NEWS

Messy, fun, Christmas activities followed by a Nativity with the Junior Music Makers – what more could we want? A great time was had by all.

With huge thanks to all who made this possible.

Over the Christmas period our church and church centre have been busy, noisy, welcoming and happy, contemplative places to be. In addition to the many indoor activities (which included concerts, candlelit evenings, carol services, gift services, School services, a Christian Aid lunch, a service of remembrance and our wonderful Messy Church and Junior Music Makers Nativity) the area surrounding East Craigs has been transformed through Bulb Planting. And our Eco Heroes have represented us at Parliament protests. All of this on top of our regular thought-provoking services.

Our musician and singers, hospitality group and Eco team have been particularly busy but none more so than our minister, Alan Childs. We are grateful to each and every one of them.

Our Christian Aid Christmas Appeal, including Hunger Lunch, raised an excellent £833, including Gift Aid. Many thanks to all who donated so generously and all who helped at the Hunger Lunch

During our service this morning, we lit our first Advent candle. Join us on a Sunday morning in the run up to Christmas to see us gradually light all the candles in the ring.

And so we continued…

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.

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

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