U Matters - 9 September 2021 | U Matters

U Matters - 9 September 2021

by Rev Dr Michele Bland on September 09, 2021

U MATTERS

The month of September has been set aside as a month to focus on prayer. We have much to pray for - our church, our city, our world. Why September? The end of September marks the final fundraising efforts for our new facility at 22A. We are praying for the remaining amount of HK$3.3M. Monies raised or not raised affect our tendering. We also have been praying for ways to reach out to our neighbours in Wan Chai, Kennedy Road and online. We hope you join us for 24-hour prayer, praying onsite at 22A on 19 September, as well as pick up a prayer booklet - daily prayers for our church.

Checking in with one of our Trustees, John Li, who has been at Union Church for 20 years, said “I look forward to seeing the completion of 22A, so that we can build meaningful connections with the community, old and new, expand the congregations, and magnify God glory together.”

“I am thankful for the opportunity that God guided me to Union to learn and experience God’s heart through His Word. I am also grateful for the privilege and joy to serve Union as one of the Trustees.”

What can we pray for?

Pray for wisdom, strength, and creativity to resolve any building issues
Pray for a timely project completion of 22A
Pray for a successful fundraising exercise under The Grace of Giving
Pray for a smooth transition back to 22A from Dah Sing Financial Centre

I am grateful for our leaders - their engagement, giftings, and servant-hearts. We hope you join us in prayer. Scripture says, “Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:18

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.