U Matters

We have entered the final leg of the book of Acts and the last five weeks is themed “Turning the World Upside Down.” In many respects our world has been turned upside down. The pandemic has created many challenges and frustrations. Families are divided geographically, individuals are working from home (again), parents are fatigued, kids are bored, people are isolated, and couples have never spent so much time together (this can be positive and challenging).

With these tensions and challenges I am reminded of the importance of the 5:1 Principle. Through decades of research John Gottman, a world-renowned psychologist whose work with couples has led to ground-breaking research on marital stability and divorce prediction, has found that for every one negative interaction during conflict there should be 5 positives. This principle is an important one to remember during these stressful times and can be applied to all relationships. I am convinced that our world will be turned upside down if our positives vastly outnumber our negatives.

During these stressful times it is important that we also practice self-care. We need to be intentional to care for all aspects of our being. This includes sleep hygiene, eat properly, get exercise (a walk will suffice), as well as, care for our spiritual, emotional and social needs. We would also like to encourage you to stay connected and join our weekly online services, connect with us Wednesday nights for prayer, join a class or small group, or join a new class called “Faith in Trying Times: Fear, Waiting, Hope” starting this Sunday. If you are wanting additional support, please consider a Stephen’s Minister. Our Stephen’s Ministers are trained in pastoral care and would welcome the opportunity to come alongside you. For more information - https://www.unionchurchhk.org/connect/care/stephens-ministry.

“Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8

Blessings, Pastor Michele

THIS WEEK:

Please join us this Sunday, ONLINE ONLY, at 9:45AM for our traditional service and 11:15AM for our contemporary service. 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.  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:

Inner City Ministries focuses on helping the ethnic minorities and their families in Hong Kong. One special group of people that Inner City Ministries help are recovering drug addicts. After a year of rehab, many of these individuals cannot find employment, and they quickly slip back into drug abuse. If you know of any job opportunities that are open to hiring rehabilitated individuals, please contact emmanuel@innercityministries.org.

Another exciting opportunity is to volunteer and help in their children’s program. Learn more about how to keep kids safe or to mentor them at innercityministries.org/children

Sons & Daughters, our neighbours in Wan Chai, share God's love with the women and men of the red light districts throughout Hong Kong.  Calling all bakers! Your baking skills can help open doors and transform lives in the red light districts. Email info@sonsanddaughters.org.hk to help! They are also in need of food, toiletries, cleaning supplies, electronics, and board games. If you're able to make a donation, please see the items needed at: https://forms.gle/ZDzeekPP2Nhdpekg6

Pour out your love 傾福行動 - https://fundrazr.com/pouroutyourlove: We invite you to share the blessings and contribute one-tenth of your $10,000 government subsidy for the ICC children.

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.

Small Groups: