The opening ceremony and the opening worship of Nanjing Union Theological Seminary were grandly held in the chapel of the Seminary at 9:00 am on September 8 th , 2006. Presbyter Ji Jianhong, Chairman of TSPM and Rev. Cao Shengjie , President of CCC were invited to attend the ceremony and the worship.
The worship was started in the melodious music of a hymn. Presbyter Ji Jianhong presided the worship. Rev. Wang Peng, the dean of the seminary, led the congregation to pray for the worshiping, teaching and studying in the new school year. The choir of the seminary, guided by Rev. Mike, the foreign teacher of the seminary, presented a hymn, which expressed the students' sincere love for God and their wish to serve God in their whole life.
Rev. Gao Ying, Vice-principle of the Seminary, delivered a sermon entitled “Establish a Spiritual Fellowship in Love” for students and faculty members. She prayed that God might bless the Seminary more and make it a utensil holding his blessings for Chinese theological education. Each student and teacher would be together with God and see the vision of God, listen to his call and create a vineyard together in the love of God. In the new term, the Nanjing Union Theological Seminary will be renewed again and obtain new force.
On behalf of CCC/TSPM, President Cao, congratulated and encouraged the students. She said, first, students should clarify their objective of study, aspire to devote themselves and equip themselves to serve the Church in China; second, all the students should develop themselves in an all round way----in spirit, intellect, morality, sports and relations with people----to become blessings in Church in China. Finally she encouraged the students to value time and study diligently. She told the students with sincere words and earnest wishes that the colleagues in the churches around China are waiting for their growing up.
In the blessing of Presbyter Ji and saying Amen of the congregation, the ceremony rung down the curtain. 59 new students from churches all over China were called by God and expressed their aspirations to serve Church in China , joined the harmonious society and prepared for being improved and equipped in this Seminary which is blessed by God.
It is in mid-autumn and the orange osmanthus are emitting sweet fragrance. The beautiful Seminary in September is filled with joyfulness, vitality and vigor. For people in the Seminary, this is another season of blessings and gratefulness.
