When we hear the word slavery, we often think of people sold to work on places like cotton farms or those who were bonded to an employer to perhaps work in the mines and we can assume that slavery is a thing of the past and that society has learned to be better.  Unfortunately, this is not the case – 200 years after the abolition of the slave trade there are estimated to be 122,000 men, women and children trapped in modern slavery in the UK.  Marked each year on 18 October, Anti-Slavery Day helps us remember the millions of people affected by exploitation around the world, including here in the UK.  It is a time to honour survivors, learn to recognise the signs of modern slavery, and consider the practical steps we can take to help build communities where everyone is safe, valued and free.  Anti-Slavery Day invites us all to stand together against modern slavery and human trafficking, and to affirm the God-given dignity and freedom of every person.

Modern slavery takes many forms, including forced labour, sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, criminal exploitation and human trafficking.  Sadly, it can be found in communities across the UK, sometimes in familiar places such as restaurants, care homes, building sites, nail bars and car washes.

Those experiencing exploitation may be hidden in plain sight.  Fear, isolation, threats, debt, violence or coercion can leave people feeling unable to leave or ask for help. With compassion and care, we can remain attentive to those who may be vulnerable and respond safely when something does not seem right.

Modern slavery can affect anyone, whatever their age, background or nationality.  As a church community, we can help by learning the signs, listening without judgement, speaking up safely and praying for all who are affected. Together, we can help ensure that no one is left unseen or unheard.  The Clewer Initiative website contains a lot of information about the different types of modern slavery, how to recognise it and how you can report it.

Democracy honours values close to our hearts: the dignity of every person, freedom, and the opportunity for all to be heard. Human rights and free, fair elections help communities flourish, especially when we listen to those whose voices are too often overlooked.

Yet many people around the world are still denied these freedoms, and extreme views can threaten those seen as different. In the UK, every eligible adult has the right to vote, regardless of gender or skin colour. We are also called to listen respectfully when we disagree and to choose peace over violence.  The United Nations have produced a short video about Why Democracy Matters.

Democracy needs our continuing care, honesty and participation so that it may strengthen our communities and serve the common good.  As it says in Romans14:19 –

“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”

The Presbytery of Perth are considering using more examples of online worship, prayer and reflection.  The first example of this – Jesus – the One who restores – draws on the story of locusts in Joel 2and includes music, reflection and prayer.  It is filmed in some of the beautiful places across our Presbytery, including with Rev Chris Barlas up at Dundee Law and footage from Beinn a’ Ghlo by Blair Atholl at sunrise.  The video lasts about 14 minutes so please try to find time to watch it.  It is hoped to expand on this initiative in coming months but the Presbytery of Perth YouTube channel already has some interesting videos featuring hymns, prayers and thoughts.

This Sunday our service will start at 11.15 am, as usual, in the Church and it will be led by Rev Mhairi Gilchrist.  The Order of Service can be found on the What’s On page.  We hope to see many of you at the service.  Please remember that you do not have to be a member to attend the Church service.  We are always happy to welcome new members as well as those who have attended in the past.

We recently had a visit from Dan Rous from Presbytery.  He spent some time after the service chatting to people and has left a leaflet with some questions for people to think about and unlock memories of the Church.  Some copies are still available in the Porch.

Rev Mhairi is asking that over the next few months, if anyone has a favourite hymn (perhaps one that hasn’t been sung for a while or a more modern one, which she doesn’t know) could they pop their suggestions into the ‘letterbox’ beside the offering plate, and she will work them into the services over the coming months.

The Sunday School will meet this week as usual.  We are always happy to see young people attending church and are happy to welcome existing – and new – members back to Sunday School.  The Sunday School is open to children aged 3-11 and the children attend the first part of the service n the Church and then go through to the hall for age-appropriate activities.

As was agreed at a previous Session meeting, the boards in the Porch highlight a different aspect of church life each month and this month we have a timeline of St Mungo’s and changes that have happened over the years.  One of the other boards has information about our wish to gather together people’s memories and feelings about St Mungo’s.  Please feel free to ask friends who may have moved out of the area to share their memories as well.

Christine has been busy knitting poppies which are available at the back of the church with donations going to Poppy Scotland.

We have a box in the porch for donations to The Gate foodbank.  Your contributions make a difference to those who are finding it difficult to make ends meet in difficult financial times and donations are always welcome.  The Gate would also welcome donations of Bags for Life or other strong plastic bags which they use for food parcels.  Thanks to everyone who donates and makes a difference to the lives of others.

Volunteers to help with the after-Church teas and coffees are always welcome.  Please speak to Joyce or Elma if you can help out.  Volunteers to help in the café during the week are also welcome.  If this is something you would like to do, please speak to Billy for more information.

Volunteers to help maintain our garden area are always welcome.  If this might be of interest to you, please speak to Billy.

If you know of anyone who has moved, is ill, in hospital, passed away or gone into residential care, please let either your elder or Andrena know so that we can keep our information up to date.

The cafe is normally open on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday each week between 10 am and 4 pm. The new  Summer/Autumn menu which was introduced in June can be found on the Newsletter tab above and there is something for everyone whether you want to have breakfast, lunch or coffee and a cake!  For a special occasion, you may want to consider an afternoon tea and booking is advised for this.  Please phone Billy to book a table on his mobile – 07395 091107.

In November and December the cafe will only be open on Thursdays and Fridays.

Moderator signs letter of support to churches in South Sudan

The Moderator has joined the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Archbishop of Westminster in signing a letter of support to churches in South Sudan.  He met various ecumenical leaders and officials at a meeting in London recently to discuss the current conflict in Sudan.  Christian Aid’s Global Policy Advocacy Lead said:  “The role of the church in South Sudan is invaluable; churches and faith leaders remain among the most trusted institutions in the country and continue to play a critical role in mediation, reconciliation, peacebuilding and community resilience.”

Pizza helping bring young people to faith

Pizza Church at Cowal Kirk in Dunoon brings all ages together each month to enjoy pizza, pray, sing and hear a short gospel message.  More than 100 people join the relaxed gathering, which is helping faith grow.  Its success has also inspired Plug-In Church, where people can explore bigger questions about Christianity and following Jesus.  You can hear more about this by listening to the podcast.

Top award for Ayrshire man who helps people in crisis

Ally Wyllie, a support worker with East Ayrshire Churches Homelessness Action (EACHA), won Homeless Network Scotland’s Viki Fox Heart of Support Award.  He benefitted from the work of the charity himself so knows first hand the difference that it can make to someone’s life.  You can hear Ally talking about the difference EACHA made to his life here.

New Church of Scotland podcast series looks at what helps churches thrive

The 5-part Thriving Church Lab series started on 6 October and the podcast focusses on St Andrews, Lhanbryde and Urquhart (SALU) Parish Church in Moray.  Church leaders form (SALU) share how they developed a team approach to ministry, and how a knitting club stitched the church together with the local community.  Learning resources to go with each podcast are also available.  A new episode will be produced every 2 weeks. To find out more, visit the Thriving Church Lab.

Faith Action Leadership Team (FAPLT) Questionnaire for Church members

The Church of Scotland is reviewing the Faith Action Programme Leadership Team (FAPLT). FAPLT oversees national work relating to ministry, mission support, training, worship, new worshipping communities, social justice, and support for Presbyteries and congregations.
They would be very grateful to hear your thoughts on this work, to help them learn what has worked well, what has been less clear or effective, and how FAPLT might best serve the Church’s mission and priorities in the future.

Please complete the following short questionnaire: FAPLT Review Questionnaire for Church Members – Fill in form

Presbytery online worship: Worship in Spirit and Truth

This is the third episode of shared online worship and prayer. This week’s worship is slightly different as it is not based in Perth Presbytery but was filmed in Iona. This episode reflects on Jesus’ words in John 4:20-24: “The true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth.”  Presbytery is delighted that John Bell was happy to give a short reflection from Iona (as he happened to be there while the video was being produced) on what it means to worship God with our whole selves.  Alongside Scripture and prayer, the episode includes music, singing and the beautiful landscape of Iona… geese, waves and LOTS of wind. (There is no drone footage in this episode!)  We hope it will offer a space to reflect, pray and worship.  The video is available on YouTube and can be found here.

Reflecting on four years

The Presbytery of Perth has been in place for almost 4 years.  The Presbytery covers a wide geographical area  and the Presbytery Clerk has been reflecting on some of the challenges the Presbytery has faced as well as some of the positives it has experienced.

Faith Action Leadership Team (FAPLT) videos

The Faith Action Programme Leadership Team (FAPLT) have produced some short videos which can be found here.   They cover its work and purpose; events for those considering ministry; support for the Day of Prayer and a call for volunteers to represent the Church on council education committees.  They plan to communicate in this way each quarter, letting us know more of the breadth of their remit and work.

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On Thursday 15 October, the Guild had a light-hearted fun session where members came together to play some old-fashioned games.  We played dominoes, ludo, build a beetle and snakes and ladders.  There was a lot of chatting and plenty of laughter.

The Central Guilds Together mini-gathering will take place in Stirling on Monday 26 October.  This gives members from different guilds in the area to get together and make new friends.  During the day, we will also learn more about the new strategy which is being developed to replace the current one.

The current Guild strategy is “Let us Build a House” and this year the theme is “Beyond the Walls” so please think about coming along to the Guild and building new friendships as we all reach out Beyond the Walls.

One of the stained-glass windows in our church is known as the Te Deum Window. It features the opening words of the ancient hymn Te Deum laudamus, meaning “We praise you, God.” The window was installed in memory of the Rev Alexander Bryson, who served as minister of St Mungo’s from 1870 to 1900.

Born in Paisley and the son of a contractor, Rev Bryson was described as a strong and commanding figure. When he arrived in Alloa, he and his wife, Julia, had three young children: Blanche, aged six; Rollo, aged two; and Frances, aged one. Rev Bryson was deeply involved in parish life. Julia also played an active role in the church and often accompanied him when he visited members of the congregation.

Their son Rollo later went to Peru to work with his uncles in a mine. He died there in 1900, aged 32, leaving a wife and child. In the same year, Rev and Mrs Bryson took a short holiday at Toward, near Dunoon, where Rev Bryson became ill and died. He is buried in Sunnyside Cemetery, as is his son Rollo.

When the window was installed, the church entrance was directly opposite it. Worshippers entering the building would therefore see the window and be reminded of Rev Bryson’s life, ministry and service to the congregation.

The Church is open for the Sunday service, and the work of the church is continuing.  This means that there are still expenses to be covered so please help if you can. You can either fill your envelope each week ready for when you are able to join us for the Church service again or if you would like to set up a Standing Order or give a donation please get in touch using the email address connect@alloastmungos.org or contact our Treasurer, Scott Maxwell (07711148762), and he will be happy to give you more information.  If you are a taxpayer, you may wish to Gift Aid your donations which will increase the amount of money the Church receives at no extra cost to you.  Forms are available from Scott Maxwell or Ann Anderson.

To find out about the ways in which you can support the Church – financially and otherwise – please click on the Support Us tab above.