Churches across China Release Christmas Worship Schedules Amid COVID-19

A dance was presented to celebrate Christmas in Shandong Theological Seminary in December 2021.
A dance was presented to celebrate Christmas in Shandong Theological Seminary in December 2021. (photo: CCC&TSPM)
By Thomas ZhangDecember 16th, 2022

As Christmas 2022 is approaching, churches in four provinces announced their plans for 2022 Christmas in mid-December in light of the local epidemic situation.

Huaihai West Road Church and Enyi Church in Xuzhou, Jiangsu, respectively issued notices, saying that due to confirmed cases or believers with similar symptoms, they decided to suspend all in-person activities, including morning prayers, weekday gatherings, Christmas rehearsals, Sunday services, and Christmas worship services.

Changzhou Church in the same province said that to reduce the risk of the spread of the epidemic and ensure onsite Sunday worship, they would cancel the Christmas concert on December 16 and the Christmas celebration this Saturday afternoon.

Chengguan Church in Changle District, Fuzhou, Fujian, reminded churchgoers to show negative COVID-19 test results conducted within the previous 48 hours before participating in Christmas Eve and Christmas activities.

Trinity Church in Xiamen, Fujian, stated that Christians should worship God online at home if they had suspected symptoms of COVID-19 such as a cold, fever, and cough, or if they or their family members had just returned from other places. It added it is temporarily not open for tourists without appointments during Sunday services.

Fangcun Church in Guangzhou, Guangdong, informed its members that the church would hold the Christmas worship service on December 18th, Sunday.

Zion Church in Guangzhou announced its plan to conduct activities themed "Hope" on December 24-25 but it is unsure of whether they would be allowed to hold the in-person event under the COVID-19 epidemic.

Chongyi Church in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, declared that concerts and services would be hosted on December 18, 23, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

Mozhi Church, in Dongqian Lake, Ningbo, Zhejiang, announced its suspension of all face-to-face gatherings due to the outbreak till further notice.

- Translated by Abigail Wu

related articles
LATEST FROM Church & Ministries