U MATTERS:
This week it was not easy to read about the many layoffs, redundancies, companies closing and the rise in unemployment in Hong Kong. The local news reminded me when Jesus and the disciples found themselves in a storm and Jesus was sound asleep. In a panic, the disciples woke him and said to him,
“Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”…and [He]said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” Mark 4:35-41
No matter what storms we are facing we need to remember that we are not alone. We need to remember that Jesus is with us in the storms of life. We do not know what tomorrow will bring but we can have faith.
Hebrews 11:1 defines faith. In the Message it reads, “The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd.” May our faith in God enable us to find a life worth living and enable us to weather the challenges, difficulties, and uncertainty. Regardless of the circumstances may we trust in Him.
Blessings, Pastor Michele
THIS WEEK:
Please join us this Sunday, 25th October 2020, as we hold an Installation Ceremony for our Senior Pastor, Rev. Dr. Michele Bland, during our 8:45AM, 9:45AM and 11:15AM services.
We are currently meeting in-person at half our normal capacity - 100 people, we will also be streaming our services live to the 2nd floor of Hotel Indigo (U-Cafe) to ensure that everyone who comes can worship together. We will be offering live services at 8:45AM (with communion), 9:45AM and 11:15AM. We look forward to seeing you at one of our services in-person. If you are unable to come and worship with us in the sanctuary or Hotel Indigo please join us online, at either 9:45AM or 11:15AM, 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
Young Adults ReGathering Night! We would love to have all our young adults (age 18-35) join us for a special in-person gathering on Wednesday, October 28 at 8pm at Sunlight Tower. Come for some fun activities and to get to know other young adults at Union! For more details please contact our Young Adults Director Dan Tupps
Creche & Sunday School Arrangements for Sunday 25 October 2020 and until further notice: Creche Center will be open with restricted capacity. For children aged 3 years old above, this week Bible lesson video and activities will be offered in room 2&3 with strict hygiene measures and in accordance with the government guidelines. We greatly appreciate your understanding and kind cooperation as we gather and worship God responsibly.
Youth: We are back in business! Youth are invited to join us in-person on Fridays at 6PM and Sundays during the 9:45 and 11:15 services.
Prayer and Discernment: Join us as we continue to pray for our church. Tuesdays, at 7:45AM - 8:30AM on Zoom. Contact ADMIN for the zoom link.
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:
Book Group: Do you enjoy reading? The Union Book Group reads a variety of Christian and secular books, and discusses them from a Christian perspective. Our upcoming book is Hope Heals: A True Story of Overwhelming Loss and an Overcoming Love, by Katherine and Jay Wolf, meeting Tuesday, October 27, 7:30 pm. We will meet in-person, at the church, as well as online. Contact Monte Peterson if you would like the zoom link!
Young Marrieds Lunch - Sunday, November 1. We would love to get together with all our young, married couples for a special (free!) lunch with our Young Adults Director Dan Tupps, his wife Geeta and Pastor Michele. We’ll meet at 12:30pm in the fellowship hall then make our way to the venue. To RSVP or for more information please contact Dan Tupps.
Young Adults ReCharge: Young adults will be joining the "Choosing Generosity" study throughout November (see details above).
Missions:
In speaking with our partners at Light of the World Church and Preschool in Yangon, Myanmar, the present situation there is rather dire due to COVID-19. Most church members are out of a job and have no income. Churches and schools are closed. Church members need assistance to meet their basic needs. Pastor Vum and his family have been providing food to church members during this time using funds provided by Union Church. Please pray for: strong faith in God and Christ Jesus during this time; safety and health for each family during the pandemic; for places of work, schools, and churches to be able to re-open.
Kingdom Kids:
VBS LOVE PACK: We invite all of our Kingdom Kids' families to join us in sharing Jesus’ love and goodness with the children in need under the care of St. Barnabas’ Society and Home by organising a Love Pack. A Love Pack consists of a new box of junior size face masks, hand sanitizer, a board game (any kind of board game suitable for 7 to 15 years old), arts and crafts set and box of snacks. You may drop off your Love Pack to Union Church before the end of October.
ONLINE HALLELUJAH PARTY, SATURDAY 31 OCTOBER, 4-6 PM: Your children and their friends are invited to join us for Kingdom Kids' JOSEPH AND HIS DREAMCOAT - Hallelujah Party. Here’s how the party is going to take place: your kids are to invite their friends over for a playdate and we will provide a GIANT GOODIE BAG filled with games, activities, snacks and sweets for your children to enjoy with their friends at the comfort and safety of your own home. What’s more, we will host and lead your kids through praise and worship, a series of fun games and activities via Zoom. You will not want to miss a live performance of JOSEPH AND HIS DREAMCOAT by Dove Tales and Theatre. For more details and to sign up please click HERE
ONLINE SUNDAY SCHOOL:
- 3-7 years old students: Faithweaver - Jonathan Warns David, this Sunday via Zoom, from 10.45 am - 11.30 am.
- 8 years old and above students: Be Bold - What's So Bad About Ouija Boards, Magic and Fortune Tellers?, this Sunday via Zoom, from 10.45 am - 11.45 am.
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.
Youth:
In Person Friday Youth Group - October 23. Youth are invited back to Union Church. We’ll warm up with some different activities and then have a special guest who will be sharing with us
What: In Person Friday Youth
When: Friday Oct 23, 6PM-9PM. Juniors (11-13) dismissed at 7:30PM
Details: Due to continuing restrictions, we will not be serving dinner. Youth will also be asked to sign a health declaration and have their temperature checked.
In Person Sunday Youth – Sunday October 25
We will also be having In Person Sunday Youth this week at both 9:45 and 11:15 services. Youth are invited to join us at 29/F Indigo Hotel as we read scripture, discuss the sermon and pray together.
Wednesday Church History Study - October 28
On Wednesdays we are going to start a series based around the History of the Church – diving into how the church started, how it has evolved and grown over the centuries.
What: Youth Church History Study
When: Every Wednesday, 6:30-8PM
Details: Zoom Link HERE.
Confirmation Course – Starting November 8
We will be starting a new Confirmation class that will run from November to March. Confirmation is a process through which Youth review and learn the fundamentals of their faith, and prepare to affirm their commitment to Christ in front of the Congregation. Youth 12+ are invited to sign up and can contact Hunter or Monte for more information.
Christmas Banquet Save the Date – December 4
We’ll be doing things a little different this year for Christmas Banquet – we are asking members of our congregation to host smaller ‘Home Banquets’ and invite friends and neighbors to join. Entertainment and an auction will be zoomed in! If you are interested in hosting or just being involved, please let Hunter know.
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.
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.
If you have been attending Union Church for a while and have never gone through the official process to become a member, now is your chance! Please collect a green form and make it official! If you have never been baptised and are interested, please contact Monte Peterson.
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".
"More Than Conquerors: Overcoming Disappointment" Dan Tupps