From Father Iain, All Saints Chiang Mai
Dear Friends,
Love is at the heart of the Christian faith and is there at the beginning of Creation. The story of Adam and Eve, tells us how God created Eve saying, “It is not good for Adam to be alone”. We are created to be in relationship with one another – not only in couples, but in families, in churches, in communities.
The Feast of Saint Valentine has become the yearly festival of love in the western calendar and is celebrated worldwide! Saint Valentine’s origins are lost in history, but one story says he was martyred for performing marriage ceremonies. The Roman emperor wanted soldiers, and he believed the single men made the best fighters, so he forbade couples to marry. Saint Valentine believed that marriage was ordained by God and defied the emperor.
Other people, even now, are being killed for who they love, and who they seek to marry, not just gay people, but also women, and sometimes men, who are killed in “honour killings’ for defying the wishes of their families. As Christians, we declare the love of God and the freedom to choose love and be with the ones we care for!
This year, Valentine’s Day falls on Thursday 14th February, and this Sunday our service will focus on the theme of love. Included in this special service will be the opportunity for all couples to renew their vows to each other, and we will remember that whether we are single or coupled, we are all enfolded in God’s love.
This could be a good opportunity to include partners who don’t normally attend church!
Our readings for the Feast Saint Valentine will be Song of Songs 8:5-7, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, and John 15:12-17, and we will be singing the hymns The King of Love My Shepherd Is, Here is Love vast as the Ocean, In heavenly Love Abiding, and Love Divine all Loves Excelling! Past services and sermons can be viewed via the All Saints audio-visual page!
Chiang Mai Pride 2019
For the first time in ten years, Chiang Mai will be holding a Pride march. This will occur on 21st February, exactly ten years to the day since the last march. The march will begin at 6 p.m. at the Chiang Mai Religion Practice Center and end at Thapae Gate. All supportive people are invited to join. All Saints will be marching behind a Christians at Pride banner.
All Saints Foundation
We are beginning the process of registering All Saints as a foundation with the Thai government. An initial official planning meeting will be held on Saturday 23rd February. Please hold all involved in your prayers and let me know if you would like to be involved.
The process for UK Charity registration is also continuing.
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 worshipping with us,
God bless,
Iain
All Saints' Chiang Mai 