church. People who have been church members for at least six months may vote. Nominations for members of the Committee of Management will close on Sunday, 8 May at 8:00pm. Please contact the church office for the nominations form and return completed forms to the church office or to the attention of the Honorary Secretary.
THIS WEEK
Restored - Reservoirs of Living Water, Tuesday, 26 April, 7:30pm - 9:00pm. Juliana Rotmeyer and Crystal Lo have designed a special online experience for women to journey through a creative process - without needing any particular creative talent! Be led through expressions of creativity while being refilled by the Lord. Register here.
Women's BSF Pop-up Class, 4 Thursdays, starting tonight, 21 April: The Passion looks at the last three chapters in Matthew, from the Last Supper to the Great Commission. You can join any or all of the classes. To get the Zoom link, please email
UPCOMING
Young Adults ReGathering Night, Wednesday, 4 May, 7:30pm: We'd love to have all our young adults join us in-person for a night of fun fellowship. We'll meet at a nearby restaurant for a celebration dinner. Hope to see you there! For more details please contact Dan Tupps.
Women Who Move Mountains studies: We are starting this new study by Sue Detweiler in early May. Ladies, you have two options: Wednesday lunchtime or Friday mornings (starting 4 and 6 May, respectively). Learn more and register to receive the book.
HK Men's Fellowship Luncheon, Friday, 13 May - save the date! More details to come.
Film & Theology, Tuesday, 17 May, 8:00pm, Zoom: Join Chris McKenzie and other movie lovers for this discussion about The Dreamseller. This film features a disillusioned psychologist who tries to commit suicide until he strikes up a friendship with an unlikely saviour who teaches him a new way of living. Watch the film in advance (hint: you'll find it on Netflix) and then Zoom in on the 17th. Register to get the Zoom link.
Let's EAT - a dinner with Jesus, 24 May, 7:30 - 8:30pm, online: This Creativity Ministry event is for men, women and Young Adults. It will be a led evening of spiritual activity designed to be experienced online as a group together, yet you will also enjoy a one on one private experience with God. There will be conversation, sharing, visualisation, silence, prayer. Register here.
stART Retreat, Saturday, 28 May, 9:00am - Sunday, 29 May, 1:00pm: Creativity Ministry invites women, men and Young Adults to come together at a two-day retreat to experience God in new ways, being immersively present using art as a companion. Come join us at the Heritage Lodge for this creative journey. Learn more - registration is open!
KINGDOM KIDS
Online Sunday School - Sunday at 10:30am - Children ages 3 to 10 years old are invited to join us for online Sunday School. There will be a time of worship, learning about God's word, sharing, praying for one another, and playing a Kahoot game. To get the Zoom link, email .
Kingdom Kids Sunday edition - Jesus is Alive - is available at the end of the 9:45am and 11:15am worship services on the Union Church website and Facebook page.
Sunday School Registration: Children ages 0-10 years must be registered with our Sunday School. You can find the form here. Registration forms are also available at the Children's welcome table. For more information, please visit our website or email or call 2101 0414.
YOUTH
Online Friday Youth - 22 April, 6:00pm: We will be gathering for dinner only at Pizza Express in Lee Tung Avenue from 6:00pm - 8:00pm! This will be a great opportunity for Youth to catch up and hang out together. As per Pizza Express' requirements, all youth will need to have at least one vaccination and have it recorded in the LeaveHomeSafe app. Be sure to bring your phone.
Online Sunday Youth - 24 April, 11:15am: We'll continue our series on lesser known figures of the Bible fore Juniors and Seniors. as well as having time to check in with one another, pray and more. Youth can join the Zoom here at 11:15am.
Next Friday, 29 April Online Friday Youth will be back at church!
MISSIONS
New Centre Director for St. Barnabas' Society and Home: SBSH has a wonderful opportunity for the right candidate who will lead a team of 8-10 operational staff, work closely with the Executive Committee, engage donors and lead fundraising events. Learn more here.
Light of the World Church and Preschool, Myanmar: Our ministry partner faces great challenges. Pastor Vum's brother continues his treatment for cancer - please pray for alleviation of pain and complete healing. The church is caring for another patient who has a broken hip bone. Pastor Vum's home village in Kalay city has suffered under the Army's attacks, as the coup captured many villagers. During this time a woman was stabbed to death. Most villagers have been released except for 4-5 young men. Please pray for peace for Myanmar and that people come to experience the love and salvation of Jesus Christ. Also pray that the preschool students can enjoy a graduation ceremony in May.
HOLF Prayer requests: Praise God that a new Operations Manager and Social Worker joined HOLF in April. Please pray that they settle in well. Pray as well that their residents returning to school in May adjust well to new routines. You can find more prayer requests in HOLF's latest prayer letter.
ICC virtual tour - save the date! International China Concern will conduct a virtual tour in China of the Family Partners Programme, Thursday, 9 June, 5:00pm. More details to follow.
Small Groups
Stay connected and get support from your friends in a small group that is a tangible demonstration of God's love for us. Interested in joining one that is right for you? Contact so that we might suggest one for you.
Stephen Ministry
Lonely? Grieving? Going through a separation or divorce? 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.
Giving
Thank you for your tithes and offerings! You may post a cheque payable to "Union Church" and send it to the church office, deliver it to the church office, or give online. May you be blessed as you give of your time, talent and treasure!
Prayer
These are difficult times. Sometimes we need people to come alongside for spiritual support. Would you like someone to pray with you? Simply email or WhatsApp us at +852 9182 7247. Our Deacons and prayer ministry team will respond.
Last week's sermon
“I A M - The Resurrection and the Life" Watch last week's message by Rev. Dr. Michele Bland
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