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Looking back, looking forward

This last year of REFRESH had been a blessing -- both for the worshippers participating and for the artists, dancers and musicians.

Starting a new ministry is always interesting and challenging -- listening to God, praying, and then stepping out on faith that it is what we are supposed to do. So we stepped out.

The first REFRESH was at First Thai Church, and then due to their renovations we moved to the auditorium of Chiang Mai International School. It turned out to be a great move -- initially challenging in terms of logistics, but a much better place for REFRESH -- room for the art, the cafe (thanks to SoJo's!) and a good stage. The remainder of the REFRESH evenings were at CMIS, with a variety of art, dance and worship.

We received a lot of encouragement from people who attended and participated, urging us to continue, and are now planning for and looking forward to a new year of REFRESH.

So here is some of what we are looking forward to:

• A lot will stay the same -- we'll be at CMIS, and will feature art -- both visual arts, dance, poetry, and other ways to celebrate and worship God.
• We will be doing REFRESH more often -- we are planning now on doing it monthly, making it easier for people to attend, and allowing REFRESH to serve more people in the wider community.
• We are hoping to continue the cafe before and after -- it was very popular and a nice way to spend time talking with people (and coffee on-hand for the crew setting up was great!).
• There will be some changes with the band -- Brad (guitar and vocals) is on home assignment until January, and Andy (drums) and his wife are expecting a baby in September and going on home assignment in November -- so he's not going to be able to play drums for the next few months. Gloria (vocals) has felt called to focus on her other ministries (W3, etc.) and won't be singing with the band. We're happy that Andrew Conner, a gifted multi-instrumentalist will be joining us -- he plays guitar, bass and drums (among other things), but he can only play one thing at a time! So we're praying for a drummer (or drummers) to help lead month-to-month or more often. So please pray with us for that.
• We're hoping to expand the reach of REFRESH into other communities of English speakers in Chiang Mai, including Thai Christians and others. We saw that beginning last year, and it was great to see such a diverse group of people worshipping together.
• We also need help with set-up and break-down, so prayers for volunteers who can help with that would be appreciated!

So we are excited looking forward to a new year, and to seeing what God will do!

May 1 Nooma -- Breathe

The May 1st Nooma by Rob Bell was #14 Breathe.

DESCRIPTION

With everything that we've got going on every day, how many of us ever think about our breathing, about the meaning of breathing? Yet, for thousands of years, people have understood that our physical breath is a picture of a deeper spiritual reality. In the Bible, the word for "breath" is the same as the word for "spirit." There's an inherent dilemma at the core of what makes us human. We've all been created in the image of God and possess immense power and strength. And at the same time, our lives are incredibly vulnerable and fragile. Maybe if we had more insight into the meaning of breathing, we would better understand how God created us as human beings.

Head on over to nooma.com to purchase this and others in the Nooma series.

May 1st REFRESH

Here are a few quick photos taken with an iPhone before REFRESH while the band was rehearsing, as well as a couple during REFRESH itself. Enjoy!

Live instrumental music from 6:30 (and after)

This REFRESH will have live music for the prelude and postlude, starting at 6:30, and then from 8:30 to 9:00 after REFRESH!

The music will be a mix of Celtic music (Irish/Scottish) and hymns.

Judi Utley on the Celtic harp and Mark Ritchie on the bodhrán and Irish whistle.

Next REFRESH, May 1!

The next REFRESH will be on May 1, from 7:00 to 8:30. This will be the last REFRESH of this international school year.

If you've been meaning to come, and haven't had time, make time! We've gotten some great feedback, including several who have said it has been the best worship they've had for years. That is all by God's grace and blessing, and we are humbled and joyful that REFRESH has touched people. Praise God!

We will again have the SoJo's cafe, art, dance and a video mixed into 90 minutes of worship.

Feel free to come early and hang out after as well.

We are looking forward to seeing you there!

Photos