On September 2, 2019, Shanghai CC&TSPM held activities with the theme of “Celebrating the 70^th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China and Commemorating the 40^th Anniversary of the Restoration of the Church in Shanghai” at Mu’en Church.

The symposium in remembrance of the founding of the PRC as well as the reopening of the church started at 9 a.m. Over 80 people from Shanghai political circle, academia and religious groups attended the symposium.

Rev. Geng Weizhong, president of Shanghai Christian Council hosted the symposium.

In his speech, Rev. Xu Xiaohong pointed out that developing Christianity in China is closely tied with the destiny of the country. We should stick to the indigenization and contextualization of Christianity in China.

Rev. Xu Yulan, president of Shanghai TSPM, Rev. Cao Shengjie, former president of China Christian Council and others addressed at the symposium. They came to commemorate the 40^th anniversary of restoring the church in Shanghai in sharing accomplishments and experiences. 

At last, Shanghai CC&TSPM delivered a special gift -- a video of blessings from senior pastors who witnessed the development of the church in Shanghai during the past four decades. Among these pastors, the oldest pastor Rev. Dai Lizhen is 102 years old.

In the afternoon, there was a thanksgiving service and a ceremony held at Mu’en Church. Rev. Jiang Qianli, vice chairman of Shanghai TSPM gave a sermon entitled “Forever Blessings”. Rev. Xu Yulan led the congregation to pray for the country and church. Rev. Cao Shengjie gave the benediction.

The CC&TSPMs of various districts in Shanghai prepared shows and programs like dances, chorus, poem recitation and etc. for the ceremony. More than 600 people participated in the activity.