U MATTERS
Lent is a time of suffering - a time to reflect and meditate on the suffering of Jesus. As we look at issues around the world there is no shortage of suffering. In Hong Kong we see the rise of mental health issues - a concern. We wonder about the implications of the social and psychological development of children/youth who have studied for several years online. We observe countries crawling their way back from the stress and strain of COVID-19. We are disturbed and grieved by the war in the Ukraine. And some of you are going through your own difficulties and challenges - health concerns, issues confronting a loved one, treatments, uncertainty, fear about the future, marital challenges, parenting issues, the loss of a loved one, and the list goes on.
We journey through Lent towards Good Friday, we enter a time of suffering, before we can experience the resurrection. But we know ‘Sunday is coming’. Knowing the resurrection is coming gives us hope to endure! Hope to face tomorrow. Jesus said, “…In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NIV
The song “Mighty to Save,” has been popular in the Ukraine since it came out in 2006. Recently, the song was recorded by Ukrainian students worshiping, not in Ukrainian, but in Russian - as the battle for Kyiv began not many miles away. God is mighty and He does save! God is with us - He is our refuge and strength, our ever-present help in times of need. But first we suffer -
Peace for the journey, Pastor Michele
CHURCH ONLINE
This Sunday is Palm Sunday and we are continuing with the seen "I AM" statements of Jesus in the Book of John. Join us for the 9:45am (Traditional) and the 11:15am (Contemporary) services here and on Facebook.
We have a special Zoom Coffee Hour at 10:45 - please welcome our ministry partner, St. Barnabas' Society and Home! During the services we can watch a video about their work with the poor and homeless in Western District. Then we can , continue the conversation on Zoom during Meet Our Ministry Partners. Email Admin to get the link.
The church remains closed - for now. We will inform you as soon as we know the details of the church reopening. Please watch the website. We can't wait to see you again! In the meantime, if you need to drop something off, there is a box right outside the front door. Please email Admin to make arrangements.
THIS WEEK
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
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 - the perfect midday break. Use the same Zoom link Juliana shared earlier. Don't have it? Please email Admin.
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.
Be Prayed For! Join this Zoom session on Thursday, 14 April, 7:30pm - 8:15pm and be prayed for in breakout rooms - prayer can transform lives. Register to receive the Zoom link.
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 Movement. Consider the ripple effect if you permit God to move in and through you to reach others. 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, 13 & 14 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 13 April for our next instalment of Jesus' seven "I AM" statements from the Gospel of John. Contact Dan Tupps
MORE UPCOMING
Film & Theology, Tuesday, 19 April, 8:00pm, Zoom: Chris McKenzie is back with the conversations that celebrate movies. Here's how it works: Watch The Case for Christ on your own and then Zoom in on the 19th for a lively conversation. Register here and find a link that will help you to view the film. Also save the date for Film & Theology on Tuesday, 17 May.
Restored - Reservoirs of Living Water, Tuesday, 26 April, 7:30pm - 9:00pm. Juliana Rotmeyer and Crystal Lo have designed a special online experience for women to journey through a creative process - without needing any particular creative talent! Be led through expressions of creativity while being refilled by the Lord. Register here.
PRAYER ANYTIME
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.
KINGDOM KIDS
Kingdom Kids Sunday Edition - Jesus' Triumphant Entry - 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! - 8 April, 6:00pm - 8:00pm: 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 - Palm Sunday, 10 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
Volunteer needed for Sports Services International: Our Deacon Malama Piliae serves as the Outreach Coordinator for Sports Services International (SSI) which organises sports activities and counselling for individuals and small groups. The team is looking for an IT-savvy volunteer who can assist for a day a month on computer hardware and software support, email, website etc. If you would like to learn more about the mission of SSI and their volunteers needs, please email Malama at . Thank you!
Prayers for Home of Loving Faithfulness: Our ministry partner, HOLF, invites us to join them in specific prayers relating to the health of Aunty Valerie and Wing Sze, energy and creativity for the HOLF family and staff, the recruitment of a social worker and care workers, and adjustments to their ventilation system. Please see their full prayer list here.
ICC Children and upcoming virtual tour! We have received updates on four additional children who are sponsored by Union Church. Each one is precious. Please read about these boys here and keep them and their caregivers in your prayers: Yang Hengbing, male 16; Yang Hengcen, male 17; Yang Junyu, male 7; and Yang Junqiu, male 7. Also please do save the date for International China Concerns's virtual tour in China of the Family Partners Programme, Thursday, 9 June, 5:00pm.
Our ministry partner FCOP International helps establish healthy local churches in communities throughout Cambodia, cares for widows, orphans and separated children, and creates sustainable microenterprise programmes, among various projects. Due to supply chain disruption and high costs, FCOPI no longer imports its food and instead grows its own for their extensive network. They give thanks and ask for prayers of protection for their rice farm manager, Mr Mok who astonishingly has built 35 km of dikes and canals 2m high with a 4m wide road on the top. See their website.
SAT-7 beams the Good News of the Kingdom of God straight into people’s homes in the Middle East and North Africa. Stories told by vulnerable refugees in Egypt have significantly impacted SAT-7’s Arabic-speaking viewers on social media, prompting a vast outpouring of compassion and care. Read more about our ministry partner's story here.
Light of the World Church and Preschool, Myanmar: Pastor Vum's brother has been diagnosed with cancer. He has just started chemotherapy and they are exploring hospitals and clinics for radiotherapy later on. Our God is mighty to save - please pray that Mr. No Ling Thang is healed for the glory of God!
Praises from Sons & Daughters! S&D thanks everyone for praying for their New Promise House where women desiring to exit the sex trade find a safe place and aftercare. S&D's fundraising target has been met and new premises identified. Praise the Lord!
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
Need ideas for your next small group study? 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.
Giving
During this season of online only worship, we very much appreciate your continuing to tithe and make offerings. You may post a cheque payable to "Union Church" and send it to the church office, contact Admin to arrange a time to drop off the cheque or place it in the box outside the front door, or you may give online. May you be blessed as you give of your time, talent and treasure!
Last week's sermon
“I AM - The Way, the Truth and the Life" Watch last week's message from Dan Tupps
Stay Connected
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