Mandarin Mashup July 18, 2012

• HOUSE OF WORSHIP SPOTLIGHT: Meet the Chinese Christian Church of Grace - Abington Mariner

  About the Church

  ·        Faith, nondenominational

  ·        Established 1993

  ·        Affiliate Members 150

  ·        Pastor Daniel Bk Ngan

  ·        Address 50 Eastern Avenue

  What it's all about

  The only Chinese Christian church in Malden, the Chinese Christian Church of Grace was established to serve Malden's growing Chinese-speaking immigrant population.

  It began with just 20 members renting a space from Malden's First Baptist Church, said Deacon Helen Choi. After only a year of growth, the congregation was able to buy its home.

  A non-profit, faith-based community church for evangelism, the Chinese Christian Church of Grace works with other churches and non-profits in order to aid recent low-income immigrants with learning English, health and food assistance. Its social services also include housing, prayer, and translation services.

  Who it's for

  Most of the church's 150 regular membership and 250 attending membership are English- and Chinese-speaking immigrant families from all over Asia. Choi estimated that around one-third of Malden's immigrant population is Asian.

  Residents hear about the church through word-of-mouth and advertisements in Chinese gospel newspapers. Maps with directions to the church are also posted in local supermarkets and cake shops.

  While the church is online, Choi said the website is still undergoing improvements. "It is kind of slow," she laughed.

  Services at the church were initially only held in Cantonese, but the congregation has since expanded to include Mandarin Chinese speakers as well. In addition to this, recent trends include bilingual, second-generation youth and adults who were born in the U.S.

  "There's a possibility of growth here for Chinese and English speaking generations," Choi said.

  Sunday school for children and youth is currently offered in English. English sermons are not currently offered, but could be in the future.

  Activities

  The Chinese Christian Church of Grace offers a variety of spiritual and cultural activities that cater to all ages. Specific fellowship groups exist for college students, young adults, middle-aged adults, retired seniors, children, and youth.

  During the summer, tutorial programs are offered for new immigrants and children. The church also sponsors a table tennis team to compete in local tournaments. The worship team sings at festivals and other holiday events, which include seasonal celebrations such as Chinese New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival.

  The church also reaches out to the community with gospel messages and prayer meetings. Members invite friends and relatives to social activities like picnics and park excursions, and families host Bible studies and fellowship dinners.

  Choi said the church hopes to obtain a community center closer to public transit lines so it will be able to expand its services.

  "We have a lot more children growing up," she said. "We need a community center to accommodate our activities and our services so that the residents in Malden might be served better."

  Check it out

  The Chinese Christian Church of Grace is online at maldenchurch.org or 781-322-9977.

  SERVICES:

  ·        Sunday 10:30 a.m. in Cantonese and Mandarin