Acts@22A

 
 

"Making mature followers in all nations for Jesus Christ"

 

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U Matters
When the Lord was passing out spiritual gifts, he chose not to give me administrative or organisational skills. But at Union he has surrounded me with talented people who shine in these areas. Last night Philip Yancey's talk was a major challenge to our logistics. To cram so many people into our facility took high levels of planning and execution. I am not going to name names, but the program staff, book table, greeters, ushers and others made the evening a joy for all.

A large number of my pastor friends were in attendance. They asked how we found such great volunteers pull off this event-- knowing me, some were genuinely surprised. Thank you team!!! By the way, Yancey speaks again at 7:30PM tonight. We urge you to come, even if you don't have a ticket. We don't want anyone to miss his talk and I know the volunteer team will find you a spot.

This week is the culmination of the Stewardship Campaign. There will be a chance to turn in your commitment cards Sunday. There will be a huge Thanksgiving Feast at 12:00 noon to celebrate God's goodness to us. Since it is American Thanksgiving, a large number of turkeys will sacrifice their lives for your eating pleasure.

See you tonight and on Sunday!

Gratefully,
Greg

Stewardship

Does stewardship seem like an activity of a ministry team, or an annual pledge drive, or an obligation? I admit, at times in my Christian journey, I have had those thoughts. But, over time, God has helped me see it differently, as an opportunity to GIVE THANKS, to SHARE a portion of our blessings with others who lack, food, shelter or knowledge of the Living Lord (Missions and Community Care), to INVEST in the Church’s Worship, Fellowship, and Pastoral Care, and to NURTURE and DISCIPLE the next generations (Sunday School, Youth Ministry, Young Adults).  If you are still struggling with how God wants you to think and act about stewardship giving, then I urge you try what has helped me for a long time: I close my eyes and pray for each Ministry above; I reflect with gratitude how being part Union Church has helped me know Christ better, has enriched my own spiritual journey, and uplifted my family in time of need. I ASK God to direct my mind and heart in a way that will glorify Him and, yes, save me. Try it for a week. I believe something good will happen. I suggest praying these three scriptures: Ephesians 2:8-10; Matthew 6:19-21; and Matthew 25:13-30. 

Don Kanak

This Sunday, 22 Nov

Thanksgiving Feast Join us this Sunday at 12:00 noon for a feast. Turkey and all the fixin’s for you and your family. If you could bring a dish, cook a turkey or help in the kitchen it would be appreciated. Desserts, salads, vegetable dishes welcomed.

Opportunities at Union
Looking for a Christmas Baptism? Baptism class on Mon 23 Nov, 7:30-9:00PM, see Pastor Michele if interested. 

Advent Kick-off Brunch after 8:30 AM Service, 29 Nov 
Come celebrate the beginning of Advent with a fellowship brunch after our 8:30AM service. There will be plenty of delicious food and friends to talk to. All children in this service will receive an Advent Calendar (…with chocolates!). We have also prepared a small gift of an advent candle for all members of our service. Advent is the time for us to prepare our hearts for the good news of the birth of Jesus Christ.

St. Andrew’s Day Brunch after 9:30AM Service, 29 Nov
Come celebrate Union Church’s Scottish roots with a St. Andrew’s Day Brunch after the 9:30AMservice. Don’t forget to wear some tartan attire (kilt, dress, pants or even a tie) to get into the Scottish spirit. Enjoy a brunch food, and listen to traditional Scottish bagpipes. And when you pass the peace, don’t forget to say “Sithidh Criosda leat” (Shee Kreesta latt), which means “Peace of Christ be with you” in Scottish Gaelic.

Music Makers  Wed 4:00-5:00PM, 4 Nov to 9 Dec  Our Music Director, Chris Yorks, will be teaching all interested children how to sing. This is also a great opportunity for your child to get extra practice for the Christmas Musical. Please contact children@unionchurchhk.org to register your child. 
 
THE CHRISTMAS UNPLUGGED CHILDREN MUSICAL  -  Save the Date: 13 December
For this year Christmas Musical, our children will be sharing with us the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, through their eyes. The main focus of our Christmas Musical will be emphasizing the importance of “Family Time”. It will be a meaningful, family oriented and fill with lots of fun. All children from ages 3-10 years old are invited to join us. 
 
If you would like to get involved by sharing with us your talents and time in staging, crowd control, costumes, group leaders, cast prompters, setting up the stage, or just helping us support and cheering for our children, please contact children@unionchurchhk.org.

MAKE YOUR 2016 RESOLUTION: Read the Whole Bible in One Year! 
Join other committed members of Union Church. Sign up table next Sun, 29 Nov. 
Have you ever read the whole Bible? Do you think you just don’t have the time to do this? Make 2016 the year that you read the whole Bible. It will only take you 15 minutes a day. Each day’s reading includes portions from the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs. We will help you, encourage you and have a quarterly celebration to share our progress. Our goal is to have100 members of Union Church committed to doing this together. This is also a great program for children, who need to read 15 minutes before bedtime. We have found the best One Year Bible for Children to create this habit early in their lives. Sign up at the “Read the Whole Bible in One Year Commitment” table on the Green after services on Sun, 29 Nov. Or contact Danielle Downing orChris Yorks for more information.

"Running Well" Union Ladies Retreat  to Thailand  21-24 Jan 2016  The Ladies of Union are invited to pause. Take a break with us! Our own Terri Appel will be guiding discussions on a great new year topic "Spiritual Fitness and Self Care". Sign up and pay at Table on the Green by 27 Nov to guarantee the cheaper all inclusive cost of HK$4500. 
 
Family Retreat 6-7 May, 2016  Dr. Rev. Jerry Root is coming back to Union! Hold the date!

Oasis

Wed, 25 Nov, 8:00PM (Refreshments at 7:30PM)

Oasis leaders Alex Ting, Jordan Wilkins, Judy Hon, John Anderson, Harry Mak, Mike Powers, and Wendy Hsu will lead three, separate small groups. Come with a friend, or meet new friends, or select a group based on topic.  The three group topics of investigation are 1) Galatians, 2) The Life of David, and 3) Rob Bell's NOOMA video series (for university students). All groups will involve discussion, prayer, and fellowship.  

Youth
Want to Support Youth Mission Trips But Can’t join us for the Banquet? Or didn’t get Tickets?This year we are excited to announce that we have online bidding for our silent auction OPEN NOW! We have 40 items from designer purses, watches, fine wine and more! Please note that the bidding is in USD not HKD. Check our two auction sites out at:

www.32auctions.com/Unionyouthbanquet
www.32auctions.com/Unionyouthbanquetpart2

The top bid on the online auction is not guaranteed as the winning bid but will be placed as the starting bid for our live silent auction. If your bid is the top bid at the end of the evening, we will contact you as the winner! Online auction ends 26 Nov at 12:00PM.

Kingdom Kids
 
The Christmas Musical rehearsals  We invite all children from ages 3 to 10 years old to join us for the "Christmas Unplugged" Children Musical rehearsals. Children please come straight to the Lower Annex at the beginning of the 9:30AM and 11:00AM service.
 
Important Dates for Christmas Musical
Sun, 6 Dec, 12:30PM to 3:00PM First Dress Rehearsal (Pizza Lunch)
Sat, 12 Dec, 9:00AM to 12:00noon Final Dress Rehearsal
Sun, 29 Nov & 6 Dec Costumes Pick Up
Sun, 13 Dec, 9:30AM & 11:00AM Performance Time
 

Outreach & Missions
Local Outreach Opportunities - Mark Your Calendar

  • We have an opportunity to serve the staff and meet the severely disabled residents of the Home of Loving faithfulness on 28 Nov morning.

  • Sat 19 Dec, 1:00-4:00PM families will gather to Bake Cookies for YWAM Sons and Daughters

  • We are partnering with a local Tung Chung church for a series of Christmas outreach opportunities in Tung Chung, Tai O and Ngong Ping on 20, 23 & 24 Dec. Please contactLee-Ann or Eric Fung by the end of Nov for more details.
 

Small Group and Study

New Study: Great way to usher in the Advent season with this new 5 week study - The Journey: Walking the Road to Bethlehem. The study format is a 10-15 minute DVD followed by discussion questions. Join Mike and Sheri Witthoft Wednesday nights 7PM - 9PM at Union. RSVP to Sheri. Light Dinner provided. Don't miss this great opportunity to get connected. 

New Group: Live in DB and looking to get connected? Join Charles and Bronwyn for a new study on the "Caring for the Soul" -Thursday nights. Contact Charles.

Last Week's Sermon

Please click on the link below to download

"Getting Our Priorities Right" by President Jeff Greenman, Regent College
 

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Union Church, 22A Kennedy Road, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2523 7247 | Fax: +852 2524 0473
Email:    www.unionchurchhk.org