As the calendar turned to 2026, churches across southern China marked the transition with prayer, worship, and sacred music, reflecting on the past year, entrusting the present, and stepping into the spiritual rhythm of the new year. The activities at different congregations varied in format, reflecting each community's ministry focus and priorities.
On the afternoon of January 1, New Year's Day, choir groups from eight churches in Fuzhou, Fujian Province, gathered at Tian'an Church for a choral exchange concert. Each choir performed a series of hymns, showcasing different arrangements and styles. The concert concluded with all attendees singing a classic hymn together and receiving a pastoral benediction, opening the city's New Year celebrations.
On the same day, Beijiao Church in Shunde, Guangdong Province, held a New Year thanksgiving prayer meeting. The gathering included reviewing the past year, praying together, and mutual encouragement. During the love feast, members came together to make dumplings, continuing the communal interaction characteristic of the holiday period.
In another part of Guangdong Province, Buji Church in Shenzhen welcomed the New Year on the evening of December 31 with a combined service of worship, annual review, and fellowship. The program included reflections on the past year's church ministries and a collective outlook for the year ahead. The sermon titled "Rejoicing with the Holy City" guided attendees to place the evening's gathering within a broader spiritual perspective. Various fellowship groups also presented choral, dance, and stage play performances reflecting their service achievements over the past year, making the New Year's gathering both a collective review and a moment of mutual encouragement.
In Jingzhou, Hubei Province, Shashi Church welcomed 2026 with a cross-year thanksgiving prayer meeting. The gathering followed three structured segments: biblical encouragement, prayers of thanksgiving, and dedication for the new year. As the midnight bell rang, attendees counted down together and continued in prayer, entrusting their personal lives, church ministries, and spiritual commitments for the year ahead.
Similarly, in Hubei Province, Suizhou Church organized a cross-year prayer meeting focused on practical church matters. Special prayers were offered for the construction of the new church building, and pastoral guidance encouraged attendees to reflect on how to respond to changes and challenges in their spiritual lives in the new year. Collective prayers covered the nation, society, the church, and families, followed by a scripture blessing segment, providing attendees with a tangible way to carry their faith into 2026.
(This report is based on official announcements from local churches, church associations, and reports by the Gospel Times.)
