Live by the Sword?

From Father Iain, All Saints Chiang Mai

Jesus Takes Up The Sword, by André Trocmé

Click here to join the Service this Sunday!

Dear Friends,

We are very familiar with the saying “gentle Jesus, meek and mild”, but is that what Jesus was really like?  In this week’s gospel reading from Matthew chapter ten, Jesus declares:

Do not think that I have come
to bring peace to the earth;
I have not come to bring peace,
but a sword.

Strange words for the Prince of Peace.  But perhaps realistic words.

Over the last few months the world had been largely united in the fight against Covid-19, but over the last couple of weeks, the cracks have begun to show.  This is perhaps to be expected, as after weeks of tension and lockdown people’s patience is tried, and people’s fuses are short.

But back to Jesus, he knew that his words would cause division he knew that he would “set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”   In Romans 12, Paul writes “If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”  And this is what we are called to do.  But we are also called to be passionate for Christ, and if we try to follow in his footsteps, division will sometimes arise!

We must ask God to give us the passion of Christ, and the unity of the Spirit.

We will virtually meet again this Sunday at 6 p.m. in Thailand, to worship together.  (7 a.m. in New York, midday in the U.K., and 1 p.m. in Europe and Egypt!)

Click here to join the Service this Sunday!

Worshipping Together!

Last week’s service can be viewed here!

Our scripture readings for this Sunday will be Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1-11, and Matthew 10:24-39, and we will be singing the hymns O Worship the King, O Lord The clouds are Gathering, Called as partners in Christ’s service, and Let Us Build a House!

Our service will consist of our usual Eucharistic worship!  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.

The words of this Sunday’s bulletin is pasted below at the end of this email, or you can download it as a pdf to view or print from this link.  You can then read and join in the liturgy if you wish.

Thursday Discussion Group –
Earlier time of 7 p.m.

This week we will be discussing Richard Rohr’s blog post for 14th June on the theme of “Inner and Outer Freedom”.  The post can be read here.  The link to the Zoom meeting is here!  Please join us at the earlier time of 7 p.m. Thai time.

All Saints’ Wednesday Lunch

Five people gathered at the Gymkhana Club on Wednesday, and shared lunch at two tables under the giant raintree.  Why not join them at the Gymkhana Club next Wednesday at midday?

Singing Together
Stand Up, Stand Up, for Jesus!

It is great to sing together, and over the last two months we have been singing to pre-recorded backing tracks.

I would like to use my version of “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus”, but we don’t have a recording of this.  So… I want us to try forming a virtual choir!  You will need to download the sheet music or words, and the backing track, and then record yourself singing along.

To make this work, you will need to play the backing track though headphones (perhaps on your computer) and then record yourself singing on some other device (perhaps on your phone.)  This is to stop the sound of the backing track being heard on your recording.  Don’t worry if you don’t think you sound very good – it will be OK once all the voices are added together.  Once you are happy with your recording, email it to me at iain@AllSaintsChiangMai.com.

I know not everyone will be able to manage the technical side, but lets have a go!  Here are the files to download, you will need to use one audio file, and one words file.  You can choose which you prefer:

Audio

Stand up, Stand up for Jesus (with voices)
Stand up, Stand up, for Jesus (organ only)

Words

Stand up, Stand up for Jesus sheet music
Stand up, Stand up for Jesus words only
Stand up, Stand up for Jesus Powerpoint

Let’s give it ago and make a joyful noise to the Lord!

Weekly Offering to All Saints

Although we are not meeting together face-to-face, the expenses of All Saints remain – indeed, they may increase as we seek to support those in need!

Although there is no basket being passed around in our service, you can still give your offering.  People in Thailand can transfer directly to the church bank account.  (Which is in my name, but managed by our treasurer, Don Williams.)  Thanks to all those who have already given – we are receiving approximately our normal monthly offering!

The details are:

Account Name: Iain Girvin Baxter
Bank: Krungsri Bank
Account Number: 7181-05586-5
SWIFT Code: AYUDTHBK

Those in the UK, or with UK banking, can donate via All Saints Chiang Mai Mission.  Their account details are:

Bank: Coop Bank
Account Name:  All Saints Chiang Mai Mission
Account Number: 65877142
Sort Code:  08-92-99

Alternatively, you can donate with PayPal or with any debit or credit card via the All Saints Website on the Donate Page.

Please email me if you would like a receipt.

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,

Father Iain

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

Hymn:   
O Worship the King!

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
….

Most merciful God,
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
we confess that we have sinned
in thought, word and deed.
We have not loved you with our whole heart.
We have not loved our neighbours as ourselves.
In your mercy forgive what we have been,
help us to amend what we are,
and direct what we shall be;
that we may do justly, love mercy,
and walk humbly with you, our God.
Amen.

Gloria:             Glory to God

The Collect

Old Testament Reading:
Genesis 21:8-21

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

Psalm 69

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 6:1-11

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

Gospel Reading

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

The Gospel Reading:
Matthew 10:24-39

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

Sermon

The Creed
(From the New Zealand
Anglican Prayer Book)

You, O God,
are supreme and holy.
You create our world
and give us life.
Your purpose over-arches
everything we do.
You have always been with us.
You are God.

You, O God,
are infinitely generous,
good beyond all measure.
You came to us
before we came to you.
You have revealed and proved
Your love for us
in Jesus Christ,
Who lived and died and rose again.
You are God.
Amen.

Hymn:
O Lord, The clouds are Gathering

Prayers of Intercession

Response:     
Lord, look with compassion
on your faithful people
in all their frailty:
In your mercy, hear our prayer.

Let our prayers and praises
ill your temple, O Father,
as you send forth your Spirit
into the world
to empower your children
to do the deeds of your Son
and to be signs of your divine presence;
We pray in the name of
our Saviour Jesus Christ
who lives and reigns with you,
O Father,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
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.

Offering and Preparation of the Table

Hymn:
Called as partners in Christ’s service

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
to the Lord our God.
It is right to give
thanks and praise.
…. 

Therefore with angels and archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we proclaim your great and glorious name, for ever praising you and singing:

Holy, holy, holy Lord
God of power and might,
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.
….

Great is the mystery of faith:

Christ has died:
Christ is risen:
Christ will come again.
….

The Lord’s Prayer

Being made one by the power of the Spirit,
as our Saviour taught us, so we pray:
Our Father in heaven…

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

Loving Father,
we thank you for feeding us
at the supper of your Son:
sustain us with your Spirit,
that we may serve you here on earth
until our joy is complete in heaven,
and we share in the eternal banquet
with Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Hymn:
Let Us Build a House       

Blessing and Dismissal

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