U Matters - 12 August 2021 | U Matters

U Matters - 12 August 2021

by Rev Dr Michele Bland on August 12, 2021

U MATTERS

Last night people gathered from England, quarantine and various locations throughout the city to hear an update from BUFF on the progress of 22A Kennedy Road. The pictures were beautiful, the facilities outstanding, and the opportunities endless. The inspiring worship and prayer space is invigorating. This new facility will once again enable us to offer weddings, funerals, and playgroups to the community and we will continue to host groups like AA as well as NGOs. This new space will enable us to expand our Children's, Youth, Young Adult, Music, Small Group and Alpha ministries. We are thrilled that we can use these new facilities as a “Third Space” - café, study space, concerts, art classes, classes for seniors and the list goes on. As we continue to grow in our missional mindset - it has been exciting to be free to dream and consider new and fresh ways we can reach out to our neighbourhood.

But we are not there yet!

The Grace of Giving team reminded us that many people have participated in giving of their time and money to this "once in a 100-year opportunity". Together, we are praying and trusting God, our Provider, that by the end of September we will have reached our remaining fundraising target of HK$4.4 million.

Let’s continue to “Be In” and close this gap - the opportunities are endless.

Arise, shine; for your light has come,
    and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
For darkness shall cover the earth,
    and thick darkness the peoples;
but the Lord will arise upon you,
    and his glory will appear over you. Isaiah 60:1-2

Blessings, Pastor Michele

About the Author

Rev Dr Michele Bland

Pastor Michele came to Hong Kong in 1996 with her husband Glenn. Pastor Michele holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, a Masters of Divinity, a Masters in Theology and a Masters in Psychology. Michele was ordained with the Canadian Baptist Convention, has advance standing in CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education), and before coming to Asia she was a youth pastor.

Pastor Michele was appointed Associate Pastor at Union Church in 2012 and became Senior Pastor in 2020. She is a trained Stephen Leader and has trained over 20 members of our congregation to become Stephen Ministers. During her time in Hong Kong, Pastor Michele served on the pastoral staff at another international church for over a decade and has worked in private practice. She has taught in hospitals in China, as well as seminaries in Hong Kong and Indonesia.

Pastor Michele has two university-aged children. Highlights have included working on a kibbutz in Israel, traveling to far off destinations and hanging out with her family. She loves good coffee and conversation.