Blessed!

From Father Iain, All Saints Chiang Mai

Money, Money. Money!

Dear Friends,

In this week’s Gospel reading from Luke, Jesus talks of blessings.  But is money a blessing?  Certainly it is – we need money to live and take care of those we love!  But is lots of money a sign of blessing, a sign of God’s favour?  Mark addressed this is his sermon last week. 

Most of us reject the “prosperity gospel” – the idea that if we are good Christians we should have health, wealth, and the good life. On the other hand, few of us have taken a vow  of poverty either – we don’t believe that all Christians should give everything to the poor. It is a dichotomy – how much is enough and how much is too much?  How do we witness to God’s love with our use of material things? 

Blessed are you who are poor,
   for yours is the kingdom of God.

When I began All Saints I was a student living on my savings.  By the end of the first year I was ready to move into the church office as I had no money for rent or anything else.  God then provided me with a job, and now I have a big house and a car.  Is that wrong?

I think the secret is that we have to hold on to things lightly.  We must remember that all blessing is from God and we need to be ready to share and, indeed, give everything away again, if God calls on us to do so. And meanwhile, we need to be thankful people, giving thanks to God for all God has provided, for it is from God – and not because of our own cleverness or righteousness – but because of God’s love for all!

The bible readings for this Sunday will be Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, and Luke 6:17-26, and we will be singing the hymns When Morning Gilds the Skies, The Lord’s My Shepherd, Be Still for the Presence of the Lord, and Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing!

Use this link to join this Sunday on Zoom at 10:30 a.m.
Meeting ID: 548 801 501

Covid at the Youth Charity Foundation

The good news is that there has still been only one positive case at YCF and so God willing the children should be able to come out of self-isolation tomorrow. Please continue to hold them all in your prayers.

Videos of Sermons and Services

We are currently livestreaming all our services on Zoom as well as recording them on video for later editing and uploading.  This takes four to five hours each week, and due to other activities over the Advent and Christmas period I have not been able to keep up with all the services and sermons that need editing.We are planning to buy some equipment to greatly improve our livestreaming and so we can upload the service immediately.

Let me have your feedback!  Do you watch the sermons/services if you have missed them?  Let me know.  We want to know that this would be of value to people!

Next Potluck – 20th February!

This will be our annual pancake potluck as we anticipate the beginning of Lent.  Hopefully, some of the YCF children will be able to join us.

Watch this space for more details!

New Home Groups – Starting Soon!

All Saints Chiang Mai will soon be starting Home Groups based on the teachings, videos, and book by Brene Brown on vulnerability. 

Vulnerability has been proven to improve creativity and enjoyment of life.  We will be embarking on an adventure together!  These groups will be open to whoever wants to learn more about vulnerability in a safe and supportive community.  An opportunity to invite friends who do not attend All Saints and even those who never imagine themselves setting foot in a church.  

Our time together will include a meal, video or other learning activity, and time for discussion.  The groups will meet for approximately 1 ½ hours per week.  

Please click on the survey below so we can find the best days and time to launch these new Home Groups.  Thank you!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9N3SG36

Annual General Meeting 2022 – 27th February

Our AGM will be held on Sunday 27th February following the morning service, in accordance with the provisions of our 2021 Constitution. 

Nominations are now closed and four people have been nominated for the four elected positions on the Church Council.  They are:

Chris Tananone
Hannah Alexander-Herrick
Katie Wierenga
Sarah Sensamaust

The AGM will not last very long.  There will be a Vicar’s Report, and a Financial Report from Arthur Mann, our Treasurer.  The congregation will then be asked to approve the budget for 2020 and elect the new Church Council. Please be there and be involved if you can – it is your church!


Chili Night 

A few of the group!

Chili Night at the vicarage continues on Tuesdays at 6 p.m.

Every week, mum and I are hosting this open-house, offering chili con carne and rice followed by ice cream.  Anyone can come  – you don’t have to let us know, just turn up.  (Although advanced notice is useful so we can prepare enough chili!) All are welcome – not just All Saints people.  Tell your friends, spread the word!

Prayer Meeting

We have a weekly online prayer meeting.  Join us at 9 a.m. on Zoom every Tuesday.  

Use this link to join the prayer!

Weekly Offering to All Saints
You can still donate in person or online.  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!

God bless,

Father Iain