Over the last two years, most of us have had to adapt to changes in the way we live and work. Social contact has been reduced, we have not been able to meet family and friends, we have been working in isolation, interspersed with Zoom meetings where we may be wondering if we are being judged on the basis of our décor and tidiness. Many people are still worried about contracting GOVID-19. Although restrictions have eased over recent weeks, many people are still cautious about going out and mixing in large groups. Many people are still working from home so have reduced social contact with workmates. Groups and clubs may have closed down, as they could not afford to stay open. People may no longer be able to afford to go out and meet up with friends. Although mental health is worsening for many people, there is help available.
Mental Health organisations are encouraging people to raise the profile of mental health. The theme this year is “Loneliness” as it has been noted that reduced interaction with friends and family over recent times has left many people feeling lonely and isolated. Things like GP appointments are now often taking place online which again reduces interaction. There does seem to be a link between loneliness and mental health. It may be that feeling lonely has an adverse effect on mental health, but it can also be a situation where poor mental health results in isolation and loneliness as someone may not have the confidence to interact with others.
The Mental Health Foundation has an article which talks about why loneliness is the theme for this year’s mental health awareness week. Mental Health UK has a wide variety of information and ideas including suggestions for things to do to try and improve mental health.
Even little things like a friendly smile and saying hello in passing may make someone’s day seem brighter. If you have concerns about your mental health – or that of someone you know – please seek help.
For more than 75 years Christian Aid has provided practical support for people across the world who are suffering the effects of poverty. They also try to tackle injustice and support human rights in the countries they work in. This year Christian Aid week runs from 15-21 May and the theme is “Turning hunger into hope” as life is particularly difficult for many people who were already living in poverty. Climate change has resulted in crop failures in many countries, and the conflicts in Ukraine and other countries have also had a negative impact on food supplies. Many people in this country are finding it difficult to feed their families without having to use Food Banks like The Gate but in other parts of the world where survival is dependent on the crops the family can grow, life is even harder. The UK Government announced cuts in the Overseas Aid budget which are expected to remain at this lower level until 2024 and this adds to the problems.
Jessica tells her story of life in Zimbabwe and the struggle she has to feed her family. Janet is the main provider for her family and in her story tells of the awful times they have gone through but also speaks of the hope she has for the future as money from Christian Aid has allowed her to invest in drought resistant crops and a new storeroom for her harvest. The Church of Scotland supports Christian Aid Week, and you can listen to a sermon given by Sally Foster-Fulton who is head of Christian Aid Scotland.
There will be a collection taken in Church on Sunday 22 May for Christian Aid.
The General Assembly is an important time in the Church of Scotland as this is when Commissioners to the General Assembly examine the work and laws of the Church and make decisions that affect its future. Under normal circumstances the General Assembly Hall on the Mound in Edinburgh is full with representatives from a wide variety of areas and interests in the Kirk. This year, however, although many Commissioners will be in the hall other participants will join remotely from across Scotland and around the world. It will run from 21-26 May with the proceedings live streamed and available for everyone to watch on the Church of Scotland website.
This year, the Queen has appointed Lord Hodge, who is himself an elder, as Lord High Commissioner – her personal representative. When the Queen attends the Church of Scotland she does so as an ordinary member. In his speech, Lord Hodge spoke about the importance of truth in public and private life being promoted by the Church.
On Saturday 21 May, the Rt Rev Dr Iain Greenshields, minister of St Margaret’s Community Church in Dunfermline, was installed as the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.
You can learn more about how the Assembly works and what will be discussed .
This Sunday, 22 May, the service will be taken as usual by Rev Cha. The Order of Service for this service and links to the hymns can be found on the What’s On page. In Church we will be accompanied as usual by Islay our organist. The new audio visual system has been installed in the Church and the service will be broadcast live on Facebook between 11.10 and 12.30. A retiring collection will be taken to support the work of Christian Aid.
The Craft Group meets on a Monday at 2pm in the Session House after their Easter break. Their latest project is Trauma Teddies for Ukrainian refugee children. Any completed teddies should be handed in to the Church.
The Sunday School meets each week during the Sunday service and children are welcome to attend. The children come into the church for the first part of the service and then go through to the Session House for their own activities.
The Winter menu for the Cafe is available on the Newsletter tab. The café now has a Facebook page, thanks to a member of Connect Alloa. The café will be closed for 2 weeks from 23 May as Billy is on holiday.
After church teas and coffees continue to be served following the appropriate guidelines. If you would like to help with this, please speak to Joyce or Elma.
The garden at the back of the Church is being transformed with fruit trees and bushes being planted.
A permanent ramp will be installed leading into the porch during the week beginning 23 May. As the café is closed for 2 weeks from that date, there should be minimal disruption.