U MATTERS
If you are a sports fan, you are currently spoiled for choice -The Stanley Cup, The Euro Cup, The NBA finals, Wimbledon and with the Olympics just around the corner -we can be encouraged and challenged by athleticism, competition and teamwork.
Teamwork. The French use the word “esprit de corps” which “means a sense of unity, of enthusiasm for common interests and responsibilities, as developed among a group of persons closely associated in a task, cause, enterprise, etc.”
Teamwork. Teams take time to develop, to nurture, and to learn to work together. Teamwork calls for individuals to set aside their own agendas and their own desires.
Recently, I was so encouraged and deeply moved as our Joint Leaders worked together as a team -handling a decision-making process for our church building at 22A Kennedy Road. What could have been a decision that was won or lost by a margin, the leaders saw the value of taking time to step back, to pray, to listen, to ask questions and to explore other options. Twenty-four hours later the leaders regrouped, and the vote yielded a unanimous result. Incredible.
In life, in relationships and even in board games we can so easily push through to win an argument, to get our way, but it takes maturity and wisdom to slow down, listen and re-group. To work together as a team takes intentionality and grace. Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. It is the only thing that ever has.”
We are on the same team and may we “Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.” 1 Peter 4:6-10
Blessings -Pastor Michele
WORSHIP SERVICE UPDATES
The Government has relaxed the restrictions for religious worship, meaning that our capacity is now up to 50%. At this time, all services this Sunday have availability. If you have registered and subsequently need to cancel or adjust your numbers down, please email as soon as possible so we may offer your space to someone else.
For Sunday services on 18 July, registration will open at 10:00am on Monday HERE. Once you have registered, you will receive an email letting you know if you are IN! or if you need to select an alternative service or watch the livestream.
Union Church offers three in-person services: 8:45am (Family Communion), 9:45am (Traditional Worship) and 11:15am (Contemporary Worship). The latter two services are available via livestream on our church website, Facebook page, church app and YouTube. Be part of our growing online congregation!
Our online worshippers are invited to join the Zoom Coffee Hour hosted by the Deacons. We want to connect with our online friends every Sunday in between services, 10:45am - 11:15am. Contact the church office to get the Zoom link.
FAMILY NEWS
Memory Book: What cherished memories do you have of Chris Yorks and his ministry at Union? Chris is returning to the USA this summer and we want to acknowledge all that he has done for our church family. Please record your gratitude, photos, and / or signature in his memory book - you'll find it at the Memory Book table at church. Feel free to take a page home for your creative handiwork.
If you would like to contribute to a love gift for Chris before the 25th, please send a cheque to "Union Church" with Chris Yorks on the back. We will have a marked donation box at the Welcome table too. You may also give via our online giving page - tick the box for "Love Gift for Chris Yorks". If you have any questions please contact .
THIS WEEK
Men's Study of John 7-12: Men are invited to join a study on John 7-12, led by Andrew Lo. In this online study you will take part in 1) a 30-minute daily study including Bible reading, questions & study notes, and 2) Friday group discussions on Zoom from 23 July to 27 August at 1:00pm - 2:00pm. Register here. If you have questions, please contact Andrew at
UPCOMING
Experiencing Worship: the art, the teaching, the creative worship - join us for worship sessions every Wednesday evening in July, 7:30pm. These events are open to the entire congregation and your guests, and are free of charge. Let's go deeper together in our experience of God. Please register to secure your spot.
- 14 July & 21 July - Worship Teaching by King Chau
- 28 July - Creative Worship with Juliana Rotmeyer
KINGDOM KIDS
Alpha Weekend Retreat - July 9 & 10 – Reminder that this weekend is the Alpha weekend retreat – youth are headed up to visit our friends at YWAM Harbour City for a weekend of fun, worship, discussion and prayer. Please note that there will be no regular Friday Youth this week.
Sunday Youth – July 11 – This Sunday Youth are invited to Pastor Michele’s home at 11:15 for a lesson and a time of fellowship. Juniors (11-13) are working their way through the Be Bold series – asking the questions that really matter! Seniors meanwhile are studying the book of Revelation,
Wednesday Youth – 14 July - This coming Wednesday we will be heading to Tai Po for an afternoon biking trip! Youth can meet Hunter at the Tai Wo MTR at 2PM on Wednesday. We will get everyone sorted with bikes/helmets etc and set off! We will aim to dismiss from the same MTR at 4PM
MISSIONS
Alpha: Handbags can make a difference! Do you have quality handbags lying idle in your closet? How about donating them to Alpha Hong Kong to allow more people to develop a relationship with Jesus? Alpha Hong Kong is organising a sale of pre-owned handbags to raise funds so more people can hear the gospel for free. Pray that generous donors will offer gently used handbags by premium brands that are in good condition. You may drop them off at certain locations between 21 June and 9 July, or courier them. Check out Alpha's options.
Prayers for Light of the World Church and Preschool, Myanmar: Thank you for your prayers for the past 5 months for our brothers and sisters in Myanmar. Sadly, they are still facing violence due to the military coup and civil war, a third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic hardship. Please continue to lift them in prayer! They covet our prayers and are grateful for our continued support and encouragement.
Meeting as a small group at this time is challenging, but the support from each other is more important than ever. 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. Contact ADMIN for more information.
Families in Need (FIN)
Our FIN ministry helps people with their basic monthly needs. If you can help, we are grateful for your generosity. Please mark your envelope "FIN".
Pastoral Care and Prayer
Need prayer? Reach out to us confidentially at .
Stephen Ministry
We provide high-quality, confidential care to people who are hurting through our Stephen Ministry programme. Contact Pastor Michele if you would like to know more about the programme or meet with a Stephen Minister.
Last week's sermon
“Acts 2 Church - Transforms" Hunter Purvis
Social Media
Please follow Union Church Hong Kong on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube and share with your friends and family. Do you have images, video and stories for UC social media? Please send them to ADMIN.