Monthly Archives: May 2024

From Father Iain, All Saints Chiang Mai

Jesus heals a withered hand

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

Dear Friends,

This week’s Gospel reading includes the story of Jesus healing a man’s withered hand, but why is it there?  Surprisingly, it’s not primarily there to tell us of God’s compassion, or Jesus’ power to heal, it’s there to tell us that Jesus is above the law!!!

How do we know this?  The clue is in the context, as it follows on immediately from the Pharisees criticizing Jesus’ disciples for plucking some corn on the sabbath, and the passage concludes with the Pharisees looking for a way to destroy him because he healed on the sabbath.

From time to time, headlines in right-wing newspapers will proclaim their outrage that Muslims think God’s law is more important than the law of the land.  A recent example occurred in Germany where the Global Village Space sported the headline “Most Muslim schoolchildren in German state place Islam above the law”.  The article begins: “The majority of Muslim schoolchildren in the German state of Lower Saxony view religious rules as more important than the law, a new study has found.”  But isn’t this what we Christians believe?  That God’s law is more important than the law of any country?

Of course, primarily we see God’s law as the law of love, guided by the principle of doing unto others as we would have them do unto us, but sometimes conflict with the law of the land may lead us to some specific action like conscientious objection of civil disobedience.  

How do we obey God and live in this world?  Find out more this Sunday!

The readings for this Sunday will be from 1 Samuel 3.1-10, 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, and Mark 2:23-3:6, and we will be singing the hymns All People that on Earth do Dwell; Amazing Grace; Break Thou the Bread of Life; and Great is Thy Faithfulness!

Use this link to join on Zoom on Sunday at 10:30 a.m.

Meeting ID: 548 801 501

Video of Last Week’s Trinity Sunday Service!

Video of Last Sunday’s Service, including Danni’s Confirmation, is now available here!

Chiang Mai Pride 2024

Thirteen of us marched in the parade while others staffed the campervan stand at Thapae Gate.  It was hard work, but a wonderful day and great witness to the world of God’s love for all! 

All Ready for Pride to begin


Ready to Start


Marching Together


Happy Faces!












Two hours later – nearly at the end!


At the end at Thapae Gate


All the Crowd


And our spot!

Thursday Night at Duke’s

You are invited to join us at Duke’s Ruamchok this Thursday at 6 p.m.  This weekly gathering will move to Tuesday night next week instead of Chili Night.

Chili Night – No Chili Night until 16th July

This Tuesday was the last Chili Night for a while.  It will return on Tuesday 16th July!  Why now join us at Duke’s Ruamchok in the meantime?


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

Our Easter Confirmations

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

Dear Friends,

We have a busy and exciting Sunday ahead!  Firstly we will see Danni confirmed in our Trinity Sunday service, then we’ll say farewell to Father Peter over coffee and cake, then we’ll be marching in the Chiang Mai Pride Parade!  This is what it means to be a living church: worship, and witness and service to the world!

It will be wonderful to see yet another confirmation at All Saints, but sad to say goodbye to Father Peter.

Clergy and Acolytes on Easter Sunday

As well as marching in the Chiang Mai Pride Parade, All Saints will also have a booth at the Thapae Gate.  We will probably be the only church there, the only one not afraid to say “God loves you – just as you are!”  We are not the only Christians who believe this in the city, but many are afraid to speak publicly for fear of offending more conservative brothers and sisters, and so fail to reach out to other of God’s children!

Join us if you can this Sunday as we march to proclaim God’s love for all!

The readings for this Trinity Sunday will be from Isaiah 6:1-8, Romans 8:12-17, and John 3:1-17, and we will be singing the hymns Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty; Make Me a Channel of your Peace; Mothering God; and Tell Out My Soul!

Use this link to join on Zoom on Sunday at 10:30 a.m.

Meeting ID: 548 801 501

Video of Last Sunday’s Pentecost Service!

Video of Last Sunday’s Service is now available here

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Chiang Mai Pride 2024 – This Sunday, 26th May

Some of our younger marchers

All Saints will again be taking part in the Chiang Mai Pride event.  We will be marching behind our banner and again having a booth at Thapae Gate.  If you are free around 1 p.m., come to help set up the booth.  Then join All Saints at the Parade at 5:30 p.m.   The Pride schedule is below.

Mark on the main stage last year!

Chiang Mai Pride 2024 Schedule

16:00 – Assembly at Chiang Mai Religion Practice Center the opposite side of the Governor’s residence
17.30 – Parade starts from Night Bazaar Road to Tha Phae Gate.

19:00 – 24:00 -Open ceremony and Various activities will begin, such as cabaret shows, , wedding ceremonies, historical exhibitions, sex worker activities, temple events (Pa Pao, Yoong Huang, and Railway), along with movie screenings throughout the night, and many other entertainment activities.

Danni’s Confirmation

This Sunday is Trinity Sunday.  Danni was away when the other four candidates were confirmed on Easter Sunday so please join us on the 26th for Danni’s confirmation.  (This will also be Father Peter’s last Sunday with us!)

Chili Night – Continues!

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 me 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

The Day of Pentecost

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

POTLUCK THIS SUNDAY

Dear Friends,

This Sunday we will celebrate the Feast of Pentecost – often called the birthday of the church.  It is the day when the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the disciples giving them courage to go out into all the world and preach the gospel of God’s love!

We too need the boldness of the Holy Spirit to speak out when we are afraid and feel we must remain silent.  We must speak the truth tempered in love, but we must speak-out, non the less.

Next week, All Saints will have a booth and march in the Chiang Mai Pride Parade.  We will probably be the only church there, the only one not afraid to say “God loves you – just as you are!”  We are not the only Christians who believe this in the city, but many are afraid to speak publicly for fear of offending more conservative brothers and sisters, and so fail to reach out to other of God’s children!

Join us if you can next Sunday as we march to proclaim God’s love for all!

The readings for this Pentecost Sunday will be from Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:22-27, and John 15:26-27, and we will be singing the hymns Come Down, O Love Divine; Spirit of God, unseen as the wind; Colours of Day (Light Up the Fire); and O God of Burning, Cleansing Flame!

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

Video of Last Sunday’s Service!

Video of Last Sunday’s Service is now available here!

Pentecost Lunch – This Sunday!

This Sunday, 19th May, is Pentecost Sunday.  We will be joined by the children from the Youth Charity Foundation and the service will be followed by lunch!

Please join us for out potluck lunch at the vicarage.  Everyone is welcome!

Chiang Mai Pride 2024 – Sunday 26th May

Some of our younger marchers

All Saints will again be taking part in the Chiang Mai Pride event.  We will be marching behind our banner and again having a booth at Thapae Gate.  If you are free around 1 p.m., come to help set up the booth.  Then join All Saints at the Parade at 5:30 p.m.    There will be a sign-up sheet this Sunday!  The Pride schedule is below.

Mark on the main stage last year!

Chiang Mai Pride 2024 Schedule

16:00 – Assembly at Chiang Mai Religion Practice Center the opposite side of the Governor’s residence
17.30 – Parade starts from Night Bazaar Road to Tha Phae Gate.

19:00 – 24:00 -Open ceremony and Various activities will begin, such as cabaret shows, , wedding ceremonies, historical exhibitions, sex worker activities, temple events (Pa Pao, Yoong Huang, and Railway), along with movie screenings throughout the night, and many other entertainment activities.

Danni’s Confirmation

Sunday 26th May is Trinity Sunday.  Danni was away when the other four candidates were confirmed on Easter Sunday so please join us on the 26th for Danni’s confirmation.  (This will also be Father Peter’s last Sunday with us!)

Chili Night – Continues!

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 me 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

All Saints People in 2023

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

We have a busy three weeks coming up at All Saints.  Firstly, today is Ascension Day, and on Sunday we will celebrate “Ascension Sunday”.  Then the following week is the Feast of Pentecost and our service will be followed by our own potluck feast at the vicarage.  Then finally, on Sunday 26th May, we will celebrate Trinity Sunday with Danni’s confirmation, followed by taking part in the 2024 Chiang Mai Parade March.

Marching in Pride says who we are – not that we are gay, lesbian, or trans, for most of us are not – it says that we at All Saints are a people who welcome all, that we are Christians who welcome all without discrimination.  Our pride is in the wide and welcoming love of God!

The readings for this Ascension Sunday will be from Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, and Luke 24:44-53, and we will be singing the hymns Hail the Day that Sees Him Rise; All Heaven Declares; Lord, I lift your name on high; and Low in the Grave!

Use this link to join on Zoom on Sunday at 10:30 a.m.

Meeting ID: 548 801 501

Video of Last Sunday’s Service!

Video of Last Sunday’s Service is now available here!

Chiang Mai Pride 2024 – Sunday 26th May

Some of our younger marchers

All Saints will again be taking part in the Chiang Mai Pride event.  We will be marching behind our banner and hopefully again having a booth at Thapae Gate.  More details to follow.  The Pride schedule is below.

Mark on the main stage last year!

Chiang Mai Pride 2024 Schedule

17:00 – Assembly at Chiang Mai Religion Practice Center the opposite side of the Governor’s residence
18:00 – Parade starts from Night Bazaar Road to Tha Phae Gate.
19:00 – 24:00 – Various activities will begin, such as cabaret shows, , wedding ceremonies, historical exhibitions, sex worker activities, temple events (Pa Pao, Yoong Huang, and Railway), along with movie screenings throughout the night, and many other entertainment activities.

This year, Chiang Mai is making history as the first city in Thailand to host the “Province Season Opening, Pride Month Celebration 2024 of Thailand”

Pentecost Lunch – 19th May

Sunday 19th May is Pentecost Sunday.  We will be joined by the children from the Youth Charity Foundation and the service will be followed by lunch!

Please join us for out potluck lunch at the vicarage.  Everyone is welcome!

Danni’s Confirmation

Sunday 26th May is Trinity Sunday.  Danni was away when the other four candidates were confirmed on Easter Sunday so please join us on the 26th for Danni’s confirmation.  (This will also be Father Peter’s last Sunday with us!)

Chili Night – Continues!

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 me 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,

In 1967, the year after I was born, The Beatles released the song All You Need is Love!  (Perhaps Father Peter will sing it for us on Sunday!)

The 1960s were the “decade of love” when free love was all the rage – at least in the swinging parts of London!  But there is really no such thing as free love, for real love is always costly – Jesus said “Greater love has no one than this, that they lay down their life for their friends!”  Losing a loved one is one of the hardest things any of us has to bear, and watching a loved one suffer is to suffer oneself.

All you need is love is not quite true, we need food and warmth, practical things, too, and wrongly directed love can be suffocating and dangerous, but love is at the heart of the Gospel.

Find out more – and come feel the love – this Sunday at All Saints!

The readings for this Sunday will be from Acts 10:44-48, 1 John 5:1-6, and John 15:9-17, and we will be singing the hymns When Morning Gilds the Skies; We are One in the Spirit; Brother, Sister, Let me Serve You; and Love Divine, all Loves Excelling!

Use this link to join on Zoom on Sunday at 10:30 a.m.

Meeting ID: 548 801 501

Video of Last Sunday’s Service!

Video of Last Sunday’s Service is now available here!

Pentecost Lunch – Sunday 19th May

Sunday 19th May is Pentecost Sunday.  We will be joined by the children from the Youth Charity Foundation and the service will be followed by lunch!

Please join us for out potluck lunch at the vicarage.  Everyone is welcome!

Danni’s Confirmation

Sunday 26th May is Trinity Sunday.  Danni was away when the other four candidates were confirmed on Easter Sunday so please join us on the 26th for Danni’s confirmation.  (This will also be Father Peter’s last Sunday with us!)

All Saints Chiang Mai Mission – Thank you!

The trustees and I, at a recent online meeting

Thanks to the three people who have already come forward – but there’s still time to respond!

All Saints Chiang Mai Mission is a UK charity that supports the work of All Saints, Chiang Mai, and enables fund-raising and donations in the UK.  It is governed by five trustees and they generally meet via zoom three or four times a year.

Currently, we have three trustees who are resident in the UK, one who lives in Hungary, and one who lives in Thailand; four are UK citizens and one is American.

There will soon be a trustee vacancy and this may be where you can help!  It is not an onerous task and involves the attendance at a virtual meeting of around one and a half hours every few months.  You do not have to be UK resident although this would be useful.

If you love and support the work of All Saints, then this may be the way you can help from wherever you are in the world!  Please let me know if you might be interested or would like to suggest someone else who might be interested.


Chili Night – Continues!

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 me 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