On October 4, Yaodu District Church of Linfen City, China's northern Shanxi held a baptism and the first communion service after the resumption of church services due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Early in the morning, after the catechumens who signed up for baptism had their personal information taken and their temperature checked, they entered the sanctuary to take their seats. Prior to being baptized they also were required to take a test demonstrating their understanding of and belief in Christian faith.
A total of 52 people were baptized. Pastor Huang Hailin and Elder Yang Fushun baptized the brothers by sprinkling, Elder Xie Chunlan and Pastor Geng Fuqin baptized the sisters in the same way.
In addition to pre-baptism courses, the church also conducted regular training focused on truth and the gospel for several weeks before the baptism.
After the baptism, they held the first communion since the coronavirus pandemic, which was also the first time for the newly baptized to participate in communion.
The host read 1 Corinthians 11:23. Elder Chen Li led the congregation in meditation, confession and then the congregation received the Lord's body and blood thankfully. After that, Elder Chen picked up the bread and the cup to give thanks, and the deacons distributed the elements to the believers one by one and said, "This is the body and precious blood of Jesus, given to us."
The congregation received the bread and wine with respect, and many also burst into tears because they were emotionally overcome.
In the afternoon, Pastor Yan Minjuan gave a sermon, explaining the purpose and significance of the gathering, the consequences of stopping the meeting, and shared that “Don't stop meeting together” is the Lord's command. The Communion service was held again there after the sermon.
-Translated by Abigail Wu
10月4日，山西临汾市尧都区教会在城区教堂举行2020年秋季洗礼暨恢复礼拜后的第一次圣餐礼。
一大早，许多报名接受洗礼的慕道友就迫不及待地来到教堂门口登记，核实信息，测量体温，接受信德考试，进入堂内大家有序就坐。
当日共有52人接受洗礼。黄海林牧师和杨福顺长老为弟兄施点水礼；谢春兰长老和耿福琴牧师为姊妹施洗。
洗礼前，教会专门举办了受洗慕道友培训班，连续数周定期进行真道栽培培训。
之后，又举行了圣餐礼，不仅新受洗的肢体第一次领受，而且也是本堂在疫情后第一次举办的圣餐礼。
主礼人宣读了林前11：23节的经文，陈丽长老带领默想省察，满心的感恩，切切的认罪，并立下誓言，决心领受主的身、主的血。之后陈长老分别端起饼和杯祝谢祷告，一一分发，此后众执事依次分到众信徒手中，并说“这是主的身体（宝血），为我们舍的。”
大家心存恭敬领受，不少人眼中还流出了激动的泪水。
下午，闫敏娟传道做了《不可停止聚会》的证道，讲述了聚会的目的和意义，不可停止聚会是主的命令，以及停止惯了的后果。此后再次举行了圣餐礼拜。
山西临汾市尧都区基督教会举行秋季洗礼暨恢复礼拜后首次圣餐礼拜
On October 4, Yaodu District Church of Linfen City, China's northern Shanxi held a baptism and the first communion service after the resumption of church services due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Early in the morning, after the catechumens who signed up for baptism had their personal information taken and their temperature checked, they entered the sanctuary to take their seats. Prior to being baptized they also were required to take a test demonstrating their understanding of and belief in Christian faith.
A total of 52 people were baptized. Pastor Huang Hailin and Elder Yang Fushun baptized the brothers by sprinkling, Elder Xie Chunlan and Pastor Geng Fuqin baptized the sisters in the same way.
In addition to pre-baptism courses, the church also conducted regular training focused on truth and the gospel for several weeks before the baptism.
After the baptism, they held the first communion since the coronavirus pandemic, which was also the first time for the newly baptized to participate in communion.
The host read 1 Corinthians 11:23. Elder Chen Li led the congregation in meditation, confession and then the congregation received the Lord's body and blood thankfully. After that, Elder Chen picked up the bread and the cup to give thanks, and the deacons distributed the elements to the believers one by one and said, "This is the body and precious blood of Jesus, given to us."
The congregation received the bread and wine with respect, and many also burst into tears because they were emotionally overcome.
In the afternoon, Pastor Yan Minjuan gave a sermon, explaining the purpose and significance of the gathering, the consequences of stopping the meeting, and shared that “Don't stop meeting together” is the Lord's command. The Communion service was held again there after the sermon.
-Translated by Abigail Wu
Shanxi Church Baptizes 52 People
