U Matters - 30 December 2021 | U Matters

U Matters - 30 December 2021

by Rev Dr Michele Bland on December 30, 2021

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

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.