The International Day of Charity is marked each year on 5 September. Established by the United Nations, it encourages people everywhere to show care for others through kindness, giving and service. The date honours Mother Teresa, who died on this day in 1987 after a life dedicated to helping those most in need.

Charity is a simple but powerful expression of love in action. Whether we give time, money, practical help or prayerful support, we share in building kinder, fairer and more hopeful communities.  The Good Samaritan  in Luke 10:25–37, is an example where a Samaritan aids an injured traveller after others pass him by.

Today, charitable work helps meet urgent needs, supports people where services are stretched, and speaks up for those whose voices are often unheard.  There are different ways that we can support the organisations which help meet these needs.  We can donate money on a regular basis, put cash in a collecting tin or donate online.  We can give items we no longer need but which are in good condition to our local charity shops or buy from them.  Volunteering our time and talents is another way to contribute either with a regular commitment or to assist at one off events.

However we support them, charities are a way of not only alleviating poverty, ill health etc but giving people the tools to make life better for themselves and others.  At its heart, charity is about loving our neighbour. When rooted in compassion, fairness and humility, it can bring hope, strengthen communities and help create a more caring world for all.

As the UN has stated – Charity, when rooted in equity and ethics, is more than generosity: it’s a powerful act of global responsibility. It connects people across borders and sectors to confront poverty, uplift communities, and build a more inclusive and sustainable world for everyone.

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.

We were shocked to hear about the situation in Coalsnaughton where residents of some streets have had to leave their homes at very short notice due to ground movement.  Most of us can only imagine how worrying that must be for everyone affected.  The one small ray of light in this situation is the way in which the local community have stepped up to offer practical support.  Various groups across the county have appealed to people to provide basic support for those affected and Clackmannanshire Council have asked The Gate charity to co-ordinate this.

Some of the items which have been suggested include:

• Self-care and toiletry items – Shampoo and conditioner, Shower gel and soap, Toothbrushes and toothpaste, Deodorant, Sanitary products, Baby wipes and nappies
• Easy-to-prepare food items – Pot noodles and instant meals, Microwaveable rice and pasta, Tinned foods with ring pulls, Cereal bars and snacks, UHT milk, Tea, coffee and hot chocolate
• Activities for children and young people – Colouring books and pencils, Puzzle books, Playing cards and travel games, Craft kits, small toys, Books for all ages.

If you wish to donate any of these items, they can be handed in to the church or The Gate in a bag clearly marked “Coalsnaughton Appeal” so that The Gate can identify and distribute them quickly.

It is reassuring to know that at a time when hatred and division are becoming increasingly prevalent in different parts of the world, there are many people who are doing what Jesus asked when he said “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples.”  In Paul’s letter to the Hebrews, he said, “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works” and it is surely better to do that than to stir up hatred and division.

Last Thursday the Guild Dedication Service was held again the Session House, with the service being taken jointly by Rev Mhairi and Rev Dawn.  Mhairi’s Reflection was on the theme of Beyond the Walls which is the Guild theme for this year.  She reminded us that going Beyond the Walls doesn’t have to mean a big new project but we can begin by noticing the lonely and forgotten and welcoming them and helping them to cross the barriers in their way.  By doing this, we can widen the circle and welcome and support more people.

Our first Guild meeting of the session will take place on 1 October when we will learn more about the Church of the Holy Rude in Stirling. It is the second oldest building in Stirling after Stirling Castle, and was founded by King David I in 1129.  It has remained active as a Church  with services still being held on Sunday mornings.

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.  You can also find out a bit more by looking at the boards in the Porch this month.

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.

The cafe will be closed on Tuesday 22 September and Tuesday 29 September.

All profits from the cafe on Friday 25 September will be donated to MacMillan cancer support.  As we hope to be busy that day, as this is such a good cause, it would be advisable to book.

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.

Moderator continues to meet political leaders

The Moderator recently met the co-leaders of the Scottish Greens to discuss their work as MSPs and assured them of his prayers for everyone who serves and works in the Scottish Parliament.  This followed a meeting with John Swinney the previous week, when they discussed issues affecting people across Scotland and beyond.  The Church of Scotland believes that the Good News of Jesus Christ has an important place in public life and decision-making.  Across the Church, ministers and worship leaders regularly pray that those in positions of political responsibility will act with integrity, compassion, justice and wisdom.  During his year in office, the Moderator hopes to meet the leaders of Scotland’s main political parties.

Church Lottery Scam

The Church has been made aware of fake websites promoting a Church of Scotland fundraising lottery – both at a national level and also purporting to be individual churches.  These websites look very professional but are nothing to do with the Church and staff at the National Office have reported them to the appropriate authorities as a matter of urgency. A key indicator is the web address being used misspells Scotland with two ‘c’s.  If any Church members have concerns about these fake websites, they can contact the Law Department via email on LAWDEPT@churchofscotland.org.uk  If anyone is aware of someone having given money to this scam, please ask them to contact Police Scotland.

Request to Pray for Zambia

Keith and Ida Waddell, our Mission Partners in Zambia, ask us to pray for Zambia following the recent election and the subsequent arrest of opposition leaders.

We are asked to pray for a fair and transparent legal process, wise leadership, peace and unity, and dignity and justice for all.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” — Matthew 5:9

275th anniversary celebrations, St Ninians Old Parish Church.

We congratulate St Ninian’s Old on their 275^th anniversary.    The celebrations began with a Songs of Praise service at 7:00pm on Sunday 6th September followed by tea and coffee in the Parish Halls.  On Saturday 12th September there was a flower festival in the Church and a soup & sandwich lunch in the Parish Halls.  On Sunday 13 September, the Rt Rev Gordon Kennedy – Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland – was the guest preacher at the Service of Thanksgiving when the congregation celebrated their past, gave thanks for the present, and looked forward with hope to the future. During the Flower Festival, and through the retiral collection following the Anniversary Service, there was an opportunity to support the work of CrossReach.  We wish St Ninian’s Old all the best for the next 275 years.

Presbytery online worship: Jesus – the One who Gives Living Water

The Presbytery of Perth is producing some shared online worship resources with the second one being Jesus – the One who gives living water .  In this episode, Katie Hart, Pioneer Ministry Leader at Aberfeldy Parish Church, reflects on Jesus’ encounter with the woman at the well in John 4 and his promise of living water that truly satisfies and never runs dry.

Filmed at the Birks of Aberfeldy and Kenmore Hill, the landscape helps bring the story to life.  The cairn and the waters of Loch Tay evoke the well and the living water at the heart of Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman.  Her story reminds us that Jesus meets us where we are, knows us fully and offers the lasting fulfilment that nothing else can give.

Christian Aid – Visit to Presbytery from Rev Fiona Smith

The Presbytery of Perth were delighted to welcome a well known face, Rev Fiona Smith, from Christian Aid, to speak at the recent Presbytery meeting.  Fiona spoke about movingly about Christian Aid Scotland, and how as Christians and in our congregations we can work with Christian Aid to respond to the many challenges facing our world. You can hear what she has to say about  about our calling to be in Desmond Tutu’s words, “prisoners of hope.”

This Sunday we will be celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion with the service starting 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.

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 not meet this week but will be back to normal next week. 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 the boards give information about the Guild as Guild Week is held in September.  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 my have moved out of the area to share their memories as well.

Doors Open Days take place in Clackmannanshire on 26 and 27 September.  We will be taking part again this year so please come along and learn more about the building before it is closed  and put on the market.

This Friday, all profits from the café will be donated to the MacMillan appeal.

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.  Catriona once again delivered our donations to The Gate last week.  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.

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.