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U Matters

“How hard it is to live spiritually in Easter when one’s nervous system can’t get out of Gethsemane.” -C.S. Lewis 

The Lewis quote from the sermon Sunday, resonated with many of you. The power and peace of Easter seem distant as we struggle with financial, family, work, medical, and personal challenges. Even the Apostle Paul asked in Romans 7:24 following, ”I’ve tried everything and nothing helps. I’m at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me?” 

Then he answers his own question: “The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions…”  

The answer, thank God, is Jesus. 

This Sunday, at 1PM, we will hold a memorial service at Union for Eugenie Payne.  Eugenie has been a member since the late 1960’s and has been a much loved choir member.  She was preceded in death by her husband Edward and survived by her daughter Grace and son George. 

We will also have the opportunity to hear Dr. Scott Sunquist, Dean of the School of Intercultural Studies, Fuller seminary.  He will be interviewed at the 9:45AM and 11:00AM services. 

 
Gratefully
Pastor Greg
 

In Sympathy - Payne Family

We extend our love and sympathy to the family of Eugenie Payne who passed away on Friday, 9 March, 2018 at the age of 81 years.  Please remember the family in prayer.  

A viewing service will be held this Saturday, 17 March, 3:00PM - 4:00PM at Grantham Hospital Farewell Room, 125 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Hong Kong and the Celebration of Eugenie's life will be held at 1:00PM this Sunday, 18 March, at Union Church. A reception will follow after the service at 2:00PM in the Fellowship Hall. 

Memorial donations in memory of Eugenie can be made to her family at the reception table on Sunday

Lent at Union

Luke for Lent
Luke for Lent
We are more than halfway through both Luke and Lent. How is it going for you? Lots of folks are reading along, so if you hit a difficult passage or you aren't quite sure how to understand--or apply--what you read, ask around. It could be a good conversation-starter after worship next Sunday!
  • If you would like to discuss what you are reading, 12:30PM Sundays a group is meeting over lunch. RSVP to Monte Peterson.
  • Series on Jesus’ parables at Wednesday night ReCharge, 7:30PM.

Any questions? Contact Monte Peterson.

BLESS THE CITY, Saturday, 21 April
Our study should always lead to action, so here is the opportunity to live out God's promise of a new kingdom. Let's join God in that work of loving all of God's creation as we BLESS THE CITY, on Saturday, 21 April. We will gather at the church at 9:30AM, then go out in teams to do various acts of service, from visiting with our disabled neighbours, to crocheting kindness blankets to a trail clean-up. Join us--and bring your friends!

Opportunities

"ANGST: Raising Awareness Around Anxiety"
Save the Date: Sunday, 22 April 12:30PM to 2:15PM
Union Church presents ANGST: Raising Awareness Around Anxiety. A documentary film about anxiety, truth and hope. ANGST reveals the causes of anxiety and its sociological effects, along with the help, resources and tools available to address the condition. The film also includes a special interview with Michael Phelps, a mental health advocate and one of the greatest athletes of all-time.
ANGST is appropriate for students 5th Grade and higher, educators, parents, professionals, and adult who wishes to learn more about mental health issue.
There is a suggested donation of HK$50 per adult and a light lunch will be provided. Sign Up Now at the Welcome Table or email us with the number of people joining, on or before 17 April 2018.
 
Pastoral Care Team: Interested in being a part of the Pastoral Care Team for Union Church? Pastor Michele would love to hear from you. If interested, please note that this will be a commitment to specific training in the area of pastoral care.
 
Prayer for Union Come lift up the needs of Union Church. Join us every Tuesday morning at 7:30AM for a time of prayer in the sanctuary.

Serve

If you are looking for a place to serve at Union Church Pastor Michele would love to chat!
With growing services, especially at 11:15AM service, we have 4 locations operational at the same time, we could really use your help in the usher greeter team.
Options:
Main sanctuary (4 people needed each Sunday; welcoming, actively seating; offering);
Door (this is a meet and greet -traffic control -directing people -children, bathrooms, services etc)
Foyer (front line of Union Church -welcoming, directing people to Hotel Indigo when the 18/F is full)
If you can help once a month it would be greatly appreciated. 

Baptism/Membership

Baptism Classes for Easter Baptism
Interested in being baptized? Please join Pastor Michele on Tuesdays, 6, 13, 20 March, 7:30PM-9:00PM for classes. Contact Pastor Michele or sign up at the Welcome Table.
 
Membership
There is no better time than NOW to become a member at Union Church. If interested in membership, please see or contact Pastor Michele or Pastor Greg for details.
 

Small Group

It's ALWAYS a good time to join a small group, but right now new groups are forming for our Lenten study, so if you've ever wanted to "try out" a small group without a long-term commitment, here's your opportunity!

And if a traditional small group is hard for your schedule to manage, try our new ONLINE small group. Using an online learning platform (moodle), you will have the chance to discuss the week's readings with other Union folk and pray together throughout the course of the week, whenever it fits your schedule.

Questions? Contact Monte Peterson or sign up here

Adult Education

New Study Opportunity:
Do you ever struggle to understand or explain how the themes from the Hebrew Scriptures connect to Jesus' story? Or how to connect any of it with your own story? Whether you have gone to church your whole life and just want a refresher, or you aren't sure what you believe, or you have a friend you'd like to share God's story with, this class is for you. Manna and Mercy, by Dan Erlander, is both simple and rich, and this 6-week class will help all of us connect God's story to our own. 12:30PM Sundays, starting 15 April. RSVP to Monte Peterson.
 

Youth

Friday Youth Group, 16 March – Biblical Concept
Youth of all ages (11-18) are invited to come to Youth Group at Sunlight Tower this Friday!
Juniors (aged 11-14): 6:00PM-8:00PM
Seniors (aged 14-17): 7:30PM – 9:00PM (with an optional hang-out for Seniors until 10:00PM)
This week we’ll hear Dale Weathington – one of our Adult Leaders – sharing a powerful lesson on the meaning of a “Mission”. 
Dinner is from 7:30PM to 8:00PM with pasta being served!!
 
Sunday Youth Group, 18 March
Youth of all ages (11-17) are welcome to join us from 9:45AM to 10:45AM in Pastor Greg’s Office every Sunday. We will be following the curriculum “The Story of Jesus” this semester, and this week’s theme is on Lent with a message on The Second Temptation.
 
Next Friday (23 March) – Worship Night
We will be hosting a worship night next Friday! Youth of all ages (11-18) are invited to come to Sunlight Tower from 6:00PM to 9:00PM (with an optional hangout till 10:00PM for Seniors)
The night will be filled with good music and we would love for our youth to join in by sharing their stories and testimonies! If your youth is interested in sharing, please contact the youth team at YOUTH
 
Youth activities
Are you a youth and want to be involved in our youth group? There are many ways you can be involved: Youth Group (FridaySunday), Youth Band, Christian Clubs, Confirmation etc.
 
Questions? Email YOUTH

Kingdom Kids

Sunday School Teacher Wanted
Kingdom Kids are in need of lead teachers for the 6-7 year old group at the 11:15AM service. If you are passionate about God’s word and love to share it and model it for our children to follow and available on Sunday, please get in touch with us at CHILDREN.
 
Easter Sunday, Sunday 1 April
Children ages 3 to 11 years old are invited to join us for our Easter program at both the 9:45AM and 11:15AM service. Families and friends are welcome to join us.
 
Mom’s Date, Saturday 19 May
Kingdom Kids would like to invite Moms and children to join us for a fun afternoon of activities and tea time on Saturday, 19 May from 2:00PM-5:00PM. For more information or to sign up for this event, please email .
 
Sunday School 2017/2018 Registration
If you are new to Union Church or if you have yet to register your children for our Sunday School program, kindly register your children here. All children enrolling in our Sunday School and Crèche Center MUST BE REGISTERED by filling in and signing the Registration Form. For more information, please visit Union Church's website or contact us at or 21010414.

Outreach

Prison Ministry: Are you interested in being a part of a team to go to Tai Lam Correctional Institution on Dragon Boat Festival public holiday, Monday, 18 June? It will be a great opportunity! We would meet a few times (Sunday after church) to plan. Deadline approaching, so if you are interested, please contact Melody Landes or Pastor Michele.

Financial Giving at Union

For HK Taxpayers wishing to make tax-deductible donations for the tax year of April 2017 to March 2018, please ensure that cheques are made payable to “Union Church” and are dated before 31 March 2018.

Please send your cheques to Accounts Department latest by 31 March 2018, otherwise your donation will not be recognized in the 2017/2018 tax year. Thank you for your continuous support to Union Church.

Last Sunday's Sermon

"When Darkness Reigns" by Pastor Greg Anderson

This Wednesday's ReCharge Sermon

"The Prodigal Son: Coming Homeby Pastor Michele Bland