Acts@22A

 
 

"Making mature followers in all nations for Jesus Christ"

 

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U Matters

I was walking along the Peak Tram path as the tram passed me by. I noticed there were more people staring down at their phones than viewing the spectacular HK skyline. What does that say about social media?

It is so easy to miss the moment because we are distracted with other things. I love Chinese New Year and the free time it brings. My prayer is that I will connect (not just virtually) but actually with family and friends and use the time to pray and ponder what is most important for us as we follow Christ. Kung hei fat choy!

Pastor Greg

Building Union for the Future 

For almost two decades Union Church has considered the long term redevelopment of the current, aging church building. Now the time for decision is pressing upon us. God has blessed Union with growth. The number attending worship, Sunday School and Youth, and the number of ministry activities have all expanded greatly compared to 5-6 years ago. We are reaching the capacity of our current facilities (check out the Sanctuary and U-Cafe on Sunday at 11AM!) Repair and renovation of our aging facilities would be expensive, and would not solve the long term space problem.

Fortunately, God has opened a door by providing a long term building plan that the church leadership (Deacons, Trustees, and Committee of Management) have unanimously endorsed. This endorsement came after prayer, deliberation, and consideration and re-consideration of multiple alternatives.

For the next several weeks the leadership and Pastors will be communicating Union’s long term plan for building for the future. We will be listening to concerns, answering questions, calling on the congregation to join in prayer and fellowship, and asking all of us to consider not just what church we want for ourselves, but also what church we will leave for the next generation. Just as congregations of the past have given us the current church, no less should be expected of us to pass on a church, and not a financial burden, to our children and their children.

We believe that what God is providing with this plan is not just a new and exciting place of worship, but also a strong foundation for the warm, vibrant, compassionate community that Union aspires to be leading fruitful lives in Christ and doing Kingdom works in the community and beyond.

Please seek opportunities to engage a leadership member at the information table, attend a Town Hall session, join in prayer vigils as we approach a vote on the plan at the Annual General Meeting on March 16.

We are only today’s stewards of the spiritual home we have inherited and the decision we make at the AGM will impact not so much on us but on the life, outreach and family of Union Church for many decades to come. Your leadership is united in its desire to pass on an even better spiritual home to those who follow us and we look to you for support in achieving this.

Humbly in Him,
Geoff Lovegrove, Trustees
Don Kanak, Deacons Court
Steven Kim, Committee of Management

Annual General Meeting

The congregation is encouraged to attend Union’s Annual General Meeting, which will be held at11AM on Sunday, March 16 in lieu of the 11AM service. Voting members will vote for church officers and the plan for Building Union for the Future will be presented for approval.

Opportunities at Union

Welcome Lunch: February 16Sunday 12noon - 1:30PM

We would love to have you join us as our guest. Each month the staff and ministry leaders invite those who are new or feel new to Union Church for a casual lunch in the court yard. These are family friendly and casual events, so don’t be shy. RSVP to Pastor Michele.

Baptism

Have you been baptized? You may want to consider it. Two classes: Mondays February 17 & 24,7:00-8:30PM. Baptism date TBC. Contact Pastor Michele for details.

Oasis

Art Jam: February 5Wednesday 8PM

Oasis will host its first 'art jam'. Create your own work of art. Bring old attire (you can change in the Union restrooms) or paint carefully. Also bring $150 for the paint, brushes, and canvas. We will paint at Union Church in the Fellowship Hall. Please send an RSVP text to Pastor Matthew at +852 9249 4797 with your name and 'Art Jam'.

New Year Party and Game Night: Februrary 07, Friday 8:30PM

Oasis will gather for a New Year Party at the Hive. The Hive is located on the 21st Floor of the Phoenix Building at No. 23 Luard Road, Wan Chai. There is an optional $100 donation for refreshments. Please send an RSVP text to Pastor Matthew at +852 9247 4797 with your name and 'New Year Year'.

Youth

Youth Confirmation Class: All youth 13 years and older who have not been confirmed are welcome to join this year confirmation class. This is an 11 week course that looks at what is our Christian faith and how do we live it out! For more information or to register please e-mail Brenna at brenna.dykman@unionchurchhk.org by February 2.

Youth Mission Trip to Cambodia: Youth ages 11 to 18 are invited to come serve with us on this year mission trip. On April 19-26 the youth will be working at Four Square Children of Promise homes. Students who would like to go need to fill out registration packets and turn it into the youth office no later than January 31. Email Ryan or Brenna for more information or to receive a registration packet.

Kindgom Kids

Bible and Book Bazaar

Kingdom Kids will be having a book sale on February 16Sunday 10AM-12noon at The Lawn, featuring many bibles, children’s story books, devotionals, etc. Please come by and check out the many engaging ways we can put God’s Word into the hands of our children.

Easter Sunday Volunteers

Are you around for Easter Sunday? We have an exciting one-time volunteer opportunity at Kingdom Kids! We are in need of Station Leaders and Crew Leaders to help children experience the story and gift of Easter through five interactive faith discovery stations designed for children age 3-10.For more information please contact us:   or call us at +852 2101 0414.

 

Missions

Crossing Boundaries

Want to try something different this year? Plan your Calendar to include a Mission Trip!

April 11-15:
ICM Family Trip to the Philippines

June 20-22:
Family Trip to Cambodia

July:                  
Mongolia – Flourishing Future with vulnerable city children

November:         
International China Concern, Hunan province
Myanmar – What is God continuing to do in this transitioning country?

Weekly Ministries

 

Christianity Explored Come study the Gospel of Mark. Tuesdays starting February 11, 7:30-9:00PM at Lower Annex. Contact: Alexander Mak   or Pastor Michele for details.

Experiencing God Biblical principles of this course will help you to know when God is speaking to you, recognize His activity around you, adjust your life to Him and His ways and learn how to respond to His activity in your life. Thursdays starting February 13, 7:30-9:00PM at Lower Annex. Contact: Alexander Mak   or Pastor Michele for details.

Tuesday Lunch Study 12:00-1:00PM in Central. Reading Tim Keller’s book "Every Good Endeavor". There is still room for you to join our faith and work study. Contact Pastor Michele for details.

Grief Share A four week opportunity to meet with those who have lost a loved one through death. Opportunities for discussion and DVD based talks on various topics on grief. A safe place to come together. Mondays March 3, 10, 17 & 24, 7-9PM Contact Pastor Michele for details. Bring a friend.

Men’s Fraternity will kick off February 9Sunday8AM in Union Church at Youth Office, and a parallel session starting February 10Monday evenings at 7:30PM in the Lower Annex. We will be starting Year 1, The Quest for Authentic Manhood, so this is the perfect time to start whether or not you’ve done any Men’s Fraternity before. Men’s Fraternity is about helping men in today's world become the best husbands, fathers, friends and sons of God we can be in 3 key areas of our lives: at home, at work, and in the broader community and world around us. We learn about the unique gifts God has given each of us and how to use them, in the context of great fellowship and friendship. Come join us—you’ll be glad you did, and so will your family! For more information, please contact Charles Schmitt: charleslschmitt@gmail.com+852 9406 8342.

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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