Monthly Archives: February 2024

From Father Iain, All Saints Chiang Mai

What do we need to do?

(My church email is not working!  Please use iainbaxter.mail@gmail.com to contact me!)

Dear Friends,

Spring is a time for spring cleaning – and in the northern hemisphere Spring is about to begin!  In this week’s Gospel reading we read of Jesus cleansing the Temple – a practical and metaphorical driving out of corruption!

What do we need to cleanse from our lives?  What thing really needs to go?  And what about our church, what needs overhauling in the way we worship or how we interact with one another? All these questions may be addressed this Sunday at All Saints! 

The readings this week will be Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, and John 2:13-22, and we will be singing the hymns Awake, My Soul, and with the Sun; Make Me a Channel of your Peace; Lord Jesus Christ; and Lift High the Cross!

Use this link to join on Zoom on Sunday
Meeting ID: 548 801 501

Last Week’s Service

Video of last week’s service is now available here!

Recording of Services



Each week we record the service so that we can make a video of the sermon available.  On special services we produce a video of the whole service.

It is quite understandable that, for various reasons, some people do not wish to be recorded or have their image shared on the church website, Facebook page, or weekly church email. If you are one of those people who prefer not to be recorded, please sit on the back row of the church or down the side behind the organ.  This will ensure you remain out of shot.  People sitting in these seats will also not be shown when they come up to the altar to receive communion.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

 Annah & Annesh’s Last Sunday

Last Sunday was Annah and Annesh’s last Sunday at All Saints before they move to Mongolia.  We had an opportunity to give them God’s blessing and say goodbye after church!


Chili Night continues next week!

Every Tuesday everyone in Chiang Mai is invited to Chili Night in the Vicarage. Chili con Carne, rice, chips, ice-cream, and drinks are provided.  Just come along! (But let Father Iain know in advance if you can!)   All are welcome.  Food is served at 6 p.m.


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 you,

Father Iain

From Father Iain, All Saints Chiang Mai

Slain Russian opposition leader, Alexei Navalny

(My church email is not working!  Please use iainbaxter.mail@gmail.com to contact me!)Dear Friends,

In last week’s sermon, “God’s Fasting”, I quoted from the Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.  At the time I didn’t know whether he was a man of faith or not, but I commended his courage in speaking out.  Since then I found the following quotation, which I think is worth reading:

If you want, I’ll talk to you about God and salvation. I’ll turn up the volume of heartbreak to the maximum, so to speak. The fact is that I am a Christian, which usually rather sets me up as an example for constant ridicule in the Anti-Corruption Foundation, because mostly our people are atheists, and I was once quite a militant atheist myself.

But now I am a believer, and that helps me a lot in my activities, because everything becomes much, much easier. I think about things less. There are fewer dilemmas in my life, because there is a book in which, in general, it is more or less clearly written what action to take in every situation. It’s not always easy to follow this book, of course, but I am actually trying. And so, as I said, it’s easier for me, probably, than for many others, to engage in politics…

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.” I’ve always thought that this particular commandment is more or less an instruction to activity. And so, while certainly not really enjoying the place where I am, I have no regrets about coming back, or about what I’m doing. It’s fine, because I did the right thing. On the contrary, I feel a real kind of satisfaction. Because at some difficult moment I did as required by the instructions, and did not betray the commandment. 

Alexei Navalny, 2021 

As Christians, we should be people who hunger and thirst for righteousness.  I pray that each one of us will have the courage to stand up and be counted when the time comes.

The readings this week will be Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, and Mark 8:31-38, and we will be singing the hymns The God of Abraham Praise; Men of Faith (Shout to the North); Be Still for the Presence of the Lord; and Onward, Christian People!

Use this link to join on Zoom on Sunday
Meeting ID: 548 801 501

Last Week’s Sermon

Video of last week’s sermon, “God’s Fasting”, is now available here!

Recording of Services



Each week we record the service so that we can make a video of the sermon available.  On special services we produce a video of the whole service.

It is quite understandable that, for various reasons, some people do not wish to be recorded or have their image shared on the church website, Facebook page, or weekly church email.

If you are one of those people who prefer not to be recorded, please sit on the back row of the church or down the side behind the organ.  This will ensure you remain out of shot.  People sitting in these seats will also not be shown when they come up to the altar to receive communion.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

 Annah & Annesh’s Last Sunday

This will be Annah and Annesh’s last Sunday at All Saints before they move to Mongolia.  We will have an opportunity to say goodbye after church this Sunday!  Please come!


Chili Night continues next week!

Every Tuesday everyone in Chiang Mai is invited to Chili Night in the Vicarage. Chili con Carne, rice, chips, ice-cream, and drinks are provided.  Just come along! (But let Father Iain know in advance if you can!)   All are welcome.  Food is served at 6 p.m.


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 you,

Father Iain

From Father Iain, All Saints Chiang Mai

(My church email is not working!  Please use iainbaxter.mail@gmail.com to contact me!)

Dear Friends,

The church year rushes around.  It doesn’t seem a moment since we celebrated Christmas and we are already in the Season of Lent! Let us try to find a time to pause in this holy month of reflection, and focus on our need for God and God’s love, and the needs of the world.

The readings this week will be Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, and Mark 1:9-15, and we will be singing the hymns When I Survey the Wondrous Cross; Forty Days and Forty Nights; For the Bread Which You Have Broken; and God is Love!

Use this link to join on Zoom on Sunday
Meeting ID: 548 801 501

Last Week’s Sermon

Video of last week’s sermon, “Transfiguring Joy”, is now available here!

Pancake Potluck –  Last Sunday

Our annual Pancake Potluck to mark the beginning of Lent was held last Sunday, 11th February! We’d forgotten to organise the pancakes – whoops!  But everyone rallied round, pancakes were made, and a wonderful meal was shared by all!

Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make this possible!
 

Ash Wednesday Service



We had over twenty people for our Ash Wednesday Service last night.  Lent has begun!




Annual General Meeting



All Saints will hold its AGM following the morning service this Sunday.

We will be incorporating the new All Saints Foundation into our Constitution and electing four Church Council members.  Shasta and Hannah are stepping down this time so we will elect two new people to fill their places.  
Thanks to Shasta and Hannah for all their hard work!

The Church Council consists of three clergy and four elected lay people.

The clergy are:

Father Iain Baxter
Pastor Mark Crawford
Father Peter Tarleton

The candidates for election are:

Sarah Sensamaust  (Current Council Chair)
Paddy Davis
Barbara Franklin (New)
Sandra Azzam (New)

We also have to vote to amend the All Saints Constitution due to the formation of the All Saints Foundation.  The full constitution and proposed amendments can be downloaded here.


Chili Night continues next week!

Every Tuesday everyone in Chiang Mai is invited to Chili Night in the Vicarage. Chili con Carne, rice, chips, ice-cream, and drinks are provided.  Just come along! (But let Father Iain know in advance if you can!)   All are welcome.  Food is served at 6 p.m.


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 you,

Father Iain

From Father Iain, All Saints Chiang Mai

(My church email is not working!  Please use iainbaxter.mail@gmail.com to contact me!)

A Potluck will follow the service this Sunday.

Ash Wednesday Service – Next Week!

Dear Friends,

Lent is almost upon us, we will celebrate “Pancake Sunday” this week, but on the Sunday before Lent the Gospel reading is always the story of Jesus’ transfiguration.  Before his all to human temptations and death on the cross are remembered, we remember Jesus shining with the glory of God!

What is the Transfiguration about?  It is the revelation of who Jesus really is – the Son of God!  And Moses and Elijah appear to testify about this on behalf of the Law and the Prophets. What about us?  How do we see Jesus?  And are we prepared to reveal who we really are too?  Do we even know who that is?

The readings this week will be 2 Kings 2:1-3, 9-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, and Mark 9:2-9, and we will be singing the hymns Praise to the Lord, the Almighty; Shine, Jesus, Shine; Transfiguration Hymn, and Christ be our Light!  Our choir will be singing Still.

Use this link to join on Zoom on Sunday
Meeting ID: 548 801 501

Last Week’s Sermon

Video of last week’s sermon, “A light to all the nations”, is now available here!

Pancake Potluck – Sunday 11th February

Our annual Pancake Potluck to mark the beginning of Lent will be held this Sunday, 11th February!

Please bring toppings to share and join us at the vicarage following the morning service.  Please ask if you need a lift.  All are very welcome!

The address is:

The Vicarage,
9/65 Ban Ing Doi,
Kan Klong Chonprathan Road, 
Tambon Chang Phueak, 
Chiang Mai

This is the link on Google Maps.


Ash Wednesday Service



This will be at 7 p.m. on Wednesday 14th February including the imposition of ashes.  Join us for this solemn service marking the beginning of Lent.  All Welcome!


Annual General Meeting



All Saints will hold its AGM on Sunday 18th February following the morning service.

We will be incorporating the new All Saints Foundation into our Constitution and electing four Church Council members.  Shasta and Hannah are stepping down this time so we will elect two new people to fill their places.  

Thanks to Shasta and Hannah for all their hard work!


Chili Night continues next week!

Every Tuesday everyone in Chiang Mai is invited to Chili Night in the Vicarage. Chili con Carne, rice, chips, ice-cream, and drinks are provided.  Just come along! (But let Father Iain know in advance if you can!)   All are welcome.  Food is served at 6 p.m.


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 you,

Father Iain

From Father Iain, All Saints Chiang Mai

Celebrating Jesus the Light of the World!

(My church email is not working!  Please use iainbaxter.mail@gmail.com to contact me!)

Dear Friends,
This Sunday we will celebrate the Feast of Candlemas, remembering Jesus’ Presentation in the Temple when he was proclaimed as “A light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”

May the light of Jesus guide us in 2024 as we navigate what can at times be a dark world!  Let us also rejoice in the good times of light and joy such as last week’s wedding of Kaew and Peter.  We have much to be thankful for!  May God be our light!

The readings for this Sunday will be from Malachi 3:1-5, Hebrews 2:14-18, and Luke 2:22-40, and we will be singing the hymns Alleluia, Sing to Jesus; Christ is the World’s Light; Give me Jesus; and Christ, Be Our Light!

Use this link to join on Zoom on Sunday
Meeting ID: 548 801 501

Kaew and Peter’s Wedding

Last Saturday we celebrated the marriage of Kaew and Peter at All Saints.  Eighty people gathered in the church at 11 a.m. for the joyful ceremony, and this was followed by the reception in the vicarage garden.

Video of the service can be seen here!

Ring-bearer and Flower Girls Arrive


Here comes the Bride!


The Lord’s My Shepherd


Amazing Grace


Gloves Off!


With this ring…


Husband and Wife!


Just Married!


In the Vicarage Garden


The First Dance


Parents of the Bride and Groom


Friends of the Bride


Maejo Students


Thai Buffet


Girls from the Youth Charity Foundation


Lunch Together


All Saints People!

British Embassy Town Hall Meeting

Ben Svasti, the Honorary British Consul, has asked me to pass on the news that the British Embassy will be holding a Town Hall for British nationals tomorrow, Friday February 2nd at 1:30 pm at the CM Gymkhana Club.

Registration in advance is required to get a ticket here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/town-hall-meeting-for-british-nationals-living-in-chiang-mai-tickets-805994660727

Pancake Potluck – Sunday 11th February

Our annual Pancake Potluck to mark the beginning of Lent will be held on Sunday 11th February!

Please bring toppings to share and join us at the vicarage following the morning service.  Please ask if you need a lift.  All are very welcome!

The address is:

The Vicarage,
9/65 Ban Ing Doi,
Kan Klong Chonprathan Road, 
Tambon Chang Phueak, 
Chiang Mai

This is the link on Google Maps.


Ash Wednesday Service



This will be at 7 p.m. on Wednesday 14th February including the imposition of ashes.  Join us for this solemn service marking the beginning of Lent.  All Welcome!



All Saints will hold its AGM on Sunday 18th February following the morning service.

We will be incorporating the new All Saints Foundation into our Constitution and electing four Church Council members.  Shasta and Hannah are stepping down this time so we need two new people to fill their places.  See me or any Council member if you are interested in serving!

Thanks to Shasta and Hannah for all their hard work!


Chili Night continues next week!

Every Tuesday everyone in Chiang Mai is invited to Chili Night in the Vicarage. Chili con Carne, rice, chips, ice-cream, and drinks are provided.  Just come along! (But let Father Iain know in advance if you can!)   All are welcome.  Food is served at 6 p.m.


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 you,

Father Iain