U MATTERS
It was such a joy to observe and participate in some of the hands and feet ministries of Union Church during the Advent and Christmas season. In a matter of weeks, there were many expressions of love and kindness shared throughout our city. I give thanks for Patrick and Mariam Wong’s small group who have been faithfully serving the St. Barnabas’ Society and Home community for years. Their intergenerational group of 32 people gathered on Saturday, 11 December to celebrate with the seniors through games, songs, a devotional, an eye care talk and friendship. The next day at St. Barnabas’ many of the same people came alongside Jacklien and the Sunday School families for games, songs, a Christmas play, skits, and crafts for children.
Additionally, that same Sunday, a group of more than 50 traveled to Tin Shui Wai for an outreach with the HKCNP. The team visited homes and built friendships with the community. On Christmas Eve, there were two groups that went on Kindness Walks - one in Jordan with the Youth and Charles Caldwell and Tess Lyons, and one in Wan Chai with Koon and Eunice Wee and Simon Chiu and Cecilia Lee, alongside some new families. It was a full and rewarding season!
Also, I am sure you were blessed to have our Choir share their gifts with us throughout the season at Carols on the Green, Blue Christmas, some of the outreaches and our many worship services. What a joy! I particularly enjoyed seeing friends attend our services that I have not seen in months.
As we conclude 2021 - I am grateful to each of you. For your heart for the Lord, His mission and using what you have to bring Him glory and honour. It is encouraging to see the care you have for one another and it is with excitement and expectation I look forward to 2022.
In the words of the Apostle Paul, “Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God. Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer. I find myself praying for you with a glad heart.” Philippians 1:3-4 MSG
Blessings, Pastor Michele
INCREASING CAPACITY AT WORSHIP SERVICES
We welcome everyone back to in person worship services. Please continue to register for services, arrive early, scan LeaveHomeSafe, and have your vaccination record readily accessible.
We need two thirds of our congregation to have had at least one dose of a recognised COVID-19 vaccine. We also welcome people who are non-vaccinated (1/3 of the congregation).
You can register for services on 2 January at https://www.
FAMILY NEWS
This Sunday is Communion Sunday at all three morning services. If you are part of our online congregation, you may wish to prepare the wine / juice and bread before the service starts.
If you missed some of your seasonal favourites - Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services, the Cantata, Children's Christmas Musical - you can watch them here: https://www.unionchurchhk.org/online-service/. Thank you for joining us online and in person.
Giving by US taxpayers: If you wish to make a tax-deductible donation, please date and send your cheques payable to "Friends of Hong Kong Charities, Inc." to the Union Church Accounts department no later than 31 December 2021. If it is late, your donation cannot be recognised in the 2021 tax year.
If you have not made your pledge to Union Church ministry for 2022, pledges are still welcome as they help us set the budget for ministry in 2022. You can post your Stewardship commitment card, complete the online Commitment Form or email .
THIS WEEK
Wings & Fries with the Guys, Wednesday, 5 January: Men, we'd love to have you join us for this monthly gathering at Fini's in Wan Chai. Come any time between 5:00pm - 7:00pm. Only $100 for unlimited wings, fries, drinks, fellowship and more! Questions? Contact Dan Tupps.
GriefShare starts on Wednesday, 5 January: Come learn about grief and the grieving process as Pastor Michele leads weekly sessions on:
- Living with Grief
- The Journey of Grief
- The Effects of Grief, and much more including opportunities for reflection, listening and sharing.
Wednesdays, 5, 12, 19 and 26 January 2022, 7:30pm - 9:00pm. Confidential, free, open to all. Do you know someone who might be helped by GriefShare? Watch the video and register here.
Young Adults Study - "Your Time is Now": Wednesdays at 8:00pm, starting 5 January. Want to know God's purpose for your life now? In this six-part series, speaker and chaplain Jonathan Evans encourages us to walk in God’s purpose today and for the rest of our lives. Learn how we can take hold of what God wants to give us right now. For more details contact Dan Tupps.
BSF Distance Class Mini Study: The women's BSF Distance class is offering a two-session pop-up study! Part two is Wednesday, 5 January 2022, 8:30pm - 9:30pm. To get the Zoom link, contact . View the flyer.
UPCOMING
Selah, Tuesday, 11 January, 7:30pm: Join this unique, contemplative worship service designed to help you pause, be still and meet God heart 2 heart. Registration is open.
English Service for Christian Unity, Tuesday, 18 January, 8:00pm: As part of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2022, you are invited to this service with speaker Rev. Maggie Mathieson (of Kowloon Union Church) at Methodist International Church, 271 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai). For enquiries, contact Ms Pang on 2368 7123 and visit the website of the Hong Kong Christian Council http://www.hkcc.org.hk.
Women's Ministry, Tuesday, 25 January: Our first event of the year begins at 5:00pm with @thetable, a new regular event creating opportunities for women to gather together, invite friends to join + support local restaurants in our Wan Chai neighbourhood. This month, we'll meet at Motorino, 15 Ship Street. Bloom Where You Are begins at 7:30pm in the Sanctuary with a celebration of creativity! Learn more and register.
The Alpha course returns: We are excited to offer Alpha starting on Thursday, 10 February. Whom might you invite? Registration is open.
Stephen Ministry: We will begin training a new cohort of Stephen Ministers after Chinese New Year. Learn more here and express interest to .
KINGDOM KIDS
Sunday School Registration 2021-2022: Registration for the academic year 2021/2022 is open. Children ages 0-11 years old enrolling in our Creche and Sunday School programme must be registered by completing the form HERE. Registration forms are also available at the Children’s welcome table. For more information, please visit our website, email or call 2101 0414.
First Friday Youth Group of 2022 - Fellowship Night and NERF Battle! Join us at Union Church from 6:00pm - 9:00pm. Bring your own NERF if you want to. For more information, contact
MISSIONS
Alpha's coming to visit: We have more of our Ministry Partners visiting in 2022, starting with Alpha on Sunday, 9 January. Save the date to connect with Patricia Lau of Alpha Hong Kong and learn all that they are doing.
Christmas Love Offering: Thank you to everyone who gave to the Home of Loving Faithfulness (HOLF) at Christmas. Stay tuned for the amount of money raised.
ICM has reported on the devastating impact from Typhoon Odette (Rai) in the Visayas, Philippines:
- Four million people people affected, of whom 49% live below the poverty line
- At least 7,000 hectares of farms hit, countless fishing boats broken, and backyard gardens destroyed according to the United Nations
- 90% of the century-old coconut groves destroyed in Northern Bohol and Southern Leyte
- At least 100,000 homes totally destroyed as identified by the Philippine government, but the actual number will be far higher
- 30,000 schools serving 12 million students affected: it will take months to repair damaged schools
- 400 people died and far more injured
Please pray for the grieving and the displaced people, pray for relief efforts and restoration for all involved.
Light of the World Church and Preschool, Myanmar: Praise the Lord for a wonderful, safe Christmas outreach - 170 people for the worship service and 200 for the Christmas feast! Pray that the Word takes root in those who have learned about God. Pray as well for the LotW congregants who will have their own New Year's celebration this coming weekend - and that through Pastor Vum, God will encourage them in their continuing journey with the Lord.
WALK THE WALL 2022 Join the global movement to give life and end abandonment. International China Concern's annual fundraising walkathon is approaching in January. There are two options: Walk on Your Own or Walk the Wall Competition. Check out the Walk the Wall 2022 website - and take the next step!
Union Church gives monthly to people in need through a ministry called FIN - Family in Need. We have recently received requests to help with school uniforms, books, medication, set up for returning to home countries and rental deposits. All of these are urgent and legitimate needs. These are people we have relationships with and we are keen to help. If you would like to support, we would love to hear from you. If you have an interest in being a part of this team please let us know. Regards - the FIN team - Brian Woo, Isabel Morrison and Pastor Michele.
The support from your friends in a small group is tangible demonstration of God's love for us. If you aren't currently in a small group, this is a wonderful time to try it out. There are groups for women, men, couples, day-time, night-time, etc. Contact for more information and pick up a Small Groups pamphlet from the welcome desk at church.
Pastoral Care and Prayer
Need prayer? Reach out to us confidentially at .
Stephen Ministry
We provide high-quality, confidential care to people who are hurting through our Stephen Ministry programme. Contact if you would like to meet with a Stephen Minister.
Last week's service
“Jesus is Born! How Will You Respond?" Dan Tupps
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