From Father Iain, All Saints Chiang Mai
Christmas Eve at the Youth Charity Foundation
Dear Friends,
In this week’s Gospel reading, Jesus has some challenging words about the rich and the poor.
‘Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God.
‘Blessed are you who are hungry now,
for you will be filled.
‘Blessed are you who weep now,
for you will laugh.
‘But woe to you who are rich,
for you have received your consolation.
‘Woe to you who are full now,
for you will be hungry.
‘Woe to you who are laughing now,
for you will mourn and weep.
Let’s face it – we are the rich. Which of us has ever lain awake wondering where the next meal was coming from? Which of us has ever been homeless? Which of us has seen a loved one die for lack of medical care? Which of us has ever felt completely alone, abandoned to our fate? Even if we have encountered occasional obstacles, this has not been the general pattern of our lives. It is not a sin to be comfortable, to have what we need, but it is a sin to do nothing to help our brothers and sisters who need the same.
We live in a fallen world, this means that appealing to people’s “better nature” will never provide enough to feed the hungry or cloth the naked – it never has in the past, and it never will in this world. That is why we have taxes – to ensure that the earth’s resources are more fairly shared. People will disagree about how this should be done and what is the fairest way of doing this, but our goal must always be that none go to sleep hungry, that nobody is without a home, and that no one dies where they could be saved.
Our readings this Sunday will be Jeremiah 17:5-8, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, and Luke 6:17-26, and we will be singing the hymns All My Hope on God Is Founded, Beauty for Brokenness, Take My Life and Let it Be, and God Whose Almighty Word. The readings can be found via this link and past services and sermons can be viewed via the All Saints audio-visual page!
Treasurer
Richard Murray has done a fantastic job as treasurer for the last two years, but his tenure has come to an end and we are looking for a new treasurer. If you could be interested in serving in this role, please speak to Richard, or to Mark Crawford, or to Father Iain.
Lent Study Groups
This year, we will again be having weekly Lent Study Groups. If you would like to join a group please sign up at the back of the church. If you have suggestions for a book to topic we could study please see Father Iain.
Chiang Mai Pride 2019
For the first time in ten years, Chiang Mai will be holding a Pride march. This will occur next Thursday, 21st February, exactly ten years to the day since the last march. The march will gather 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.
The events are as follows:
17.00 – 19.00 Hrs. Parade Registration
Starting Location: Chiang Mai Religion Practice Center by the Nawarat Bridge
19.00 – 20.00 Hrs. Parade Begin From Chiang Mai Religion Practice Center to Night Bazaar Chiang Mai and end at Thapae Gate
20.00 – 20.15 Hrs. Parade arrives at Thapae Gate. Opening Ceremony Begins
20.15 – 20.25 Hrs. First Speaker – The History of Chiang Mai Pride
20.25 – 22.00 Hrs. Speeches and Ceremony
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 