U Matters
Karl Barth stated that the Church exists “to set up in the world a new sign which is radically dissimilar to [the world’s] own manner and which contradicts it in a way which is full of promise.”
Jesus came to establish a new community and that new community is us - people who celebrate our new identity in Christ and work it out in the midst of people who are different but share one thing in common. We are called to live out our lives, in this community, before the eyes of a watching world. This is no easy task, but it is what Christ calls us to. Jesus said, “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:12-13
This Saturday, 22 June you are invited to celebrate World Refugee Day at St. Andrew's Church at 6:00PM. Join us as we gather with other churches in Hong Kong to pray and remember the millions of refugees around the world, those in Hong Kong and in our Church.
Hope to see you there.
Blessings,
Pastor Michele
Family in Need - FIN
If you would like to help support our family in need ministry, which helps people monthly with basic needs, and missed the chance, its not too late. Please mark your envelope "FIN".
U-Family News!
Farewell: if you missed the opportunity to say farewell to Anto and Jess, please sign the book in the foyer. If you would like to be a part of a love gift for them, there is a box at the table.
175th Anniversary Update
There is a dynamic team working on some wonderful ways to honour Union Church's 175 years in Hong Kong. We will be rolling out some of these plans shortly. That being said, we would like to invite you on a trip Friday August 9th - Sunday Aug 12th to Xishuang Banna, Yunnan province, China. Why there?
In 1998, the congregation of Union Church gave generously towards the building of a church in the rural village of Mengla, in Xishuang Banna, Yunnan province, China, where many ethnic minority groups live. Leaders from this church in Yunnan paid us a surprise visit last November, to thank us, and to share the encouraging news with us that they have now grown from 60 to 3000 believers in size, planting eight more churches, with ministries reaching across the borders into other parts of Asia. As we celebrate our 175th anniversary at Union Church, we would like to invite 10 members of the congregation here to come on this trip with us. Our preliminary plans are: Friday - travel; Saturday - mission activities; Sunday - fellowship; Monday - travelling back. They are a state-church so our trip will have the approval from the local government. Please note that this visit is for adults only. To sign up or obtain for more information, please email
This Sunday
Parents in Prayer, 12:30PM to 1:00PM, in the Sanctuary
We would like to invite all Union Church parents to join us for an opportunity to pray for our children immediately after the 11:15AM service. Please join us as we lift up our children (adult children too) and families in prayer. All are welcome. Parents in Prayer will take a break for the month of July and will resume on 18 August.
Prayer at 22A Kennedy Road, 2:00PM-3:00PM
Sunday School End of Year Party, 9:45AM & 11:15AM
Children aged 3-10 years old are invited to join us for our End Of Year Party. Lots of games and prizes and snacks. Bring a friend!
Opportunities
World Refugee Day 2019 - Saturday 22 June, 6:00PM at St. Andrew's Church
This year's theme is “Standing with Refugees”. This is a particularly important topic and event especially in today’s world. Union Church participates in the Hong Kong Refugee Ministry which sponsors this event, so please join the gathering if you can.
ALPHA RETURNS! Bring your friends, relatives and colleagues to the first session on Wednesday, 25 September at 7:00PM! Sign up at the Welcome Table. Reservation or info contact
.
Right Now Media
We’re excited to give you free access to RightNow Media, a wonderful library of video resources for all ages to help you develop and grow as both a disciple of Jesus and disciple-maker. Streaming directly to your computer, tablet, or mobile device, you’ll find the online Bible Study Library includes relevant content for every age group or spiritual season. You can search by category, topic, or speaker. Additionally, many of the series have direct links to workbooks and leader guides. Parents, you’ll find that RightNow has a multitude of videos and resources for your kids. Utilise the link below to start using this resource today. (Introduction video HERE)
Join the Union Team:
Please note that there will be no U-CAFE during July and the first two Sundays of August. We will restart on 18 August.
ReCharge will also take a break and will restart on 11 September.
Message from the Joint Leaders
Prayer and Discernment for Union Church - Wednesdays, 7:00PM to 8:15PM
The purpose of this group is to pray and discern the next season of Union Church. Our prayer resulting from these discernment evenings, is that we not only step forward in God's time with the search for a new senior pastor, but we also discern God’s will and desired shape for Union Church in anticipation of returning to 22A Kennedy Road. It is imperative that we are Christ-centered and truly understand what God is calling Union Church to do, and who to lead us.
Men
Union Men BBQ – Saturday 6 July, 5-8:00PM
Join the men of Union Church for an evening of fellowship and Christian brotherhood, with drinks and a good grill at the Victoria Recreational Club in Deep Water Bay.
Suggested donations are $250, to cover food for the night. (A separate donation box will be present on site to cover drinks).
Feel free to ‘overbless’ and give a suggested donation of $400 so we can sponsor men who cannot afford to come.
Venue: Victoria Recreation Club, R.B.L. 710, Island Rd, Deep Water Bay
(http://victoriarecreationclub.com.hk)
(http://victoriarecreationclub.com.hk)
Other info: No specific dress code
RSVP needed:
Adult Education
Summer Lunch-time study of Revelation
Join Yan Yu for an in-depth study of Revelation this summer, looking at Revelation's historical context, focusing on heavenly worship and trusting in God's control even in our darkest times. Participants should read in advance of each session, around half a chapter per day. Contact
with any questions and go to Union website for the schedule.
Small Groups
Small groups are one of the main ways we connect with each other and connect with God, learning what the Kingdom of God is all about. Interested in joining or starting a group?
Contact Monte Peterson.
Contact Monte Peterson.
Ladies
Fertility & Pregnancy/Infant Loss Support Group - Struggling and could use some fellowship, friendship and support? Contact Sonia Lee.
Baptism and Membership
If you have been attending Union Church for a while and have never gone through the official process to become a member, now is your chance! Please collect a green form and make it official!
If you have never been baptized and are interested, please see Pastor Michele.
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!
Youth
Youth Summer Program
We will be taking a short break from Youth Group until July, when we will start back up with some different themed evenings and fun activities. Watch this space for more information!
Kingdom Kids
Children’s Ministry Summer Program
For families who are around this summer, we have some exciting weekday children’s programmes. The lineup is as follows:
Program 1 - Watercolour Painting - Sky, Galaxy, Bird (6 years and above) By Mamalaterre.
Date/Time: Wed - Fri / 3 - 5 July, from 10:00AM to 11:30AM, cost HK$600 per child.
Program 1 - Watercolour Painting - Sky, Galaxy, Bird (6 years and above) By Mamalaterre.
Date/Time: Wed - Fri / 3 - 5 July, from 10:00AM to 11:30AM, cost HK$600 per child.
Program 2 - Carving and Stamping (8 years and above) By Mamalaterre.
Date/Time: Wed - Fri / 10 - 12 July, from 10:00AM to 11:30AM, cost HK$690 per child.
Date/Time: Wed - Fri / 10 - 12 July, from 10:00AM to 11:30AM, cost HK$690 per child.
Space in the Summer Program will only be reserved once payment is received in full. Please sign up here or at the Welcome Table. Please make cheque payable to "Union Church".
‘ROAR’ VBS SUNDAY SCHOOL, 4, 11, 18, 25 August & 1 September, 9:45AM and 11:15AM
At ROAR VBS Sunday School, kids will explore God’s goodness and celebrate a ferocious faith that powers them through this wild life. For registration, please print/complete the Registration Form, and send us by email (CHILDREN) or submit in person at the Welcome Table on Sunday. Children are welcome to bring friends along too, VBS Sunday School is free for all.
Sunday School 2019/2020 Registration
Sunday School Registration for academic year 2019/2020 is now open. Our annual registration ensures that we have the latest records of all the children attending our Children’s Ministry program and helps us plan our program well and so serve your family better. All children enrolling in our Sunday School and Crèche Center MUST BE REGISTERED by filling in and signing the Registration Form. We would appreciate it if you could kindly register your children HERE. Registration Forms are also available at the Welcome Table.
For more information, please visit Union Church's website or contact us at CHILDREN or 2101 0414. Thank you for your kind attention and cooperation.
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.
Stephen's Ministry
Are you Going Through a Difficult Time?
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.
Last Week's Sermons
"Church is... Generous" by Antonin Ficatier