U MATTERS:
The first part of the week seemed to focus on ‘goodbye.’ On Monday we bid farewell to Verena and Ulises Espinosa – they were involved in Prison Ministry, Bible Studies and Stephen’s Ministry and will be missed (they leave Sunday). On Tuesday many bid an eternal farewell to Tom Young -a friend to many at Union Church. On Wednesday some bid farewell to the thought of worshipping on Sunday mornings in their pajamas -when the much-awaited announcement allowing churches to resume in half capacity was lifted.
COVID has made some things challenging and saying goodbye properly is one of them. As I was thinking of goodbyes, I am mindful of the people who slipped away from Hong Kong and Union Church in the past few months -I am saddened that we were unable to bid you a proper farewell. To you we say we miss you and we are grateful that you have been a part of our community! To you we say thank you for your friendship and time with us! To you we say we hope you will continue to remain connected to Union Church -know you have a family here. Best wishes and farewell to Sebbie and Lloyd Ushe (Michaela and Nathanial); Anja and Harry Depree (Alexandra, Timothy, Natasha and Nicole); George and Melissa Lin (George, Harrington, Monte); Joseph and Iris Ma (Tsz Pok Ma); and Joseline and Jeffery Lim (Joshua). If you have left Hong Kong and we have missed, you -apologies -please drop us a line.
“A church is not something you go to it’s a family you belong to.”
Blessings, Pastor Michele
THIS WEEK:
We are now allowed to meet, but at half our normal capacity - 100 people. Due to short notice and all the technical logistics required, this Sunday (4th October 2020) we will be offering in-person worship, with communion, at 8:45AM and online services for 9:45AM and 11:15AM. Please note that there will not be any creche facility for the 8:45AM service. We look forward to seeing you at one of our services on the 11th of October in-person. Please join us 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.
Coffee Hour: Miss running into friends and connecting over a cup of coffee on Sunday mornings? Join us for "Coffee Hour," from 10:45AM to 11:15AM. You'll have to brew your own coffee, but we'll all bring the conversation! Sign up HERE for the zoom link.
Youth: During the month of October, we are continuing our Friday Zoom Gatherings, our Wednesday Study called “Sticky Faith’ and our regular Sunday meetings after the service! Contact Hunter at for more info.
Prayer and Discernment: Join us as we continue to pray for our church. Tuesdays, starting Tuesday 8 September 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:
Save the Date: Ladies Dinner Monday November 2nd, click HERE for more details.
Men's Fellowship Lunch - Please join host Michael Birley and the Men's Fellowship of Hong Kong Luncheon on Friday, 9 October from 12:30-2:00pm at the Hong Kong Club. The theme is "Friendships That Can Change Your Life Forever." To register and for more details, including cost, please click HERE. Space is limited, so register early! Requested RSVP is October 2, October 5 latest. If you have further questions, please contact Dan Tupps.
See HERE for more information or to register to get the zoom links for any of these classes. Please join us!
Missions:
Some of our congregation are still conducting Kindness Walks in Wan Chai. Please pray for them as they serve the poor and homeless in our neighbourhood.
Kingdom Kids:
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.
In-Person Creche and Sunday School are SUSPENDED until further notice. In order to safeguard the health and safety of all of our families and staff and to help curb the spread of the Covid-19, we have SUSPENDED all of our Children’s Ministry In-Person Program until further notice. We encourage the children to join our Online Sunday School Lessons. Thank you for your patience and kind understanding, we look forward to sending you all an update once we are able to meet in person again.
Youth:
Friday Youth Group - October 2
Youth are invited to join the Zoom meeting at 6PM on Friday, and we will have a special guest who will be sharing with us!
What: Friday Youth
When: Friday October 2, 6PM-8PM
Details: Zoom Link is available HERE
Sunday Discussion – October 4
Youth are invited to join a small group discussion on the Sunday sermon at 12:30 on Sunday. Zoom link is available HERE
Wednesday “Sticky Faith” Study - October 7
On Wednesdays we are enjoying a series called “Sticky Faith” – learning Christian Spiritual practices and growing closer in our relationship with God
What: Sticky Faith Wednesday Study
When: Every Wednesday, 6:30-8PM
Details: Zoom Link HERE.
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.
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 Injustice" Monte Peterson