A seminary in Liaoning and churches in Jiangsu and Shaanxi conducted Thanksgiving worship services.
Northeast Theological Seminary in Shenyang City celebrated Thanksgiving Day at Panshi Church on November 15 during a service with theatrical performances, reported CCC&TSPM.
President Rev. Wang Jingli preached a sermon titled "Those Who Need More Grace" based on John 5:1–16. For the infinite grace and love of Jesus Christ, she portrayed Him as hope in despair, help in helplessness, strength in weakness, and salvation in sin.
Then, each class of the school presented programs. A class of undergraduate students performed a fan dance named "God Is Our Refuge," showcasing the charm of faith and integrating traditional Chinese culture.
Dushu Lake Church in Suzhou, Jiangsu, held a Thanksgiving-themed worship service on November 19, with "first fruits" at the altar, such as sheaves of rice, pumpkins, pomelos, apples, bananas, and rice.
Rev. Wang Tianlu gave a sermon titled "Rethinking Thanksgiving," encouraging believers to face life with a grateful heart and be a good witness for the Lord.
A shot-edited video by the Eden Theater Society was played during the service, featuring testimonies from several believers who emphasized the importance of maintaining a grateful heart regardless of circumstances.
Qingjianhu Church in Suzhou carried out a Thanksgiving celebration on November 19. Rev. Cao Yawen shared a sermon with the title "Remembering the Grace of the Lord," urging church members to constantly remember God’s favor with a thankful heart, as gratitude begets grace. After the sermon, believers also made their thanksgiving offerings before God.
At noon, 12 believers shared testimonies from their lives.
On November 19, in the worship service at Hushuguan Church in Suzhou, Rev. Lu Fang delivered a sermon titled "Being a Grateful Person," encouraging Christians to possess grateful hearts and live as grateful individuals. Five believers also stepped up to share their stories of gratitude during the service.
From November 18 to 19, Shishan Church in Suzhou held a sacred music celebration themed "Now I Know." Fruits and other harvests offered by believers were displayed on the altar. Rev. Liu Zhiguo preached a sermon with the title "Gratitude Pleasing to God," urging believers to reciprocate God’s love and repay the kindness of others.
During the service, four choirs of the church and a dance team presented songs, piano and harmonica ensembles, dances, and piano pieces.
On Thanksgiving Day, November 23, Gongxiang Church in Suzhou held a Thanksgiving service.
Rev. Xu Enbei gave a sermon titled "Always Be Grateful," encouraging worshippers to understand that thankfulness is God's will, to live with gratitude and happiness, and to have testimonies of beautiful lives.
On Sunday, November 19, Shuguang Church in Baoji, Shaanxi, conducted the 17th Thanksgiving worship service. Based on Psalm 103, Elder Yi Meilian gave a sermon titled "Live Gratefully." She reminded believers to run away from ingratitude, praise the name of the Lord, and remember God's blessings.
On November 23, Zhongnan Theological Seminary held a Thanksgiving worship celebration titled "Offering the New and the Old to God" in the auditorium of the new campus.
- Translated by Abigail Wu
