African Children’s Choir

Welcoming back the African Children’s Choir

The African Children’s Choir are visiting our congregation in April 2025 to perform at Craigsbank. We are hosting the concert, but we also need and want to host the 12 choir and five staff in our homes for one night on Saturday 12 April. The choir members will be aged 18 or older, so hosts won’t need to be PVG accredited. If you are able to host two or more members please contact Mike Brough.

In the meantime, pop 12 April into your diary. This is not an event to be missed! Full ticket details to follow.

Junior Ballet Classes have started at East Craigs

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.

Join a Team – Share your enthusiasm and / or expertise and have some fun in the process

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.

A Gift Appreciated

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 

Our Christmas Bulletin has arrived!

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 for services in February

Join us at our services in February. Our morning services always begin at 10.30am and all are welcome. Do join us when you can.

February

  • 2 February 10.30am Craigsbank – Communion
  • 9 February 10.30am East Craigs – Communion
  • 16 February 10.30am Craigsbank
  • 23 February 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
  • You can also watch a shortened version of our service online every Sunday on YouTube.

Christmas Chaos and Carols in the Western Expansion

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.

Unification process

Please note that the previously suggested congregational meeting of 20 or 27 October for voting on our Basis of Union with Corstorphine Old Parish Church has been postponed until further notice. The main reasons being delays in Presbytery and uncertainty about the implications of the possible dissolution of St Andrew’s Clermiston on our own unification process with the Old Parish. More information to follow soon.

Apple Saturday! Get ready for some fun

Join us on Saturday 26th October from 2.00pm – 4.30pm, starting and finishing at East Craigs Church Centre.

We are off for a community, family walk from the Church Centre round to Craigievar Park and back (weather permitting of course and failing that the event will be held within the Church Centre grounds) and will rediscover our community apple trees in both areas.

All families are invited to come along to this event and should meet at the Church Centre behind the Dental Surgery at Bughtlin at 2.00pm to register and then start the fun for the afternoon. If the weather is fair, a Treasure Hunt will see us started and will lead round to Craigievar Park where games will be organised for young and old after which we will proceed back to the Church Centre to share in refreshments with other activities. 

A successful Doors Open Weekend

Craigsbank threw open the doors to the church and halls over the weekend, 28 and 29 September 2024 as part of the annual Edinburgh Doors Open Festival.

67 people came through our doors during the day on the Saturday and the afternoon of the Sunday. Here’s a taste of what they thought:

‘My wife had visited a few years back and thought I would like it – she was right!’ (A well known Edinburgh writer)

‘I never realised this was here. It is absolutely lovely, serene and peaceful. My top place of Doors Open Days 2024. Thank you.’

‘Very impressive. One of the best modern churches I have visited. And very welcoming.      (Glasgow)’

‘What a fascinating find – I had no idea this church was here. I love the concept of the Covenanters’ gatherings in the hollows of the Pentlands reflected here.   Thank you’

‘Very impressive! Thanks for letting us see it.’

‘Thanks!  A very interesting and inspirational building! Super space with such a lot of thought put into the planning. Thank you for showing me around and sharing the knowledge and history of the building.’

‘A wonderful space! Thanks for the kindness of everyone.’

‘I’ve always wanted to visit Le Corbusier’s Church in France – it will probably never happen so it’s a delight to visit Craigsbank – A stunning design inside and out – Also a welcoming space which inspires a quiet awe…’

‘I’m so happy to have seen the interior of this remarkable building. Thank you for your warm welcome and information. I particularly liked the design on the chairs and altar (square shapes drawing included)’ 

‘Thank you for showing us around, we live nearby and it’s been interesting to learn more about the history and activity of the church’

‘I liked the bell and the doors…’ ( age 3 )

‘A beautiful space with beautiful people –thank you for opening up your church for us.’

‘Thanks for the hospitality! Very calm and peaceful spaces – we’re big fans of Modernist design and the use of natural / artificial light, natural wood and moss green is perfect.  Delighted your refurb has solved the water leak issues so you can continue to enjoy your space.’

‘Thoroughly enjoyed our visit today. Wonderful peaceful time viewing all the various spaces belonging to the church. We were made so welcome by everyone. Enjoyed reading about the history. Thank you (from Glasgow)’

‘Kudos to Architect for such a brave initiative in 1966. It brings so much peace just sitting in.  The only window on the façade is the mistake but it brought different character to the building.’

‘I really enjoyed the structure of the church! And the way the architect styled and designed the church. Thank you for the tour.’ ( age 11 )

‘Stunning !  Amazing design. The natural light flooding in is absolutely phenomenal. Very peaceful and inspiring experience. Thank you’

‘A wonderful space full of life and light!’

‘Fabulous church ! What an impressive and tranquil design. Many thanks.’

‘Been living in this street since 2013, yet I didn’t get to come in once! Such a fascinating building and history. Thanks’

‘Beautiful Building. Very friendly and informative people showing us round. Thank you so much.’

‘A great architectural building …nice rooms…cool shape…family friendly…clubs 😊…very nice people…’ (age 11)

‘A hidden gem of Architecture in Edinburgh. So happy to have seen it. Thank you’

‘A truly beautiful space and a very warm welcome. Thank you so much for a lovely Sunday afternoon.’

‘An amazing relaxing and inviting space. Gorgeous…’

‘Thank you  😊’

With grateful thanks to John and Els Baker and all who volunteered over the weekend