U Matters - 28 October 2021 | U Matters

U Matters - 28 October 2021

by Rev Dr Michele Bland on October 29, 2021

U MATTERS

Last Saturday 22 leaders - representatives from COM, Deacons, Trustees and Staff - met together for a retreat. We worshipped, prayed, laughed, and discussed Luke 10, as well as excerpts from the book Missional: Joining God in the Neighborhood by Alan Roxburgh. We were reminded that Jesus’ disciples were/are about continuing the work of being sent out, about leaving places of familiarity, control, and security. Roxburgh wrote, “God is on the move. The kingdom is so much bigger than our little, tribal cultural enclaves, and the world is in crisis. The Lord of creation is out there ahead of us, he has left the temple and is calling the church to follow in a risky path of leaving behind its baggage, becoming like the stranger in need, and receiving hospitality from the very ones we assume are the candidates of our evangelism plans.”

The gospel is to be proclaimed and the role of the local church is to form people around the presence of God which is accomplished through worship and spiritual practices. I am so encouraged that our church creates opportunities to be formed around worship and spiritual practices. In the month of November, we have two retreats which are open to the entire congregation - a men’s retreat Nov 5-6 and a ladies retreat Nov 12-14. These are tremendous opportunities for worship, prayer, fun and fellowship. Get away to Lantau and enjoy nature - walk along the beach, build community and spend time keeping company with God. We hope you can join us!

Jesus said,

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30 MSG

Blessings, 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.