The United Nations, in 1992, declared October 17 as International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, otherwise known as World Poverty Day. According to the UN, this day recognises the fact that people living in poverty face many issues which often prevent them from realising their full human rights. Such issues include, but are not limited to, unsafe work and housing conditions, lack of nutritious food and political power.
We are grateful for the organisations who work on behalf of the poor in Hong Kong, Impact HK and their work with the homeless and Hong Kong Network for the Poor, to name a couple. This Sunday we will be taking up a special offering for the HKCNP. Last year, Hong Kong Church Network for the Poor reported that through donations from partners, 15,229 people benefited from food donations, 4,255 people benefited from services provided and 7,326 people benefited from resources. They are meeting real people with real needs.
Union Church has not only participated in the annual giving for HKCNP (10:10:10) but we have also collected Peace Boxes through Children’s ministry. What a privilege we have to help those in need. Jesus said, "for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me," Matthew 25:35. Let us come Sunday prepared to give to those in need.
175th Anniversary Update
I am so thankful for all those who attended and participated in the 175 Anniversary celebration. It was a wonderful evening! Thank you
I would like to especially thank the Committee; Anson Wang, Ken Morrison, Michael Birley, Charles Caldwell, Catriona Woodrow, Simon Ng, Chris Yorks, Linda Ngan, David Ashton-Howorth. Thank you for the many meetings which you attended, for planning, for your engagement and enthusiasm. Your support and participation was greatly appreciated.
Thank you also to those who gave generously to the ambitious goal of $175,000 for local mission, Kun Sun (prison ministry) and to Light of the World kindergarten and church in Mynamar. To date, $83,175.30 was raised. If you would like to give to these ministries in support of our anniversary it's not too late.
It was wonderful to receive an email from Christopher Legge, great grandson of founding pastor and missionary James Legge. He wrote, "‘Both Judy and I are sorry not to be present with you on the 175th anniversary of the Union Church. Change creates many difficulties but I know my great Grandfather would be most supportive. He also had more than once, to face up to the need to move with the times. But Legge would recognise here today in the changing world in which we all live, your commitment to maintaining the consistency of your worship, your faith and your community. I send my best wishes."
Grateful to all those who have served Union Church over those 175 years,
Pastor Michele