Book your tickets now for The Trussell Trust Christmas Carols service at St Giles Cathedral, 3 December.
This spectacular festive event at Edinburgh’s St Giles’ Cathedral takes place on Tuesday 3rd December.
Trussell’s annual carol concerts are special evenings to inspire hope whilst raising funds in support of Trussell’s vital work.
By joining either event, you’ll experience the hope of the festive season as we sing along together to well-loved Christmas carols.
Traditional Christmas Carols by candlelight: Sing along to your favourite carols, performed by a spectacular local gospel choir.
Celebrity guests: Enjoy special readings from actor Sanjeev Kohli and author Val McDermid.
Inspiring stories: Hear inspiring stories from people that highlight the hardship being faced by communities across the UK and the incredible work being done by Trussell food banks as they support people left without enough money to live on.
The following information is given on The Trussell Trust website:
The Trussell Trust exists so everyone can be free from hunger.
They are an anti-poverty charity and community of food banks. They work together to ensure no one in the UK needs a food bank to survive, while providing food and practical support to people left without enough money to live on.
There are 43 food banks in the Trussell community in Scotland, distributing parcels at over 144 venues, and in 26 local authorities.
Between 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024, these food banks distributed 262,400 emergency food parcels, including almost 156,200 parcels for families with children. This is largely unchanged from the record levels of 2022/23, the busiest year ever for our community of food banks.
These figures represent a 21% increase on five years ago and a 20% increase in the number of parcels for children, with an even larger increase seen for families with three or more children (up 28%).
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.
Wednesday 18 December, 7.30pm in Craigsbank Church
An essential, restorative hour of music by candlelight. Sit in the glow of candles in the sanctuary as John and his talented musicians bring us music and time for quiet contemplation before the mayhem of Christmas week. This is an hour stolen for self… to listen, to think, to pray.
This joyful occasion is a FREE EVENT. No need to book. You will be welcome.
As we move towards Christmas, we have some dates for your diaries.
Please do come back to this post as the weeks go in – so that you don’t miss anything and we can update you on any changes.
SATURDAY 30 November
CRAIGSBANK Halls 7.00pm, a St Andrews / Christmas Ceilidh – put on your dancing shoes! This fund-raiser will bring live music, laughter and friendship to your early Christmas diary. Finger food will be served. Bring your own bottle. Tickets from the hospitality team.
SUNDAY 1 December, FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT
CRAIGSBANK 10.30am, our first service in Advent – a gift service where those attending are encouraged to bring gifts for the children of those in prison in the wider community. A second Gift service to be held at East Craigs on 8 December.
EAST CRAIGS 3.00pm, a service for those who have lost a loved one in this year (or beyond)
SUNDAY 8 December, SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT
EAST CRAIGS 10.30am, Christmas Gift Service
TURNHOUSE Golf Club, 4.00pm, for our neighbours in the West Craigs Village in the Western Expansion – old and new, meet your new neighbours – family carols and just a touch of chaos!
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.
This much cherished date for our diaries is rushing towards us. Make sure it is in your diary.
Sunday 15 December in the hall after the service at Craigsbank (roughly 12 noon). A simple lunch of soup, bread and cheese is offered in exchange for a donation (no matter how big or small) to Christian Aid.
All are welcome and you are encouraged to bring a friend along.
Network have announced their winter syllabus with much to enjoy. The events are held on Monday evenings in the Craigsbank Chancel Hall from 7pm (probably ending no later than 9.30pm). Details below and for more information contact the Church office.
Network Syllabus 2024/2025
2024
7 October – Post War Cinemas in Edinburgh – Part 1 – Keith Walker
21 October – Sunflower Scotland – Oleg Dmitriev
4 November – Tunnels of Edinburgh – Maurice McIlwrick
18 November – Christmas Crafts – Cherry Gilmour
2 December – Teaching & Life in Zambia – Rev William Watt
16 December – Christmas Meal
2025
13 January – Post War Cinemas in Edinburgh – Part 2 – Keith Walker
27 January – Islands of the Atlantic – Craig Robertson
10 February – The Edinburgh of Burke & Hare – Eric Melvin
24 February – Restoration of the Corstorphine Astoria Cinema Organ – Ian Anderson
10 March – Issues & Incidents – did that actually happen? – Tom Gordon
