U MATTERS
Lent is a season for fasting and prayer. With this in mind, we have created many opportunities to engage with the Bible and to pray individually and corporately. We are participating in the ONE Hearing the Word campaign, with churches in 32 countries and many churches within Hong Kong. We are listening to the Gospel of John daily, studying and preaching the “7 I Am” statements of Jesus. We are also preparing and sending out verses from the Gospel of John and the three Epistles of John with daily prayers.
Corporately, on Wednesday nights we are gathering for prayer. This week we gathered to pray for the Ukraine. There is much to pray for.
As you consider your Lenten practice this year remember the Ukraine. Consider baking the Ukrainian Easter Paska and with each kneading of the bread - pray for peace, new life and renewal. It has been reported that Psalm 31 has become a favourite verse in the Ukraine. Listen to it being read in Ukrainian from bunkers and shelters across the country. Pray Psalm 31 in your own language.
Continue to remember the Ukraine in prayer.
- Pray that Ukrainians and Russians find hope in Jesus Christ.
- Pray that God has mercy and heals the land.
- Pray for a culture in which political disagreements don’t lead to hatred or violence.
- Pray against fake news.
- Pray for favour and wisdom for influencers - for those who can speak into leaders lives with truth, peace and reconciliation. Pray for the various world leaders involved in diplomacy related to Ukraine.
- Pray for unity within the nation.
- Pray that God will bless and protect soldiers’ wives and children with peace and safety while their husbands and fathers are gone.
- Pray that the church will remain united, even as it faces difficult questions, such as how involved believers ought to be in politics or in armed conflict. That it will be a source of refuge and strength.
- Pray that this conflict will not dissuade Ukrainians from taking the gospel message to Russia and to other lands.
- Pray that missionaries and other believers will have many opportunities to explain to their neighbours and friends the reason for the hope within them, even in this time of trial.
- Pray for protection for journalists, NGOs, students, pregnant women, elderly, handicapped etc.
- Pray for wisdom for decision-makers.
- Pray for parents deciding whether to stay or leave.
- Pray for Church leaders as they support and comfort people. And Lord we ask for wise actions from global leaders - who have the power not only to start wars, but to stop them too.
- Pray that there is no long-term damage to the nuclear power plants.
- Pray for humility, against pride, and a way out with grace - no more bloodshed.
- And Father God we cry out for an end to this crisis. For mercy, peace, and truth – because You are light, hope, power, and love. Amen.
Lent is a season of suffering. I am reminded of the words of the Apostle Paul, “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed…” 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
God sees us, hears us and knows us. He is with us - may we trust in Him.
~Pastor Michele
CHURCH ONLINE
This Sunday we are continuing with the seven "I AM" statements of Jesus in the Book of John. Join us for the 9:45am (Traditional) and 11:15am (Contemporary) services here and on Facebook.
It's also Meet our Ministry Partners Sunday - welcome Faith Comes By Hearing! Watch the video in the service and greet Aaron Tan during Zoom Coffee Hour. Email us to get the Zoom link.
FAMILY NEWS
Giving by HK taxpayers - the deadline approaches! If you wish to make a tax-deductible donation, kindly date and send your cheques made payable to “Union Church” to the Union Church Accounts department no later than 31 March 2022. If it is late, your donation cannot be recognised in the 2021/2022 HK tax year. For other methods of giving, please refer to our website.
During this season of online only worship, Union Church appreciates your continuing to make your tithes and offerings.
Alpha Tonight! The Union Church family has run the Alpha Course for nearly 28 years! Ask God if there is someone you should invite - you can both Zoom in this evening for the introductory session at 7:45pm. Get the Zoom link.
LENT
What are you giving up - or adding - to your life and spiritual practices during Lent? Juliana shares Lessons on Lent on our Lent and Easter webpage - check back frequently for updates.
In this season of reflection that leads to the cross and the Resurrection, we have a variety of opportunities for prayer, study and fellowship.
Praying as ONE individually -
- ONE2022 Hearing the Word campaign - download the app and learn more during Zoom Coffee Hour!
- “Praying as ONE” guides us daily through scripture from the ONE2022 campaign 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.
Praying as ONE corporately - Last night we prayed for Ukraine. This Wednesday, 7:30pm we lift up our city, health workers, the elderly, families, teachers and all who are facing enormous challenges. Register here to receive the Zoom link.
Men's Online Study - Wednesdays 8:00-9:00pm and Thursdays 12:30-1:30pm, continuing 16 & 17 March: Connect with other men during Lent as we journey through Jesus' seven "I AM" statements from the Gospel of John. Two options: Andrew Lo and Warren Ke will facilitate on Wednesdays, while Dan Tupps will facilitate on Thursdays. Please register here.
Young Adults Online Study - Wednesdays at 8:00pm, starting 9 March: Join us during Lent as we journey through Jesus' seven "I AM" statements from the Gospel of John. Contact Dan Tupps
ALSO THIS WEEK
GriefShare continues Tuesday, 15 March - through early April: Session 10 covers Lessons of Grief - Part One. Do you know someone who has lost a loved one? Want to know more about grief and the grieving process? The class is still open to newcomers. Learn more and register.
MORE UPCOMING
Film & Theology, Tuesday, 22 March, 8:00pm, Zoom: Chris McKenzie is back with the conversations that celebrate movies - the storytellers of our time. All you need to do is watch Inside Out on your own and then Zoom in on the 22nd to talk about the film. Register here to get the Zoom link. You can also sign up for The Case for Christ on Tuesday, 19 April, and save the date for another Film & Theology night on Tuesday, 17 May.
Women's Ministry - Let's Koinonia! Tuesday, 29 March, 7:30pm - 9:30pm, Zoom: Women - you and your friends are invited to this wonderful evening listening to Nutsa + Lakshmi share their testimonies through the 4 seasons of their lives. Learn more here and register.
Save the Date - Another Union Church Quiz Night! Fun for all ages. Newcomers welcome. Saturday, 2 April, 6pm. Details coming.
KINGDOM KIDS
Online Sunday School, Every Sunday at 10:30am: Children ages 3 to 10 years old are invited to join us! There will be a time of worship, learning about God's Word, sharing and praying for each other and a Kahoot game. It will be fun to learn together. Please email to get the Zoom link.
Kingdom Kids Sunday Edition - Jesus Talks with a Samaritan Woman - 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! - 11 March, 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 - 13 March, 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
Urgent - A New Promise House for Sons & Daughters (S&D). S&D is seeing more women wanting to exit the commercial sex industry. They have a huge uptake in women who are waiting to be admitted into their one-year aftercare programme at Promise House. This means they have outgrown their current space and need bigger premises - by April! Please would you pray for Sons & Daughters' search and the resources needed? Pray for the new life in freedom that is coming for the people they serve. Learn more.
Prayers for the Home of Loving Faithfulness (HOLF): Our ministry partner asks us to pray for sufficient manpower to maintain a good standard of caring service. They are in need of more care workers. For the manager and five carers, including one nurse, we pray for God's strength, love and stamina for every waking moment, deep rest at night and protection from Covid. We pray for joy, safety and security for the residents, Jesus' name, amen. For HOLF's full prayer letter, click here.
Leadership Conference from Alpha, 2 & 3 May: The Leadership Conference 2022 will be a time for leaders, from whatever sphere, to have an opportunity to encounter God, be filled with the Holy Spirit, and be mobilised to continue evangelising the nations, revitalising the church and transforming society. 4 times slots available. Learn more and register.
ICC's Walk the Wall Hong Kong: Keep walking, keep praying for the children and families ICC serves! Option 1 - Walk on Your Own - has been extended to 31 December due to pandemic restrictions. Option 2 - Walk the Wall Competition - has also been extended. Find a friend or family member and WALK to support our ministry partner and enjoy this marvelous weather! Why not take a walk with Jesus? Learn more and register.
Union Church Ministry Partner, Hong Kong Church Network for the Poor, has launched HK Caring Movement in Love for the Lenten season. It's a citywide campaign for caring for the underprivileged in the midst of the pandemic. Only 3 things are asked of us! Please see the image - and call on the Holy Spirit.
SAT-7 Lenten Prayers across the Middle East and North Africa: Our ministry partner prays for a different group of viewers every week during Lent. This week SAT-7 is praying for the "finders" - those who have found SAT-7 for the first time - Christian programming and the gospel message in their own language. Pray for the "finders" with SAT-7.
Light of the World Church and Preschool, Myanmar: Pastor Vum and his family remain on the front lines of evangelism, church growth, and persecution. Please continue to pray for them. God is faithful.
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.
Prayer
Prayer changes everything. Need prayer? Reach out to us confidentially at .
Stephen Ministry
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.
Last week's service
“I AM - The Bread of Life" Rev. Dr. Michele Bland
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