The staff, as well as, the deacons have been reading the Christian classic "Life Together" by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. I have had the privilege of being apart of both groups and the discussions and prayer thereafter has been rich.

Bonhoeffer writes, there are three purposes for which the Christian needs a definite time when he or she can be alone during the day: Scripture meditation, prayer and intercession. Creating silence and solitude amidst our busyness can be a challenge. It takes intentionality to seek out what Bonhoeffer calls 'spiritual stillness.'

I am reminded of the passage "be still and know that I am God" Psalm 46:10b, interestingly however, the NASB translates the verse "cease striving and know that I am God." The expression "cease striving" is Hebrew for "let your hands drop", "relax", "let go". Essentially the passage is a call to "let go and let God." It is not easy to slow down and be still, but may we find encouragement in the famous words of Martin Luther, "I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer."

Blessings,
Pastor Michele

WELCOME LUNCHES on Sunday, 2 September at 12:30PM
New to Union Church or just want to meet up with friends. 
Please join Pastor Michele and Anto at La Cucina at the QRE on Sunday, 2 September. Please RSVP.
Interested in Worship Team or Choir? 
Please join Chris Yorks at the Indigo Hotel or see him for details. Please RSVP.

Union Church is always looking for people to serve. If you would like to be an usher, greeter or bible reader, please see Pastor Michele.

Membership - if you are not a member and would like to be, please download application forms here or collect a peach coloured application form at the Welcome Table and/or see Pastor Michele. 

Baptism - If you would like to be baptized please note that classes will be held on two consecutive Mondays, 10 and 17 September, at 7:30PM in Union Church. Please sign up at the foyer. If you would like your child to be baptized, Pastor Michele would be happy to meet up with you. 

Local Missions

Fundraising Walkathon for KSA Prison Ministry
The Hong Kong Christian Kun Sun Association (KSA) will hold a fundraising walkathon “Prayer Walk”, on 29 September, Saturday afternoon, for their prison ministry that has been operating for 40 years. It would be a good chance to walk with the ministry's supporters, the rehabilitated persons as well as their families, witnessing God’s work and reaching out to those behind the bars. For details, please refer to the documents as attached (Leaflet, Letter, and Application Form).

Peace for Every Child Charity Walk by World Vision Hong Kong 
Since conflict broke out in Syria in 2011, millions have been forced to leave home in search of safety. Over 3.7 million children under the age of five have been displaced since they were born. World Vision Hong Kong cordially invites our church congregation to join ‘Peace for Every Child Charity Walk’ on 6 October (Sat) to raise funds to support World Vision’s Syrian Refugee Response. Please see the attached poster, leaflets and enrollment form, or visit http://www.worldvision.org.hk/en/peacewalk for more details about the event.

Elderly Home Visit, Sunday, 23 September, from 2:00PM-3:00PM
China Coast Community Home, 63 Cumberland Road, Kowloon Tong
Do you have a burden and heart for serving our elderly neighbours, people who are often lonely and forgotten? Join a group sharing God's love with the residents of China Coast Community Home, a home for English-speaking elderly people. We sing for and with the residents. We connect personally with them too through activities and chatting one to one they so enjoyed and blessed!

For any questions, please contact Theresa Cheung or on 93804037.
Sign up at the Welcome Table.

There are many asylum seeker children who are going back to school and could use help. Nap sacks, white shoes for PE or black shoes for uniforms 
-sizes 33-38 for both boys and girls. If you can help please see Pastor Michele.

We have been praying for Gavin Shui as he battles cancer.  Please check out this link on how you can register as a donor for Gavin and others who need a bone marrow transplant.