Category Archives: Uncategorized

From Father Iain, All Saints Chiang Mai

Going nowhere fast?

Dear Friends,

This is dragging on!  We’re probably all feeling like we’re on the road to nowhere – going nowhere fast!

In this Sunday’s Gospel reading we read of two unnamed disciples hightailing it out of Jerusalem – it was already getting dark but they were determined to put as many miles between themselves and the failed mission of Jesus as they could.  (We would probably just value the chance to go anywhere!!!)

But in the words of the hymn, “Lo! Jesus meets them, risen from the tomb!”  He appears to them on the road, just as he appeared to the women by the empty tomb that morning, and as he would appear to the disciples hidden in the upper room that night.

Maybe we are asking where God is in all this?  The answer is, God is with us in the midst of it, God is with us as we shelter alone, God is with us in illness, loneliness, despair, or even in our times of peace and contentment!

We are the Body of Christ, and so we are Christ to one another.  Please support one another, call one another, pray for one another.  You can call me any time on Line, Facebook Messenger, or Whatsapp, or email me on iain@AllSaintsChiangMai.com

None of us are alone, even if we may feel that we are!  God is with us, and we are all together in this, even as we are apart.

To help us stay connected, we are starting a discussion group tonight (Thursday) at 7 p.m.  Just click on this link to join.   The meeting ID is 463 638 9024  We will begin by discussing the ideas in Terry Hershey’s Sabbath Moment which can be read here.  All are welcome to join – it is a chance just to be together!

Then, we will meet again this Sunday at 6 p.m. in Thailand, to worship together.  (7 a.m. in New York, midday in the U.K., and 1 p.m. in Europe and Egypt!)

Click here to join the Service this Sunday!

If you missed them, last week’s service can be see here, our Easter Sunday Service can be seen here, Good Friday Service can be seen here, and last week’s Palm Sunday service can now be seen here!

YCF Kids at our Easter Sunday Service

Our scripture readings for this Sunday will be Acts 2:14, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, and Luke 24:13-35, and we will be singing the hymns Jesus Christ is Risen Today, The Day of Resurrection, and Thine Be the Glory!

Our service will consist of our usual Eucharistic worship!  All are welcome to join in the prayers and liturgy, to listen to the readings and sermon, and to receive virtual communion if they feel comfortable.

If you want to receive virtual communion then have a small piece of bread and a small glass of wine or grape juice prepared.

The words of this Sunday’s bulletin is pasted below at the end of this email, or you can download it as a pdf to view or print from this link.

You can then read and join in the liturgy if you wish.

Weekly Offering to All Saints

Although we are not meeting together face-to-face, the expenses of All Saints remain – indeed, they may increase as we seek to support those in need!

Although there is no basket being passed around in our service, you can still give your offering.  People in Thailand can transfer directly to the church bank account.  (Which is in my name, but managed by our treasurer, Don Williams.)  Thanks to all those who have already given!

The details are:

Account Name: Iain Girvin Baxter
Bank: Krungsri Bank
Account Number: 7181-05586-5
SWIFT Code: AYUDTHBK

Those in the UK, or with UK banking, can donate via All Saints Chiang Mai Mission.  Their account details are:

Bank: Coop Bank
Account Name:  All Saints Chiang Mai Mission
Account Number: 65877142
Sort Code:  08-92-99

Alternatively, you can donate with PayPal or with any debit or credit card via the All Saints Website on the Donate Page.

Please email Don on dbjkwms@gmail.com  if you would like a receipt.

Keeping in Touch

At this time of isolation it is important that we keep in touch with each other.  We have an All Saints church directory with a list of many people’s phone numbers, so if you would like a copy please email me, on iain@AllSaintsChiangMai.com and I will send it to you.

Please feel free to share this email.  People may be feeling especially alone and vulnerable at this time.  Let them know that we are there for them and that God is with us!

God bless,

Father Iain

From Father Iain, All Saints Chiang Mai

Worship at Home

Dear Friends,

This is the Easter Season – it should be a time of rejoicing, a time of resurrection, yet for many of us it is a time of lockdown and isolation.

I have had enough now, I want to get back to Thailand, I want to be able to meet with friends, to eat together and share fellowship, to worship with others, side by side, face to face!

We have managed to worship online and done a reasonable job – but how much longer will this go on for?  I have friends in Thailand and the Philippines who have lost their jobs and are in very difficult situations.  Our friends in the Anglican Church of India are struggling to provide food to the people there who are destitute, who cry “How long Oh Lord?”

Bishop Henry’s church serving those in need!

But perhaps it is like that first Easter day.  We read in this week’s Gospel reading that the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews.  The disciples were “self-isolating” not from fear of disease, but from fear of the authorities.  They were afraid, but Jesus came and stood among them and their whole view changed – but not quite!  They actually stayed largely hidden until Pentecost seven weeks later, when the Holy Spirit came!

God willing, in seven weeks time we will be a little bit back to normal, but until then we can know that Jesus is risen and God is with us!

Christ is risen from the dead!  Alleluia!

We will meet again this Sunday at 6 p.m. in Thailand, to worship together.  (7 a.m. in New York, midday in the U.K., and 1 p.m. in Europe and Egypt!)

Click here to join the Service this Sunday!

If you missed them, our Easter Sunday Service can be seen here, Good Friday Service can be seen here, and last week’s Palm Sunday service can now be seen here!

YCF Kids at our Easter Sunday Service

Our scripture readings for Sunday will be Acts 2:14, 22 32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, and John 20:19-31, and we will be singing the hymns Alleluia! Sing to Jesus, The Day of Resurrection, Hail the Day, and All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name!

Our service will consist of our usual Eucharistic worship!  All are welcome to join in the prayers and liturgy, to listen to the readings and sermon, and to receive virtual communion if they feel comfortable.

If you want to receive virtual communion then have a small piece of bread and a small glass of wine or grape juice prepared.

The words of this Sunday’s bulletin is pasted below at the end of this email, or you can download it as a pdf to view or print from this link.

You can then read and join in the liturgy if you wish.

Easter Sunday Service!

If you missed it then it’s worth watching!  Our service included music from the children of the Youth Charity Foundation, the confirmation of Johan and Uni in Bangkok, and we were joined from New Jersey by Bishop Henry of the Anglican Church of India.

The service can be viewed here!

Father Rick with Johan and Uni

Bishop Henry – Joining us from New Jersey!

The Youth Charity Foundation

YCF is using this time of lockdown to get on with building with help from some of the older children!

Building together!

If you would like to support this work you can send the money to All Saints using the methods below, and email me and our treasurer to say the money if for the Youth Charity Foundation.

Jesus Christ is Risen Today!

The time delay means it is impossible to sing together on our Zoom service, but by pre-recording and with special software you can edit it together.  Here is a beautiful version of Jesus Christ is Risen Today!

Weekly Offering to All Saints

Although we are not meeting together face-to-face, the expenses of All Saints remain – indeed, they may increase as we seek to support those in need!

Although there is no basket being passed around in our service, you can still give your offering.  People in Thailand can transfer directly to the church bank account.  (Which is in my name, but managed by our treasurer, Don Williams.)  Thanks to all those who have already given!

The details are:

Account Name: Iain Girvin Baxter
Bank: Krungsri Bank
Account Number: 7181-05586-5
SWIFT Code: AYUDTHBK

Those in the UK, or with UK banking, can donate via All Saints Chiang Mai Mission.  Their account details are:

Bank: Coop Bank
Account Name:  All Saints Chiang Mai Mission
Account Number: 65877142
Sort Code:  08-92-99

Alternatively, you can donate with PayPal or with any debit or credit card via the All Saints Website on the Donate Page.

Please email Don on dbjkwms@gmail.com  if you would like a receipt.

Keeping in Touch

At this time of isolation it is important that we keep in touch with each other.  We have an All Saints church directory with a list of many people’s phone numbers, so if you would like a copy please email me, on iain@AllSaintsChiangMai.com and I will send it to you.

Please feel free to share this email.  People may be feeling especially alone and vulnerable at this time.  Let them know that we are there for them and that God is with us!

God bless,

Father Iain

Second Sunday of Easter
Sunday 19th April 2020
Welcome to Worship
(Congregational Copy)

From Father Iain, All Saints Chiang Mai

Good Friday in 2018

Dear Friends,

This will be a Holy Week like no other.  From Rome to Jerusalem, New York to Chiang Mai, churches will stand empty!  But, God’s people will still be “meeting” together, we will still be remembering the events of Good Friday and celebrating the joy of Easter Day!

At All Saints you can join us at 6 p.m. on Good Friday and Easter Sunday on the Zoom app.  The services will later be available on YouTube for those who can’t manage Zoom.

The links to both services are here.  Simply click on the links around 15 minutes before each service.  (This gives time to iron-out any technical difficulties!)

Click here to join the Good Friday Service!

Click here to join the Easter Sunday Service!

If you missed it, last week’s Palm Sunday service can now be seen here!

Our Palm Sunday gathering!

6 p.m. in Thailand, is midday in the UK, 1 p.m. in Europe and Egypt, and 7 a.m. Eastern Standard Time in the US.  We will again be joined by friends around the world!

In this time of lock-down, health workers, and others, around the world are risking their own lives to save others.  They could chose to stay safely at home, to “self-isolate” like most of the rest of us, yet  they are putting their lives on the line for us!  This can be a metaphor for the Christ who chose to go to the Cross for us.  Who, in the Garden of Gethsemane, said to the Father, “Your will, not mine be done!”, who was urged by the thief on the Cross to “Save himself!”, and yet did not!

It is the calling on our lives, where called upon, to lay down our lives for others too!  May we remember this this Holy Week of 2020!

Good Friday last year!

Meanwhile, let us worship God together and give thanks for all we do have!

On Good Friday we have a special Tenebrae Service at 6 p.m.  This is a solemn and moving service of hymns and readings, where candles are extinguished as the service progresses through the last days of Jesus life leading up to the crucifixion!

Our scripture readings for Good Friday will be Matthew 26:17-29, Matthew 26:36-56, Mark 15:1-15, Matthew 27:45-54, Isaiah 52:13-53:5, and Matthew 27:62-66, and we will sing the hymns When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, O Sacred Head Now Wounded, How deep the Father’s love for us, My Song is Love Unknown, Were You There When They Crucified My Lord, and O Love that Will Not Let Me Go!

Easter Sunday last year

Then on Easter Sunday we will have our joyous resurrection Eucharist also at 6 p.m. Our scripture readings for Easter Sunday will be Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, and John 20:1-18, and we will be singing the hymns Jesus Christ is Risen Today, The Day of Resurrection, Christ is Alive, and Thine Be the Glory!

Our Palm Sunday Eucharist last week

Our Easter Sunday service will consist of our usual Eucharistic worship – and we will have some hymns this week!  All are welcome to join in the prayers and liturgy, to listen to the readings and sermon, and to receive virtual communion if they feel comfortable.

If you want to receive virtual communion then have a small piece of bread and a small glass of wine or grape juice prepared.  Whether “virtual communion” is effective is something for a theological discussion, but I am sure that God will bless our actions at this time if we act in a loving and reverent manner.

The words of the Good Friday and Easter Sunday bulletins are on our “EASTER SERVICES” page, or you can download them as a pdf to view or print from these links:

Good Friday 
Easter Sunday

You can then read and join in the liturgy if you wish.

Weekly Offering to All Saints

Although we are not meeting together face-to-face, the expenses of All Saints remain – indeed, they may increase as we seek to support those in need!

Although there is no basket being passed around in our service, you can still give your offering.  People in Thailand can transfer directly to the church bank account.  (Which is in my name, but managed by our treasurer, Don Williams.)  Thanks to all those who have already given!

The details are:

Account Name: Iain Girvin Baxter
Bank: Krungsri Bank
Account Number: 7181-05586-5
SWIFT Code: AYUDTHBK

Those in the UK, or with UK banking, can donate via All Saints Chiang Mai Mission.  Their account details are:

Bank: Coop Bank
Account Name:  All Saints Chiang Mai Mission
Account Number: 65877142
Sort Code:  08-92-99

Alternatively, you can donate with PayPal or with any debit or credit card via the All Saints Website on the Donate Page.

Please email Don on dbjkwms@gmail.com  if you would like a receipt.

Keeping in Touch

At this time of isolation it is important that we keep in touch with each other.  We have an All Saints church directory with a list of many people’s phone numbers, so if you would like a copy please email me, on iain@AllSaintsChiangMai.com and I will send it to you.

Please feel free to share this email.  People may be feeling especially alone and vulnerable at this time.  Let them know that we are there for them and that God is with us!

God bless,

Father Iain

From Father Iain, All Saints Chiang Mai

Last Week’s Worship!

Dear Friends,

Last year we paraded into church singing Hosanna and waving palm branches.  This year we will be waving our palm branches alone in our homes!

I hope you can join us this Sunday!  This is the link to this week’s “meeting”.  Just click here before the service on Sunday to join.

Those crowds shouting hosanna would now be forbidden by rules on social distancing.  The Passover week festivities would have been cancelled and the Temple and synagogues closed.  Jesus would have been able to ride into Jerusalem on a donkey, but only if his journey was “strictly necessary!”

Last Year’s Palm Sunday Service!

These are strange and unprecedented times.  Even in World War I and II the churches remained open and people were able to celebrate the Christian feast together.

But… God is with us!  And we can count our blessings.  We may be confined to our homes, but we have homes, and we have food to eat and beds to sleep in, and friends to talk to – even if it is remotely!

Yesterday we had our All Saints Trustees Meeting via Zoom, and we have decided to continue paying our organist and cleaner in full during this time – they need our continuing support.

The trustees also agreed to send THB 15,000 to Bishop Henry of the Anglican Church of India, with whom we are developing links.  He is stuck in the US, but he and his wife has been buying food for the destitute in their congregation using their credit cards!  Things will be hard for people in Thailand, but they will be catastrophic for many in India!

Bishop Henry in the slums in Delhi

Hopefully, the children of the Youth Charity Foundation will again join us in our worship this week, and we will see how we can help them also!

YCF Kids Last Week

Which brings me to my next point.  Although we are not meeting together face-to-face, the expenses of All Saints remain – indeed, they may increase as we seek to support those in need!

Although there is no basket being passed around in our service, you can still give your offering.  People in Thailand can transfer directly to the church bank account.  (Which is in my name, but managed by our treasurer, Don Williams.)

The details are:

Account Name: Iain Girvin Baxter
Bank: Krungsri Bank
Account Number: 7181-05586-5
SWIFT Code: AYUDTHBK

Those in the UK, or with UK banking, can donate via All Saints Chiang Mai Mission.  Their account details are:

Bank: Coop Bank
Account Name:  All Saints Chiang Mai Mission
Account Number: 65877142
Sort Code:  08-92-99

Alternatively, you can donate with PayPal or with any debit or credit card via the All Saints Website on the Donate Page.

Please email Don on dbjkwms@gmail.com  if you would like a receipt.

Meanwhile, let us worship God together and give thanks for all we do have!

The scripture readings for this Sunday will be Matthew 21:1-11, Philippians 2:5-11, and Matthew 27:11-54, and we will be singing the hymns Hosanna in the Highest, All Glory Laud and Honour, Hosanna Loud Hosanna, and Ride on Ride on in Majesty!  

I hope you can join us on Sunday!  This is the link to this week’s “meeting”.  Just click here before the service on Sunday to join.

(The meeting ID is 548 801 501 if you need it!)

The service will consist of our usual Eucharistic worship – and we will have some hymns this week!  All are welcome to join in the prayers and liturgy, to listen to the readings and sermon, and to receive virtual communion if they feel comfortable.

If you want to receive virtual communion then have a small piece of bread and a small glass of wine or grape juice prepared.  Whether “virtual communion” is effective is something for a theological discussion, but I am sure that God will bless our actions at this time if we act in a loving and reverent manner.

The words of the bulletin are pasted below at the end of this email, or you can download them as a pdf to view or print from this link, so that you can read and join in the liturgy if you wish.

Easter Services for 2020

Good Friday last year!

Easter Sunday last year

We will not be able to meet together in person – but we can still worship together.

We will have a Tenabrae Service on Good Friday, 10th April, and our Easter Sunday Eucharist on Easter Day, 12th April!  Both services will begin at 6 p.m.  The services will be on Zoom and we hope they can also be livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube!

Keeping in Touch

At this time of isolation it is important that we keep in touch with each other.  We have an All Saints church directory with a list of many people’s phone numbers, so if you would like a copy please email me, on iain@AllSaintsChiangMai.com and I will send it to you.

Please feel free to share this email.  People may be feeling especially alone and vulnerable at this time.  Let them know that we are there for them and that God is with us!

God bless,

Father Iain

 

Grace, mercy and peace from God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you
And also with you.

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ
according to Matthew.
Glory to you, O Lord.

The Gospel Reading: Matthew 21:1-11

This is the Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to you, O Christ.

Let us go forth, praising Jesus our Messiah.

Hymn: Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna in the Highest!
Youth Charity Foundation

The Greeting

The Lord be with you! And also with you!

Words of welcome

Hymn:  All Glory, Laud and Honour

Prayer of Preparation

Almighty God,
to whom all hearts are open,
all desires known,
and from whom no secrets are hidden:
cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,
that we may perfectly love you,
and worthily magnify your holy name;
through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Prayers of Penitence

Most merciful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
we confess that we have sinned
in thought, word and deed.
We have not loved you with our whole heart.
We have not loved our neighbours as ourselves.
In your mercy forgive what we have been,
help us to amend what we are,
and direct what we shall be;
that we may do justly, love mercy,
and walk humbly with you, our God.  Amen.

The Collect

Psalm 31

Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am in trouble;
my eye is consumed with sorrow,
my soul and my body also.
For my life is wasted with grief,
and my years with sighing;
my strength fails me because of my affliction,
and my bones are consumed.

  I have become a reproach to all my enemies
and even to my neighbours,
an object of dread to my acquaintances;
when they see me in the street they flee from me.

  I am forgotten like one that is dead, out of mind;
I have become like a broken vessel.
For I have heard the whispering of the crowd;
fear is on every side;
they scheme together against me,
and plot to take my life.

  But my trust is in you, O Lord.
I have said, ‘You are my God.
‘My times are in your hand;
deliver me from the hand of my enemies,
and from those who persecute me.
‘Make your face to shine upon your servant,
and save me for your mercy’s sake.’

New Testament Reading: Philippians 2:5-11

This is the word of the Lord.   Thanks be to God.

Gospel Reading

Praise to you, O Christ, King of eternal glory.
Christ humbled himself
and became obedient unto death,
even death on a cross.
Therefore God has highly exalted him
and given him the name that is above every name.

Praise to you, O Christ, King of eternal glory.

Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.
Glory to you, O Lord.

The Gospel Reading: Matthew 27:11-54

This is the Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to you, O Christ.

Sermon

The Creed

We trust in one God, the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.

We trust in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father;
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven, 
was incarnate from the Holy Spirit
and the Virgin Mary
and was made man. 

For our sake he was crucified
under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.   
On the third day he rose again 
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father. 
He will come again in glory
to judge the living and the dead, 
and his kingdom will have no end.   

We trust in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son, 
who with the Father and the Son
is worshipped and glorified,    
who has spoken through the prophets. 

We trust in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. 
We acknowledge one baptism
for the forgiveness of sins.          
We look for the resurrection of the dead,   
and the life of the world to come. 

Hymn:  Hosanna, Loud Hosanna     

Prayers of Intercession

Response:      Lord, give us grace this Holy Week
to follow in your Son’s path
from death to resurrection,
from darkness to light:
                        In your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord, whose son rode through the streets
to a triumphant welcome,

We welcome you today into our hearts.
We ask you to enter our Church,
permeating every hidden corner,
so that we in turn may proclaim
your name to the whole world. Amen.

The Peace

The peace of the Lord be always with you!
And also with you!

Peace be with you Name.  Peace to All!

Offering and Preparation of the Table

The Eucharistic Prayer

The Lord is here.
God’s Spirit is with us.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks
to the Lord our God.
It is right to give
thanks and praise.

… for ever praising you and saying:

Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts.
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the Highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the Highest.
….

Great is the mystery of faith:
Christ has died:
Christ is risen:
Christ will come again.
….

The Lord’s Prayer

As our Saviour taught us, so we pray
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done, 
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours,
now and for ever.   Amen.

Breaking of the Bread

We break this bread to share in the body of Christ.
Though we are many, we are one body,
because we all share in one bread.

Giving of Communion

Jesus is the Lamb of God
who takes away the sin of the world.
Blessed are those who are called to his supper.

Lord, I am not worthy to receive you,
but only say the word, and I shall be healed. 
Most merciful Lord,
your love compels us to come in. 
Our hands were unclean,
our hearts were unprepared;
we were not fit even to eat the crumbs
from under your table.

But you, Lord, are the God of our salvation,
and share your bread with sinners. 
So cleanse and feed us
with the precious body and blood of your Son,
that he may live in us and we in him;
and that we, with the whole company of Christ,
may sit and eat in your kingdom.
Amen.

We share in the Body and Blood of Christ

Prayer after Communion

Lord Jesus Christ,
you humbled yourself
in taking the form of a servant,
and in obedience died on the cross
for our salvation:
give us the mind to follow you
and to proclaim you as Lord and King,
to the glory of God the Father.  Amen.

Hymn:             Ride On! Ride On in Majesty!

May the Father, who so loved the world
that he gave his only Son,
bring you by faith to his eternal life.   Amen.

May Christ, who accepted the cup of sacrifice
in obedience to the Father’s will,
keep you steadfast as you walk
with him the way of his cross.   Amen.

May the Spirit, who strengthens us
to suffer with Christ
that we may share his glory,
set your minds on life and peace.  Amen.

And the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always.  Amen.

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
In the name of Christ.  Amen.

From Father Iain, All Saints Chiang Mai

Our Worship Last Sunday

Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.
Hebrews 10:24-25

Dear Friends,

We are now an online church!  We will meet online again this Sunday using the Zoom platform at the slightly later time of 6 p.m. Thai time.  This is to enable friends in the US to join us.  Anyone can join us from around the world.  6 p.m. in Thailand is 11 a.m. in the UK, midday in Europe, 1 p.m. in Egypt, and 7 a.m. in New York.  Please join us it would be great to be joined by friends from around the world!

This week Christa Crawford will be preaching.  Her preaching was scheduled long before this all began, but it will be great to hear her online though not in person!

These are strange times.  As I said at the end of last week’s service, you will be feeling very stressed even if you don’t realise it!  This will make us lose patience with one another, become angry with the person in the supermarket or at immigration, and it will make people lose patience with us!

Being aware of this can help.  Some of us just spent four weeks studying forgiveness – now we will all have the opportunity to put that into practice!  None of us are perfect, we will make mistakes and say the wrong thing.  As our liturgy says, we will sin through ignorance, through weakness, and through our own deliberate fault.  We need to be loving and forgiving people!

I hope you can join us on Sunday!  This is the link to this week’s “meeting”.  Just click here before the service on Sunday to join.  (The meeting ID is 548 801 501 if you need it!)

The service will consist of our usual Eucharistic worship – and we will have some hymns this week!  All are welcome to join in the prayers and liturgy, to listen to the readings and sermon, and to receive virtual communion if they feel comfortable.

If you want to receive virtual communion then have a small piece of bread and a small glass of wine or grape juice prepared.  Whether “virtual communion” is effective is something for a theological discussion, but I am sure that God will bless our actions at this time if we act in a loving and reverent manner.

The words of the bulletin are pasted below at the end of this email, or you can download them as a pdf to view or print from this link, so that you can read and join in the liturgy if you wish.  The scripture readings for this Sunday will be Ezekiel 37:1-14, Romans 8:6-11, and John 11:1-45, and we will be singing the hymns Will your Anchor Hold, It is well with my Soul, and Christ be our Light!

You don’t need to be in Chiang Mai, or Thailand, to join in, and I will be leading our worship from the UK.  If you are unable to join us at 6 p.m. on Sunday, or don’t wish to use Zoom, the service will be recorded and will be available on YouTube shortly afterwards.  Following the service we will have “virtual coffee” when people can stay and chat for longer!  (Have your coffee ready to go!!!)

You can also view past services and sermons via the All Saints audio-visual page including last week’s online worship!  This is a great place to catch up if you’ve been away!  Each sermon only lasts around 15 minutes.

People needing prayer

Please pray for our deacon Gene who may have got the Corona Virus.  He is currently in New York and self-isolating.

Pray also for William Aldis who had surgery to remove the pin in his shoulder on Wednesday.

Chiang Mai Health & Safety News

Ben Svasti, the honorary British Consul, has set up a Facebook page to relay useful information in English at the request of the Governor of Chiang Mai.  This can be found at Chiang Mai Health & Safety News.

Please pay close attention to this useful source of information and share the link with friends.

Keeping in Touch

At this time of isolation it is important that we keep in touch with each other.  We have an All Saints church directory with a list of many people’s phone numbers, so if you would like a copy please email me, on iain@AllSaintsChiangMai.com and I will send it to you.

Please feel free to share this email.  People may be feeling especially alone and vulnerable at this time.  Let them know that we are there for them and that God is with us!

God bless,

Iain

Fifth Sunday of Lent
March 29th 2020

Welcome to Worship
(Congregational Copy)

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.      Amen.

The Greeting

The Lord be with you! And also with you!

Words of welcome

First Hymn:    Will Your Anchor Hold?

Prayer of Preparation

Almighty God,
to whom all hearts are open,
all desires known,
and from whom no secrets are hidden:
cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,
that we may perfectly love you,
and worthily magnify your holy name;
through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Prayers of Penitence
….

Amen. Lord, have mercy.
….

We confess to you our selfishness and lack of love:
fill us with your Spirit.
Lord, have mercy.       Lord, have mercy.

We confess to you our fear and failure in sharing our faith:
fill us with your Spirit.
Christ, have mercy.     Christ, have mercy.

We confess to you our stubbornness and lack of trust:
fill us with your Spirit.
Lord, have mercy.       Lord, have mercy.

The Collect

Old Testament Reading: Ezekiel 37:1-14

This is the word of the Lord.    Thanks be to God.

 Psalm 130

Out of the depths have I cried to you, O Lord;
Lord, hear my voice;
let your ears consider well the voice of my supplication.

  If you, Lord, were to mark what is done amiss,
   O Lord, who could stand?
  But there is forgiveness with you,
   so that you shall be feared.

  I wait for the Lord; my soul waits for him;
   in his word is my hope.
  My soul waits for the Lord,
      more than the night watch for the morning,
   more than the night watch for the morning.

  O Israel, wait for the Lord,
   for with the Lord there is mercy;
  With him is plenteous redemption
   and he shall redeem Israel from all their sins.

          Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
            And to the Holy Ghost,
            As it was in the beginning, is now,
            and ever shall be
            World without end, Amen

New Testament Reading: Romans 8:6-11

This is the word of the Lord.   Thanks be to God.

Gospel Reading

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.
Glory to you, O Lord.

The Gospel Reading: John 11:1-45

This is the Gospel of the Lord.            Praise to you, O Christ.

Sermon – Christa Crawford

Hymn:  It is well with my Soul

The Apostles’ Creed

I trust in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.

I trust in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I trust in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. 
Amen.

Prayers of Intercession

Response:      Lord, Breathe on us, breath of God,
and fill us with life anew:
                        In your mercy, hear our prayer

Through the living Spirit given to us in Christ, O God,
you have set us free to live.
By the power of the Spirit,
may your kingdom come,
and your will be done,
that we may rejoice in the gift of salvation
Jesus has won for us.  Amen.

The Peace

The peace of the Lord be always with you!   And also with you!
Let us offer one another a sign of peace.

Peace be with you.  Peace to All!

Song:  Make me a Channel of your Peace – Chris Tananone

Offering and Preparation of the Table

The Eucharistic Prayer

The Lord is here.         God’s Spirit is with us.
Lift up your hearts.       We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks        It is right to give
to the Lord our God.      thanks and praise.

… As we prepare to celebrate this most strange of Easter feasts, but with joyful hearts and minds, may we bless you for your mercy and join with saints and angels for ever praising you and singing:

Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts.
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the Highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the Highest.
….

The mystery of faith:
We proclaim your death, O Lord,                
And profess your resurrection
Until you come again.

…and unite us in the body of your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord.

To you be glory and praise for ever.

…we worship you, Father almighty,
in songs of everlasting praise:

Blessing and honour and glory and power
be yours for ever and ever.  Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

As our Saviour taught us, so we pray
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done, 
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours,
now and for ever.   Amen.

Breaking of the Bread

We break this bread to share in the body of Christ.
Though we are many, we are one body,
because we all share in one bread.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,
grant us peace.

Giving of Communion

We share in the Body and Blood of Christ

Prayer after Communion

Lord Jesus Christ,
you have taught us
that what we do for the least
of our brothers and sisters
we do also for you:
give us the will to be the servant of others
as you were the servant of all,
and gave up your life and died for us,
but are alive and reign, now and for ever.
Amen.

Final Hymn:   Christ be our Light!

The peace of God,
which passes all understanding,
keep your hearts and minds
in the knowledge and love of God,
and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord;
and the blessing of God almighty,
the Creator, the Redeemer, and the Sustainer,
be among you and remain with you always.
Amen.

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
In the name of Christ. Amen.

From Father Iain, All Saints Chiang Mai

The Lord’s Prayer

Dear Friends,

Christian leaders from around the world have called upon Christians to say the Lord’s Prayer together at midday Central European Time.  That is 6 p.m. in Thailand.  At All Saints we will join together on Zoom to pray and share fellowship.

Click on this link to join the meeting:  https://us04web.zoom.us/j/154901592

(The meeting ID is 154 901 592 if you need it.)

The meeting room will be open from 5 p.m. or even earlier.  You can join for a chat if you would like to connect!

Also, please pray for our deacon Gene in New York.  He appears to have caught the Corona Virus and is now self-isolating at home.  His case is mild so far, but let’s hold him in our prayers.

Also remember William Aldis.  He had surgery this morning to remove the pin in his shoulder.  This operation was brought forward as Chiang Mai hospitals are about to cancel all elective surgery.  Please pray for his quick and safe recovery.

God bless,

Father Iain

From Father Iain, All Saints Chiang Mai

Heavenly Connections

Dear Friends,

There will be a regular All Saints service at 11 a.m. this Sunday.  Rev. Mark Crawford will be leading, and Helga Spring will be preaching. However, that may be the last face to face service for some time.

Hebrews 10:24-25 says:

Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.

As we cannot meet in person, we will meet online instead.  It is not as good, but it will mean we can stay connected and still encourage and support one another.

In order to do this we are using the Zoom platform.

If you don’t already have a zoom account, click on this link and download the app.  It says add your work email, but you should use your personal one!  (You will have to say “yes” to lots of questions so that it can work on your phone, laptop, or tablet.)

We will meet together at 4 p.m. Thai time this Sunday, and clicking on this link just before the time, will let you join the group and attend the service.  (If you need it, the Meeting ID is 975 214 787)

The service will consist of our usual Eucharistic worship – minus the hymns as singing doesn’t work on Zoom due to the slight time delay.  All are welcome to join in the prayers and liturgy, to listen to the readings and sermon, and to receive virtual communion if they feel comfortable.

If you want to receive virtual communion then have a small piece of bread and a small glass of wine or grape juice prepared.  Whether “virtual communion” is effective is something for a theological discussion, but I am sure that God will bless our actions at this time if we act in a loving and reverent manner.

The words of the bulletin are pasted below at the end of this email, or you can download them as a pdf to view or print from this link, so that you can read and join in the liturgy if you wish.

The scripture readings for this Sunday will be Exodus 17:1-7, Ephesians 5:8-14, and John 4:5-42.

You don’t need to be in Chiang Mai, or Thailand, to join in, and I will be leading our worship from the UK.  If you are unable to join us at 4 p.m. on Sunday, or don’t wish to use Zoom, the service will be recorded and will be available on YouTube shortly afterwards.

Following the service we will have “virtual coffee” when people can stay and chat for longer!  (Have your coffee ready to go!!!)

This is our first attempt and many things may go wrong – but let’s see how it goes!  Also, remember there is a face-to-face service at 11 a.m. this Sunday, but as many are already in isolation we are starting this now and, of course, you can do both!

You can also vie past services and sermons via the All Saints audio-visual page!  This is a great place to catch up if you’ve been away!  Each sermon only lasts around 15 minutes.

God bless,

Iain

Fourth Sunday of Lent
March 22nd 2020
Welcome to Worship

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Greeting

The Lord be with you!  And also with you!

Words of welcome

Prayer of Preparation

Almighty God,
to whom all hearts are open,
all desires known,
and from whom no secrets are hidden:
cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,
that we may perfectly love you,
and worthily magnify your holy name;
through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Prayers of Penitence
….

Amen. Lord, have mercy.
….

We confess to you our selfishness and lack of love:
fill us with your Spirit.

Lord, have mercy.  Lord, have mercy.
We confess to you our fear and failure in sharing our faith:
fill us with your Spirit.
Christ, have mercy.  Christ, have mercy.
We confess to you our stubbornness and lack of trust:
fill us with your Spirit.
Lord, have mercy.  Lord, have mercy.

The Collect

Old Testament Reading:   Exodus 17:1-7

This is the word of the Lord.    Thanks be to God.

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd;
therefore can I lack nothing.

He makes me lie down in green pastures
and leads me beside still waters.
He shall refresh my soul
and guide me in the paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil; 
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
And to the Holy Ghost,
As it was in the beginning, is now,
and ever shall be
World without end, Amen

New Testament Reading: Ephesians 5:8-14

This is the word of the Lord.   Thanks be to God.

Gospel Reading

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.
Glory to you, O Lord.

The Gospel Reading: John 4:5-42

This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.

Sermon

The Apostles’ Creed

I trust in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.

Prayers of Intercession

Response:
Lord, give us to drink
from the spring of the water of life:
In your mercy, hear our prayer

Through the living water given to us in Christ, O God,
you have set us free to live.
By the power of the Spirit,
may your kingdom come,
and your will be done,
that we may rejoice in the gift of salvation
Jesus has won for us.  Amen.

The Peace

The peace of the Lord be always with you!   And also with you!

Offering and Preparation of the Table

The Eucharistic Prayer

The Lord is here.       God’s Spirit is with us.
Lift up your hearts.     We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks      It is right to give
to the Lord our God.   thanks and praise.

….

As we prepare to celebrate the Easter feast with joyful hearts and minds we bless you for your mercy
and join with saints and angels for ever praising you and saying:

Holy, holy, holy,
Lord God of Hosts.
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the Highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the Highest.
….

We sing: The mystery of faith:
We proclaim your death, O Lord,
And profess your resurrection
Until you come again.
….

Blessing and honour and glory and power
be yours for ever and ever.  Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

As our Saviour taught us, so we pray
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours,
now and for ever.   Amen

.
Breaking of the Bread

We break this bread to share in the body of Christ.
Though we are many, we are one body,
because we all share in one bread.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,
grant us peace. 

Giving of Communion

We share in the Body and Blood of Christ

Prayer after Communion

Lord God, whose blessed Son our Saviour
gave his back to the smiters
and did not hide his face from shame:
give us grace to endure the sufferings of this present time
with sure confidence in the glory that shall be revealed;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Blessing and Dismissal

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
In the name of Christ.  Amen.

From Father Iain, All Saints Chiang Mai

Last week at All Saints

Dear Friends,

This time last week I expected to be preaching at All Saints this coming Sunday and Helga Spring was to have preached last week.  How quickly things change.  As you will know from my last email, I am now in the UK taking care of my mum as everything closes down!

As far as we know, Helga will actually be preaching this Sunday and the Gospel reading will be the story of the Woman at the Well.  Rev. Mark Crawford will be leading worship.  This may be the last in-person service at All Saints for some time.

I am planning to begin online worship for All Saints, and also some online discussion groups or just the chance for us to virtually get together.  I will send a separate email when these are ready.  Already, a large number of our people in Chiang Mai are in self-isolation, some because of their age or health condition, and others because they or family members have just arrived from overseas.

At this time of worldwide health crisis, we can remember that Jesus is the one who gives us living water and the one who makes us spiritually clean.

At All Saints we have made more changes to our worship to help combat the spread of Corona Virus: we will wai each other instead of shaking hands in the Peace, and communion will be distributed in bread only.  As far as we know, Covit-19 has not yet spread to Chiang Mai but it pays to be wise in our actions.  To remind us of the need to wash our hands correctly and for at least 20 seconds.

The scripture readings for this Sunday will be Exodus 17:1-7, Ephesians 5:8-14, and John 4:5-42, and we will be singing the hymns Immortal Invisible God only Wise, In Christ alone my hope is Found, I have decided to follow Jesus, and Lift High the Cross!  Past services and sermons can be viewed via the All Saints audio-visual page!  This is a great place to catch up if you’ve been away!  Each sermon only lasts around 15 minutes.

Chiang Mai Health Safety News

Ben Svasti, the honorary British Consul, has set up a Facebook page to relay useful information in English at the request of the Governor of Chiang Mai.  This can be found at Chiang Mai Health Safety News.  Please pay close attention to this useful source of information and share the link with friends.

Studies and Discussions for Lent 2020

This is now cancelled along with the Gymkhana Club weekly lunch.

Most people get to hear about us via the internet or by word of mouth, so please feel free to pass on this email to others.  All are welcome to join us as we share the presence of the risen Jesus in our lives!  We hope to see you soon and that you will enjoy worshipping with us,

God bless,

Iain

From Father Iain, All Saints Chiang Mai

Keeping Safe and Clean!

Dear Friends,

Helga Spring will be preaching this Sunday and our Gospel reading is the story of the Woman at the Well.  Jesus promised to give her living water so that she will never thirst again.  At this time of worldwide health crisis, we can remember that Jesus is the one who gives us living water and the one who makes us spiritually clean.

At All Saints we have made a few changes to our worship to help combat the spread of Corona Virus: we will wai each other instead of shaking hands in the Peace, and no dipping is allowed in communion – those who don’t wish to drink from the chalice can just take the bread.  As far as we know, Covit-19 has not yet spread to Chiang Mai, and there is no reason to cease meeting together, but it pays to be wise in our actions.  To remind us of the need to wash our hands correctly and for at least 20 seconds, this video may educate and amuse!

Our scripture readings for this Sunday will be Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, and John 4:5-42, and we will be singing the hymns Let All the World in Every Corner Sing, Take My Life and Let it Be, Blessed Assurance, and I the Lord of Sea and Sky!  Past services and sermons can be viewed via the All Saints audio-visual page!  This is a great place to catch up if you’ve been away!  Each sermon only lasts around 15 minutes.

Studies and Discussions for Lent 2020

This Thursday we will begin our discussions based on the last week of Jesus life before his Crucifixion.  We will begin by looking at Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem when the people hailed him as the King of the Jews.  The biblical accounts can be found in Matthew 21, Mark 11, Luke 19, and John 12.

Studies and Discussions for Lent 2020
Thursday 1 p.m. at the Gymkhana Club

March 12^th    Jesus the King
The Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
March 19^th    Jesus the Host
The Last Supper
March 26^th    Jesus the Accused
The Trials of Jesus
April 2^nd        Jesus the Condemned
The Crucifixion
April 9^th         Maundy Thursday
Foot Washing Ceremony

All are welcome – I hope you can join us!

Gymkhana Lunch

Our weekly lunch at the Gymkhana Club will again be at midday on Thursday!  Please feel free to join us!

Most people get to hear about us via the internet or by word of mouth, so please feel free to pass on this email to others.  All are welcome to join us as we share the presence of the risen Jesus in our lives!  We hope to see you soon and that you will enjoy worshipping with us,

God bless,

Iain

From Father Iain, All Saints Chiang Mai

Last Sunday at All Saints

Dear Friends,

We are now in the Season of Lent, and we began our new liturgy last Sunday.  The colour of Lent is Purple for that is the colour of penitence and repentance, but to me it seems for too bright, far too royal for that.

Perhaps it is a better focus if we remember that Jesus was dressed in purple on the night before his crucifixion and mocked as “King of the Jews!”  And yet, that is who he is – and more.  We can take the colour purple as a symbol of that journey to the cross, and of love poured out for us all!

Our scripture readings for this Sunday will be Genesis 12:1-4, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, and John 3:1-17, and we will be singing the hymns The God of Abraham Praise, God Whose Almighty Word, Here is Love, and All My Hope on God Is Founded!  Past services and sermons can be viewed via the All Saints audio-visual page!  This is a great place to catch up if you’ve been away!  Each sermon only lasts around 15 minutes.

All means All!

Last week’s sermon, All means All, is now available here on YouTube!

Studies and Discussions for Lent 2020

This Thursday we will have our final discussion based on The Book of Forgiveness, focussing on the need to ask for forgiveness and forgive ourselves.  Then next week we will begin a new series of discussions as we lead up to Easter.

Studies and Discussions for Lent 2020
Thursday 1 p.m. at the Gymkhana Club

March 12^th    Jesus the King
The Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
March 19^th    Jesus the Host
The Last Supper
March 26^th    Jesus the Accused
The Trials of Jesus
April 2^nd        Jesus the Condemned
The Crucifixion
April 9^th         Maundy Thursday
Foot Washing Ceremony

All are welcome – I hope you can join us!

Tham Pratheep Church

In December we held our Festival of Christmas Carols at Tham Pratheep Church.  This Thursday, some of the All Saints trustees will be meeting with elders of Tham Pratheep to see how we can develop stronger ties.

Please hold this in your prayers.

Gymkhana Lunch

Our weekly lunch at the Gymkhana Club will again be at midday on Thursday!  Please feel free to join us!

Most people get to hear about us via the internet or by word of mouth, so please feel free to pass on this email to others.  All are welcome to join us as we share the presence of the risen Jesus in our lives!  We hope to see you soon and that you will enjoy worshipping with us,

God bless,

Iain