As individuals and as a church community, we engage with our wider community in many ways. Much of this outreach remains hidden: the unsung glory of a thousand small kindnesses and spontaneous acts. Other times, we support a local cause briefly — as need and opportunities arise. Then there are long term projects that St Mary’s has supported over many years. Some of these include:
Eco-congregation and Fairtrade
St Mary’s has been awarded eco-congregation status, and many of our members are involved in local conservation and sustainablity projects. Fairtraid goods are for sale after church on the first Sunday of every month.
Jacaranda House is a home for abused girls in Swaziland, which is run by the sisters of The Order of the Holy Paraclete(OHP) . The sisters raise and educate girls who have been abused and who are affected by the AIDS epidemic. Many of the girls retain close ties with the community once they have grown up and moved away.
St Mary’s has had a long standing relationship with OHP and Jacaranda House, from the days when one of the sisters lived here in Dunblane at Scottish Churches House.
Start-up Stirling
Start-up is a local charity that provides starter packs of food and household items to people who have recently been given accomodation, and are trying to establish a home. St Mary’s supports Start-up through our Harvest collection, and through the ongoing commitment of some of our members.
