U MATTERS
This week, I enjoyed finishing the book Waymaker by New York Times bestselling author Ann Voskamp. Knowing that many are making decisions about the future - Universities, jobs, moving, etc. and knowing God doesn’t usually write His plans in the sky, I found her points on discerning God’s will helpful. To help with the discernment process Voskamp suggests:
- Communion/communication with God
- Circumstances
- Counsel
- Conviction
As we communicate with God and attempt to understand where He is leading, it is helpful to have a pen, paper, Bible, open mind and the right posture. Voskamp wrote, “We want clarity and God wants communion. We want a road map and God wants a relationship. We want answers and God wants our hand.” Whatever decisions we are needing to make, remember the words of Moses, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you: you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:10-11, 13-14 MSG
Wherever He is leading you remember - “Your strength is your stillness - because your stillness says you’re trusting Him still.”
Blessings, Pastor Michele
CHURCH IN-PERSON & ONLINE
We're looking forward to seeing you in-person on Sunday, 8 May at one of the three services, 8:45am Family Communion, 9:45am Traditional Worship and 11:15am Contemporary Worship.
There is a lot going on this Sunday - don't miss it.
- Mother's Day!
- Confirmation Sunday at the 11:15 service
- Hunter's last Sunday at Union Church
- Meet Our Ministry Partners - Home of Loving Faithfulness (HOLF) is visiting in-person.
Please register in advance and note that we will start closing registration on Fridays at 4:00pm. Get your place secured! On arrival, have your phones ready for scanning with LeaveHomeSafe and up-to-date vaccination status. We're part of the Vaccine Pass now.
For our online congregation we will livestream the 9:45am and 11:15am services here. And join us at a Zoom Coffee Hour to connect with friends online - 10:45am and 12:15pm. Email Admin for the Zoom link.
FAMILY NEWS
It's Confirmation Sunday at the 11:15am service. We celebrate Amber, Abigail and James as they affirm their faith.
Hunter's memory book & love gift! We will farewell our beloved Youth Director who is now a full-time teacher. Be sure to add notes and photos to his book in Fellowship Hall, and there is a box on the Welcome desk for donations to the love gift. If you're worshipping online, you can email content for his book and also give online - look for the line item for Hunter's gift.
Pastor Ruth to retire! After 31 years in ministry to the Filipino fellowship and Union Church as a whole, the Rev Ruth Tablada is departing for the Philippines at the end of May. She is leaving such a legacy! Please leave mementos and photos in her memory book in Fellowship Hall or email your photos and message to Admin.
Rice cooker for Family in Need: After our appeal last week for a rice cooker, a church member purchased a new one. We are grateful - thank you!
Annual General Meeting (AGM): All are welcome at our AGM on Saturday, 21 May 2022, 7:00pm at Union Church. People who have been church members for at least six months may vote. Nominations for members of the Committee of Management and Trustees will close this Sunday, 8 May at 8:00pm. Please contact the church office for the nominations form. Kindly return completed forms and the nominee's bio to the church office or email to to the attention of the Honorary Secretary.
THIS WEEK
Women Who Move Mountains studies: We're beginning this new study by Sue Detweiler with two options for ladies: Wednesday lunchtime which started on 4 May and Friday mornings which starts tomorrow, 6 May. There's still time to register.
Halftime Small Group Study, starting 7 May: Aaron & Linda Tan's small group will embark on a new study that explores the Halftime course over 6 weekly sessions, online, Saturdays, 6pm, starting on 7 May. The Halftime study will help you consider your core abilities and passions and discover creative ways to channel your talent towards Kingdom-significance. If interested in joining, please email and Vivien Teu, the coordinator for this study, would love to have a chat and involve you.
Young Adults New Study, starting Wednesday, 11 May, 8:00pm: Join us as we start our new study, Be Still. In this video series, we will explore creative ways we can connect with God each day, learning how to practically develop and grow habits that cultivate daily stillness in the midst of our busy and fast-paced world. Questions? - contact Dan Tupps.
UPCOMING
HK Men's Fellowship Luncheon, Friday, 13 May, 12:00 - 2:00pm: Join us for a special lunch at Madame Fu's Grand Cafe Chinois. We will celebrate what God has been doing in our lives, and what we will do in the rest of 2022 to lean in to Him and press on to greatness. Cost is $300, seating is limited. Please contact Dan Tupps to register.
Film & Theology, Tuesday, 17 May, 8:00pm, Zoom: Join Chris McKenzie and other movie lovers for this discussion about The Dreamseller. This film features a disillusioned psychologist who tries to commit suicide until he strikes up a friendship with an unlikely saviour who teaches him a new way of living. Watch the film in advance (hint: you'll find it on Netflix) and then Zoom in on the 17th. Register to get the Zoom link.
Creativity Ministry: Let's EAT - a dinner with Jesus, 24 May, 7:30 - 8:30pm, online: This event is for men, women and Young Adults. It will be an evening of spiritual activity designed to be experienced as a group and as an individual. There will be conversation, sharing, visualisation, silence, prayer. Register here.
stART Retreat, Saturday, 28 May, 9:00am - Sunday, 29 May, 1:00pm: Creativity Ministry invites women, men and Young Adults to come together at a two-day retreat to experience God in new ways, being immersively present using art as a companion. Come join us at the Heritage Lodge for this creative journey. Learn more - registration open!
New Study: The Artist Way, starting Tuesday, 7 June, 12:30pm - 1:30pm, online: Creativity Ministry invites you to join a study that explores the Artist Way, A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity. The 12-week study is open to men, women and young adults. Learn more and register.
KINGDOM KIDS
In-person Creche and Children's Church, Sunday 9:45am and 11:15am. We are thrilled to welcome our families and children back to church. Creche Centre for the littles ones and Children's Church for children aged 3 years old and above will be available with strict hygiene measures in place and in accordance with government guidelines. Children under the age of 12 are not required to show proof of vaccinations. If they are unaccompanied by an adult, they need to fill out the required declaration form. We greatly appreciate your understanding and kind cooperation as we gather responsibly to worship God.
Online Sunday School, 10:30am: We are also excited to continue our worship and learning about Jesus ONLINE. Children aged 3 to 10 years old are welcome to join us via Zoom. There will be a time of worship, learning about of God's word, sharing and praying for each other and some games. Please email for the Zoom link.
Kingdom Kids Sunday edition - BELT OF TRUTH - is available at the end of the 9:45am and 11:15am worship services on the Union Church website or Facebook page.
Sunday School Registration 2021-2022: Registration for the academic year 2021/2022 is open. Children ages 0-11 years old enrolling in our Creche and Sunday School programme must be registered by completing the form here. Registration forms are also available at the Children's welcome table. For more information, please visit our website or email or call 2101 0414.
YOUTH
In-person Friday Youth - 6 May, 6:00-9:00pm: Youth are invited for a NERF Battle at Union Church as Hunter says farewell as Youth Director. Dinner at Fini's at 6:00pm (TBC). Youth 12 and over must be vaccinated and bring records via the LHS app. We will dismiss at 9:00pm.
Confirmation Sunday - 8 May, 11:15am: Youth are invited to attend Confirmation Sunday as Amber, Abigail and James are confirmed with the support of the Confirmation. Youth spaces are limited so please email or text Hunter to register.
MISSIONS
Meet Our Ministry Partners - Home of Loving Faithfulness, in-person this Sunday 8 May: Please welcome representatives of our long-term Ministry Partner, HOLF, in Fellowship Hall this Sunday. Last Christmas we gave a special offering to HOLF which helped fund a new sensory garden for the residents. Now we have the opportunity to paint birdhouses and twigs to decorate the garden - and visit HOLF on Sunday, 26 June! Be sure to drop by HOLF's table in the hall.
Restrictions lifting - time to Walk the Wall! ICC Hong Kong is excited to announce the resumption of Walk the Wall 2022. This crucial walkathon raises support for children in ICC's centres who have been abandoned and in their Family Partners Programme (FPP). Young people in FPP are often raised by low-income families ineligible for government social welfare. Learn more and sign up for "Walk On Your Own" or "Walk the Wall Competition". Just do it!
Light of the World Church and Preschool, Myanmar: Pastor Vum's brother and another relative continue their chemo treatments - we give thanks that they are able to receive treatment despite the challenging conditions in Myanmar and ask that you continue to pray for their full restoration. And please continue to pray for peace in Myanmar, and that people come to experience the love and salvation of Jesus Christ!
Baptism
Are you following Jesus and want people to know? Share with others the new hope you have in Jesus through baptism. Interested and ready to celebrate? Contact Pastor Michele.
Small Groups
Stay connected and get support from your friends in a small group that is a tangible demonstration of God's love for us. Interested in joining one that is right for you? Contact so that we might suggest one for you.
Stephen Ministry
Lonely? Grieving? Going through a separation or divorce? Stephen Ministers are members of our congregation who listen, care encourage and provide emotional and spiritual support during life's challenges. Please contact .
Giving
Thank you for your tithes and offerings! If you are not coming to church this Sunday, you may post a cheque payable to "Union Church", deliver it to the church office, or give online. May you be blessed as you give of your time, talent and treasure!
Prayer
These are troubling 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.
Last week's sermon
"Re-Entry" Watch last week's message by Rev. Dr. Michele Bland
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