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U Matters

Many spend thousands of dollars and great effort searching for the most exotic destinations that promise a taste of paradise. Many of us yearn for that idyllic environment that will enable restoration, bring refreshment and tranquility.  Isn’t it interesting that Jesus, on the cross said, “today, you will be with me in paradise.” Jesus offers us paradise. Do we take it?
 
Jesus also offers a life in the full. John 10:10 states, “the thief comes only to kill and steal and destroy; I come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Jesus offers us abundant life. Do we take it?
 
This Sunday, we will explore the second word of Jesus on the Cross, “today, you will be with me in paradise”, with our Youth Director Hunter Purvis speaking at the 8:45 and 5:15 services. We also have Dr. David Wang, President Emeritus of Asian Outreach and leading expert in China speaking at 9:45 and 11:15 on “Mission and Ministry.”
 
Interestingly, Jesus offers paradise and abundant life but we so easily tend to chase after other things in our search for fulfillment and contentment.  May He re-direct us and challenge us to embrace the eternal gifts in which only He can offer and fulfill. 

 
Blessings,
Pastor Michele
 

This Week

PODS of Prayer: 
This Sunday, 17 March, join us after the service 12:30PM - 1:00PM in the Sanctuary for time of prayer.  
  • Parents and Prayer: facilitated by Pastor Michele
    - All Union Church parents come and pray for our children, young and old. 
  • Kids and Prayer: facilitated by Jacklien Lee
  • Prayer for the AGM: facilitated by Terri Appel
Meet in the Sanctuary immediately after the 11:15AM service.
 

Annual General Meeting

Notice of AGM
Union’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on Saturday, 23 March 2019 at 6:00PM. Please join us as we celebrate together, and give glory to God. Non-members are welcome to attend. Please bring a dish to share.
 
AGM Information
Nominations for 2019 Committee of Management (CoM) are now closed. For details of candidates, please pick up a Nomination Booklet from the Welcome Table. 
The Union Church Annual Report and Financial Reports are also available on the Welcome Table.


Minutes Available

If you would like to read the minutes from the Special General Meeting they are available at the Welcome Table.
 

Lent

The Crucified Life: a study of Jesus' last seven words. Offered at ReCharge on Wednesdays, and Lunch Studies on Sundays after the 11:15AM service.
 
"One" Hong Kong 2019 Hearing the Word Campaign
 
It is not too late to join the other 24,000 + people around HK listening to God’s Word over Lent. Start by downloading the APP with this link:  http://www.onehtw.com.
No time? God says in 2 Peter 1 that His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life. God promised he would give you that 25th hour in the day to listen to His word.
For App users, watch out for updates in the News Section of One App.
We challenge you to do more than just listen:
  • Join the “One Discussion Group” at Recharge on Wednesdays - contact Monte via her email: 
  • Be united with other Union listeners and share your prayers or testimonies on our One Listening Community at our Union Church App platform.

Opportunities

2019 Spring Family Retreat: Rooted and Nourished in Christ
Date: Friday 29 - Saturday 30 March 2019.
Overnight camp: $450 pp.
Children under 12 years old: $350 pp.
Day cost: $125 pp.
Join us at the Methodist Retreat Centre on Lantau. Speakers, intergenerational activities, small groups, dynamic worship and lots of fun. Sign up and pay at the Welcome Table.
 
Union Family News
Union celebrates 175 years this year. If you would like to be a part of the planning team we would love to hear from you. Please see Pastor Michele. 
 
 
"CHILD, DISRUPTED” - Movie Screening and Talk
When: Sunday 24 March 12:30PM to 2:15PM
Join us for a documentary film about how technology impacts children’s behaviors and which offers insight into how parents/guardians can curb its influence while equipping children to develop healthy relationships with technology. Followed by a short talk on Biblical Perspective on Technology and Q&A with Antonin Ficatier. 
* Suitable for children aged 8 years old and above, parents, grandparents, educators and caregivers.
* Suggested donation of HK$50 per adult, light lunch and child care for children below 8 years old will be provided.
* Register at  or Sign Up at the Welcome Table. 

"Moms in Prayer” Conference
Guest Speaker: Barb Hawn, International speaker and author of “Glory Arising”- The Beginning of Moms in Prayer Mongolia.
When: Friday, 22 March: 7pm-9pm & Saturday, 23 March: 9am-4pm (Light refreshments served 30 minutes before)
Cost: HK$200 pp
Venue: International Baptist Church of HK, 7/F Tower A, Southmark Building, 11 Yip Hing Street, Wong Chuk Hang.
 
PEACE BOX 2019 CAMPAIGN
Join us as we bless the children from the under-privileged families and the elderly living alone by contributing a box filled with necessities. 
Please drop off the boxes during office hours on weekdays or on Sundays until 17 March. For more info, please click HERE or visit the Welcome Table. 

ReCharge

ReCharge is a weekly night at Union Church where we fellowship, worship, and study.
Join us on Wednesdays:
7:00PM - dinner (suggested donation towards the cost of food: $100)
7:30PM - worship
7:45PM-9:00PM - classes
 
Prayer Night during ReCharge on 20 March
We invite you to join us for an evening of prayer as we pray for the upcoming AGM. All welcome. 
Facilitators: Ken Morrison and Catriona Woodrow
 
Studies for this season:-
The Crucified Life (sign-up and get your book at the Welcome Table)
Network (for Young Adults) 
Luke/Acts "One" Campaign listening group (sign-up at the Welcome Table)

 

Ladies

Ladies Night Out - All Welcome
It's Wing Night - join us Monday, 25 March, 5:00PM - 7:00PM at Fini's (across the street - 69 Stone Nullah Ln, Wan Chai) for conversation and connectivity. 
 
Fertility Support Group
Struggling and could use some support? Contact Sonia Lee.

Baptism and Membership

Baptism classes will be offered on Sundays, 3 and 10 March from 12:45PM-2:00PM. If you are interested in baptism or membership please sign up in the foyer, collect a form and submit it or see Pastor Michele.

Adult Education

Sunday Lunch Study
Beginning 10 March, The Crucified Life: Seven Words From the Cross. This is a video-based class, with study guide available at the Welcome Table. Join us in the Youth Room after the 11:15AM service. 

Small Group

Lots of good stuff is happening in the small group world! There is some interest in a lunch time small group, during the week, at Union Church. Is this a good time for you? Want to join a group or start a group? Contact Monte Peterson.
 

Young Adults

New 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!


Serve

Union Church is always looking for people to serve. If you would like to be an usher, greeter or bible reader, please see Pastor Michele.
 
 

Youth

Wednesday Youth Bible Study – 13 March
7:00PM Dinner and Worship
7:45PM – 9:00PM Bible Study
The subject of our Bible study will be the Parables of Jesus.
 
Friday Youth Group Worship Night – 15 March
Juniors (11-13) are asked to arrive from 6-7:30PM
Seniors (14-18) are to arrive from 7-9:00PM with ‘hangout’ in the Youth Room from 9-10:00PM
This week we will be joining together in worship and message given by Hunter Purvis.
 
Sunday Youth Group – 17 March
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 will head out after prayer to have a biblical discussion.

Kingdom Kids

Sunday School Teachers Training, Saturday 16 March, 9:00AM - 12:00PM, Youth Room 
There will be a Teacher’s Training this Saturday where we welcome those who are interested in learning to share God’s words with the little ones. Contact us at or at 2101 0414.

 
Sunday School 2018/2019 Registration
Register HERERegistration Forms are also available at the Welcome Table.
 

Filipino Ministry

1:00PM - 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
 

Missions

Upcoming trip to Myanmar - 6-9 June 2019
We are planning a trip to visit Light of the World (LOTW) Church and Preschool in Yangon, Myanmar. LOTW spreads the Gospel in a heavily Buddhist area. Union has been supporting LOTW since 2015, and some of our members have previously visited. Last year we raised a special offering to help with the construction of a new church building, and we would like to visit and worship with the pastors and congregation in their new church. Plans are to depart on the night of 6 June and return the night of 9 June (7 June is a public holiday in HK). We anticipate flight plus hotel costs to be ~$4200 HKD. Visas are required for Myanmar. We recommend this trip for adults and possibly teenagers accompanied by parents, but suggest the trip is not appropriate for young children. If you're interested to join, please contact Ray Warhola and Kathy Foley.

Local 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 are many opportunities for volunteer support, including the following: lunchtime intercessory prayer, male and female volunteers for outreach ministry, house parents for their shelter, education providers for job skills/training as part of their exit program, administrative support, musicians and worship leaders, social work interns, cookie baking, card writing, and assistance with fundraisers. There are several upcoming information sessions on Wednesdays from 7:30-9:00PM (20 March, 17 April, and 22 May). If you want to get involved or learn more, please contact Janice Chan or Brittney Tsang.

HK Taxpayer

For HK Taxpayers wishing to make tax-deductible donations for the tax year of April 2018 to March 2019, please ensure that cheques are made payable to “Union Church” and are dated before 31 March 2019. 
Please send your cheques to our Church Accounts Department latest by 31 March 2019, otherwise your donation will not be recognised in the 2018/2019 tax year. Thank you for your continuous support to Union Church.
 

Last Week's Sermon

"Words from the Cross: Forgiveness" by Rev. Dr. Jeff Greenman