Christian Fellowship

One thing I looked forward to in settling into Shanghai was finding a church, or some sort of Christian fellowship group. My hopes are dwindling, as our options seem to be quickly becoming nil. Allow me to show you:

Hengshan Road Community Church
Sunday afternoons
2:00 service, no nursery
4:00 service, with nursery
45 minute metro ride
Our kids nap from 2:00 - 4:30, and skipping naps is not a good option.

Abundant Grace International Fellowship
Sunday afternoons
3:00 service
45-60 minute cab ride
Our kids still nap from 2:00 - 4:30, and skipping naps is still not a good option.

Blessed Care Cell Group
Saturday evenings
7:30 - 9:30 worship and study
Fellowship afterward
45 minute metro ride
minimal nursery provided, and our kids are by far the youngest
Our kids go to bed at 8:30, and pushing that to 11:00 pm is really too much

Oasis Puxi Cell Group
Wednesday mornings
10:00 am
30-60 minute cab ride
A moms group where children are welcome... except that each mom must attend to their own child, so most bring along childcare. What?

Hengshan Road and Abundant Grace are, as far as we know, the only English language Protestant churches in Shanghai. Here, churches are closely related to the government and must have full approval. The government has, as far as we know, only given approval to these two English language churches. They form the cell groups. Blessed Care is the only cell group open for families anywhere near our home. Oasis Puxi is the only cell group for Moms.

Our options are looking mighty slim.