Churches and Christian institutions all over China held different activities to celebrate the Double Ninth Festival.
According to Shanghai CCC&TSPM, 29 retired pastors from Fengxian District visited the newly-built Qi Xian Jesus Church, the Guangming Jesus Church, and the newly-renovated Gulf Jesus Church on October 16. They wore red flowers and received holiday gifts, including the 101-year-old pastor, Gu Liangren.
Apostle Church held a birthday celebration for the elderly on October 19, and the birthday party representatives aged 70, 80, and 90 shared their testimony, reported Suzhou CC&TSPM.
This October is the 14th "Elderly-Respecting Month" in China, and the Reed's Home in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, held elderly-respecting activities, said Reed’s Home. Cao Shengjia, the person in charge of this civil charity organization, introduced in detail the services of living will, intentional guardianship, hospice care, parents' canteen, and home service, and registered the 2023 assistive devices and gift service on site. The elderly received blood sugar and pressure testing and a haircut free of charge. Cao introduced that in the next step, they would focus on visiting and greeting the elderly living alone, without children, disabled, or severely disabled.
On October 22, grassroots churches in Cao County, Heze City, Shandong Province, conducted diverse activities for the elderly, including foot washing, hair washing, haircutting, nail trimming, and gift giving tailored to their individual needs, according to the county CC&TSPM. At the same time, an exhibition of paintings and calligraphy was held in the Shengzhi (Sage) Church of Shouguang City. Calligraphy lovers carried forward the idea that God loves the world by writing the golden words of the Bible and sentences expressing the true meaning of love.
Jesus Church in Yichun, Jiangxi, held a Sunday service to respect the elderly on October 22. Based on Leviticus 19:32, Proverbs 20:29, and Psalm 92:14, Long Qiuxiang gave a sermon titled "Blessed to Respect the Elderly."
Shamian Church in Guangzhou, Guangdong, held a buffet party to respecting the elderly and carry forward God’s words on Sunday, October 22, reported Guangdong CCC&TSPM
On the same day, pastoral areas and meeting points affiliated with Yaodu District Church in Linfen City, Shanxi Province, have held different forms of elderly-respecting activities, such as theatrical performances and presented gifts to the elderly. Then, the senior fellowship performed their own programs, including a dance, program played in an allegro tempo., and Sanjuban(“three and a half sentences”, a type of Chinese free talk.
On October 23, Yunnan Trinity International Church held a double-ninth activity for elders over 65 years old, with about 480 participants, said the church. The three representatives talked about their own faith journeys, and service experiences.
- Translated by Oliver Zuo
