U MATTERS
On Christmas Eve no doubt many of you read or watch A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. It was written in 1843 and is a classic. You may recall the story where Ebenezer Scrooge, known for his miserly behaviour, is visited by three "ghosts" - the ghosts of “Christmas Past”, “Christmas Present” and “Christmas Future.” This Christmas it is easy to reflect and remain stuck on “Christmas Past” - grieving and lamenting Christmas traditions and missing loved ones.
However, Scrooge is changed by his dream and his transformation is remarkable. Realising that he has more life to live and more to give, Scrooge has an awakening. Scrooge declares, “I will live in the Past, the Present and the Future!”.
This year, may we be free to celebrate Christmas Present, knowing we have been shaped by Christmas Past and remain hopeful and joyful for Christmas Future. A child has been born for us, a Son is given to us and authority rests on His shoulders and His name is Jesus.
“Laughing and crying in the same breath,” Scrooge exclaims, “I am as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as a schoolboy. I am as giddy as a drunken man. A merry Christmas to everybody!” May the joy of the birth of a Saviour fill us to overflowing.
Merry Christmas to each and every one of you, Pastor Michele
THIS WEEK
Christmas Eve: Worship with us online today - enjoy your favourite Christmas carols and more at 5:00pm - don't forget to have your candle nearby. Find us on our website, Facebook page or YouTube.
Christmas Day: Join us tomorrow, 25 December at 10am for Christmas Day celebrations. The online programme can be found here. Send the link to family and friends and watch together - even across the miles.
Zoom Coffee Hour on Sunday, 27 December: Between Sunday services, pour yourself a cup of coffee or tea and connect with friends and church leaders 10:45am - 11:15am. Contact us at any time to get the Zoom link.
Blue Christmas: A Service of Reflection for Difficult Days aired on 16 December. During this year of loss and change, the service helped acknowledge our grief and pain and also brought hope. You can view the service any time. Please share the link with people who might find comfort in the messages, music and scripture.
Need prayer? Reach out to us confidentially at . We also provide high-quality, confidential care to people who are hurting through our Stephen Ministry programme. Contact .
FAMILY NEWS
Discretionary giving: To ensure we comply with all the relevant laws, we have amended our Church policies with effect from 1 January 2021. If you wish to donate to a specific cause or Union Church Missions partner, please note that this donation can only be received by Union Church as a preference. Union Church retains the right to decide where funds received by the church will be directed.
If you wish to receive a copy of the "new rules regarding stewardship" which were created and voted on by the Joint Leaders on 22 December, please contact David in the church office during this period of COVID restrictions. A copy has also been posted to the notice board in the foyer of the church.
GENERAL GIVING
Your generous giving is so appreciated. Here are a few additional items: 1) If you have not sent your Stewardship envelope with your commitment for 2021 to the church office, it's not too late! 2) You may give online or use the QR code below. You can also send us a cheque made payable to "Union Church" to: 18F, Sunlight Tower, 248 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong.
3) Giving by US taxpayers: If you wish to make a tax-deductible donation that is recognised in 2020, kindly send your cheque made payable to “Friends of Hong Kong Charities, Inc.” to Union Church no later than 31 December 2020.
UPCOMING
Our ministry programmes and studies are taking a break at Christmas. Get ready for a fantastic line up in the new year! We will share more at our first services of the new year: 3 January 2021, 9:45am Traditional Service and 11:15am Contemporary Service, online.