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.