From Rev Iain Baxter, All Saints Chiang Mai
Dear Friends,
Last Sunday we had an exciting adventure when the lock on the door to the church office jammed just before we began our worship. Before and after the service, almost every member of the congregation had a go at picking the lock with a paper-clip, poking away with a knife, or even using brute-force to break the door down. Luckily nobody was trapped inside and the main result of the closed door was that I had to lead worship with no stole or surplice. On Monday, I met with the landlord who replaced the lock. Now we have a secure door and a new key!
The door seems to be a metaphor for the life of many of us. This week I return for my finally year at McGilvary College, and a new door had opened for me as I begin part-time teaching at Chiang Mai International School. New doors seem to be opening for many of our congregation, while old ones are closing. As a congregation, we have seen almost a doubling in numbers since we moved to our new building! God is the one who opens new doors for us and guides us in our choices through the Holy Spirit.
At the same time, there are many among us who need our prayers as they go through difficult times of transition. Let us hold each other in our prayers, and please pray for me as I begin such a busy year.
This Sunday our Bible readings are taken from Genesis 45:1-15, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, and Matthew 15:10-28, and we will be singing the hymns Let All the World in Every Corner Sing, I will offer up my life, Come Down O Love Divine, and Oh for a thousand Tongues to Sing. You can find the readings via this link. Video and audio of our major services can be found on the Audio-Visual page of the All Saints website and as always, directions can be found on the Where and When page.
Most people get to hear about us via the internet or by word of mouth, so please feel free to pass on this email to others. All are welcome to join us as we share the presence of the risen Jesus in our lives! We hope to see you soon and that you will enjoy worshiping with us,
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God bless,
Iain
All Saints' Chiang Mai 