From the Rev. Iain Baxter, All Saints Chiang Mai
What do we owe?
Dear Friends,
This week’s Gospel reading contains the line: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
Jesus had just been asked about paying taxes. The Pharisees wanted to trap him into either telling people not to pay taxes to Rome, therefore leading to his arrest, or telling them that they must pay, and therefore losing credibility as a prophet. Money is always a tricky issue, both for politicians and the Church. At All Saints we are introducing pledge cards so that each one of us can be intentional with our giving. How much do we want to give? What do we owe to Caesar, and what to God? See below for more details.
Our readings for this Sunday are Exodus 33:12-23, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-7, and Matthew 22:15-22, and we will be singing the hymns All People that on Earth do Dwell, For the Fruit of All Creation, Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart, and Glorious Things of Thee are Spoken!
The readings can be found via this link !
Pledge Cards
Two weeks ago our treasurer, Richard Murray, introduced the idea of pledge cards to All Saints. Those who wish to, can fill in a pledge card, pledging how much they wish to give each week or month. They can choose to give by bank transfer, PayPal via the church website, or through dated envelopes in the weekly offering.
We hope this will help us all to prayerfully consider our giving, and will both increase and stabilise the weekly offering at All Saints, so we can do even more in service of God’s world!
Harvest Festival
Many thanks to Warren for a wonderful harvest festival at Thung Dong Farm last Sunday. All went very well, and the weather was variable but good enough! Thanks too, to Bill for inviting the children from the orphanage where he volunteers. They helped to make it a special day!
Season of Remembrance
On 29th October we will begin our Season of Remembrance at All Saints. This will include:
Sunday 29th October 11 a.m.
Remembrance of Thailand – in the week of the King’s Funeral
Sunday 5th November 11 a.m.
All Saints Day Service – when we remember all who have died
Saturday 11th November 10:30 a.m.
Remembrance Day Ceremony at the Foreign Cemetery –
Remembering all victims of war
Sunday 12th November 10:30 a.m.
Remembrance Sunday Service at All Saints –
Remembering all victims of war
Sunday 19th November 11 a.m.
Service for Transgender Day of Remembrance
The 2017 Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
The Prince Royal’s College have confirmed the use of their chapel for our service on Saturday 9th December. Look forward to a great event to begin the celebration of Christmas!
If you don’t know the way to All Saints, 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,
God bless,
Iain
All Saints' Chiang Mai 