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COMMUNITIES, GROUPS AND ASSOCIATIONS

There are many ways in which Christians come together these days from differing backgrounds and streams of Christian experience. Many of us while keeping a base in our familiar tradition, yet love to meet with , or work with Christians from other traditions- a recognition that what unites us in the Body of Christ is greater than our differences!

Updated Feb 08

LOCAL GROUPS

Causeway Prospects Scotland

Causeway Prospects Scotland is a Christian organisation. It aims to bring the Gospel to people with learning disabilities in an appropriate and accessible format. Groups meet regularly to worship by sharing God’s word and enjoying a time of fellowship. Everyone is encouraged to participate to grow and use his or her gifts .The group also organises an annual Causeway celebration in Glasgow or Edinburgh.

One Causeway Prospects group has a monthly evening meeting in St.Peter’s Church Hall. The group would welcome a connection with the people of local churches in the area.

Presently, the group consists of about 30 people. A small team help to organise the group, however, extra help is always welcome- particularly with the music,. Music is a vital element of the group’s worship, so if you feel you can offer some skill in this area, or you wish to come along for an evening to be part of the company or just wish to find out more about this project, contact a member of the development team -Dorothy White (Chair) 336 5662; Paul Merchant (Secretary) 653 293
Email merchantpaul@hotmail.com
More about Causeway Prospects
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Christian Fellowship of Healing (CFH)

We exist to offer a welcome to all individuals and somewhere to come which has an atmosphere of healing.  Small groups ministry

We offer quiet confidential unhurried listening and where appropriate the ministry of scriptural prayer, laying-on of hands and the sacraments of anointing and Holy Communion. Ministry to individuals

We support and encourage churches in developing and maintaining healing ministry by visits, workshops, our leaflets and attendance at our Annual Conference at Carberry near Musselburgh Outreach

The Coracle Trust

The Coracle Trust provides people, especially young adults, with a context to learn and explore the meaning of Christian life in the everyday world.

The celtic boat or coracle can be seen as a symbol of journeying; the movement that is at the heart of faith. It reminds us of vulnerable trust through the stories of Brendan and Columba who risked all to carry a message of grace. The coracle is symbolic too of an ability to respond to the environment and prevailing weather; learning to read the culture of our time and act wisely within it. It speaks of radical commitment and simplicity, following the teaching of Christ in the whole of life.

Living out the vision

The Trust offers a basic framework for those involved in Trust activities to adopt a simple pattern for living which flows from this vision - the Coracle Rule of Life. It aims to facilitate rather than prescribe and is worked out in the context of each person's circumstances and stage of life. Those who wish to adopt this pattern make a commitment to:

Core values

In seeking to journey in this way, the work of the Trust is guided by a series of core values which reflect a commitment to:

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity HFH) is a non-denominational Christian charity dedicated to eliminating poverty housing worldwide The charity builds and renovates simple, decent homes with the help of homeowner families, through volunteer labour and donations of money and materials. To give the homeless a sense of pride and raise their self-esteem they must be prepared to give 500 hours of time towards the building of their own home and to pay for it; the money is then used to build other homes; It is affordable housing for people on a low income. Those people affected want a ‘hand up’, not a ‘handout’.

Habitat builds in many countries in the world and helps to alleviate poverty. It is also found in Britain as well.

There are many ways to get involved in the project, fund-raising, raising awareness, becoming a volunteer ‘builder’ (building skills are not required) prayer etc. Groups come from many backgrounds, not necessarily churches; some corporate companies use the trip as a ‘team-building’ exercise. The length of a trip is usually 2 weeks and the average cost per volunteer is £1,400 for accommodation, travel and insurance; some of the money is donated to Habitat as well. Groups of 10-12 volunteers go to a country of their choice and it is not all work; there is a chance for sight seeing during the trip.

Further information from Mrs Clark 33 Lady Rd, Edinburgh 667 1465 or email janicec@fish.co.uk

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Justice and Peace Group

3) Food for Life-this is a parish partnership with the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF) which supports small-scale projects in various parts of the developing world to enable people to manage their water supplies and grow enough food to support themselves and their families. Various fund-raising events have been organised including a parish party, a bridge drive, an organ recital, a beauty demonstration, and video and games afternoons.
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Ruach
The Lay Ministry Network of Edinburgh and the Borders celebrates the creative variety of responses to our baptismal calling to love and serve God. Named Ruach this ecumenical network encourages people to discern their individual calling and, like jazz musicians, to sing with others the song God has given them.
Workplace
For many people, the main focus of ministry is in their work place but very often this is given little recognition. Ruach aims to explore ways of supporting Christians at work, drawing on their wisdom and experience and advertising initiatives that already exist.
Home
Families are under immense pressure these days and ministry at home is often the hardest. Ruach hopes to exploreways of offering practical help to those called to this vital ministry.
Church and Community
For some people the focus of service is in church and community. There are many ways in which we hope this work can be affirmed and enlivened through the resources and support Ruach offers
If you are interested and would like to know more contact Elspeth Strachan,
Ruach co-ordinator, Edinburgh Diocesan Centre, 21a Grosvenor Crescent EH12 5EL Tel 01315387033. Email elspeth@6a.org.uk

Marantha Community
The Maranatha Community is a free, open and loving Christian movement which is rapidly growing throughout the United Kingdom and abroad. It is a scattered Community of Christian men and women who love the Lord and who share a common vision of His Kingdom. Drawn from all the main traditions, we are committed to the life of our local churches. Maranatha is not a breakaway movement: our aim is to become more effective Christians in the places where we live, work and worship
Maranatha local groups enable Christians to pray and worship as one, to speak with one voice, and to enjoy fellowship enriched by different traditions
For information about the Edinburgh group contact Marina
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Mayfield Radio Unit
How many know of Mayfield radio? They’ve been providing a service for Hospital patients for many years. It broadcasts to three hospitals. At pre-arranged times a system in each hospital switches over to the signal coming from Mayfield Radio-‘usually we block out Radio 2 since, on the whole, the type of music we broadcast compares to that, with a bit of classic FM thrown in.

We try to respond to patient’s requests. Since the hospitals to which we broadcast are mainly for those past their first flush of youth we have to be sensitive to our listeners’ tastes and sensibilities. We do still receive several requests for the Old Rugged Cross, Abide with me, One Day at a Time and so on
Mayfield Radio Unit, 18 West Mayfield EH9 1TF

Newington Prayer Group

A small group have started meeting once a month for prayer. We come from different congregations and traditions but share a concern for the Church in Newington. Mindful of our different approaches and experience, our meetings do not follow a formal pattern, but there is usually a time of praise or quiet contemplation, scripture study, sharing of news and concerns and open prayer. We accept our differences while enjoying our fellowship as pilgrims on the Way.

The focus for our prayers is the local church as we ask God’s blessing for all church leaders and congregations. We bring before God issues, problems or events of which we are aware and we pray for individuals- including each other!Above all we seek renewal of God’s Kingdom in our community.

The Rock Trust
The Rock Trust is a charity that works in Edinburgh and West Lothian with homeless and socially excluded young people between the ages of 16 and 25 years. The Trust’s aim is to provide opportunities for young people to develop the personal, social and practical skills, as well as the sense of self worth necessary for independent adult life.
They help homeless youngsters into accommodation, upgrade it, provide Supportive Flatmates and other help, run the Underground Cafe (currently under renovation) providing access to information and specialists in health, housing, employment, education and money management. Group work and one to one sessions support young people to make a succesful transition into independent living.

They need a lot of volunteer help with befriending and support and of course funds and fundraising! The Annual Sponsered Sleepout is well known among the Churches. Last November, 150 people wrapped up in their warmest clothes and went to try and sleep outside St Andrews and St Georges Church on George St and Barclay Church in Bruntsfield. Many others pay up for the privilege of having a warm bed to sleep in!
Click here for further information.

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COMMUNITIES

L'Arche Communities
L'Arche is an international federation of communities for people with learning disabilities and assistants. They have eight communities in England, Scotland and Wales-including Edinburgh. They provide real homes in ordinary houses to well over 100 people with learning disabilities and a similar number of assistants. Contact for Edinburgh Community- Email edinburgh@larche.org.uk
Edinburgh News -Summer 2006
The recent review of L’Arche UK’s Identity and Mission led to two days of intensive reflection by the LArche UK National Reflecting Group at the Gillis Centre in Edinburgh in March. They considered the feedback from Communities and UK groups, reflected on what they said about the identity and mission of L’Arche UK and assessed what its future priorities should be--
Hugh Nelson (Chair of the Steering Group) says, It has been a deeply moving process involving heart, mind and spirit, and sometimes led to surprising outcomes~ The fruit of the Edinburgh meeting will be brought to the UK Assembly in July when it is hoped that all key decision-making groups will endorse the UK Mission statement and priorities.

The Edinburgh Community recently gathered on a Saturday afternoon for a fellowship meal. People from the Inverness Community and the Glasgow Project were also welcomed. At another recent gathering Jonathon, one of Edinburgh’s core members, danced exuberantly to the closing song, You shall go out with joy — living out Gerry Arbuckle’s message about the importance of celebrations as a place where humour breaks the crust of control and releases energy, creativity and imagination. As Gerry might have said, ‘LArche, keep on dancing!’
lngrid recently took her first flight, to attend Jean Vanier’s retreat in Dorset, and Jonathon started working in the café of St George’s West Church in Edinburgh. The Community has been looking for its third house and Elea Strang has relinquished her place on the Local Committee to become temporary Development Worker to oversee this. And one of the House Leaders, Conny Brenner, returns to her native Germany in summer to join the Ravensburg Community. Although Edinburgh will miss her, her move is a reminder that LArche is one worldwide family, united in the same Spirit.
(from L'Arche Community Newsletter Issue 60 Spring 2006)

The Focolare Movement

Carberry Tower, Musselburgh EH21 8PY Carberry Tower is steeped in history, dating back to the 15th century. The house offers an excellent venue for day and residential conferences, runs several popular courses, and hosts the annual Carberry Festival. Bed & breakfast is also available. 

The Athol Centre Pitlochry
The Atholl Centre is a non-denominational Christian organisation which operates a modern, purpose built residential and conference centre. It is of service to a wide variety of users including special needs groups, churches, other Christian organisations, and the local community.

The Bield at Blackruthven , Blackruthven House, Tibbermore, Perth PH1 1PY Retreat accommodation in converted Stables! Lovely walled garden, indoor Swimming Pool woodland, tennis court, labyrinth and quiet chapel in rural Perthshire.

The College and Cathedral of the Isles, (‘island retreats’) Millport, Isle of Cumbrae KA28 0HE Smallest Cathedral and a second one for the Argyle Diocese! College was built fortraining priests for the Scottish Episcopal Church but is now an unusual Conference and Retreat Centre.

 The Open Gate, Holy Island, Berwick-upon-Tweed TD15 2SD The Open gate is a small Retreat House run by the Community of Aidan and Hilda in St Marygate village; peaceful and convenient for exploring the island of Aidan and Cuthbert and birdwatching!

Scottish Churches House
Central to Scotland, located on the old Cathedral square in Dunblane, Scottish Churches House offers a range of conference facilities for small intimate meetings as well as large events. The centre, which is simple and beautiful, was constructed out of a row of 18th century cottages and a Georgian manse, with a small, vaulted mediaeval chapel in the garden. The secluded gardens behind the House rise steeply to Holmehill with its great trees and parliament of rooks, offering a peaceful place of retreat. The House and its surroundings offer a convivial setting for groups and organisations, both church and secular alike

Whitchester Christian Guesthouse , Borthaugh, Hawick TD9 7L A comfortable Georgian Guest House and Retreat centre in lovely gardens. Reduced cost for Retrantants.

or perhaps you would like something more adventurous?

Westward Quest – Christian cruisers under sail, from Crinan on the west coast of Scotland.
Westward Quest is a christian charitable company which makes sailing weekends and holidays available to individuals and groups.  We were recognised by the RYA as a teaching establishment in March 2002
Sailing provides relaxation with a touch of adventure, providing plenty of opportunity to get to know people.  The experience is one of real fellowship and great fun.
We use a 42 ft Ketch Weaver and smaller boats if required.  Skippers are DOT Qualified Yachtmasters.  The boats meet the relevant safety standards for MCA, DoT and RYA
You are invited to join us. Contact Westward Quest

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CHARITIES

The Ark Trust

This is a charity providing a resource for homeless people in Edinburgh. There are many different reasons why people become homeless-many have come out of the Armed Forces or prison or care since a child or had no-one to turn to when they needed help and so ended up on the street. The Ark Trust operate a café and resource centre in New Street, plus a community launderette and clothing store and a drop-in centre for women who have suffered domestic abuse.

Many churches, like the people of St Columba’s buy Ark Trust Vouchers (£1 each) to give those begging on the street rather than give money. The recipient can exchange the voucher at the Ark in New Street for a good meal or for clothing or laundry facilities.

A supply of food and clothing vouchers can be obtained from The Ark Trust, 2 New Street, Edinburgh. Further information from that address or visit the website.

The Bethany Christian Trust
Homeless Charity in Edinburgh. Also deals with Addiction Problems
Visit the website!

CARE (Christian Action, Research and Education)
CARE is a well-established mainstream Christian charity that undertakes a variety of social caring and educational programmes as well as research and lobbying on associated issues.CARE’s concern is for the well-being of all in society but particularly for the most vulnerable and needy. CARE has a Headquarters office in Westminster and is represented in most of the UK Capitals and in Brussels.
This is a large and influential Christian agency with many links and information --(see also change activist.)

Fresh Start
Fresh Start has three main aims;
to enable Edinburgh churches to work together;
to provide opportunities to do something practical to help homeless people;
to help homeless people to make a success of a new tenancy. Many churches collect items-bedding, kitchen utensils; cleaning materials etc for 'starter packs'.

Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity is a non-denominational Christian charity dedicated to eliminating poverty housing worldwide. We work around the world with volunteers from all backgrounds, races and religions to build homes together with families in need.

Independent Age
Indepent Age champions independence for older people on low incomes. For over 140 years its main aim has been to help older people live independent lives with dignity and peace of mind. It can provide a small income for life; financial help in times of crisis; the support and friendship of volunteer visitors and assitance with nursing and residential care.For information about joining a team of volunteers or helping with fundraising visit the website.

The Rock Trust
Providing help and support for young people !6-25 years (see above)

SCIAF
The Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund supports poor communities overseas, raises awareness of the underlying causes of poverty, and campaigns for a fairer world. it is the overseas aid and development agency of the Catholic Church in Scotland.

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-LOCAL
-BethanyChristianTrust -Causeway Prospects
-Coracle Trust
-Habitat for Humanity
-JAM
-Justice and Peace -Group
-Maranatha
-Newington Prayer Grp.
-Mayfield Radio
-Rock Trust

-COMMUNITIES -AND -ASSOCIATIONS

--L'Arche
--Focolare

-CHARITIES