From Father Iain, All Saints Chiang Mai
Easter Celebration!
Dear Friends,
In some ways, I just celebrated my best Easter ever! It was full of the joy of the resurrection and the promise of new life, in the forgiveness and love we have in Jesus. I was so blessed by the support, love, and encouragement offered by the wonderful people of All Saints.
Good Friday Sermon
It was the best Easter because it was the hardest Good Friday. As you know, I was to be ordained to the episcopate on Saturday, and Mark was to be ordained to the priesthood. Both of us, for similar reasons, felt it was not the right time, and on Thursday morning decided our ordinations would not go ahead as planned.
I had not really been aware of the level of unhappiness and misunderstanding of my plan to be ordained as a bishop for All Saints. On the Wednesday of Holy Week this became more apparent, and for the good of the congregation I felt I had to withdraw my plan at this time. Whether it will re-emerge in the future is in the hands of God’s people here at All Saints.
My chief concern was not the fact that I was not to be ordained, but the damage that might have been done to the church. Related matters, rather than the ordination itself, had caused great upset to some people in the congregation, and I was aware of several people who, in different ways, felt deeply wounded.
But through the grace of God, I believe events surrounding our Good Friday service were a source of healing and reconciliation. I preached from the heart and God was working!
My Good Friday sermon can be seen here!
He is Risen!
By Easter Sunday it was clear that healing had been given, we were together as God’s people. Where mistakes had been made, or misunderstandings arisen, God’s love and forgiveness had brought healing! He is risen and our Christian hope is not in vain!
I believe we have been mightily blessed by our mighty God. Spiritual attack is a real thing, and we have been subject to attack, but Christ has won the victory! We are together as God’s people.
Our wonderful Easter Sunday Service can be seen here!
He is Risen!
Our Congregational Pastor, Rev. Mark Crawford, will be preaching and leading our worship this Sunday! Our scripture readings for the Second Sunday of Easter will be Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1-2:2, and John 20:19-31, and we will be singing the hymns Alleluia! Sing to Jesus, The Day of Resurrection, Hail the Day, and All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name!
Easter Events
On Easter Sunday, Archbishop Ronald Langham preached, and our singing was led by Team Two of the All Saints Choristers. It was a wonderful time of celebration with thirty-nine people present altogether.
Our Wonderful Choir
Bryon giving the First Reading
The gathered clergy
Hannah (and Jack) give the Second Reading
Bishop Ron reads the Gospel
Helga leads our Prayers of Intercession
Consuming the Elements
This was followed by a potluck at the MCC Office compound. Thanks to Rebecca, Blaine, Arthur, and Phyllis, for organising all this!
Kids at the Potluck
Enjoying the Food!
YCF Vacation – Still time to give!
Each year the Youth Charity Foundation takes most of the children away on vacation. This year they will be going to the Cha’Am Christian Mission Home. It will be a great break for them by the sea.
Each child needs about THB 5,000 to cover the cost of the trip. They will be away for eight nights.
Budget for one person
1. Food 80 baht x 27 meals = 2160 baht
2. Accommodation 130 baht x 8 nights = 1040 baht
3. Travel = 500 baht
4. Health insurance = 500 baht
5. Snack and pocket money = 300 baht
6. Other = 500 baht.
Total = 5000 baht.
Some have already given, but if you could sponsor a child, please contact me or our new treasurer, Arthur Mann.
The trip will be from 1st – 8th May.
Wednesday Lunch
No lunch until further notice – everyone is away! We will probably recommence in May!
Weekly Offering to All Saints
You can still donate online, or place your money in the basket during the service.
Thank you for your support and love for All Saints and all we are trying to do together. God has shown that he is mighty and we are in his hands!
He is Risen! Hallelujah!
God bless,
Father Iain
All Saints' Chiang Mai 