Monthly Archives: March 2020

From Father Iain, All Saints Chiang Mai

Our Worship Last Sunday

Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.
Hebrews 10:24-25

Dear Friends,

We are now an online church!  We will meet online again this Sunday using the Zoom platform at the slightly later time of 6 p.m. Thai time.  This is to enable friends in the US to join us.  Anyone can join us from around the world.  6 p.m. in Thailand is 11 a.m. in the UK, midday in Europe, 1 p.m. in Egypt, and 7 a.m. in New York.  Please join us it would be great to be joined by friends from around the world!

This week Christa Crawford will be preaching.  Her preaching was scheduled long before this all began, but it will be great to hear her online though not in person!

These are strange times.  As I said at the end of last week’s service, you will be feeling very stressed even if you don’t realise it!  This will make us lose patience with one another, become angry with the person in the supermarket or at immigration, and it will make people lose patience with us!

Being aware of this can help.  Some of us just spent four weeks studying forgiveness – now we will all have the opportunity to put that into practice!  None of us are perfect, we will make mistakes and say the wrong thing.  As our liturgy says, we will sin through ignorance, through weakness, and through our own deliberate fault.  We need to be loving and forgiving people!

I hope you can join us on Sunday!  This is the link to this week’s “meeting”.  Just click here before the service on Sunday to join.  (The meeting ID is 548 801 501 if you need it!)

The service will consist of our usual Eucharistic worship – and we will have some hymns this week!  All are welcome to join in the prayers and liturgy, to listen to the readings and sermon, and to receive virtual communion if they feel comfortable.

If you want to receive virtual communion then have a small piece of bread and a small glass of wine or grape juice prepared.  Whether “virtual communion” is effective is something for a theological discussion, but I am sure that God will bless our actions at this time if we act in a loving and reverent manner.

The words of the bulletin are pasted below at the end of this email, or you can download them as a pdf to view or print from this link, so that you can read and join in the liturgy if you wish.  The scripture readings for this Sunday will be Ezekiel 37:1-14, Romans 8:6-11, and John 11:1-45, and we will be singing the hymns Will your Anchor Hold, It is well with my Soul, and Christ be our Light!

You don’t need to be in Chiang Mai, or Thailand, to join in, and I will be leading our worship from the UK.  If you are unable to join us at 6 p.m. on Sunday, or don’t wish to use Zoom, the service will be recorded and will be available on YouTube shortly afterwards.  Following the service we will have “virtual coffee” when people can stay and chat for longer!  (Have your coffee ready to go!!!)

You can also view past services and sermons via the All Saints audio-visual page including last week’s online worship!  This is a great place to catch up if you’ve been away!  Each sermon only lasts around 15 minutes.

People needing prayer

Please pray for our deacon Gene who may have got the Corona Virus.  He is currently in New York and self-isolating.

Pray also for William Aldis who had surgery to remove the pin in his shoulder on Wednesday.

Chiang Mai Health & Safety News

Ben Svasti, the honorary British Consul, has set up a Facebook page to relay useful information in English at the request of the Governor of Chiang Mai.  This can be found at Chiang Mai Health & Safety News.

Please pay close attention to this useful source of information and share the link with friends.

Keeping in Touch

At this time of isolation it is important that we keep in touch with each other.  We have an All Saints church directory with a list of many people’s phone numbers, so if you would like a copy please email me, on iain@AllSaintsChiangMai.com and I will send it to you.

Please feel free to share this email.  People may be feeling especially alone and vulnerable at this time.  Let them know that we are there for them and that God is with us!

God bless,

Iain

Fifth Sunday of Lent
March 29th 2020

Welcome to Worship
(Congregational Copy)

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.      Amen.

The Greeting

The Lord be with you! And also with you!

Words of welcome

First Hymn:    Will Your Anchor Hold?

Prayer of Preparation

Almighty God,
to whom all hearts are open,
all desires known,
and from whom no secrets are hidden:
cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,
that we may perfectly love you,
and worthily magnify your holy name;
through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Prayers of Penitence
….

Amen. Lord, have mercy.
….

We confess to you our selfishness and lack of love:
fill us with your Spirit.
Lord, have mercy.       Lord, have mercy.

We confess to you our fear and failure in sharing our faith:
fill us with your Spirit.
Christ, have mercy.     Christ, have mercy.

We confess to you our stubbornness and lack of trust:
fill us with your Spirit.
Lord, have mercy.       Lord, have mercy.

The Collect

Old Testament Reading: Ezekiel 37:1-14

This is the word of the Lord.    Thanks be to God.

 Psalm 130

Out of the depths have I cried to you, O Lord;
Lord, hear my voice;
let your ears consider well the voice of my supplication.

  If you, Lord, were to mark what is done amiss,
   O Lord, who could stand?
  But there is forgiveness with you,
   so that you shall be feared.

  I wait for the Lord; my soul waits for him;
   in his word is my hope.
  My soul waits for the Lord,
      more than the night watch for the morning,
   more than the night watch for the morning.

  O Israel, wait for the Lord,
   for with the Lord there is mercy;
  With him is plenteous redemption
   and he shall redeem Israel from all their sins.

          Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
            And to the Holy Ghost,
            As it was in the beginning, is now,
            and ever shall be
            World without end, Amen

New Testament Reading: Romans 8:6-11

This is the word of the Lord.   Thanks be to God.

Gospel Reading

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.
Glory to you, O Lord.

The Gospel Reading: John 11:1-45

This is the Gospel of the Lord.            Praise to you, O Christ.

Sermon – Christa Crawford

Hymn:  It is well with my Soul

The Apostles’ Creed

I trust in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.

I trust in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I trust in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. 
Amen.

Prayers of Intercession

Response:      Lord, Breathe on us, breath of God,
and fill us with life anew:
                        In your mercy, hear our prayer

Through the living Spirit given to us in Christ, O God,
you have set us free to live.
By the power of the Spirit,
may your kingdom come,
and your will be done,
that we may rejoice in the gift of salvation
Jesus has won for us.  Amen.

The Peace

The peace of the Lord be always with you!   And also with you!
Let us offer one another a sign of peace.

Peace be with you.  Peace to All!

Song:  Make me a Channel of your Peace – Chris Tananone

Offering and Preparation of the Table

The Eucharistic Prayer

The Lord is here.         God’s Spirit is with us.
Lift up your hearts.       We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks        It is right to give
to the Lord our God.      thanks and praise.

… As we prepare to celebrate this most strange of Easter feasts, but with joyful hearts and minds, may we bless you for your mercy and join with saints and angels for ever praising you and singing:

Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts.
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the Highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the Highest.
….

The mystery of faith:
We proclaim your death, O Lord,                
And profess your resurrection
Until you come again.

…and unite us in the body of your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord.

To you be glory and praise for ever.

…we worship you, Father almighty,
in songs of everlasting praise:

Blessing and honour and glory and power
be yours for ever and ever.  Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

As our Saviour taught us, so we pray
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done, 
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours,
now and for ever.   Amen.

Breaking of the Bread

We break this bread to share in the body of Christ.
Though we are many, we are one body,
because we all share in one bread.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,
grant us peace.

Giving of Communion

We share in the Body and Blood of Christ

Prayer after Communion

Lord Jesus Christ,
you have taught us
that what we do for the least
of our brothers and sisters
we do also for you:
give us the will to be the servant of others
as you were the servant of all,
and gave up your life and died for us,
but are alive and reign, now and for ever.
Amen.

Final Hymn:   Christ be our Light!

The peace of God,
which passes all understanding,
keep your hearts and minds
in the knowledge and love of God,
and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord;
and the blessing of God almighty,
the Creator, the Redeemer, and the Sustainer,
be among you and remain with you always.
Amen.

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
In the name of Christ. Amen.

From Father Iain, All Saints Chiang Mai

The Lord’s Prayer

Dear Friends,

Christian leaders from around the world have called upon Christians to say the Lord’s Prayer together at midday Central European Time.  That is 6 p.m. in Thailand.  At All Saints we will join together on Zoom to pray and share fellowship.

Click on this link to join the meeting:  https://us04web.zoom.us/j/154901592

(The meeting ID is 154 901 592 if you need it.)

The meeting room will be open from 5 p.m. or even earlier.  You can join for a chat if you would like to connect!

Also, please pray for our deacon Gene in New York.  He appears to have caught the Corona Virus and is now self-isolating at home.  His case is mild so far, but let’s hold him in our prayers.

Also remember William Aldis.  He had surgery this morning to remove the pin in his shoulder.  This operation was brought forward as Chiang Mai hospitals are about to cancel all elective surgery.  Please pray for his quick and safe recovery.

God bless,

Father Iain

From Father Iain, All Saints Chiang Mai

Heavenly Connections

Dear Friends,

There will be a regular All Saints service at 11 a.m. this Sunday.  Rev. Mark Crawford will be leading, and Helga Spring will be preaching. However, that may be the last face to face service for some time.

Hebrews 10:24-25 says:

Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.

As we cannot meet in person, we will meet online instead.  It is not as good, but it will mean we can stay connected and still encourage and support one another.

In order to do this we are using the Zoom platform.

If you don’t already have a zoom account, click on this link and download the app.  It says add your work email, but you should use your personal one!  (You will have to say “yes” to lots of questions so that it can work on your phone, laptop, or tablet.)

We will meet together at 4 p.m. Thai time this Sunday, and clicking on this link just before the time, will let you join the group and attend the service.  (If you need it, the Meeting ID is 975 214 787)

The service will consist of our usual Eucharistic worship – minus the hymns as singing doesn’t work on Zoom due to the slight time delay.  All are welcome to join in the prayers and liturgy, to listen to the readings and sermon, and to receive virtual communion if they feel comfortable.

If you want to receive virtual communion then have a small piece of bread and a small glass of wine or grape juice prepared.  Whether “virtual communion” is effective is something for a theological discussion, but I am sure that God will bless our actions at this time if we act in a loving and reverent manner.

The words of the bulletin are pasted below at the end of this email, or you can download them as a pdf to view or print from this link, so that you can read and join in the liturgy if you wish.

The scripture readings for this Sunday will be Exodus 17:1-7, Ephesians 5:8-14, and John 4:5-42.

You don’t need to be in Chiang Mai, or Thailand, to join in, and I will be leading our worship from the UK.  If you are unable to join us at 4 p.m. on Sunday, or don’t wish to use Zoom, the service will be recorded and will be available on YouTube shortly afterwards.

Following the service we will have “virtual coffee” when people can stay and chat for longer!  (Have your coffee ready to go!!!)

This is our first attempt and many things may go wrong – but let’s see how it goes!  Also, remember there is a face-to-face service at 11 a.m. this Sunday, but as many are already in isolation we are starting this now and, of course, you can do both!

You can also vie past services and sermons 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.

God bless,

Iain

Fourth Sunday of Lent
March 22nd 2020
Welcome to Worship

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Greeting

The Lord be with you!  And also with you!

Words of welcome

Prayer of Preparation

Almighty God,
to whom all hearts are open,
all desires known,
and from whom no secrets are hidden:
cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,
that we may perfectly love you,
and worthily magnify your holy name;
through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Prayers of Penitence
….

Amen. Lord, have mercy.
….

We confess to you our selfishness and lack of love:
fill us with your Spirit.

Lord, have mercy.  Lord, have mercy.
We confess to you our fear and failure in sharing our faith:
fill us with your Spirit.
Christ, have mercy.  Christ, have mercy.
We confess to you our stubbornness and lack of trust:
fill us with your Spirit.
Lord, have mercy.  Lord, have mercy.

The Collect

Old Testament Reading:   Exodus 17:1-7

This is the word of the Lord.    Thanks be to God.

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd;
therefore can I lack nothing.

He makes me lie down in green pastures
and leads me beside still waters.
He shall refresh my soul
and guide me in the paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil; 
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You spread a table before me
in the presence of those who trouble me;
you have anointed my head with oil
and my cup shall be full.
Surely goodness and loving mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
And to the Holy Ghost,
As it was in the beginning, is now,
and ever shall be
World without end, Amen

New Testament Reading: Ephesians 5:8-14

This is the word of the Lord.   Thanks be to God.

Gospel Reading

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.
Glory to you, O Lord.

The Gospel Reading: John 4:5-42

This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.

Sermon

The Apostles’ Creed

I trust in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.

I trust in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I trust in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.  Amen.

Prayers of Intercession

Response:
Lord, give us to drink
from the spring of the water of life:
In your mercy, hear our prayer

Through the living water given to us in Christ, O God,
you have set us free to live.
By the power of the Spirit,
may your kingdom come,
and your will be done,
that we may rejoice in the gift of salvation
Jesus has won for us.  Amen.

The Peace

The peace of the Lord be always with you!   And also with you!

Offering and Preparation of the Table

The Eucharistic Prayer

The Lord is here.       God’s Spirit is with us.
Lift up your hearts.     We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks      It is right to give
to the Lord our God.   thanks and praise.

….

As we prepare to celebrate the Easter feast with joyful hearts and minds we bless you for your mercy
and join with saints and angels for ever praising you and saying:

Holy, holy, holy,
Lord God of Hosts.
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the Highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the Highest.
….

We sing: The mystery of faith:
We proclaim your death, O Lord,
And profess your resurrection
Until you come again.
….

Blessing and honour and glory and power
be yours for ever and ever.  Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

As our Saviour taught us, so we pray
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours,
now and for ever.   Amen

.
Breaking of the Bread

We break this bread to share in the body of Christ.
Though we are many, we are one body,
because we all share in one bread.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,
grant us peace. 

Giving of Communion

We share in the Body and Blood of Christ

Prayer after Communion

Lord God, whose blessed Son our Saviour
gave his back to the smiters
and did not hide his face from shame:
give us grace to endure the sufferings of this present time
with sure confidence in the glory that shall be revealed;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Blessing and Dismissal

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
In the name of Christ.  Amen.

From Father Iain, All Saints Chiang Mai

Last week at All Saints

Dear Friends,

This time last week I expected to be preaching at All Saints this coming Sunday and Helga Spring was to have preached last week.  How quickly things change.  As you will know from my last email, I am now in the UK taking care of my mum as everything closes down!

As far as we know, Helga will actually be preaching this Sunday and the Gospel reading will be the story of the Woman at the Well.  Rev. Mark Crawford will be leading worship.  This may be the last in-person service at All Saints for some time.

I am planning to begin online worship for All Saints, and also some online discussion groups or just the chance for us to virtually get together.  I will send a separate email when these are ready.  Already, a large number of our people in Chiang Mai are in self-isolation, some because of their age or health condition, and others because they or family members have just arrived from overseas.

At this time of worldwide health crisis, we can remember that Jesus is the one who gives us living water and the one who makes us spiritually clean.

At All Saints we have made more changes to our worship to help combat the spread of Corona Virus: we will wai each other instead of shaking hands in the Peace, and communion will be distributed in bread only.  As far as we know, Covit-19 has not yet spread to Chiang Mai but it pays to be wise in our actions.  To remind us of the need to wash our hands correctly and for at least 20 seconds.

The scripture readings for this Sunday will be Exodus 17:1-7, Ephesians 5:8-14, and John 4:5-42, and we will be singing the hymns Immortal Invisible God only Wise, In Christ alone my hope is Found, I have decided to follow Jesus, and Lift High the Cross!  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.

Chiang Mai Health Safety News

Ben Svasti, the honorary British Consul, has set up a Facebook page to relay useful information in English at the request of the Governor of Chiang Mai.  This can be found at Chiang Mai Health Safety News.  Please pay close attention to this useful source of information and share the link with friends.

Studies and Discussions for Lent 2020

This is now cancelled along with the Gymkhana Club weekly lunch.

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

From Father Iain, All Saints Chiang Mai

Keeping Safe and Clean!

Dear Friends,

Helga Spring will be preaching this Sunday and our Gospel reading is the story of the Woman at the Well.  Jesus promised to give her living water so that she will never thirst again.  At this time of worldwide health crisis, we can remember that Jesus is the one who gives us living water and the one who makes us spiritually clean.

At All Saints we have made a few changes to our worship to help combat the spread of Corona Virus: we will wai each other instead of shaking hands in the Peace, and no dipping is allowed in communion – those who don’t wish to drink from the chalice can just take the bread.  As far as we know, Covit-19 has not yet spread to Chiang Mai, and there is no reason to cease meeting together, but it pays to be wise in our actions.  To remind us of the need to wash our hands correctly and for at least 20 seconds, this video may educate and amuse!

Our scripture readings for this Sunday will be Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, and John 4:5-42, and we will be singing the hymns Let All the World in Every Corner Sing, Take My Life and Let it Be, Blessed Assurance, and I the Lord of Sea and Sky!  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.

Studies and Discussions for Lent 2020

This Thursday we will begin our discussions based on the last week of Jesus life before his Crucifixion.  We will begin by looking at Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem when the people hailed him as the King of the Jews.  The biblical accounts can be found in Matthew 21, Mark 11, Luke 19, and John 12.

Studies and Discussions for Lent 2020
Thursday 1 p.m. at the Gymkhana Club

March 12^th    Jesus the King
The Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
March 19^th    Jesus the Host
The Last Supper
March 26^th    Jesus the Accused
The Trials of Jesus
April 2^nd        Jesus the Condemned
The Crucifixion
April 9^th         Maundy Thursday
Foot Washing Ceremony

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

From Father Iain, All Saints Chiang Mai

Last Sunday at All Saints

Dear Friends,

We are now in the Season of Lent, and we began our new liturgy last Sunday.  The colour of Lent is Purple for that is the colour of penitence and repentance, but to me it seems for too bright, far too royal for that.

Perhaps it is a better focus if we remember that Jesus was dressed in purple on the night before his crucifixion and mocked as “King of the Jews!”  And yet, that is who he is – and more.  We can take the colour purple as a symbol of that journey to the cross, and of love poured out for us all!

Our scripture readings for this Sunday will be Genesis 12:1-4, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, and John 3:1-17, and we will be singing the hymns The God of Abraham Praise, God Whose Almighty Word, Here is Love, and All My Hope on God Is Founded!  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.

All means All!

Last week’s sermon, All means All, is now available here on YouTube!

Studies and Discussions for Lent 2020

This Thursday we will have our final discussion based on The Book of Forgiveness, focussing on the need to ask for forgiveness and forgive ourselves.  Then next week we will begin a new series of discussions as we lead up to Easter.

Studies and Discussions for Lent 2020
Thursday 1 p.m. at the Gymkhana Club

March 12^th    Jesus the King
The Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
March 19^th    Jesus the Host
The Last Supper
March 26^th    Jesus the Accused
The Trials of Jesus
April 2^nd        Jesus the Condemned
The Crucifixion
April 9^th         Maundy Thursday
Foot Washing Ceremony

All are welcome – I hope you can join us!

Tham Pratheep Church

In December we held our Festival of Christmas Carols at Tham Pratheep Church.  This Thursday, 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.

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