From Father Iain, All Saints Chiang Mai
Our Ash Wednesday Service
Dear Friends,
The Season of Lent is a time for repentance and reflection, but not for sadness and depression. We reflect on the love of God and our need for wholeness, but we also anticipate Easter and the joy of the resurrection. “Giving up things” is not an action for its own sake, but rather a way of clearing the decks to make more room for God. I am giving up chocolate, Pepsi, snacks, and Facebook! Those who know me will know what this entails!
But Lent is a positive time, it is a time for saying “yes” to God and for working even harder to make this world a better place! Exciting things are happening at All Saints, and we wait for the coming of God in power!
Our scripture readings for this Sunday will be Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, and Matthew 4:1-11, and we will be singing the hymns Before the Throne of God Above, Forty Days and Forty Nights, For the Bread Which You Have Broken, and At the Name of Jesus! Past services and sermons can be viewed via the All Saints audio-visual page! This is a great place to catch up if you’ve been away! Each sermon only lasts around 15 minutes.
Ash Wednesday Service
We were only few in number, but this was a wonderful service. If you didn’t come you missed out! The presence of the Holy Spirit infused this time of reflection, quiet contemplation, and moving hymns of the faith!
Filming at All Saints
Last Saturday a film crew visited All Saints to make a short documentary about our work in reaching out to all. They interviewed Gene, Caitlin, and myself, and were in the church for nearly four hours! I will let you know when it is produced!
Chiang Mai Pride
A group of people from All Saints were able to take part in the Chiang Mai Pride march last Saturday, declaring the love of God for all!
Pancake Sunday
We had a wonderful Pancake Potluck last Sunday, with lots of delicious pancakes and scrumptious fillings!
Thanks to all involved!
Tham Pratheep Church
In December we held our Festival of Christmas Carols at Tham Pratheep Church. Next Monday evening, some of the All Saints trustees will be meeting with elders of Tham Pratheep to see how we can develop stronger ties.
Please hold this in your prayers.
Discussion Group – At the Gymkhana Club
We are continuing to study Desmond and Mpho Tutu’s book, The Book of Forgiving. Copies are available to be purchased on Sunday or at the group! We meet on Thursdays at 1:30 p.m. at the Gymkhana Club (following lunch). Email if you need directions.
All are welcome – I hope you can join us!
Gymkhana Lunch
Our weekly lunch at the Gymkhana Club will again be at midday on Thursday! Please feel free to join us!
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 
All looks very exciting.