Welcome to our News page! Scroll down to find out what’s on and what’s been happening at Canongate Kirk, the Kirk of Holyroodhouse and Edinburgh Castle. You can also download a copy of the latest Newsletter: May 2018
Canongate Kirk Appeal
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Fellowship Gathering – Thursday 31st May 7pm
After a successful start in April with a fascinating film evening, the new series of Fellowship Gatherings continues with an Ecumenical Women’s Panel at 7pm on Thursday 31st May in the Harry Younger Hall. During this year’s General Assembly, the Church of Scotland will celebrate the historic 50th anniversary of the decision to ordain women as ministers of word and sacrament. In celebration of women’s leadership within the wider Church, all are warmly invited to come and listen to women tell the stories of their journeys within the Church of Scotland and other denominations. There will be time to ask questions and enter into a conversation with the panel, which will comprise Revd Dr Harriet Harris MBE, University Chaplain, (Priest, Scottish Episcopal Church); Elspeth McPheat, CrossReach (Deaconess, CoS); Rev. Anne Logan (Retired minister, CoS); Fiona Buchanan, Christian Aid (Elder, CoS); and Dr. Sara Parvis, Senior Lecturer in Patristics, New College (Catholic). Chaired by: Julia Cato (Candidate in Training, CoS). All welcome.
News of Fundraising Events for Canongate Kirk
Our latest fundraising event took place on 10th May in the Harry Younger Hall when Martin Baker (retired atmospheric physicist and Antarctica base commander) gave a fascinating presentation on Antarctica and Global Climate Change. As Martin has visited the area to study it many times over the past 30 years or so, this was a very personal perspective accompanied by some of his stunning photos of the region. The talk raised an impressive £600 for the Appeal fund.
One of our first fund raising event for the Appeal took place on Sunday 29th April when Ally Collins, one of the younger members of our congregation and a superb pianist, gave a 30-minute piano recital of works by Chopin. Ally, pictured here, kindly donated the very generous retiring collection to the Appeal Fund.
A big thank you to the Lowland Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland who thrilled tourists with a rousing concert on Saturday 14th April with a closing collection for the Church Appeal. More pictures on our Facebook page.
Easter Sunday
The King David Aisle with beautiful displays of Spring flowers by the flower team on Easter Sunday – complete with a (small) shaft of Spring sunshine.
Palm Sunday Pilgrimage
Members of three local churches join in a Palm Sunday pilgrimage from the Mercat Cross to Holyroodhouse, pausing here in our kirkyard before heading to the Abbey.
New Elders
Our quartet of new young elders was completed on Palm Sunday morning with the ordination of Polly Burns, joined here on the doorstep afterwards by Daniel, Alexis and Stuart.
BBC Radio Scotland
This Christmas the Watchnight service is coming from Canongate Kirk. Pre-recorded a couple of Sundays ago, it will be broadcast at 11.30pm on Sunday 24th December and available on the BBC Radio iPlayer for a month afterwards.
Centenary of the Women’s Royal Naval Service
On Sunday 26th November we extended a special welcome to those joining us at the 11.15am service to celebrate ‘WRNS at 100’. The guest preacher was The Revd Alison Britchfield, Minister of Tillicoultry and formerly a chaplain in the Royal Navy. More photos on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/canongate.kirk/
Moderator’s Visit
On Sunday,22nd October we welcomed The Rt Revd Dr Derek Browning, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland as our guest preacher at our 11.15am service of Parish Worship. Minister of Morningside Parish Church, Derek had links with Canongate Kirk during the previous vacancy but this time we were glad to welcome him not only to the pulpit but to the Moderator’s seat in the chancel.
A Royal Visit
Their Royal Highnesses The Earl and Countess of Wessex arrive with their family at Canongate Kirk for a service on Sunday 6th August 2017 after a weekend in Edinburgh marking Prince Edward’s role as Patron of the Edinburgh International Festival.
