The service went much like what I remember back in CBC in Portland, with the singing of the "Gloria Patri" and reading responsively from the Bible. They quoted the Apostles' Creed. Group prayer was led by a woman. Every sentence was passionately prayed and followed by a resounding "amen!" by the congregation in unison. One of the women moderators sprinkled a bit of English in her talks. Philippians 1:1-11 was read aloud, after which a Chinese speaker from the U.S. gave the sermon, with Fuzhou-nese translation. The sermon meandered a bit, but some points were worth noting...
- The church is not just 1, 2, or 3 people. It’s ALL people in the body of Christ.
- He calls some church-goers "mosquito" or "housefly" Christians....annoying the church with their "buzzing", but contributing nothing, yet not going away.
- The church should not be like a ship where one or two are rowing and the passengers are standing around on board wondering why the ship is moving so slow.
After singing the hymn "Heavenly Sunshine", the service closed in prayer. Communion was then conducted after the general service. People who didn't want to or couldn't participate (if they hadn't been baptized) were invited to leave. Although a lot of people left, the church still appeared full. As it was last year, this church was packed to the max, perhaps numbering around 2000, maybe more. And this was only one of three Sunday services.
Communion consisted of wafers and a spoonful of wine taken from a communal cup. Each person took a small metal spoon from a tray that was passed through the worshippers, along with the wine cup. The cup and spoon was not that big, but you got enough to get the taste of the wine. It was an intriguing, simple, and enjoyable way to partake. While the elements were passed around, congregational hymn singing and Scripture reading took place.
After lunch, we stopped by Dad's old stomping grounds as a teen. All that's left was just the river he used to hang out at. Everywhere around it are stores and pavement that weren't there when he was growing up. Concrete-ville, it was. We did walk by some old trees and an archway that were still left amidst all the build-up.
We visited the old Christian Lane Church, the church Dad first attended as a youth, but found it was being prepared for demolition. Whether the church body was to be relocated or just discontinued, we didn't know. We didn't go inside. The sign was still there. Another part of Dad's history being replaced by economic progress.
We also stopped by Dad's old school grounds nearby. Students were all outside preparing for that day's big exams (on Sunday, of all days). The school guard allowed us in to take pictures and look around. Nothing of the school when Dad was there was left -- it was all new building. Still, it was good to be there and reminisce with him.
We ate dinner at Goo-goo and Goo-fu's home that evening. They don't live far from the hotel - within walking distance. Goo-goo prepared lots of food along with some of Dad's dumplings - we were stuffed. On our way back, we noticed as a large crowd was watching a makeshift outdoor theatre - out of a big white sheet.
