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U MattersThroughout Lent, we considered the cross - the weight, the pain and the suffering of Christ. We also considered the cost of being a Christ follower. On Easter Sunday, we rejoiced and celebrated in our risen Saviour. It was a special time of worship for those who attended our many services, including the 60 people who attended our sunrise service on Kennedy Road. Later in the day we learned of the pain and suffering of brothers and sisters in Christ in Sri Lanka. We grieve, we wonder, we pause, as we process the effects of this tragedy.
Scripture acknowledges that we do not know what tomorrow will bring. (James 4:14) Indeed, life as we know it can change very quickly. May we always remember God’s promises, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way, and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, and the mountains quake with their surging.” Psalm 46:1-3
Blessings and peace,
Pastor Michele
Information AvailablePlease help yourself to a copy of our Annual Report from the Welcome Table.
OpportunitiesUnion Church 'Deja New' Clothes Sale! (5 May, 1:00PM)
Union Book Group is making a return!
Tuesday, April 30, we'll gather at 7:30PM at church. Our first book: Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, by Gail Honeyman. Bring your friends, bring your favorite snacks, and bring your suggestions for future books! Sign up on our website or at the Welcome Table, or talk to Monte Peterson. Books are available for purchase at the Welcome Table--$140.
Bless the City - On Saturday, 4 May, we will gather to bless the city of Hong Kong in tangible, practical ways, partnering with Sons and Daughters, Hong Kong Church Network for the Poor, and more. Look for the brochure with all the opportunities listed, and sign up at the Welcome Table or on our website!
Collecting: Airline Toiletry kits and Hotel toiletries - note that kits can be brand new OR partially used! As part of Bless the City, we will be working with the Amber Foundation to assemble toiletry kits for Sons and Daughters and other ministries. Whether you are spring cleaning or spring travelling, bring these items to church during the month of April and we'll put them to good use!
Union Church 'Deja New' Clothes Sale! (5 May, 1:00PM)
Combine fellowship and fashion while helping the environment! Drop off gently used ladies clothes to Union Church. Children's clothes for 0-12 years are also welcome. Email
International China Concern (ICC) Circle of Hope Dinner 2019 - 17 May 2019
ICC, a Union supported charity helping the abandoned and disabled in China, is having its annual dinner on 17 May, 2019. We are arranging Union table(s) to join and help bring love, hope and opportunity of one to the neediest segments in society. To join a Union table, please contact Pastor Michele or Emilie Banfield. Or buy tickets directly at: https://bit.ly/COHHK2019
One Worship, Sunday 26 May, 10:30AM
On Sunday, 26 May, we will combine the congregation for a joint worship service at SKH Tang Siu Kin Secondary School, 9 Oi Kwan Road, Wan Chai. This will be a wonderful opportunity to gather under one roof to worship and we hope it will allow everyone at Union to meet those who attend a different service. This is also a great opportunity to bring a friend. There will be a BBQ lunch immediately following the service. If you are interested in helping out, cooking a dish, bringing a dessert, ushering either on the street or in the sanctuary please contact Pastor Michele or David Ashton-Howorth, our Operations Director.
Altar Flowers
We all have been blessed by the beauty of fresh flowers on the altar on Sundays throughout the years. If you would like to donate flowers for any occasion please sign the "flower calendar" on he noticeboard near the Welcome Table. You may use any florist you want, please contact the church office or email Admin for questions.
One Worship, Sunday 26 May, 10:30AM
On Sunday, 26 May, we will combine the congregation for a joint worship service at SKH Tang Siu Kin Secondary School, 9 Oi Kwan Road, Wan Chai. This will be a wonderful opportunity to gather under one roof to worship and we hope it will allow everyone at Union to meet those who attend a different service. This is also a great opportunity to bring a friend. There will be a BBQ lunch immediately following the service. If you are interested in helping out, cooking a dish, bringing a dessert, ushering either on the street or in the sanctuary please contact Pastor Michele or David Ashton-Howorth, our Operations Director.
"One" Hong Kong 2019 Hearing the Word Campaign
To keep the momentum of the “One” Campaign accelerating, we invite you to journey with us by:
1) Completing the survey form http://www.onehtw.com/survey.html
2) Marking your calendar for The “One” Campaign Thanksgiving Celebration on 18 May, 2019 at Kong Fok Church from 11:00AM to 12:30PM (registration starts at 10:30AM). https://onethanksgiving.eventbrite.hk
For any enquiry, please contact the One Hotline at +852 97578990 (by phone or WhatsApp).
ReChargePlease note that ReCharge is taking an Easter break, except Prayer for Discernment for Union Church, and will resume 8 May. Watch for announcements regarding the next group of studies!
Prayer and Discernment for Union Church - will not meet on Wednesday 1 May due to the public holiday and will resume on 8 May as part of Recharge.
The Discernment Prayer Group
Recharge your Marriage - at Recharge
We are very excited to have psychologist Dr Erica Lui Wallin and her husband Rev Wade Wallin, pastor from Community Church, come to speak on Communication within your marriage. We would love to have you join us, bring a friend. Wednesday, 22 May, from 7:00PM.
ReCharge is a weekly night at Union Church where we fellowship, worship, and study.
Join us on Wednesdays: 7:00PM - dinner (suggested donation towards the cost of food: $80) 7:30PM - worship 7:45PM-9:00PM - classes LadiesSemi-Annual Ladies Dinner: Sowing Seeds
Join us for dinner on Tuesday 14 May, followed by worship and some talks. You won't want to miss this opportunity to meet other Union Church ladies - it's a great night! Bring a friend - sign up in the foyer.
Fertility & Pregnancy/Infant Loss Support Group - Struggling and could use some fellowship, friendship and support? Contact Sonia Lee.
Baptism and MembershipIf you have been attending Union Church for a long time and have never gone through the official process now is your chance. Please pick up a green form and let's make this official!
If you never been baptized and are interested, please see Pastor Michele.
Small GroupSmall groups are one of the main ways we connect with each other and connect with God, learning what the Kingdom of God is all about. Interested in joining or starting a group? Contact Monte Peterson.
Young AdultsNew to Union?
Are you a Young Adult new to Union Church? Make sure you meet our Young Adults Director, Anto Ficatier, at the Welcome Table every Sunday. You can also email Anto for more information about Young Adults at Union! ServeUnion Church is always looking for people to serve. If you would like to be an usher, greeter or bible reader, please see Pastor Michele.
YouthFriday Youth Group Worship Night – 26 April
Juniors & Seniors are both asked to arrive at 6:00PM Worship will begin at 6:30PM with a message after and a break for dinner. We will end by 8:30PM for dismissal.
Sunday Youth Group – 28 April
Youth can attend at either 9:45AM or 11:15AM.
Juniors (11-13) and Seniors (14-18) will meet in Indigo Hotel 29/F, and Seniors will head out after prayer to have a biblical discussion.
Kingdom KidsFilipino Ministry1:00PM - 1:50PM Congregational Prayer
2:00PM - 2:50PM Bible Study Groups
3:00PM - 4:00PM Worship Service
Every 1st Sunday of the Month from 9:00AM to 12:00PM Outreach & Evangelism.
Upcoming Services:
28 April - Guest Speaker: Kathy Leung, Theme: The Fruit of the Holy Spirit
5 May - Guest Speaker: Anto Ficatier, Theme: Relationships
12 May - Mother's Day service, Theme: Honouring of Mothers
MissionsUpcoming trip to Myanmar - 6-9 June 2019
We are planning a trip to visit Light of the World (LOTW) Church and Preschool in Yangon, Myanmar. LOTW spreads the Gospel in a heavily Buddhist area. Union has been supporting LOTW since 2015, and some of our members have previously visited. Last year we raised a special offering to help with the construction of a new church building, and we would like to visit and worship with the pastors and congregation in their new church. Plans are to depart on the night of 6 June and return the night of 9 June (7 June is a public holiday in HK). We anticipate flight plus hotel costs to be c.$4200 HKD. Visas are required for Myanmar. We recommend this trip for adults and possibly teenagers accompanied by parents, but suggest the trip is not appropriate for young children. If you're interested in joining, please contact Ray Warhola and Kathy Foley.
Local Mission - Sons and Daughters (S&D) is a ministry that seeks to reach out to the men and women in the red-light districts of Hong Kong. There are many opportunities for volunteer support, including the following: lunchtime intercessory prayer, male and female volunteers for outreach ministry, house parents for their shelter, education providers for job skills/training as part of their exit program, administrative support, musicians and worship leaders, social work interns, cookie baking, card writing, and assistance with fundraisers. There is an upcoming information session on Wednesday from 7:30-9:00PM (22 May). If you want to get involved or learn more, please contact Janice Chan or Brittney Tsang.
Last Week's Sermon"Easter Sunday: The God of Living Hope" by Pastor Michele Bland
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