On May 18, Shanghai Community Church marked a significant milestone—the 100th anniversary—by hosting a series of thanksgiving worship services centered around God's word and music.
In the morning, Rev. Xu Yulan, chairperson of the Shanghai TSPM, and Rev. Yu Guangzhi, president of the Shanghai Christian Council and director of the Xuhui District CC&TSPM, delivered sermons.
Rev. Yu, speaking on "The Wise Architect" and drawing from 1 Corinthians 3:10-17, encouraged believers to build their eternal lives with Christ as the cornerstone, emphasizing the importance of being faithful stewards. Meanwhile, Rev. Xu preached a message titled "The Example of the Early Church, " based on Acts 2:41-47, urging the pastors and congregation of Shanghai Community Church to live out biblical teachings, being light and salt in the world by focusing on four key aspects: perseverance in faith, love for one another, sincere worship, and being cherished by the community.
In the evening, a sacred music worship service highlighted the evolution of the church's music ministry, blending ancient and modern styles. Li Jianping, the evening service choir director, composed a piece titled "Temple Ode, " which integrated traditional musical elements to honor the church's centennial.
Two days earlier, the Xuhui District CC&TSPM hosted a symposium to mark the 100th anniversary of the church and discuss the sinicization of Christianity. Rev. Xu Yulan noted that the church has consistently been marked by high-quality members, a youthful demographic, and strong professionalism. She emphasized the church's vital role in fostering external exchanges and interactions, encouraging the Xuhui District CC&TSPM to improve foreign language worship services and management. This would enhance their ability to support Shanghai's internationalization and facilitate cultural exchanges between China and other countries, all while sharing the story of Christianity in Shanghai through the principles of independence, self-reliance, equality, and friendship.
Simultaneously, a ceremony was held to unveil the "Shanghai Community Church Centennial Exhibition," which showcases the church's diverse practices rooted in patriotism and love for the church, serving society, and maintaining a commitment to the sinicization of Christianity through historical photos and documents from various periods.
Originally built in 1925, the church can hold more than 700 people in the main hall with a construction area of 1,372 square meters.
- Translated by CJ Wang
