NEWS

Register now using the contact points below for the OPEN DAY for the new MAYBURY PRIMARY SCHOOL on 8 March.

We are delighted that the Bristo Community Concert Band is considering relocating their weekly practice venue to the Craigsbank Hall. Anyone interested in meeting the band is invited to come along this Monday evening, 3 March, at 7.30pm.

‘We are a non-auditioning Edinburgh concert band who enjoy playing and performing a wide range of music together. We are open to over 16s of all abilities, however, we strongly recommend that interested players are at least grade 5 standard.’

Find out more on the Bristo Community Concert Band website  or come along tonight

At a time when the world is increasingly faced with conflict and false truth, fear, cruelty and destruction, the readings from our service are both apt and thought provoking. Listen to the service on YouTube now.

 Zechariah 8:14-17 (Good News Translation)

¹⁴ The Lord Almighty says, “When your ancestors made me angry, I planned disaster for them and did not change my mind but carried out my plans. 

¹⁵ But now I am planning to bless the people of Jerusalem and Judah. So don’t be afraid. 

¹⁶ These are the things you should do: Speak the truth to one another. In the courts give real justice—the kind that brings peace. 

¹⁷ Do not plan ways of harming one another. Do not give false testimony under oath. I hate lying, injustice, and violence.”

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John 1:1-5 (Good News Translation)

The Word of Life

1 In the beginning the Word already existed; the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 

² From the very beginning the Word was with God. 

³ Through him God made all things; not one thing in all creation was made without him. 

⁴ The Word was the source of life, and this life brought light to people. 

⁵ The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out.

¹⁴ The Word became a human being and, full of grace and truth, lived among us. We saw his glory, the glory which he received as the Father’s only Son.

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2 Timothy 4:1-4 (Good News Translation)

4 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and because he is coming to rule as King, I solemnly urge you ² to preach the message, to insist upon proclaiming it (whether the time is right or not), to convince, reproach, and encourage, as you teach with all patience. 

³ The time will come when people will not listen to sound doctrine but will follow their own desires and will collect for themselves more and more teachers who will tell them what they are itching to hear. 

⁴ They will turn away from listening to the truth and give their attention to legends.

And as a reminder to us all…

On International Women’s Day last year we brought you news of Her Audio Bible, a project that ‘brings together women from a diversity of backgrounds to read from a place of personal faith’. This year we revisit the project and find new readings, this time Timothy 1 and 2 and read by Annika Matthews currently based in the South East of England. You can listen to her readings here:

https://www.heraudiobible.org.uk/1-timothy

https://www.heraudiobible.org.uk/2-timothy

The readings on this site are a joy to listen and now include:

Matthew

Mark

Luke

John

Galatians

Ephesians

Collosians

James

Revelations

Do you have young children or know of someone who does? The Manor School of Ballet has started beginners classes for age 3+, at East Craigs Church Centre.

Edinburgh’s oldest independent dance school offers you the highest possible standards of training in Ballet, Jazz & Tap, Highland, Acro and Musical Theatre.  With more than 100 classes every week, we have something for everyone.

New classes have started on Saturday mornings at East Craig Centre. 

For more information or bookings call 0131 347 2570.

As we head towards Union with Corstorphine Old Parish, we are looking at the structure of the teams of volunteers who make us who we are. Our Church only works if folk come forward to help. The best gift you can give is you.

Over the decades we have been incredibly fortunate with the time and skill-sharing that the people of Craigsbank and East Craigs have brought – from baking or gardening to building maintenance and communications. But now we are starting afresh and looking again to see who might be out there with just a little time to spare.

So… the teams we are currently considering are listed below. Please don’t feel that you need to know what you are doing in all the areas mentioned. It may even be that you have no particular experience but feel that this is an area that you’ve always wanted to explore. What have you got to lose? Volunteer for an hour or so a week or more – you will be welcomed with open arms and (we hope!) enjoy what you do.

Contact the church office for more information.

1. Worship Team

This team will work collaboratively to plan and lead two distinct weekly worship services, ensuring that both styles of worship reflect the diversity of the united congregation. They will coordinate musicians, vocalists, liturgical leaders, and other participants to create meaningful, spiritually enriching worship experiences. The team will also be responsible for preparing the liturgy, overseeing the technical elements of worship, and fostering an environment where all can encounter God through worship. Their role is pivotal in uniting the congregation through shared and varied worship expressions.

2. Pastoral Team

This team will provide pastoral care and support to church members and those within the parish, ensuring that all feel valued and cared for. They will organise regular visits to those who are sick, homebound, hospitalised, bereaved or in need of spiritual encouragement, as well as offer emotional and prayer support during difficult times. Additionally, they will coordinate care initiatives such as bereavement support, prayer support, district visitors and ad hoc home visits to maintain the church’s strong commitment to pastoral care. The team’s work will embody the church’s commitment to being a compassionate, caring community.

3. Mission Team

The mission team will focus on outward-facing ministries, sharing the love of God in practical, relevant ways within the parish and beyond. This includes supporting chaplaincy in local schools and workplaces, coordinating community outreach efforts such as the Care Van, and working with local and global initiatives like Christian Aid. The team will also focus on growing disciples of Jesus Christ, through evangelistic efforts and service projects. Their mission is to equip and inspire the congregation to live out their faith in service to others, making a tangible impact in the local community.

4. Social Group

This group will focus on fostering relationships and building friendships among church members, particularly as the two congregations merge into one. They will organise social events, gatherings, fellowship groups and small group activities that create opportunities for fellowship, mutual support, and shared hospitality. By encouraging personal connections, warm hospitality and a sense of belonging, the social group will play a vital role in helping the congregation bond and develop a shared identity, making the transition smoother and more enjoyable for everyone involved as well as affording newcomers to the congregation a warm welcome.

5. Pioneering Team

The pioneering team will lead the initiative to plant a new worshiping congregation in the Western Expansion area, responding to the growing needs of that community. They will be responsible for visioning, planning, and implementing innovative approaches to ministry that reach not only active Christians, but also unchurched or dechurched people in that area. This may include developing new forms of worship, small groups, and outreach events that resonate with the local context. Their mission is to be active in the presence and work of God, nurturing a wholesome sense of community, establishing a church presence, and creating a fresh expression of faith that engages the Western Expansion community in relevant, impactful ways.

6. Creative Arts Ministry Group

This group will nurture creativity as part of a life of faith within the congregation and develop the Craigsbank auditorium and halls into a vibrant, missional hub for creative and performing arts. They will organise artistic events, performances, and exhibitions that connect the church with the wider community. Additionally, they will encourage and support members of the congregation in expressing their faith through various creative outlets, whether visual arts, music, drama, or other forms of artistic expression. The group’s role is to create spaces where faith and creativity intersect, making the church a centre for cultural and artistic engagement.

7. Young Family Ministry Team

The work of this team will be essential to growing a vibrant, multi-generational church where young people are not only welcomed but integral to the life and mission of the congregation. They will lead the “Growing Young” programme, focusing on engaging and ministering to younger generations—children, youth, and young families—in ways that are contextually relevant and impactful. They will create and run programmes, events, and small groups that nurture the faith of young people, helping them connect with the wider church community. The team will also equip parents and guardians with resources to foster faith at home and support children to mature into spiritually and emotionally healthy adults.

8. Property, Finance & Human Resources Team

This team will oversee all aspects of financial management, including budgeting, accounting, and stewardship. They will ensure the optimisation and usage of the church’s property, managing maintenance, upgrades, and any logistical needs related to the facilities. In addition, they will oversee human resources functions such as recruitment, employee and volunteer management, training, and compliance with employment laws. Their role is to ensure that the church’s assets—whether financial, human, or physical—are managed effectively to support the mission and ministry of the united congregation.

9. Communications, IT & Technology Team

This team will be responsible for all internal and external communications, ensuring the congregation and the wider community are kept informed of church events, updates, and initiatives. They will manage digital communications, including the church website, social media platforms, and newsletters, as well as oversee administrative and data management systems. Additionally, they will maintain and operate audio-visual equipment, facilitating live worship services, enable online broadcasts and other multimedia productions and grow our online presence. Their work is crucial to enhancing communication flow and engagement both within the church and with the broader community.

10. Administration, GDPR, Health & Safety and Safeguarding

This team will oversee all administrative functions, including accurate record-keeping, database management, and ensuring GDPR compliance. They will manage health and safety procedures to protect staff, volunteers, and visitors, ensuring all policies are in place and followed. The team will also lead safeguarding efforts, ensuring measures are in place to protect vulnerable individuals and that all legal requirements are met. They will provide training and ensure staff and volunteers adhere to safeguarding and health and safety protocols, fostering a safe and organised environment.

Every year members of Corstorphine Craigsbank and East Craigs donate Christmas gifts to the children of those in our prison system. Your generosity is always much appreciated. 2025 will be the 40th year this collection has been running, It will also be Colin O’Flaherty’s 25th & last collection as he is retiring after 40 years in the prison service. Colin has sent the following thank you letter and asked that it be shared with all.

Dearest Friends,

I hope you and yours had a wonderful Christmas and New Year.

Thank you, for your support for the Edinburgh prison Christmas gift collection.

Your kindness and generosity made sure that two hundred and twenty-three children had Christmas presents to open on Christmas morning.  

The gifts were given out at the six Christmas parties organised between the family contact officers and the Barnardo’s staff from the visitor’s centre.  The Christmas parties took place in the visit room in the prison allowing the children’s parent or guardian to take part.  Gifts were also given out directly from the visitors, collected by the parent or guardian of the children.

The number of children that received gifts was down on last year’s wonderful achievement.  This was because the number of children that passed through the visitor’s centre was down on last year.   We achieved our aim, which is to ensure that every child that visited the visitors centre received Christmas presents.

We did receive some media interest the Scotsman and the BBC did an article about the gift collection.  The Justice Minister Angela Constance when she heard about the gift collection, took time out of her schedule to visit the visitors’ centre and helped with wrapping of some of the gifts. 

My thanks as always go to you.  Without your support the Edinburgh prison Christmas gift collection have stopped a long time ago.

My thanks also go to the Barnardo’s staff in the visitors’ centre Shona, Patrizia and Ann all played an important part in making it a success.

My thanks also go to the senior managers of the prison for supporting me and allowing me to organise the gift collection.

I am already looking forward to this year’s 2025 Christmas gift collection.  It will be the fortieth year in a row that the gift collection started by Rev John Murie will have taken place.  

Thank you again.

Colin 

If you are on our postal mailing list, you should receive your copy of the Christmas Bulletin over the next few days. If not and you would like to be, please do let Sarah Keith in our office know. administrator@craigsbankchurch.org.uk

But you can read it or download it here too! We hope you enjoy it.

With best wishes for a joyful and peaceful Christmas from all of us.

Join us at one of our services over the next few weeks. Our morning services always begin at 10.30am and all are welcome. Do join us when you can.

• 6 April 10.30am Craigsbank
• 13 April 10.30am East Craigs, Palm Sunday
• 17 April 7pm East Craigs, Maunday Thursday Communion
• 18 April 7pm Craigsbank, Good Friday Service
• 20 April 10.30am Old Parish, Easter Sunday Service
• 27 April 10.30am East Craigs

• Corstorphine Craigsbank Church – 19 Craigs Bank, Corstorphine, Edinburgh EH12 8HD, 10.30am, on the first and third Sunday of the month. Directions
• East Craigs Church Centre – 8 Bughtlin Market, East Craigs, Edinburgh EH12 8XP, 10.30am, on the second and fourth Sunday of the month. Directions
• Cafe Church – 19 Craigs Bank, Corstorphine, Edinburgh EH12 8HD, 10.30am, on a fifth Sunday of any month. Directions
• Corstorphine Old Parish for Easter Sunday, 2a Corstorphine High Street, Edinburgh EH12 7ST
• You can also watch a shortened version of our service online every Sunday on YouTube.

Christmas Chaos and Carols – Turnhouse, Edinburgh

Sunday 8 December 4.00pm – 5.00pm, Turnhouse Golf Club

Come and join us for a FREE festive family hour of Christmas Chaos and Carols at Turnhouse Golf Club. This is a chance for those who have moved into West Craigs and the Western expansion (and those who have lived there for years) to say a relaxed hello to new neighbours – children meet children, adults meet adults – enjoy storytelling for kids, crafts, coffee and mince pies and lift your voice in Christmas Carols and songs (or just listen in!). Everyone is welcome – new friendships really can last a lifetime.

Don’t miss out on this fun event to get you in the mood for Christmas in your new home.

A warm welcome awaits from your local parish churches.

Click here to BOOK YOUR TICKET NOW ON EVENTBRITE. TICKETS ARE FREE TO ALL BUT LIMITED TO 100 in total.