Tag Archives: jesus

Heaven and Earth!

From Father Iain, All Saints Chiang Mai


The Rich Man and Lazarus

Dear Friends,

This week’s Gospel reading tells the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus.  It’s an interesting story, but taken literally we have some awkward theological and philosophical questions.  But it is a parable, it isn’t meant to be taken literally!

Find out what we can learn from this story this Sunday!

Our Harvest Festival is fast approaching!  On Sunday 5th October (only a week away) we will celebrate the harvest at All Saints as we are joined by some of the children from the Youth Charity Foundation.  Our service will be followed by a potluck at the vicarage.

The scripture readings for this Sunday will be from Amos 6:1, 4-7, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, and Luke 16:19-31, and we will be singing the hymns All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name; All to Jesus I surrender; Dear Lord and Father of Mankind; and Before the Throne of God Above!
YouTube Live

We will again be using YouTube Live instead of Zoom to livestream our service.  

To watch our service live this Sunday please follow these steps:

1)  Click on the link below, and this will take you to the All Saints Chiang Mai YouTube channel. 
2)  Then click on “All Saints Chiang Mai is Live” to watch the service
Use this link to join our Sunday service on YouTube Live!

Last Week’s Service!

Video of last Sunday’s service is available on the All Saints YouTube channel

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NEW!!!!  Theology on Tap – Next Thursday, 2nd October!

Beer, Pizza and … The Bible?

Join us the first Thursday of the month to explore your questions—and problems—with the Bible over delicious food and stimulating conversation. We’ll watch a video exploring a spiritual theme, followed by group discussion. Bring a friend, or meet new ones. People of all faiths and no faith are welcome. 

6:00-8:00 pm at Bella Madre Pizza (next to Food4Thought East)
First Thursday of the month
The first gathering will be next Thursday, 2nd October.
A variety of beverages and food are available for purchase. 

Suggested donation: 100 Baht 

No RSVP required. Contact Christa with questions.

Last night, transACTIONrefuge held its second in-person get together.  Christa and I, and around 20 other people attended.  Many signed up to help with this valuable project initiated and overseen by All Saints.  Individuals and families are now starting to arrive from the States and elsewhere.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with this project, transACTIONrefuge is a group of trans people and allies based in Chiang Mai, who seek to help trans people and their families relocate to Thailand by giving help and advice with visas, accommodation, healthcare, jobs, and daily living.  Above all we can be a shoulder to cry on and a hand to hold on to.  

Find out more:

Web:                transACTIONrefuge.com
Facebook:       Trans Action Refuge
Email:              transACTIONrefuge@proton.me


Harvest Festival—Next Sunday, 5th October

This year’s Harvest Festival will be held at All Saints Church as many of the Youth Charity Foundation children will be away.  It will be followed by a potluck at the vicarage.

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All Saints’ Book Club

Book Club meets 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month from 3:30-5:30. Location to be confirmed each week. We’re working our way through The Very Good Gospel by Lisa Sharon Harper.  Contact Christa or Gene for details.

Chili Night 

Chili Night continues this Tuesday!   Every week 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 THB 100 donation.
 

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)

Sing to the Lord!

From Father Iain, All Saints Chiang Mai

The All Saints Choristers

Dear Friends,


This week we have a week of song – two concerts and two services!

First we have the Lannacapella Choir concert this Thursday afternoon.  They will be singing at Thammapratheep Church at 2 p.m. and the concert should last around an hour.

Then on Saturday we have a special half-hour sung Eucharist for the Interfaith Pilgrimage organised by the Payap University Peacebuilding Department.  This will be at All Saints at 12 noon and will be led by the All Saints Choristers.

Then later on Saturday afternoon, the All Saints Choristers will be performing at the AUA Theatre at 4 p.m. in an entertaining presentation of fun songs.

Finally, we have our regular Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday.  This week, instead of using Zoom we are going to use YouTube Live.  This should give better sound quality and easier access.

It should be a great week!

Our scripture readings this Sunday will be from Exodus 32:7-14, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, and Luke 15:1-10, and we will be singing the hymns The Lord’s My Shepherd (Crimond), Bless the Lord oh my soul, The Lord’s My Shepherd (Townsend), and The King of Love my Shepherd is!

Use this link to join our Sunday service on YouTube Live!

Last Week’s Service!

Video of last Sunday’s service is available on the All Saints YouTube channel

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Lanacappella Concert – This Thursday!

Featuring Maureen, Elsa, Chris, and Paddy from All Saints!!!
This Thursday September 11th @ 2:00pm at Thammapratheep Church
No tickets, no charge!
Support us by coming to hear us!

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Mini Recital II – This Saturday, September 13

The All Saints’ Choristers from the Youth Charity Foundation will be performing at the AUA Theatre this Saturday, 13th September, at 4 p.m.   The concert will last about an hour.

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Interfaith Walking Pilgrimage – This Saturday!

Interfaith Walking Pilgrimage – Saturday, September 13

The actual pilgrimage is full, but you can still join us at All Saints at midday.

We will dialogue with different faith leaders and representatives in Wat Ket area (Baha’i, Buddhist, Muslim, and Christian – including All Saints).

Our itinerary will begin at 9:00 am in front of First Church (Nawarat), where we will gather for a welcome and introduction. Inside the church, we will hear a presentation and join in a short Protestant prayer.

From there, we will walk to Masjid Altaqwa for a presentation and Muslim prayer. The journey will then take us to Green O’Clock Garden, where representatives of the Bahá’í Faith will invite us to sing and pray in their tradition. Around 11:30, we will pause for a vegetarian lunch together.

At noon, we will continue to All Saints to learn more about this community and share worship in their tradition. The walk will go on to Wat Ket, a Buddhist temple, before we cross the pedestrian bridge whose history is closely tied to the local Sikh community. We then hope to stop at a Chinese Shrine for an introduction to this tradition.

Our pilgrimage will return to First Church, closing the circle around 3:00 pm—perhaps a little earlier.

At All Saints we will have a short sung Eucharist at noon led by the All Saints Choristers from the Youth Charity Foundation.  If you have not signed up for the pilgrimage, you can still join us at midday to share in sharing our worship with others.

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Harvest Festival—Sunday 5th October

This year’s Harvest Festival will be held at All Saints Church as many of the Youth Charity Foundation children will be away.  It will be followed by a potluck at the vicarage.

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Festival of Carols—Advanced Notice

This will be on Saturday 20th December at Thammapratheep Church

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All Saints’ Book Club

Book Club meets 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month from 3:30-5:30. Location to be confirmed each week. We’re working our way through The Very Good Gospel by Lisa Sharon Harper.  Contact Christa or Gene for details.

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Chili Night 

Chili Night continues this Tuesday!   Every week 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 THB 100 donation.
 

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)

How much will you pay?

From Father Iain, All Saints Chiang Mai

Gaza – Counting the Cost!

Dear Friends,


In this week’s Gospel reading, Jesus says:

What king, going out to wage war against another king, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand? If he cannot, then, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for the terms of peace.

It seems to be something which Vladimir Putin failed to do when launching his invasion of Ukraine.  He thought it would be an easy victory – but it has proved to be nothing of the sort and has lasted years.  Likewise, I’m sure the Hamas attackers of 7th October never thought that the Israeli reaction would be so severe and long-lasting amounting to the genocide of their people.  If they had known, would they have attacked differently?  We must hold both situations in our prayers!

Jesus challenge his hearers, and challenges all people, to count the cost of following him.  Is it worth it and a cost worth paying?  It’s a question we should ask whenever we’ve an important decision to make.

Our scripture readings this Sunday will be from Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Philemon 1-12, and Luke 14:25-33, and we will be singing the hymns Praise to the Lord, the Almighty; I have decided to follow Jesus; Jesus calls us! o’er the tumult; and To God be the Glory!

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

Lanacappella Concert – Next Thursday

Featuring Maureen, Elsa, Chris, and Paddy from All Saints!!!
Thursday September 11th @ 2:00pm at Thammapratheep Church
No tickets, no charge!
Support us by coming to hear us!

Mini Recital II – Saturday, September 13

The All Saints’ Choristers from the Youth Charity Foundation will be performing at the AUA Theatre on Saturday 13th September at 4 p.m.   The concert will last about an hour.

….

Interfaith Walking Pilgrimage

Interfaith Walking Pilgrimage – Saturday, September 13

Dialogue with different faith leaders and representatives in Wat Ket area (Baha’i, Buddhist, Muslim, and Christian – including All Saints).

Our itinerary will begin at 9:00 am in front of First Church (Nawarat), where we will gather for a welcome and introduction. Inside the church, we will hear a presentation and join in a short Protestant prayer.

From there, we will walk to Masjid Altaqwa for a presentation and Muslim prayer. The journey will then take us to Green O’Clock Garden, where representatives of the Bahá’í Faith will invite us to sing and pray in their tradition. Around 11:30, we will pause for a vegetarian lunch together.

At noon, we will continue to All Saints to learn more about this community and share worship in their tradition. The walk will go on to Wat Ket, a Buddhist temple, before we cross the pedestrian bridge whose history is closely tied to the local Sikh community. We then hope to stop at a Chinese Shrine for an introduction to this tradition.

Our pilgrimage will return to First Church, closing the circle around 3:00 pm—perhaps a little earlier.

At All Saints we will have a short sung Eucharist at noon led by the All Saints Choristers from the Youth Charity Foundation.  If you don’t want to take part in the whole pilgrimage, you can still join us at midday to share in sharing our worship with others.

….

All Saints’ Book Club

Book Club meets 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month from 3:30-5:30. Location to be confirmed each week. We’re working our way through The Very Good Gospel by Lisa Sharon Harper.  Contact Christa or Gene for details.

Chili Night 

Chili Night continues this Tuesday!   Every week 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 THB 100 donation.
 

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)

True Humility!

From Father Iain, All Saints Chiang Mai


Jesus washes the disciples feet!!!

Dear Friends,


This week’s Old Testament reading is probably our shortest ever.  It is posted below in full:

Proverbs 25:6-7

Do not put yourself forward in the king’s presence
   or stand in the place of the great;
for it is better to be told, ‘Come up here’,
   than to be put lower in the presence of a noble.

This is an easily understood passage and Jesus expands on it in our Gospel reading when dinner guests are jostling for the best seats!

We all want to be respected and well-regarded but some of us who are white, wealthy, and western don’t even notice the respect that we already receive just for where we were born.

How can we retain our dignity and yet be humble?  Find out more this Sunday!

Our scripture readings this Sunday will be from Proverbs 25:6-7, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, and Luke 14:1, 7-14, and we will be singing the hymns Christ is the World’s Light; Lord, You Teach Us to be Humble; Called as Partners in Christ’s Service; and The Servant King!

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

Mini Recital II – Saturday, September 13

The All Saints’ Choristers from the Youth Charity Foundation will be performing at the AUA Theatre on Saturday 13th September at 4 p.m.   The concert will last about an hour.

Interfaith Walking Pilgrimage

Interfaith Walking Pilgrimage – Saturday, September 13

Dialogue with different faith leaders and representatives in Wat Ket area (Baha’i, Buddhist, Muslim, and Christian – including All Saints).

Our itinerary will begin in front of First Church (Nawarat), where we will gather for a welcome and introduction. Inside the church, we will hear a presentation and join in a short Protestant prayer.

From there, we will walk to Masjid Altaqwa for a presentation and Muslim prayer. The journey will then take us to Green O’Clock Garden, where representatives of the Bahá’í Faith will invite us to sing
and pray in their tradition. Around 11:30, we will pause for a vegetarian lunch together.

At noon, we will continue to All Saints to learn more about this community and share a prayer in their tradition. The walk will go on to Wat Ket, a Buddhist temple, before we cross the pedestrian bridge whose history is closely tied to the local Sikh community. We then hope to stop at a Chinese Shrine for an introduction to this tradition.

Our pilgrimage will return to First Church, closing the circle around 3:00 pm—perhaps a little earlier.

At All Saints we will have a short sung Eucharist at noon led by the All Saints Choristers from the Youth Charity Foundation.

All Saints’ Book Club

Book Club meets 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month from 3:30-5:30. Location to be confirmed each week. We’re working our way through The Very Good Gospel by Lisa Sharon Harper.  Contact Christa or Gene for details.

Chili Night 

Chili Night continues this Tuesday!   Every week 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 THB 100 donation.
 

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)

God’s Calling!

From Father Iain, All Saints Chiang Mai


Here I am Lord, Send Him!!!

Dear Friends,


When God calls us it is easy to think that God must be calling someone else!  “I am too young/old” is often our response!  Jeremiah complained that he was too young, Abraham complained that he was too old, but God used both of them.

In this week’s Gospel reading, Jesus heals on the Sabbath and is condemned by the head of the synagogue where the healing took place.  Jesus calls him a hypocrite!  

We are called to bring healing to the world too and to share God’s love with all.  Some actions – like caring for the children of the Youth Charity Foundation or helping refugees from Myanmar – will receive praise from all.  Other actions – like highlighting the on-going genocide in Gaza or our work with transACTIONrefuge – will receive support from some but condemnation from others!  But we are called to do what we believe God is calling us to do!

Let us therefore, each one of us, seek to follow God’s calling on our lives!

Our scripture readings this Sunday will be from Jeremiah 1:4-10, Hebrews 12:18-29, and Luke 13:10-17, and we will be singing the great hymns All My Hope on God Is Founded; I, the Lord of Sea and Sky; Make Me a Channel of your Peace; and Go forth and tell!

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

Welcome Back Service & Potluck – Last Sunday

We had a special “Welcome Back” service on Sunday 17th August as international schools began the new school year.  The church was packed as our choir of children from the Youth Charity Foundation lead our worship. 

The service was followed by an equally packed potluck lunch at the vicarage.

The All Saints’ Choristers from the Youth Charity Foundation will be performing at the AUA Theatre on Saturday 13th September at 4 p.m.  More information to follow!

From the Margins to Empowerment

Payap University’s Institute of Religion, Culture and Peace will be hosting a series of programs throughout August and September around the theme of “From the Margins to Empowerment: Building Inclusive Justice and Peace through Storytelling, Dialogue, and Advocacy”. All programs are free and open to the public. Three are highlighted below. The Interview sessions will take place at the International College (Pentecost Building, Room 419) on the main Payap campus. 

Friday, August 22 from 10 – 11:30 with lunch following.
LGBTQIA+ Interview and Storytelling with Rev. Ken Dobson

Friday, August 29 from 10 – 11:30 with lunch following.
Persons with Disabilities Interview and Storytelling with Rev. Dr. Gene Bourquin

For a fuller schedule or more information contact Chris Tananone.

Interfaith Walking Pilgrimage

Saturday, September 13: Interfaith Walking Pilgrimage: Dialogue with different faith leaders and representatives in Wat Ket area (Baha’i, Buddhist, Muslim, and Christian – including All Saints).

The pilgramage will arrive at All Saints at midday and will join in a thirty minute act of worship.
More details to follow.

All Saints’ Book Club

Book Club meets 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month from 3:30-5:30. Location to be confirmed each week. We’re working our way through The Very Good Gospel by Lisa Sharon Harper.  Contact Christa or Gene for details.

Chili Night 

Chili Night continues this Tuesday!   Every week 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 THB 100 donation.
 

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)

Welcome Back!

From Father Iain, All Saints Chiang Mai

Worship with the Choir this Sunday!

AND POTLUCK TO FOLLOW

Dear Friends,


It is good to praise the Lord!  And this Sunday the All Saints Choristers will be leading our worship as we welcome people back for the new international school year!  Our service will centre around the theme of music and singing as we count our blessings – whatever they are!

We’ll then all proceed to the vicarage for a Welcome Back Potluck!  This is all part of being community!

Our scripture readings for this Sunday will be from Sirach 39:12-15; Ephesians 5:18-20 and Colossians 3:15-17; and Matthew 26:26-30, and we will be singing the hymns When in our Music God is Glorified; Lord of the Dance; Bless the Lord oh my Soul; and Lord, for the Years!

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

Welcome Back Service & Potluck – This Sunday 17th August!

We will have a special “Welcome Back” service on Sunday 17th August as international schools begin the new school year.  Our choir of children from the Youth Charity Foundation will be leading our worship and the service will be followed by a potluck lunch at the vicarage.

Chili Night – Back Next Tuesday

Chili Night returns this Tuesday!   Every week 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 THB 100 donation.
 

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)

Baptism & Goodbye

From Father Iain, All Saints Chiang Mai

Another Baptism this Sunday

Dear Friends,


This Sunday I will have the joy of baptising Cassandra, a young woman who has been attending All Saints for the last few weeks and searching for God for a much longer period.

She will be signaling that she wants to follow the example of Jesus in her life – and that despite the negative example of some Christians she has encountered in the past.

Please join us on this joyous occasion.  

This will also be the last Sunday that our intern, Clay, will be with us at All Saints, so we will be saying a fond farewell and thankyou!  You can hear the sermon he preached last week via the link below.

Clay, Elsa, and Mark at Chiang Mai Pride

Our scripture readings for this Sunday will be from Genesis 18:20-32, Colossians 2:6-19, and Luke 11:1-13, and we will be singing the hymns Praise to the Lord, the Almighty; Oh Lord, Hear my Prayer; Seek Ye First; and What a Friend We Have in Jesus!

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

1946 Movie – Last Monday!

Last Monday we had a screening of “1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture,” a new documentary film that traces the origins of the Christian anti-gay movement back to a particularly consequential translation of the Bible in 1946.

It was a great evening with fantastic food before the movie and a great discussion afterwards where people were able to share their personal stories.  Many church and non-church people attended.

Heartfelt thanks to Clay and Christa for organising this event.

Welcome Back Service & Potluck – 17th August

We will have a special “Welcome Back” service on Sunday 17th August as international schools begin the new school year.  Our choir of children from the Youth Charity Foundation will be leading our worship and the service will be followed by a potluck lunch at the vicarage.

Chili Night

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.

Please make a THB 100 donation.

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)

Mary or Martha?

From Father Iain, All Saints Chiang Mai


Which are you?

Dear Friends,
Most of us are doers – we like to get things done!  The active people in the church are like that, after all, James said that faith without works is dead.

But when the doer, Martha, complained to Jesus about the listener, Mary, Jesus said that Mary had “chosen the better part!”

Do we find it easier to do than to find time to really listen to Jesus?  How can we become better listeners and so better disciples too?

Our scripture readings for this Sunday will be Genesis 18:1-10, Colossians 1:15-28, and Luke 10:38-42, and we will be singing the hymns All Creatures of our God and King; Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee; When the Music Fades; and Lift High the Cross!

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

1946 Movie – Next Monday!

Join us for a screening of “1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture,” a new documentary film that traces the origins of the Christian anti-gay movement back to a particularly consequential translation of the Bible in 1946. Deeply researched and movingly told, this film sheds light on the complex history of Christian homophobia and the questionable scriptural foundation upon which it was built.

Watch the trailer here!

Bring a friend and join us to watch, discuss, and eat lots of popcorn.

Snacks are provided, and entry is free, although we recommend a donation of 250฿ to support All Saints Chiang Mai, the first (only?) affirming church in Chiang Mai.

6:00 PM on Monday, 21 July,
at the Mennonite Central Committee.

RSVP to Clay or Christa or by QR Code.

Chili Night Continues Next Week!

Chili Night returned last Tuesday!   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.

Please make a THB 100 donation.

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)

Good Samaritan!

From Father Iain, All Saints Chiang Mai

From whence comes my help?

Dear Friends,


In this week’s Gospel reading Jesus is asked “Who is my neighbour?” and he responds with the story of the Good Samaritan.  As foreigners living in Thailand, how should we answer that question and what are the implications for our lives?

Our scripture readings for this Sunday will be taken from Deuteronomy 30:8-14, Colossians 1:1-14, and Luke 10:25-37, and we will be singing the hymns Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun; When I needed a Neighbour; Brother, Sister, Let me Serve You; and God, Whose Almighty Word!

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

1946 Movie

Join us for a screening of “1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture,” a new documentary film that traces the origins of the Christian anti-gay movement back to a particularly consequential translation of the Bible in 1946. Deeply researched and movingly told, this film sheds light on the complex history of Christian homophobia and the questionable scriptural foundation upon which it was built.

Bring a friend and join us to watch, discuss, and eat lots of popcorn.

Snacks are provided, and entry is free, although we recommend a donation of 250฿ to support All Saints Chiang Mai, the first (only?) affirming church in Chiang Mai.

6:00 PM on Monday, 21 July,
at the Mennonite Central Committee.

RSVP to Clay or Christa or by QR Code.

Chili Night Continues Next Week!

Chili Night returned last Tuesday!   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.

Please make a THB 100 donation.

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)

Pride Sunday!

From Father Iain, All Saints Chiang Mai

Marching together!!!!

Dear Friends,


This week we signal our support for the gay and trans members of All Saints and the wider LGBTQ community.  Things may be going dark in many parts of the world, but we have the light of Christ to lighten our darkness.

In my sermon this Sunday I will be looking at the hidden LGBT people in the Bible: they’re actually hiding in plain sight if you know where to look, but the English translations throw them into a scriptural closet.  Queer people occur throughout the scriptures – some are approved of, others not so, just like any other people.  All can serve God, and sometimes fail, just as we can!

Join us in our special Pride Worship Service at All Saints at our usual time of 10:30 am, and then march with us or come and sit at our booth at the Thapae Gate!  More details below!

Our scripture readings for this Pride Sunday will be 1 Samuel 18, 20, 2 Samuel 1; 1 John 4:7-21; and  Matthew 8:5-10,13; and we will be singing the hymns Stand up Stand Up for Jesus; Lord, We make this Cry for freedom; Beauty for Brokenness; and Let Us Build a House!

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 – Why?

All Saints is a church.  So why do we march in Pride?  Isn’t pride a sin?  Well, it’s not that sort of pride.  The word pride as in gay pride first came into use in black pride.  African Americans were taught to work hard and keep their heads down – being “uppity” was not only discouraged, it was down-right dangerous.  The only response when being racially abused was not to retaliate, to walk away, otherwise you would end up the loser.  Black Pride arose in opposition to this – it was about standing up to be counted, about saying I am not ashamed to be who I am.  In this context pride is the opposite of shame!  

And so, in 1970 in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, the first Gay Pride marches took place.  LGBT people were saying I am not ashamed to be who I am!  Father Gene marched in New York in those early days and he will tell how people were abused and spat upon as they walked.

Fifty years later, Pride parades have become colourful family affairs with lavish corporate sponsorship and cross-party political support, but maybe not for much longer.  Many big companies have withdrawn their support and political parties have turned hostile.  Some countries, such as Hungary, have banned Pride altogether, while in others, such as the US, you can be sure that faces are being filmed and identities logged for future sanctions.  In the UK, the big three parades, Manchester, Brighton, and London, have banned all political parties from taking part because of their active hostility and denial of rights and healthcare for trans people.  Once again, it takes courage to stand up and be counted!

(If you doubt how bad the situation is in America, then read this long but insightful article: “Why I am leaving the US”!)

That is why All Saints will be marching in Chiang Mai Pride – to show that, gay or straight, cis or trans, we love one another as Jesus commanded us!  Please join us if you can!

This year Chiang Mai Pride takes place this 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 5 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.

 Chiang Mai Pride 2025, May 25, 2025 , 1 PM–9:30 PM

 Start: Buddhist Center → End: Thapae Gate

13:00 Registration Opens
16:30 Line-up
17:20 Flash mob
17:30 Parade starts
19:30 Stage activities:
Cabaret show, Community speeches, Sex worker performance, Network launch, Equal marriage ceremony, Candlelight memorial, and Open-air cinema & booths!

Maejo Pride is on 29th June and All Saints will be involved there too!

All Saints Pride T-Shirts

Adam and Sarah have designed these fantastic T-shirts for Chiang Mai Pride.  They will be available in white, blue, or pink, in sizes S, M, L, and XL.  (I am wearing a white M and pink S above.)

The cost will be THB 250 with profits helping to support All Saints.  You can collect your order this Sunday and they will also be on sale after church and at our booth at Chiang Mai Pride!

All Saints’ First Intern

Tomorrow night, All Saints will welcome Clay Wackerman – a student from Harvard Divinity School – who will be joining us as a summer intern.  He will be shadowing Gene, Mark, Christa, and I, as he explores his calling into Christian ministry.  You will be able to meet him this Sunday!

Clay Wackerman is an aspiring Episcopal priest from the United States. Upon graduating college, he spent a year teaching elementary school English in Chanthaburi, Thailand, where he gained a deep appreciation for Thai culture and cuisine.

After his time in Thailand, he spent the following year at an Episcopal Benedictine Monastery in New York, immersing himself in the monastic life of work and prayer. After these two transformative experiences, he now lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he is pursuing his Masters of Divinity degree at the Harvard Divinity School.

In his spare time, he enjoys reading, hiking, playing guitar, and trying to keep up his Thai language skills. He’s incredibly excited to return to Thailand this summer to serve as an intern All Saints Chiang Mai. He’s looking forward to meeting you all soon.

Pray for Annah and Aneesh

Annah’s baby is due to be delivered by caesarian section on Sunday, but her mum is seriously ill with cancer and may not make it until then.

Please hold the whole family in your prayers!

Pray for Penny!

Many of you will know Penny from the Lannacapella Choir, Women in the Word, and Chili Night.  Last Wednesday she had a fall and on Monday she had her shoulder replaced in Ram Hospital.  All went well and she returned home on Wednesday!

Please continue to hold her in your prayers!

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 pastor’s 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!


Chili Night!

See you again next Tuesday for the final Chili Night until July!  

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)