Kobe Union Church

10/05/2026

Your Story is still being written!
Join us today as we learn from Apostle Paul's conversion.

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"Blessed Assurance" by F***y Jane Crosby & Phoebe Palmer Knapp
© Words: Public Domain; Music: Public Domain

"Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow (Doxology) by Jimmy Owens & Thomas Ken
© Words: Public Domain; Music: 1972 Bud John Songs, Inc.

"Open My Eyes That I May See" by Jimmy Owens & Thomas Ken
© Public Domain

"Precious Lord, Take My Hand" by Thomas Andrew Dorsey
© Words: 1938 Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.; Music: 1938 Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.

CCLI Church Copyright License: #616364
CCLI Streaming License: #34726

03/05/2026

Today we will hear from members of the church on how the Lord has been working in their lives.

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"Forever Reign" by Jason Ingram & Reuben Morgan
© 2009 Spirit Nashville Three; So Essential Tunes; Spirit Nashville Three; Hillsong Music Publishing Australia

"I Worship You Almighty God" by Sondra Corbett
© 1983 Integrity's Hosanna! Music

"Goodness of God" by Ben Fielding, Brian Johnson, Ed Cash, Jason Ingram, Jenn Johnson
© 2018 Capitol CMG Paragon; Fellow Ships Music; So Essential Tunes; Bethel Music Publishing; SHOUT! Music Publishing Australia

CCLI Church Copyright License: #616364
CCLI Streaming License: #34726

26/04/2026

Join us as we start our series on the Book of Acts.

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CCLI Streaming License: #34726

19/04/2026

Today we are blessed to receive a timely word on how Jesus went before us as a firstfruit and giving example of how we are to operate and bring the Kingdom of Heaven into our world.

CCLI Church Copyright License: #616364
CCLI Streaming License: #34726

12/04/2026

Join our Livestream on YouTube

Today we are marveling at the resurrection of Christ and the Challenge to be Easter People. Believers who walk with the Lord.Join us as we worship the Lord.よ...

11/03/2026

Dear KUC Family,

Today marks the fifteenth anniversary of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.

I remember watching in horror as the earthquake struck and the massive tsunami swept away towns and took so many lives. That evening, I called Pt. Bruce and asked what we could do to help. Both of us were at a loss.

The next day I received an email from a group in Osaka that later became B1 through my missionary connections. They said they needed blankets, small gas stoves, instant food, and people who were willing to come and help dig out the devastation.

At the same time, the news began reporting serious damage to the nuclear power plants. After talking with Pt Bruce, he felt it would not be safe for me to go alone. So Ed R., who used to attend KUC, decided to go with me.

We drove to Costco, filled our carts, and maxed out my credit card buying supplies. Then we drove twelve hours north to Tohoku, to the town of Ishinomaki, one of the hardest hit areas.

Along the way we were stopped by the military. We explained that we had supplies for the people and that on our way out we would take anyone who needed help leaving the town. They allowed us to pass.

When we arrived—just three days after the earthquake—it was almost impossible to believe what we saw. There were boats on top of houses. Mud and debris were everywhere. The stench of the sea was overwhelming because the tsunami had dredged up everything from the ocean floor. It was brutally cold.

Some things were very hard to see. Even days later there were still bodies caught in trees. Everyone was dirty and cold.

We delivered the food and supplies and spent two days helping people dig out their homes while aftershocks continued. I remember children crying every time there was an aftershock.

When we returned, we shared what we had seen with KUC. Our congregation partnered with the B1 group, and over time we sent more than fifteen mission and work teams to Tohoku. Through the church we delivered thousands of dollars in supplies and support to the region. It also energized us as a congregation to serve others in a time of great need.

In times like these, we remember the words of Scripture: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved”

I know many others have reflections on their experience in Tohoku and think it is important to share them.

In Christ,

Mark

11/03/2026

Reflecting on the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake -

I remember watching in horror as the earthquake struck and the massive tsunami swept away towns and took so many lives. That evening, I called Pt. Bruce and asked what we could do to help. Both of us were at a loss.

11/02/2026

Important Announcement | Celebration of Life of Masaaki Ando -

It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that Sister Akiko Ando’s loving husband, Masaaki, has gone on to be with the Lord. He passed away on Tuesday, February 10th, in his parked car. The cause of death is not known at this time. What we do know is that he loved the Lord and dearly loved hi...

07/02/2026

KUC Church Service Update
February 8, 2026

We will be holding church today.

As a general rule, we will always have service unless there is a direct typhoon. Since I walk, I can almost always physically make it to the church to lead worship.

However, please do NOT feel any pressure to come. Your safety is more important than attendance—especially with slick roads and our church being on a steep hill. Please use wisdom.

If the video streaming team is able to come, we encourage you to stay home, stay warm under your kotatsu, and join us online.

If, for some reason, the streaming team cannot make it, we will send out a message letting everyone know that we are unable to stream we will send out the sermon and scripture readings so you can worship at your own home.

I have held a one-person worship service before. While it is far better to gather and use all the gifts God has given our church family, safety comes first. So please be wise and make the best decision for your situation.

FOR TODAY

Regarding Sunday School, I recommend that we do not hold classes today.

As for the AGM, I can’t speak to that since it is a KUPC event, not a KUC event.

May the Lord bless you and keep you. May His face shine upon you and give you peace.

Stay safe and stay warm.

In Christ,

Mark

15/01/2026

Great Hanshin Earthquake Memorial & Food Drive -

This coming Saturday marks 31 years since the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. As many remember the day and the events that unfolded, we as a church desire to spread hope in times of hardship, and serve as a connecting piece for the Lord to mend the hearts of those that grieve.

31/12/2025

Dear Kobe Union Church and Friends,

As I reflect on the year 2025, I am reminded that despite the busyness—and at times the almost frantic pace of life—the only true place of peace is found in living within the will of our Father. Scripture assures us, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you” (Isaiah 26:3).

While 2025 has been personally challenging for some within our church family, as a community it has also been a year of witnessing what the Lord can do when His people trust Him. We have seen God’s faithfulness again and again, just as His Word promises: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20).

As you know, Stephanie and I are currently in Toledo, Ohio USA, this evening watching our granddaughter Chloe while her parents enjoy a night out. I truly cannot think of a better way to ring in the New Year than watching our first grandchild. It has been a gentle reminder that God often meets us in ordinary moments with extraordinary grace.

As we look ahead to 2026, we do so with hope—not because we know what the year will hold, but because we know the One who holds us. The Lord speaks these words to His people: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). These words remind us that even when the path ahead feels uncertain, God’s purposes are good, and His heart toward us is faithful.

We know we will face challenges in the coming year, but we also trust that the Lord will meet us in our various places of need. He will guide us, strengthen us, and continue to call us to be His salt and light here in Kobe and, for some of us, around the world (Matthew 5:13–16).

May we step into 2026 with confidence, humility, and hope, trusting that “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).

Blessings in Christ,
Mark