Introduced by Western missionaries in the 19th century, the Harvest Festival Service was embraced by Chinese churches, resonating with local harvest traditions in the agrarian society. Revived since the 1980s, it now flourishes with vibrant Chinese cultural expressions.

From October 10 to 11, the Second Think Tank Forum on Religious Work convened in Guangzhou, Guangdong, which focused on the achievements and experiences in systematically advancing the Sinicization of religions, law-based management of religious affairs, and enhancing the capacity for religious administration.

On October 12, Paitou Church in Jiangning District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, conducted a baptism ceremony during its Sunday service, where 10 sisters and three brothers were baptized by sprinkling. Following the baptisms, the congregation also observed Holy Communion.

From October 13 to 14, 2025, China and UN Women co-hosted the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women in Beijing. I recall with joy the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women and its parallel NGO Forum held in Beijing thirty years ago, in 1995.

During a research visit to Taizhou, the Zhejiang CC&TSPM team highlighted the growing problem of “many sheep but few shepherds,” urging local churches to accelerate clergy training and uphold strict ordination standards.

During the National Day holiday, a pastor in Jiangsu Province delivered a sermon at a spiritual retreat, encouraging believers to grasp three essential principles of prayer: sincerity, willing obedience, and honoring the Lord above all.

On September 27, "Seminar on Confucian Culture and Sinicization of Religions" was held in Tai'an, Shandong Province.

During this festive season, churches across China organized various activities to strengthen believers in truth, deepen fellowship, serve their communities, and engage young believers with creative programs—reflecting the joyful and vibrant spirit of the holidays.

Yangcheng County’s CC&TSPM in Shanxi held a “Charity Week” during the National Day and Mid-Autumn holidays, raising nearly 12,000 yuan and visiting 18 needy residents, offering both material help and spiritual comfort.

On October 5, the Changxindian meeting point in Fengtai District, Beijing, hosted a “Bible Key Verse Contest” to encourage believers to memorize important Bible passages and deepen their understanding of Scripture.