From Father Iain, All Saints Chiang Mai
Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death…
Dear Friends,
Our Gospel reading this week reminds us that Jesus is the Good Shepherd and that we are safe in his arms- even if we’re going through tough times! This message of love is the heart of the gospel and we have good news to share!
Our scripture readings for this Sunday will be Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, and John 10:22-30, and we will be singing the hymns Jesus Christ is Risen Today; The Lord’s my shepherd (And I will trust in You alone), The Lord’s my shepherd, and The King of love my Shepherd is!
Use this link to join on Zoom on Sunday at 10:30 a.m.
Meeting ID: 548 801 501
Last Week’s Service!
Video of last Sunday’s service is available on the All Saints YouTube channel!
Pride in Chiang Mai
This year Chiang Mai Pride takes place on Sunday 25th May. All Saints will have a special service at 10:30 a.m. that morning and then will take part in the parade, which begins at 4 p.m., marching behind our “Christians at Pride” banner. We will also have our campervan-booth at the Thapae Gate where the march will end.
Maejo Pride is on 29th June and All Saints will be involved there too!
Inclusive Church Conference
At the end of May, Christa and I will be attending this first international event gathering community leaders and allies in East and Southeast Asia. It will focus on building an ongoing support network for communities, exploring opportunities to facilitate resources sharing, learning from stories and ministry experiences, and witnessing God’s love and unity in Christ. This will give us the opportunity to reach out to other inclusive Christians and churches in Asia, and perhaps help to raise support for some of All Saint’s work in Chiang Mai
We have obtained the Thai resident discount so it is costing THB 2,000 each rather than $150, and we are also sponsoring a Thai pastors conference fee. Flights are also around THB 2,000 return. If anyone would like to contribute to the costs of our participation, please see Christa or me, or speak to Adam, who is our new church treasurer!
Urgent – Church Finances!
All Saints now has a working Foundation, which is a firm footing for the future, and we came through the flood due to the generous giving of members and friends. But… we have a problem: we need a weekly collection each Sunday of around THB 10,000 to cover our regular outgoings, but the regular offering is usually around THB 3,000 – and half of that comes from two people! Last week’s offering was THB 4,340
Generally, we need each adult present to give an average of THB 500 per week. Of course, some people have very little money, so others need to give more!
There is a biblical tradition of giving a tithe – 10% of your income to God! Jesus calls us to give all! Please consider your weekly income – work out how much a tenth is, and then reflect on what you are giving to All Saints. We are not asking for 10%, but are you giving only 1%, 2%, or 3% – do you spend more on a meal out, than you give to support all the good things that All Saints is doing?
I’m sure we have been at fault in failing to share the needs of All Saints clearly – but our bank balance has been falling steadily since Covid. We will struggle to pay the rent and salary bill next month unless our income increases. Most of our offering goes to cover the salaries of our Congregational Pastor, our Organist, our Administrator, and our Cleaner – they are all part-time, but each one provides a vital function in the life of our church!
Please consider your giving – you can give more beginning next Sunday, or you can give each week and right now in the following ways:
You can donate via the All Saints Foundation:
Bank: Kasikorn Bank
Account Name: All Saints Foundation
Account Number: 170-3-79007-7
SWIFT code: KASITHBK
You can use the QR code for the church account in my name.
If you have a UK bank account, you can donate via the All Saints Chiang Mai Mission UK account:
Bank: Coop Bank
Account Name: All Saints Chiang Mai Mission
Account Number: 65877142
Sort Code: 08-92-99
Or other international donors can give via PayPal to the IainBaxterMinistry UK account using a debit or credit card.
One-off donations will be gratefully received, but most of all we need you to consider your regular weekly giving.
Thanks and God bless you!
Chili Night is Back!
See you again next Tuesday! Once again 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.
Please make a donation on THB 100 per person!
Weekly Offering to All Saints
You can still donate in person or online – and now you can use our QR code!. Thank you for your support and love for All Saints and all we are trying to do together. God has shown that God is mighty and we are in God’s hands!
God bless you,
Vicar Iain (he/they/she)
All Saints' Chiang Mai 