|
SHARE:     |
U MattersLast Sunday we started a new series entitled "Church is..." and the theme was "Church is Missional." We were reminded of the Christian mandate -the Great Commission.
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20.
Last Sunday we raised 16K (still counting) with Deja New clothing sale and we will open again this Sunday from 1:00-2:00PM. Proceeds will go to two projects. We also took up an offering for Sons and Daughters drop in centre and raised $62,875.00. We raised a little more than the full amount they needed. I am grateful to the Lord for an amazing weekend. Thank you for your generosity.
This Sunday we will focus on the theme: "Church is Family." We hope that with our many services and activities spread throughout the week, that you have a sense that you are indeed a part of a large and caring family at Union Church. If you do not feel connected, and would like to be, please don't hesitate to contact me or any of our staff.
Blessings,
Pastor Michele
Joint Leaders MessagePrayer and Discernment for Union Church - as part of Recharge
The Discernment Prayer Group has been meeting weekly since the Wednesday before the Annual General Meeting, including during the Easter holidays. The purpose of this group is to pray and discern the next season of Union Church. Our prayer resulting from these discernment evenings, is that we not only step forward in God's time with the search for a new senior pastor, but we also discern God’s will and desired shape for Union Church in anticipation of returning to 22A Kennedy Road. It is imperative that we are Christ-centered and truly understand what God is calling Union Church to do, and who to lead us.
This WeekSunday School Dad's Version
On Mother's Day, 12 May, a group of Dads will be taking over Sunday School duties. Please pray that these Dads will have a blessed time together as they share God's words with our children, play games and make crafts for all the Mothers. Also please encourage these Dads with words of praise when you pick up your children from their Sunday School classes.
Union Church 'Deja New' Clothes Sale! Sunday, 12 May, 1:00PM
Combine fellowship and fashion while helping the environment! Profits go towards Union Church Women's Ministry and Family in Need fund. Semi-Annual Ladies Dinner: Sowing Seeds
Join us for dinner on Tuesday 14 May, followed by worship and some amazing testimonies. You won't want to miss this opportunity to meet other Union Church ladies - it's a great night! Bring a friend - sign up in the foyer.
Last WeekBless the City
What a glorious day last Saturday, May 4, was! In spite of the threat of rain (and actual rain!), Jesus' love was shared throughout Hong Kong and all of our hearts were made a little bigger and a little softer.
Many thanks to all who participated, donated and especially those who helped to lead or organised: Justin and the youth for leading worship, along with leading the Art Jam with Hunter, Theresa Cheung for leading the elderly visit, Isabella Ng for coordinating the picnic with refugees, Kathy Foley for coordinating the work with Sons and Daughters, Elizabeth Thomson for bringing her packing system and expertise from the Amber Foundation and Sonia and Jong Lee for coordinating the prayer walk with Teen's Key. See pictures here. Are you involved with a charity that would like to be part of Bless the City in the future? Talk to Monte Peterson!
Family NewsParents in Prayer, Sunday 19 May, 12:30PM to 1:00PM, in the Sanctuary
We would like to invite all Union Church parents to join us for an opportunity to pray for our children immediately after the 11:15AM service. Please join us as we lift up our children (adult children too) and families in prayer. All are welcome for this time of prayer.
ReChargeReCharge is a weekly night at Union Church where we fellowship, worship, and study.
Join us on Wednesdays: From 8 May to 5 June 7:00PM - dinner (suggested donation towards the cost of food: $80) 7:30PM - worship 7:45PM-9:00PM - classes Parables of Jesus: Study for Youth
For the next 5 weeks we will be studying the parables of Jesus. We will look at the context in which Jesus taught them, gaining a better understanding of their meaning and how they apply in our lives. We will read the parables together, and also have time to discuss how they speak to us personally. This class is geared towards Youth (ages 11-18).
Contact: Hunter Purvis
Faith in the Midst of Suffering: Learning with Job
Job is a man who knows suffering--he loses everything! In Job’s story we hear questions all of us ask: Why do terrible things happen?
Who is really in control?
How do we comfort those around us in pain?
Dare we risk living and loving after great loss?
Join us as we ask these questions and more, not seeking answers as much as faithful ways forward, trusting in the God who created and sustains this beautiful but risky world.
Contact: Monte Peterson.
Big Picture: a new study about the Bible (for Young Adults)
We all have questions about the Bible: What is it? Who wrote it? When? Why? In this new 5-week study Anto Ficatier (Young Adults Director) and Tyler Cox (Theology teacher at ICS) will present a “big picture” overview of the Bible, with historical, theological, and practical insights. Each session will be highly interactive and will spark great conversations!
Recharge your Marriage
We are very excited to have psychologist Dr Erica Liu Wollin and her husband Rev Wade Wollin, pastor from Community Church, come to speak on Communication within your marriage. We would love to have you join us, bring a friend. Wednesday, 22 May, from 7:00PM.
Contact: Pastor Michele
OpportunitiesInternational China Concern (ICC) Circle of Hope Dinner - 17 May
ICC, a Union supported charity helping the abandoned and disabled in China, is having its annual dinner on 17 May. We are arranging Union table(s) to join and help bring love, hope and opportunity of one to the neediest segments in society. To join a Union table, please contact Pastor Michele or Emilie Banfield. Or buy tickets directly at: https://bit.ly/COHHK2019
Union Book Group:
Our next book is "Everything I Never Told You", by Celeste Ng, and we'll meet to discuss it on Tuesday, 21 May, at 7:30 pm. Books available at the Welcome Table or the Hong Kong Public Library. Join us!
One Worship, Sunday 26 May, 10:30AM
On Sunday, 26 May, we will combine the congregation for a joint worship service at SKH Tang Siu Kin Secondary School, 9 Oi Kwan Road, Wan Chai. This will be a wonderful opportunity to gather under one roof to worship and we hope it will allow everyone at Union to meet those who attend a different service. This is also a great opportunity to bring a friend. There will be a BBQ lunch immediately following the service. If you are interested in helping out, cooking a dish, bringing a dessert, ushering either on the street or in the sanctuary please contact Pastor Michele or David Ashton-Howorth, our Operations Director.
“The Marriage Course” - Social Info Gathering & Dinner - Tuesday 28 May 2019, 7:00PM to 9:30PM
Ever wondered what The Marriage Course is all about? Curious why it is open to newly-weds as well as couples married for many years? Want to know more before signing up?
Come and join us for a social, info gathering evening!!! Find out more about this course which is designed for ALL couples and how it offers a lifetime of practical ideas and tools to help keep your relationship strong. We will have couples sharing their testimonies on the course. We will also let you know the dates of the upcoming marriage course!
Union Church Fellowship Hall. Sign up in the foyer. Register online or contact Joanna Yau for more details.
Elderly Home Visit
Elderly Visit on Saturday 8 June, 2:00-3:00PM at Kowloon Tong, China Coast Community! Please come, connect and bless!
Building friendships and sharing our love of Christ with the residents. "One" Hong Kong 2019 Hearing the Word Campaign
To keep the momentum of the "One" Campaign accelerating, we invite you to journey with us by:
1) 50 Day Walk with Jesus using "One Hearing the Word" App. For details please watch: https://youtu.be/sPb1BQ8bTek
2) Completing the survey form http://www.onehtw.com/survey.html
3) Mark your calendar for The "One" Campaign Thanksgiving Celebration on 18 May at Kong Fok Church from 11:00AM to 12:30PM (registration starts at 10:30AM). https://onethanksgiving.eventbrite.hk
For enquiry, please contact the "One" Hotline at +852 97578990 (by phone or WhatsApp).
Altar Flowers
We all have been blessed by the beauty of fresh flowers on the altar on Sundays throughout the year. If you would like to donate flowers for any occasion please sign the "flower calendar" on the noticeboard near the Welcome Table. You may use the florist you prefer, please contact the church office or email
for questions.
LadiesFertility & Pregnancy/Infant Loss Support Group - Struggling and could use some fellowship, friendship and support? Contact Sonia Lee.
Baptism and MembershipIf you have been attending Union Church for a long time and have never gone through the official process now is your chance. Please pick up a green form and let's make this official!
If you never been baptized and are interested, please see Pastor Michele.
Small GroupSmall groups are one of the main ways we connect with each other and connect with God, learning what the Kingdom of God is all about. Interested in joining or starting a group? Contact Monte Peterson.
Young AdultsNew to Union?
Are you a Young Adult new to Union Church? Make sure you meet our Young Adults Director, Anto Ficatier, at the Welcome Table every Sunday. You can also email Anto for more information about Young Adults at Union! ServeUnion Church is always looking for people to serve. If you would like to be an usher, greeter or bible reader, please see Pastor Michele.
YouthAmazing Race - 3 May
This Friday, we will be hosting Union Youth's annual Amazing Race! All Youth are invited to arrive at 6:00PM, where they will be split into teams (7 people max) and sent out to complete different challenges between Central and Wan Chai.
Youth will return for dinner and tally scores by 8:00PM. Amazing prizes to be won! All youth will be dismissed at 9:00PM, with an optional hangout for Seniors until 10:00PM.
Sunday Youth Group – 5 May
Youth can attend at either 9:45AM or 11:15AM.
Juniors (11-13) and Seniors (14-18) will meet in Indigo Hotel 29/F, and Seniors, after prayer, will be dismissed for a biblical discussion.
Kingdom KidsFilipino Ministry1:00PM - 1:50PM Congregational Prayer
2:00PM - 2:50PM Bible Study Groups
3:00PM - 4:00PM Worship Service
Every 1st Sunday of the Month from 9:00AM to 12:00PM Outreach & Evangelism.
Upcoming Services:
12 May - Mother's Day service, Theme: Honouring of Mothers
MissionsLocal Mission - Sons and Daughters (S&D) is a ministry that seeks to reach out to the men and women in the red-light districts of Hong Kong. There is an upcoming information session on Wednesday from 7:30-9:00PM (22 May). If you want to get involved or learn more, please contact Janice Chan or Brittney Tsang.
Last Week's Sermon"Church is...Missional" by Pastor Michele Bland
|