Once a month, on the cold, dark months of the year, we host an evening of music and quiet contemplation at Craigsbank. These cherished evenings offer warmth and friendship, and time to reflect in candlelight.
We are blessed with some very strong musicians at Craigsbank and this evening-hour, during winter, is a free event that uplifts all who attend for the days ahead.
Two more dates for the Winter Wednesdays remain:
24 January
21 February
Start time 7.30pm CRAIGSBANK SANCTUARY
Pop the dates in your diary now. These events are not to be missed.
Our bulb planters were out in force today at Fauldburn Park in wet weather gear – to provide a touch of Spring sunshine when the time comes. Anne reports that the team were happy to be planting despite the weather. And managed to plant over 1000 bulbs. We’re all looking forward to Springtime displays.
Where were we planting? See the maps below for the sites where the bulbs were planted.
‘A simple shoebox gift packed with love and fuelled by prayer can have a huge impact!’
In the past, our church family has given generously to Operation Christmas Child. Pre-pandemic most of the activity centred around filling shoe boxes and bringing them to the church centres. During the Covid period much of this activity went online and this year, you can purchase and fill a box on the Samaritans Purse website. It’s easy and it’s fast to do.
But of course you can still fill a shoe box yourself if you prefer. Our nearest drop off points are
PALMERSTON PLACE CHURCH EH12 5AA
BLACKHALL ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH EH4 3QU
MORRISONS FERRY ROAD EDINBURGH EH5 2HF
Please note that National Collection Week is 13–20 November 2023. Filled boxes cannot be accepted outwith these dates.
The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to show God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world, and together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Since 1993, more than 209 million children in over 170 countries have experienced God’s love through the power of simple shoebox gifts from Operation Christmas Child.
Visit the Samaritans Purse Website now to find out what to include in your gift. Bring a smile to a child in need this Christmas.
‘If you pray, pray from your guts, not your lips – offer a prayer that moves in you and through you – one that calls you to reach out to a fearful neighbour, to speak up for peace and calm and the unity of humanity.
“Peace in our world can never come through violence.”
A message from Rt Rev Sally Foster-Fulton, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, on the Israel Gaza conflict
Published on 10 October 2023
Rt Rev Sally Foster-Fulton, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, has issued a statement in response to the outbreak of violence in the Holy Land. You can read it here (below) or on the Church of Scotland website.
Friends,
I reach out to you all, as we continue to grapple with the shattering violence unfolding in Israel and Gaza, and to ask for your prayers and your action.
Across Scotland, our Jewish friends, neighbours and colleagues grieve the loss of loved ones following the devastating terrorist attacks we witnessed unfolding over the weekend, worry for friends and family who have been kidnapped and fear the possibility of increased antisemitism in their own neighbourhoods as tensions rise across the world.
In Scotland, our friends with family in Gaza mourn the loss of loved ones, worry for those unable to find safety or a place of refuge and fear an even more uncertain future.
Together we agonise, yet again, over peace gone to pieces. We desperately try to fathom how we can be any comfort to the members of our global family trapped in the middle of such a barrage of violence and fear. We are appalled by the horrifying levels of brutality and the inhumanity of mass murder scenes of which were broadcast across our screens in horrifying, gut-wrenching detail.
We call for calm and active consideration for the innocent civilians who are suffering in Israel and Gaza. Peace in our world can never come through violence. Peace in our spirits can never come through revenge.
So, what can we do in the face of war?
If you pray, pray from your guts, not your lips – offer a prayer that moves in you and through you – one that calls you to reach out to a fearful neighbour, to speak up for peace and calm and the unity of humanity.
Pray for all those many people injured and those mourning the loss of loved ones and those living in abject fear who await news of family members missing.
Wherever you are, check in on your Jewish neighbours, friends and colleagues.
Wherever you are, check in on your neighbours, friends and colleagues who have family in Gaza.
Wherever you are, be mindful of your words. Tarring with a broad brush adds more fuel to the fire, so be kind to one another wherever you find each other.
The Zulu phrase, Ubuntu, is the theme for my year as Moderator and its challenging truth resonates powerfully today. ‘I am because you are.’ We are one global family. When we look into the face of another human being, God looks out from the windows of their souls. Today, love God by loving each other.
A prayer for peace
‘In days to come … they shall beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation; neither shall they learn war any more.’
God, it is said that you are the peace that passes all understanding. We sit now, staggered at how quickly the fragile half-peace we had pieced together has unravelled.
The lessons we have so desperately needed to learn have been laid aside as the instruments of war begin their horrible, haunting reprise. Call us back to our senses.
For the angry, abused and frightened among us, who strike out in a distorted quest for victory, help us find ways to convince that there is no victory to be found in violence.
Peace-making is a daunting path to tread, especially when fear follows so closely behind, so breathe your loving spirit into our hearts and help us walk your way.
We pray ceaselessly for our family in Israel and Palestine, for we are all family and when one part suffers, we are all depleted. Peace in pieces is a collective, shared shame.
God, you are the peace that passes all understanding, so help us understand how to find you.
This sign was spotted on the door of St Mary’s Church in Bridgwater, Somerset. It certainly makes you think! We are equally inclusive but perhaps we need to shout louder.
Craigsbank was one of the buildings that flung its doors wide open on Doors Open Sunday this year. And the result was really very positive indeed. John Baker arranged the weekend’s activities and he was ably supported by a strong team of volunteers.
64 individuals visited the buildings over the weekend. Below are just a few of the comments received:
Fantastic experience: wonderful building: everyone so friendly and helpful.
Thanks for taking part in Doors Open Day – loved the building and music
So impressed! This “hidden gem” is amazing. Intriguing architecture. Even more I admire the way you form and run your church community. Our visit has been well worthwhile.
Beautiful Magical Spiritual Many thanks
It was a thrill to find such a beautiful modernist building in a part of Edinburgh we did not know. The quality of light and the serenity of the building make it very special apart from it’s functional success.
Amazing architecture Thank you so much for your time and knowledge. This is a hidden gem.
Having been Christened here on 8 August 1943, I found my visit a quite moving and enjoyable event. (Also repeated his visit to deliver copies of the October 1943 and March 1959 Intimations and family contributions)
Very beautiful building, inside and out.
Great to visit again and enjoyed Tree’s piece! ( Composer) Compliments the perfectly-realised minimalism of the architecture perfectly !
The nicest church I have visited in a long time. Architecturally stunning and a surprisingly warm and inviting space. A reflection of the congregation, no doubt.
Beautiful architectural lines. A hidden gem thanks to “Doors Open Day”
This church has the WOW! Factor from the moment you catch sight of it coming round the corner and on entering – so unexpected to see the configuration which is so dramatic and inspiring. A wonderful space for worship – what a lucky congregation you are to have this gem. So pleased to hear that it has been recognised as “A” listed. Thank you for opening up today.
We enjoyed the very warm welcome and were inspired by the beautiful airy space. The architecture is truly magnificent and is in great condition.
An amazing place- well hosted – such a great performance and what a hidden gem. Wonderful.
A wonderful display for a magnificent building! I appreciated the exhibits showing the construction of the complex. Great to see a hidden modernist gem in the City.
A truly striking building beautifully looked after. Marion and John were brilliantly knowledgeable.
A beautiful piece of Architecture. Really enjoyed talking to the volunteers and getting to experience the space and its wonderful light. Thank you
Our popular Network group is starting up again for the winter on 2 October. The full programme of speakers and events for the year is below. Do come along. You will be made very welcome. For more information, contact Susan Ross.
Network Syllabus 2023/2024
2023
2 October – The role of a Kings Chaplain – Rev Moira McDonald
16 October – Tracing your Family History – Alex Wood
30 October – Travelling Scotland with one Yellow Wellie – Reta MacLennan
13 November – Thimble Collection – Anne McMillan
27 November – Christmas Crafts – Cherry Gilmour
11 December – Christmas Meal
2024
8 January – Corstorphine Transport Through the Ages – Ian Anderson
22 January – Scottish Music & Words – Robin & Mairi Leach (Fundraiser)
5 February – Life after Westminster – John Barrett
Our new signs went up at Craigsbank last week and look smart and bright… and can be seen from a good distance. The banner for Open Doors can be rolled up and stored for next year and all years to come. East Craigs next!
The ACORN is an inter church group which meets on the last Monday of every month from September to May for a morning of fun, chat, faith and fellowship, meeting up with friends from many of the Corstorphine churches for coffee and entertainment, sometimes with a speaker, or sometimes finding interesting stories from among our own members. To give you a little glimpse – for our last meeting, we had Margaret Grant, with a guest pianist and some of the Springwell Golden Voices choir, who joined us for a session of pure nostalgia, singing hymns and choruses remembered from days gone by, some as far back as childhood. A great time was had by all!
Why not brighten your Monday morning once a month? We’d love to see you.
The first meeting of the new season will be on 25th September, at 10.30am in the Belgrave Room in St Anne’s Church, Kaimes Road , Corstorphine.
Bring someone to visit Craigsbank on Doors Open Weekend in September
We are delighted to report that Craigsbank will once again be open to the public as part of Doors Open Weekend in September – 23 and 24 September. It would be really wonderful if we could all bring one person (or more!) along who doesn’t know the building.
The entire building will be open – sanctuary and halls – so that visitors can see how the site responded to the demands for more space.
Between 11.00 am and 2.00pm on Saturday 23rd September cellist Joanna Stark will give performances of a composition by Tree Burton, for Craigsbank Church. The piece, ‘Floating Sanctuary’ is informed by the architecture and design of the church and was first presented at Doors Open Day 2017.
Craigsbank is much in demand from visitors with an interest in architecture.
The 20th Century Society visited Craigsbank Church on 4th June 23 as part of their Edinburgh ‘Sold Out’ Weekend. The Society has a passion for 20th Century Architecture, iconic buildings and design and arranges a range of visits, campaigns and seminars.
The visit to Craigsbank Church by 35 visitors as part of their Tour of Edinburgh’s 20th Century Architectural Highlights was really enjoyed and everyone appreciated experiencing the Sanctuary. During the visit comments were made about the quality of the Sanctuary space design and especially the daylighting, also admiring the building’s condition and potential for a range of activities.
One visitor, who had lived locally in his youth, clearly remembered being impressed and ‘spellbound’ by the changing daylighting patterns on the walls and thoroughly enjoyed returning to experience the space again.
