Gangwashi Church in Beijing began its third Palm Sunday Worship Service on April 9 with choir members carrying palm branches into the chapel.
There was also a golden lampstand on the table under the cross of Gangwashi Church's sanctuary. In front of the lampstand were lilies with palm branches outside them and two vases of palm branches located on both sides. The painting of "Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem" was hung on the wall next to the dais.
The choir sang "Sanctus" after they arrived in their seats. They then remained standing as the entire congregation stood and sang "Father, We Praise Thee."
The host preacher, Ji Min, gave a prayer and led the congregants in reading Isaiah 62:1-12. Everyone then stood to sing "All Glory, Laud, and Honor," and recited the Lord's Prayer. Finally, they read the sermon passage, Matthew 21:6-11.
The choir also sang two songs related to Palm Sunday; "Palm Song" and "Lift Up Your Heads, Oh You Gates." Senior Pastor Du Fengying delivered a sermon entitled "Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem." She saw Christ's entry as a watershed moment in his public life. Previously, Jesus had focused more on people's lives, but after, he focused on saving their lives. Pastor Du said that "Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem' has three meanings. It fulfilled the prophecy of the prophet, faced the challenge of the cross bravely, and indicated His identity as King.
Translated by: Grace Hubl
