A church in Anshan, Liaoning, marked the autumn thanksgiving day during a Sunday service, with churches in Dalian resuming services and gatherings.
Ark Church in Datun Town, Qianshan District, Anshan City, held this year's autumn thanksgiving and praise service for the harvest on October 2.
Following the COVID-19 protocols, churchgoers entered the main building, singing hymns such as "Praise Our God Above for His Boundless Love". Some worshippers came from the downtown of Anshan City, the surrounding areas of Datun Town, and Haicheng City.
Based on Psalm 103:1-10 and Luke 8:1-3, a female believer named Xu Hua gave a sermon titled "Thanksgiving to God", sharing what God's grace was and how to be grateful.
Then church members presented sixteen programs, including "Bless You My China" by solo singing, "My Spirit Longs for You" played on a medium Ruan(a plucked stringed instrument) ensemble, "Fair Name of Jesus" on a medium Ruan and an Erhu(a two-stringed bowed musical instrument), "Heavenly Blessing and Harvest Year" of a dance, "Staff workers Must Rise" by Kuaiban (story recited to the rhythm of bamboo clappers). Besides a Bawu (a wind instrument) ensemble, more than 20 staff members participated in a folk music performance and Western bands playing.
On the same day, churches in Dalian also resumed Sunday services. Since the end of August, affected by the outbreak, all religious sites in Dalian had implemented the "double suspension", which refers to suspending the opening of places for worship and group religious activities. After the sermon from Rev. Liu Xueguang, Shuishiying Church in Lvshunkou District held a Communion Service. Some churches have resumed other activities, such as gathering of groups other than Sundays.
- Translated by Livingstones
