U Matters
It might feel that Easter was a long time ago, but “Eastertide” lasts for 50 days. It is that season between Easter Sunday and Pentecost. Following the resurrection, Jesus spent time teaching and being with His disciples before His Ascension. Ten days after Christ’s Ascension, Jesus’ disciples witnessed the Holy Spirit, which is Pentecost - the birth of the church. Liturgically speaking, Lent is most commonly expressed in fasting and reflection, whereas Easter is expressed in feasting and celebrating. Eastertide is a season to celebrate the work of the church and to acknowledge the power of the Spirit working among us.
Easter gives hope – it gives hope that because of Christ all things are made new - “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!” 2 Corinthians 5:17
T. Wright, in his book Surprised by Hope stated:
“With Easter, God’s new creation is launched upon a surprised world, pointing ahead to the renewal, the redemption, the rebirth of the entire creation.... every act of love, every deed done in Christ and by the Spirit, every work of true creativity - doing justice, making peace, healing families, resisting temptation, seeking and winning true freedom - is an earthly event in a long history of things that implement Jesus’s own resurrection and anticipate the final new creation and act as signposts of hope.”
May we as a church community, as a city, as churches around the world, experience the renewal, the redemption, and the rebirth found in the risen Christ. May we be filled with hope.
Blessings, Pastor Michele
FAMILY NEWS:
THIS WEEK:
Eastertide Sundays: We hope you can join us this Sunday ONLINE. “Faith in Uncertain Times” Pastor Michele ONLINE at 9:45AM for our traditional worship service or at 11:15AM for our contemporary service.
Sunday May 24th “Ascension Sunday” -Monte Peterson
Sunday May 31st “Pentecost Sunday” -Pastor Michele.
If you are unable to be online at the time of our worship services, you can watch our them later in the day, via our website, app or Facebook page, or tune in to RTHK. Don't forget that you can still give your offering online via the giving page of our website, or by using the QR code below. You can also send us a cheque, made payable to "Union Church" or "Friends of Hong Kong Charities, Inc" if you are a US taxpayer. Please send them to: 18F, Sunlight Tower, 248 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong.
Please check our website and your email for latest news.
Nominations are now open for the Committee of Management and Trustees. Please contact the Church Office for more details.
Fast for the city- please join all the churches in Hong Kong as together we pray and fast for the city -May 28-30. No sign up, no set format. You may chose to fast a meal or a day- up to you. Let’s unite our hearts in prayer as we pray together for our city
ReCharge:
We have THREE options for Wednesday night ReCharge; all 8-9PM, all online:
Upcoming:
Online Alpha: Are you asking questions about the meaning or purpose of life? Maybe you have friends who want to know more about Jesus or Christianity. Alpha is a low-pressure course where you can ask those questions and engage in conversation, and it can even be done online! Alpha Online is taking place on Wednesdays from 1PM. It's not too late to join! A great opportunity to invite friends and share your faith. Contact Monte Peterson for more details or sign up here:
Union Book Group: Our next book is Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World, by Bob Goff. This is a fun and inspiring collection of true stories about a man who seeks to live out Jesus' kind of love everyday. Join us! All are invited. Books available at the church, $100. We'll meet to discuss on May 26, at 7:30 pm. Contact Monte Peterson for information or to arrange picking up a book from the church office.
Missions:
COVID-19 has hit the Philippines hard! Union Church is raising funds to help ICM and the poor in the Philippines. HK$300 supplies 1000 meals. Please consider giving generously using the QR code and state ICM:
Go out and show some love! There's no time like the present to get out and love our neighbours. Last weekend we did a Kindness Walk in Wan Chai. We want to make this a weekly event in both Wan Chai and Happy Valley and we need your help. Email to join us.
Connecting:
The Marriage Course: please contact Joanna Yau for more details.
Pastoral Care Support, if you are looking for some support and prayer please let our staff know. Contact Ministry leaders directly or admin at: or call 6225 5042.
Small Groups
Meeting as a small group in this time is challenging, but the support from each other is more important than ever. There ARE online options - please reach out if you need help figuring this out! If you aren't currently in a group, we encourage you to try it out. There are groups for women, men, couples, day-time, night-time, etc. Interested? Contact Monte Peterson.
Friday Youth Group – May 15, Juniors and Seniors are invited to join us on Zoom for a Scripture and Small Groups Night!
What: Scripture/Small Group night
When: Meet at 6PM via Zoom
Details: Zoom Link will be provided
Sunday Discussion – May 17, Youth are invited to join a small group discussion on the Sunday sermon at 12:30 on Sunday. Zoom link will be provided.
Kingdom Kids
Stephen's Ministry
A Stephen Minister can help. Stephen Ministers are members of our congregation who listen, care, encourage, and provide emotional and spiritual support to people going through a crisis or a difficult time. Please contact Pastor Michele if we can help ( )
Fertility & Pregnancy/Infant Loss Support Group - Struggling and could use some fellowship, friendship and support? Contact Sonia Lee.
Family in Need (FIN)
If you would like to help support our family in need ministry, which helps people monthly with basic needs, please mark your envelope "FIN".
"Lessons on Motherhood" Pastor Michele.