When the People’s Republic of China is celebrating its 69^th birthday in this pleasant season of autumn with brisk air and osmanthus aroma, Shandong Theological Seminary observed the grand opening of an evening gala Celebrating the National Day and Welcoming New Students on the evening of 27^th September, 2018. Rev. Li Hongyu, Vice-President and Vice-Chairperson of Shandong CC&TSPM, Executive Vice President of Shandong Theological Seminary, Rev. Wang Mengkun, General Secretary of Shandong Christian Council and all the full-time teachers and students in Shandong Theological Seminary attended the evening gala.

Before the gala kicked off, Rev. Wang Mengkun presided, Mr Sun Feng prayed and Rev. Li gave the exhortation. Rev. Li said that students from all corners of the country joined in a big family of love since they came to Shandong Theological Seminary. ‘Hopefully you can lead a colorful life here via singing, laughing, praising and thanksgiving. We also wish you all can serve one another and jointly live with love in God’s home as the witness of love in action and helping one another.’

Trained by the teachers from the Student Work Committee, students from the Student Union actively participated in the organization, rehearsal and arrangement of the gala. Each class prepared shows enthusiastically. They together contributed nearly 20 variety shows including energetic dance performances (Crazy Chicks, You Raise Me Up), a patriotic musical Esther rehearsed and performed with the joint efforts of the whole class, a song with dance Country performed by students from different classes, a solo Halleluiah from Sacred Music Class and a chorus I love Chinese church from Laity Class.

Through this refreshing gala, theological students showed their talents and vigor, thereby creating a positive cultural ambiance on campus, and inheriting the cultural essence of traditional festival. It not only ignited patriotism of all the students and faculties present, but also let all the freshmen get immersed in the atmosphere of loving the country and loving the church at the beginning of the new semester.

Finally, the gala ended up with the blessing by Rev. Wang Mengkun. May our country have a more prosperous and flourishing future.