From Father Iain, All Saints Chiang Mai
Lifting high the Cross at Candlemas
(My church email is not working! Please use iainbaxter.mail@gmail.com to contact me!)Dear Friends,
This week, our Old Testament Reading from the Book of Numbers tells the strange story of the Bronze Serpent.
The Israelites were again complaining about the food as they wandered in the desert. The text says “Then the Lord sent poisonous serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many Israelites died.” Once the people asked for forgiveness God gave the antidote: “And the Lord said to Moses, ‘Make a poisonous serpent, and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten shall look at it and live.” This is not the current recommendation for the treatment of a snake bite!!!
How do we understand this passage? Does it teach us anything about what God is really like? Well, Jesus interpreted the events allegorically saying “just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.” Does this help, or does it muddy the waters even further?
I will try to answer these questions, and maybe ask a few more, at All Saints this Sunday!
The readings this week will be Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, and John 3:14-21, and we will be singing the hymns When Morning Gilds the Skies; When I Survey the Wondrous Cross; O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go; and Oh for a thousand Tongues to Sing!
Use this link to join on Zoom on Sunday
Meeting ID: 548 801 501
Last Week’s Service
Video highlights of last week’s service are now available here!
Easter Services
Palm Sunday Service – 10:30 am Sunday 24th March
Good Friday Service – 7:00 p.m. Friday 29th March
Easter Sunday Service – 10:30 a.m. Sunday 31st March
Easter Confirmations
Following our baptisms last Easter and All Saints Day, some of those baptised then, along with other members of All Saints, will be confirmed this Easter Sunday.
This joyous occasion will be followed by our Easter Potluck at the Vicarage!
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.
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
All Saints' Chiang Mai 