U Matters
Our Stephen’s Ministry team has been talking a lot about grief and loss the past few weeks. And looking at prayer requests and listening to people’s stories, I am reminded that there are a lot of losses within our congregation, city and world. There are many types of losses - loss of a loved one, loss of a job, loss of an opportunity, loss of freedom, loss of a marriage, loss of relationships, loss of independence, loss of health and the list goes on. It is important that we acknowledge our losses, that we grieve them, name them and in time learn to let them go.
Grief has been described as an unwelcomed house guest. We didn’t invite the pain (loss) into our life but we are left trying to process it. Grief is unpredictable - one part of the day can feel ok but later in the same day we are hit by the ‘wave of grief’. Grief is tricky - we all grieve differently, there is no one-size fits all, there is no time frame and there is no ‘right way’. Grief is messy - there are many emotions to grief - sadness, guilt, anger, fear, anxiety, relief to name a few.
If you are grieving or know someone who is, remember to:
- Practice self-care - be kind to yourself, get enough rest, exercise, eat properly, socialise and do fun things
- Share your story and your feelings with a healing friend
- Practice spiritual - care - pray, meditate, read/listen to God’s word
- Recite and recall God’s promises – you are not alone
- Get help - sometimes we need extra support and care
At Union Church we have trained Stephen’s Ministers, men and women, who have been trained in pastoral care who would be very happy to meet with you. Once assigned a Stephen’s Minister, they will meet with you one hour per week to listen, support, encourage and pray. Be assured this is men to men and women to women. This regular confidential relationship is available to everyone - those who attend Union Church and those who do not. We believe that everyone deserves support, love and care and that as a community we are committed to ‘building one another up and spurring one another on to love and good deeds.’ Our Stephen’s Ministers make themselves available to their Care Receivers for a variety of concerns - health issues, employment, loneliness, relationships, parenting, death/dying, fertility, marriage, etc. If you are interested in learning more about Stephen’s Ministry, please let me know. I would love to get you connected.
Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – sometimes that rest and reprieve can be found through the support of another person.
Blessings, Pastor Michele
THIS WEEK:
Eastertide Sundays: We hope you can join us this Sunday ONLINE. “Ascension Sunday” -Monte Peterson ONLINE at 9:45AM for our traditional worship service or at 11:15AM for our contemporary service.
Sunday May 31st “Pentecost Sunday” -Pastor Michele.
If you are unable to be online at the time of our worship services, you can watch our them later in the day, via our website, app or Facebook page, or tune in to RTHK. 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.
Please check our website and your email for latest news.
Nominations are now open for the Committee of Management and Trustees. Please contact the Church Office for more details.
FAMILY NEWS:
We are delighted to announce that the Government has given permission for Churches to worship in person. We will start on the 31st of May and will hold three services: 8:45AM, 9:45AM, 11:15AM and 3:00PM for our Filipino service. Please note that there are conditions to allowing us to worship together. The following criteria must be met: reduce to 50% capacity on the floor, temperature check on arrival, wearing masks, no food or drink allowed and we will keep a record of attendees. Please arrive in plenty of time to sign your health declaration. We are restricted in numbers please consider joining the 8:45AM service if you are able. Please note we will stream the 9:45 and 11:15 at the Hotel Indigo if we surpass numbers. You are also welcome to worship from home, we will be streaming the 9:45AM and 11:15AM services via our website, app, Facebook page and YouTube.
Following the 11:15AM service on the 31st of May there will be a family meeting to connect and get an update on what's happening at Union Church.
AGM: please save the date - 27th June 2020. More details will follow soon.
Fast for the city- please join all the churches in Hong Kong as together we pray and fast for the city -May 28-30. No sign up, no set format. You may chose to fast a meal or a day- up to you. Let’s unite our hearts in prayer as we pray together for our city
BUFF UPDATE:
General progress: Site progress – Excavation works were completed at the end of April 2020 and the site has now been handed over to the superstructure contractor: Wecon.
Key Milestones:
All substructure works (including excavation and foundations) completed - April 2020
Commencement of Super Structure - May 2020
Occupation Permit - Nov/Dec 2022
Handover of Church - March/April 2023
Church Design:
The Joint Leaders & Trustees have given their approval in principle for the interior design of our new church and have also approved a budget of HK$32M to be raised to complete the fitting out works.
Images of the proposed church design as well as the building model will be displayed shortly at church for the congregation’s information.
Laying of Foundation Stone / Concrete Pouring Ceremony:
The foundation stone laying ceremony initially proposed for Easter Sunday 12th April was postponed due to the Covid 19 situation. Another date for this event will now be considered.
ReCharge:
We have THREE options for Wednesday night ReCharge; all 8-9PM:
Upcoming:
Online Alpha: Are you asking questions about the meaning or purpose of life? Maybe you have friends who want to know more about Jesus or Christianity. Alpha is a low-pressure course where you can ask those questions and engage in conversation, and it can even be done online! Alpha Online is taking place on Wednesdays from 1PM. It's not too late to join! A great opportunity to invite friends and share your faith. Contact Monte Peterson for more details or sign up here:
Union Book Group: We will be meeting LIVE next Tuesday, May 26, 7:30, to discuss Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World, by Bob Goff. This is a fun and inspiring collection of true stories about a man who seeks to live out Jesus' kind of love everyday. Join us! All are invited. Books are still available at the church, $100, and you can join us even if you haven't finished the book yet! Contact Monte Peterson for information or to arrange picking up a book from the church office.
Missions:
On Sunday we will find out more about Union Church's Kindness Walk in our neighbourhood. If you would like to find out more, please contact the Missions committee:
COVID-19 has hit the Philippines hard! Union Church is raising funds to help ICM and the poor in the Philippines. HK$300 supplies 1000 meals. Please consider giving generously using the QR code and state ICM:
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.
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.
Friday Youth Group – May 22 Juniors and Seniors are invited to join us on Zoom for a Night of reflection and fellowship. We’ll be doing several exercises to reflect on the last several months and look ahead to the future!
What: Reflection and Fellowship night
When: Meet at 6PM via Zoom
Details: Zoom Link will be provided
Sunday Discussion – May 24 Youth are invited to join a small group discussion on the Sunday sermon at 12:30 on Sunday. Zoom link will be provided.
Kingdom Kids
Stephen's Ministry
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".
"Faith in Uncertain Times" Pastor Michele.