U MATTERS
During the Lenten season we have set aside time for corporate prayer - prayer for the Ukraine, Hong Kong, Union Church and for governments and world leaders.
Praying for government leaders might be something you never thought of before, but it is a common practice of those from the Pacific Islands - like Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu, and Papua New Guinea. Interesting - islands that were founded by missionaries seem to have maintained a posture of prayer. I was struck to hear a brother share about his home country - Samoa. He mentioned that government leaders fast three times a week - that they pray for the people of their nation and in turn the people pray for their leaders. So inspiring!
Franklin D. Roosevelt was a president who invited people of his nation to pray. He said, “I ask that our people devote themselves in a continuance of prayer. As we rise to each new day, and again when each day is spent, let words of prayer be on our lips.”
It is important that we continue to pray for world leaders - as they make decisions, as they lead and guide. And Scripture promises that “if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14
As we continue to pray for leaders – let’s be hopeful. We never know what God will do.
Blessings, Pastor Michele
CHURCH ONLINE
This Sunday is Communion. Let's come to the Lord's Table together - please prepare your bread and your wine/juice in advance. We are also continuing with the seven "I AM" statements of Jesus in the Book of John. Join us for the 9:45am (Traditional) and 11:15am (Contemporary) services here and on Facebook.
Zoom Coffee Hour is a great time to catch up with the community. Email us to get the Zoom link.
GIVING
Today is the last day to make a donation if you want it recognised as a Hong Kong tax-deductible donation in the 2021/2022 tax year. With the deadline at hand, it is best if you give online. Please go to the website and click on Give Online. Thank you for supporting Union Church's ministries and programmes!
The church remains closed. If you need to drop something off, there is a box right outside the front door. Please email Admin to make arrangements. As we learn more about the timing and logistics of church re-openings, we will let you know - please check the website.
THIS WEEK
Union Church Quiz Night! - This Saturday, 2 April, 6:00pm - 7:30pm. We can still have fun together online even if we cannot gather as a community in person. Join Union Quiz Night - fun for all ages and newcomers welcome. Please register so we can send you the Zoom link. Check out the teaser!
LENT AND EASTER
Easter Week approaches! Let's gather online as a community to observe the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Share the schedule with a friend.
- Palm Sunday, 10 April, 9:45am & 11:15am
- Good Friday, 15 April, 10:30am
- Easter Sunday, 17 April, 9:45am & 11:15am
Every week, Juliana shares a new Lesson on Lent. Last Sunday's theme was about Margins. Is God in the margins of your life - on the edge, separate? Watch the video on the Lent and Easter webpage.
We have been enjoying many ways to connect during Lent.
Praying as ONE individually -
- ONE2022 Hearing the Word campaign
- “Praying as ONE” guides us daily through scripture and prayers of our leaders. Scan the QR code or click here to opt in to get the prayers and occasional messages from Union Church. Be sure to add the Union Church WhatsApp number to your Contact list. +852 9182 7247 - Click here to download the church profile.
Men's Online Study - Wednesdays 8:00-9:00pm and Thursdays 12:30-1:30pm, 6&7 April: Men are taking a closer look at Jesus' seven "I AM" statements from the Gospel of John. Two options: Andrew Lo and Warren Ke are facilitating on Wednesdays, while Dan Tupps is facilitating on Thursdays. Please register here.
Young Adults Online Study - Wednesdays at 8:00pm: Join us on 6 April for our next instalment of Jesus' seven "I AM" statements from the Gospel of John. Contact Dan Tupps
MORE UPCOMING
Zoom Welcome Lunch, Sunday, 10 April, 12:30pm. New to Union Church? We’d love to meet you and get to know you better. Pastor Michele and Union staff are excited to welcome you, introduce themselves, and answer any questions you may have. We can't deliver lunch but feel free to grab your favourite beverage and snacks! Register to get the Zoom link
GriefShare: The final session will be held on Tuesday, 12 April, 7:30pm - 9:00pm. Session 13's topic is What Do I Live for Now? We'll look at why moving forward is a necessity, why it's a process, and why peace and pain will always coexist. Questions? Contact Admin.
Reprise - Let's Koinonia! - Tuesday, 12 April, 12:30pm - 1:30pm. If you missed this Women's Ministry event in March, we will air the worship segment and moving testimonies at lunchtime on the 12th. Use the same link that Juliana provided for Let's Koinonia. If you need the link, please email Admin.
Save the Date! Tuesday, 26 April, 7:30pm - Restored - reservoirs of living water. Women's Ministry will share details soon.
PRAYING WITH YOU
These are difficult times. Sometimes we need people to come alongside for spiritual support. Would you like someone to pray with you? Simply email or WhatsApp us at +852 9182 7247. Our Deacons and prayer ministry team will respond.
Be Prayed For! Here is another way to receive prayer. Join this Zoom session on Thursday, 14 April, 7:30pm - 8:15pm. Prayer transforms lives. Register to receive the Zoom link.
KINGDOM KIDS
Kingdom Kids Sunday Edition - Jesus Forgives the Thief on the Cross - will be available at the end of the 9:45am and 11:15am worship services on the Union Church website and Facebook. See recent episodes here.
Online Friday Youth - Tomorrow! - 1 April, 6:00pm - 8:00pm: No joke, we'll continue with our series, Fruit of the Spirit: The 9 Keys to Happiness. We'll meet on Zoom at 6:00pm before heading into breakout rooms for Juniors and Seniors. See you on Zoom - the link is here.
Online Sunday Youth - 3 April, 11:15am: We'll continue our series on lesser known figures of the Bible for Juniors and Seniors, as well as having time to check in with one another, pray and more. Youth can join the Zoom here at 11:15am.
MISSIONS
Meet Our Ministry Partners - St Barnabas' Society and Home (SBSH) - Sunday, 10 April. Save the date - plan to meet up with our ministry partner during Zoom Coffee Hour at 10:45am. Email Admin to get the Zoom link.
ICC Children sponsored by Union Church in Henyang: We have received news about four of the children we sponsor from International China Concern. It's wonderful to read about Chinese New Year festivities at the various homes, and the activities of children in ICC's care. We realise you cannot browse the ICC letters at the church Welcome Desk, so read them here! Please pray for Yang Fumai, Yang Hengqi, Yang Longyun, and Yang Junrong, their caregivers and support team, and the entire ICC team.
Reminder - Young Life's BentoCamp, Mon-Fri, 4-8 April, 12:00pm - 2:00pm, Online: Hey campers - you are invited to meet HKYL over lunch hour and enjoy a virtual camp - while experiencing in-person camp components in a package they will post to you. Learn more and register.
From Omicron to Alpha - Lessons Learned from the Pandemic (in Cantonese): Alpha Hong Kong has invited key leaders in the city to share their insights and learnings from these unique times. Register to hear from the final speaker, David Wong, tomorrow, 1 April.
Light of the World Church and Preschool, Myanmar: We are praying that regular access to electricity is restored. Please continue to pray for the health, safety and provision of all involved at the church and the preschool.
Small Groups
Stay connected while church is online. The support from your friends in a small group is tangible demonstration of God's love for us. Interested in joining one? There are groups for women, men, couples, day-time, night-time, etc. Contact so that we might suggest a good group for you.
RightNow Media
Looking for the Netflix of Bible study videos? You have free access to RightNow Media's streaming library of 20,000+ Bible study videos through the Union Church account. Learn how to access them here.
Stephen Ministry
Many of us are going through a crisis or a difficult time. Stephen Ministers are members of our congregation who listen, care, encourage, and provide emotional and spiritual support during life's challenges. Please contact if we can help.
Last week's service
“I AM - The Good Shepherd" Rev Dr Michele Bland
Stay Connected
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