A church in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, invited newcomers to participate in a tea party in the first quarter of the year.
Xiangcheng Church conducted a newcomers’ tea party on May 7, as "following up and caring for newcomers plays a role in resisting the infiltration of cult organizations, being an indispensable part of pastoral care," said the church.
According to data statistics, 70% of the newcomers in the first quarter of the church were tourists or non-permanent residents of Suzhou, and they attended worship services temporarily. After participating in the newcomer’s welcome activities, 20% of the participants continued to come for gatherings, and 10% of them signed up for the church's step-by-step learning courses.
The construction of Xiangcheng Church began in December 2013 and covers a floor area of 5,300 square meters (1.31 acres), combining traditional and modern design. It consists of a main building on the third floor and several small chapels on the first floor, accommodating up to 1,200 people at a time.
- Translated by Abigail Wu
