U Matters - 16 December 2021 | U Matters

U Matters - 16 December 2021

by Rev Dr Michele Bland on December 16, 2021

U MATTERS

Last night was an opportunity to pause and reflect - an opportunity to be mindful of losses, suffering, and pain as we gathered in person and online for the Blue Christmas Service. The orchestra, choir, scripture readings, and candle lighting filled the room with expressions of hope amidst suffering. We were reminded that our faith is a hope that does not eliminate suffering but a hope that enables us to walk through darkness without fear. A hope that gives courage. A hope that gives peace and comfort.

For hundreds of years the world had been filled with darkness, but Jesus - the Light of the World, came. John wrote, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."
John 1:14

Jesus came fulfilling prophecy and He came according to God’s plan. This is the good news that we celebrate.

“For to us, a child has been born, to us a Son has been given.” Isaiah 9:6

Please join us as we continue to worship the Christ child this Advent season.

Peace with God and others, Pastor Michele

About the Author

Rev Dr Michele Bland

Pastor Michele came to Hong Kong in 1996 with her husband Glenn. Pastor Michele holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, a Masters of Divinity, a Masters in Theology and a Masters in Psychology. Michele was ordained with the Canadian Baptist Convention, has advance standing in CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education), and before coming to Asia she was a youth pastor.

Pastor Michele was appointed Associate Pastor at Union Church in 2012 and became Senior Pastor in 2020. She is a trained Stephen Leader and has trained over 20 members of our congregation to become Stephen Ministers. During her time in Hong Kong, Pastor Michele served on the pastoral staff at another international church for over a decade and has worked in private practice. She has taught in hospitals in China, as well as seminaries in Hong Kong and Indonesia.

Pastor Michele has two university-aged children. Highlights have included working on a kibbutz in Israel, traveling to far off destinations and hanging out with her family. She loves good coffee and conversation.