On the morning of July 24, 2023, Rev. Shen Xuebin, Residential Vice President of CCC, received a delegation from the Outreach Foundation of the Presbyterian Church, USA. The two sides reminisced about their friendship and exchanged views on the post-pandemic church services.

Rev. Shen Xuebin warmly welcomed the delegation on behalf of CCC&TSPM. Rev. Mark Carl Mueller, Executive Director of the Outreach Foundation of the Presbyterian Church, and Rev. Thomas Judge Boone, Associate Director for Mission, made an introduction to the delegation. Some of delegates have maintained a friendship with the Church in China for more than two decades since the last generation, while others have visited China several times. One guest came with his granddaughter, who is also a member of the delegation.

Rev. Shen Xuebin was impressed by their introduction. He said that the good interaction between the Church in China and the Outreach Foundation has continued for many years, based upon mutual respect and equal exchange. He believed that the relationship established by the younger generation would lead to the strengthened cooperation and lasting friendship.

During the meeting, Rev. Shen Xuebin mentioned the foreign-language speaking congregations (such as English speaking congregation, German speaking congregation, Korean speaking congregation, etc.) in some cities in China. As a response, Rev. Mark Carl Mueller shared his personal experience of attending a service in Shanghai during this visit. Despite the geographical barrier of having to fly thousands of miles to China from the US, the worship service here had many similarities to American churches, such as the recitation of the Apostle’s Creed and the Lord’s Prayer, hymn singing, etc. He gave thanks to CCC&TSPM for this moving and valuable experience.

Afterward, Rev. Shen Xuebin responded to concerns of the delegates, including the history of Holy Trinity Cathedral, the challenges to churches in the post-pandemic era, youth ministry and so forth. In the meeting, the two sides respected each other and had a sincere and fervent exchange.

After the meeting, the delegation visited the Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Grace Telling Bookstore.

Ms. Gu Jingqin, the interim chief of the Overseas Relations Department of CCC&TSPM, and other colleagues also participated in the reception.

Translated and edited by Bei Feng and Xiao Tang.