From Father Iain, All Saints Chiang Mai
Emperor Penguins near the South Pole
Dear Friends,
Exciting things may be about to happen at All Saints!
We have seen strong growth in attendance this summer and have three active priests and two deacons! Both Mark and Peter would like to do more, but one weekly service does not provide the opportunity. We also have a large number of contacts in the Hang Dong area who might attend more frequently if there was a closer congregation.
I have therefore suggested the possibility of establishing a new congregation, which Mark would lead, in the Hang Dong area. I have discussed this with Mark, Peter, Gene, and Christa, along with the Church Council, and they are all enthusiastic about the idea.
My initial thought is that All Saints Central would move its service time to 11 a.m. and All Saints South would meet at 9:30 a.m. This would enable one person to lead both services if other leaders were away, and would mean that I could preach and preside at least once a month at All Saints South, and Mark could preach and preside at least once a month at All Saints Central. Peter is also very happy to work with both congregations as needed.
All Saints Central?
Initially we would use the same bulletin, website, emails, etc, and we would hold potlucks and other events together including our Festival of Carols, Harvest Festival, etc. Many details need to be fleshed out before we can proceed – not least a venue and budget – but discussions can begin. It is important to emphasise that we are not proposing to “divide” or “split” but that we are planning to “multiply”.
This Sunday’s Gospel reading is about following Jesus! This is the exciting adventure we are on at All Saints!
You can watch the announcement from last Sunday here!
The readings for this Sunday will be from Jeremiah 15:19-21, Romans 12:9-21, and Matthew 16:21-28, and we will be singing the hymns Lift High the Cross; I have decided to follow Jesus; Seek Ye First; and Go forth and tell!
Use this link to join on Zoom this Sunday at 10:30 am
Meeting ID: 548 801 501
Last Week’s Sermon
Last week’s sermon, “Signs of Life”, can be seen here!
Harvest Festival – 24th September
We will again be holding out Harvest Festival at the Youth Charity Foundation’s House of Hope!
The service will begin at 11 am, so we will meet at 10am at All Saints for those who can give or need a lift out to YCF. This will also be a change to formally present YCF with the new piano we have bought them.
Please bring food to share along with the food that YCF will also provide!
October Church Retreat
Our next church retreat will be from Friday 13th to Sunday 15th October. It will again be held at the RungNara Pool Villa Resort in Maejo. There are a limited number or rooms available, so please sign up on Sunday if you are planning to come.
Visit to Saint Vladimir’s Orthodox Church
Last Saturday Deacon Nat and I, along with a group of students from Maejo University, met with Father Paul Grit Srisumoro, Rector of St Vladimir’s Orthodox Church. It was a great joy to worship together in the orthodox rite. Father Paul and his wife sang the sacred liturgy in English and Thai.
Events for your Diary
September 24th (Change of Date!)
Harvest Festival at the Youth Charity Foundation
October 13th-15th
Church Retreat
October 29th
All Saints Day Celebration and Potluck
November 12th
Remembrance Sunday
November 18th
Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil
November 19th
Transgender Day of Remembrance Service
December 3rd
Advent Sunday
December 9th
Festival of Christmas Carols
Chili Night continues!
Some of the group!
Chili Night continues at the usual time of 6 p.m. Last week we had another good attendance. Come and join us at the vicarage as we share chili followed by ice cream!
Campervan News!
Thanks to everyone who has been asking! My campervan is finally fixed – we hope! Paddy and I will fly down next week to drive The Elephant back to Chiang Mai.
Please pray that we have a safe and uneventful journey!
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