Amen

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The rest of my family just doesn't seem to get it, but I feel that worshipping in China is an awesome experience. Last Sunday, for example, there was an Indian minister who was born in Scotland, raised in Australia, and spoke to our congregation which represented over 52 different nations. What a unifying feeling I have as I look around the large church and see that my hair and skin tone are so different from the majority of the congregation. Yet we all share a common belief and desire to be together to worship. The Sunday before, there was a Jewish Christian from Israel speaking about the need for God in troubled times. Wow - now the Israelies really know what they're speaking of on that one! Well, maybe we sing a few too many praise songs and yes the songs are sometimes Chinese words and sometimes words not matching the screen. Of course, unless you can read Chinese characters, there are no hymnals or Bibles to help, but nonetheless, the worship experience is effective. Indeed, only a few years ago we were not even allowed to have an english worship service! And in this last service, there was the first ever offertory song composed by a Chinese person, performed on piano by the composer, sung by a fabulous Chinese soprano, and accompanied by an equally fabulous Chinese cellist. I feel fortunate to have been a part of that!

Funniest sight is when we leave the church (which, by the way, is referred to as an "Amen" by our driver), there is a double wide, long line up of identical silver vans (referred to as "boss cars" by our driver) ready to whisk away all the ex-pats. Oh yes, and did I mention that last Sunday I took my first communion with the real-deal wine instead of the innocuous grape juice. I think this is one tradition I'd like to continue!

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Photos

Abundant Grace
Of course I chatted too long after church to capture an image with all the silver vans lined up, but here is the church we attend with a couple of "boss cars" outside. It is quite large and used by both Chinese and foreign congregations.

Cold but welcoming
The sanctuary is spacious and not very well heated. Most of us wear our winter coats throughout the 1.5 hour service.