By Agnes Wang and Julia Chou (Greater Taipei Church of Christ, TAIWAN) On Saturday January 31, 2015, the Greater Taipei Church of Christ hosted its annual Chinese New Year Thanksgiving Party at our meeting place in Wunshan District, Taipei City. Chinese New Year's Day date is calculated according to the Chinese lunar calendar, hence the date is different each year on the Gregorian calendar, but always in the period January 21 to February 20. In 2015, it's Thursday, February 19. |
Traditionally, Chinese New Year celebrations can start much earlier than Chinese New Year's Eve. Some people start to celebrate from three weeks before. The date is called Laba (腊八 /laa-baa/) the eighth day of the twelfth Chinese month, while more people celebrate from one week before — the 23rd of the twelfth month.
With over 50 people in attendance, our thanksgiving party was a great occasion of prayer and praise, family, friends, food, fun and fellowship. In addition to other items on the program of activities, we sang songs including, 'Trust in You' and 'There's None Like You'.
However, the most anticipated item on the program was the videos (watch below or YOUTUBE PLAYLIST) from our dear brothers and sisters on the opposite side of the planet (St. Vincent and the Grenadines) at Kingstown Church of Christ. They were amazing! We saw many lovely faces and felt they were here with us with their warm greetings and beautiful songs.
However, the most anticipated item on the program was the videos (watch below or YOUTUBE PLAYLIST) from our dear brothers and sisters on the opposite side of the planet (St. Vincent and the Grenadines) at Kingstown Church of Christ. They were amazing! We saw many lovely faces and felt they were here with us with their warm greetings and beautiful songs.
Nikieta "Niki" Mandeville, a Vincentian sister who spent four years with us in Taiwan, called us just in time as we were watching her host the introduction to the videos. Yes Niki, you have to share the secret of staying forever young since you left Taiwan. Ha ha!
We are so thankful God, although separated by such a long distance, we are a family always!
We are so thankful God, although separated by such a long distance, we are a family always!