Hangzhou CC&TSPM in Zhejiang recently organized a retreat for pastoral staff from urban churches in Hulun Buir, Inner Mongolia, and a group of 30 people attended the event.
In line with its annual tradition, Hangzhou CC&TSPM endeavors to hold retreats for pastoral staff belonging to urban churches every year. Due to the pandemic, it was not feasible to organize a collective retreat for pastoral workers in recent years.
From July 3–8, the retreat facilitated a study tour of patriotism education and featured sermons from prominent members. Rev. Zhang Guoyong, vice president and general secretary of the Hangzhou Municipal Christian Council (CC), delivered the sermon titled “Serve With Gusto”. Rev. Hu Quanyuan, vice chairman and secretary-general of the municipal Three-Self Patriotic Movement (TSPM), preached a sermon titled “Thinking from the Early Church.” He also shared the latest developments at Hangzhou Church, such as the induction of newly graduated students majoring in Theology into the pastoral staff team and the launch of the “Ren’ai Hangzhou” app, encouraging attendees to be more humble, dedicated, and faithful in their service.
During their stay, the pastoral staff were given the opportunity to visit Manzhouli Church. They were honored to be the first group of church members from outside Inner Mongolia to visit the church after its completion. The head of the church, Rev. Zhang Shukai, shared the history of the church and the experiences encountered during its construction process with visitors.
They also visited other notable landmarks such as the World Anti-Fascist War Hailar Memorial Park, the Manzhouli Guomen Scenic Area, and the E’erguna National Wetland Park.
- Translated by Stephen Huang
