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Introduction

Regular events

Collaborative projects

News

Meetings

Meditations

Member Churches

Introduction

This is an ecumenical grouping of around fourteen churches (see churches list) which includes the Church of Scotland, Methodist Church, Scottish Episcopal Church, Roman Catholic Church, Salvation Army, the Community Church of Edinburgh and the German-speaking Church. The group had travelled under the name of Newington Churches Council (NCC) for around 15 years but in 2005 it was decided that Newington Churches Together is more inclusive!

In his address at the AGM 2005, Rev Fred Tomlinson (Chairperson) spoke of ‘how much fruit had come of our journey together in terms of living witness and lively events; the exchange of pulpits and sharing in worship during Passion week and the Lent Study groups-a network of friendships on the Way.'Our vision of unity is not one of uniformity but of diversity; it is good to talk with another who is climbing the mountain by a different route.. We are united in following the same Lord and sharing the same faith- However we are at a crossroads as we seek the way forward in our changing culture. For many the pressures within the Church mean that networking in NCT may be placed on a ‘back burner’.' He wanted to help all of us to journey forward together, encouraging each other. We need to look at this group with new eyes to see where we are and to commit ourselves to the way forward together.’


Regular events over the years have been:-

Exchange of Pulpits. On occasion and where practicable, usually in January during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Ministers may preach and participate in worship in another member church. For a few member churches this is not easy as the Roman Catholic Church and Salvation Army found this year, it is not always appropriate for a visitor from a different denomination to lead or preside over the worship.The exchange of pulpits may then become an exchange of some members of congregations instead.

Lent Study Groups.
Each year 10 groups of about 8 people from different traditions meet weekly during Lent (the 5 weeks before Easter). We use workbooks published by ACTS on a different theme each year. In 2005 we listened to ‘Voices from the South’ and considered the U.N. Millennium Development Goals in comparison with Jesus’ goals in his mission to heal, teach and liberate. The Moderator of the Church of Scotland Dr Alison Elliot wrote that ‘(Lent) is a time when people often forge new friendships through studying together, Voices from the South’ lets us extend these friendships onto the world stage and deepen our understanding of God’s love for all people, all the year round.’ She was referring to the fact that the theme had been chosen with awareness of the meeting of world leaders in the G8 summit at Gleneagles hotel in July of this year and our prayer and support for the ‘Make Poverty History’ campaign.

This year ( 2006) the theme has been 'Easter People in a Good Friday World'.

Members are invited to join together in events at special times like Easter and Christmas. For example, during Holy Week before Easter Sunday, people may join in the services every morning at Mayfield Salisbury Church at 7.45am with breakfast at 8am On Maundy Thursday there is a spacial service at St Peter's Church with foot washing
Then there is a climb to Arthurs Seat with a wooden cross for a service at 10am on Good Friday. and the 3 hour vigil at St Peter's Church from 12 noon

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Collaborative Projects

The Cameron Toll Chaplaincy Project administered together with SEECAT (South East Edinburgh Churches Action Together)

A Habitat for Humanity project is being considered--

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News

Lenten Studies
With the bi-century of the abolition of slavery this years topic was particularly relevant. The content of this years material was excellent. The opening sevice gave participants a valuable insoght into the topic with apre-view of the film 'Amazing Grace' and Nicolson Square Church was thanked for this contribution. Morag Liebert had organised the groups for the first time and was thanked by NCT members.
Members were also concerned with events highlighting 21st century human trafficking. An event organised by the Salvation Army with speakers also from Amnesty International, was well attended and some members were acting on 'Not for Sale' Sunday -May 20th. (see CHASTE)

Easter Events
The short ecumenical services during the week before Easter which are held at Mayfield Salisbury Church were held as usual with the breakfast following being much appreciated!
The Good Friday service on Arthur's Seat was well attended, on a glorious day. This is the last year it will be organised by Rev Tom Johnston as he hopes to retire next year. The Maundy Thursday service was also by him at Priestfield Church and he was thanked for providing this. Next year there is a proposal to have a Seder meal

On Pentecost Sunday May 27
Pastor Colin Symes informed the NCT meeting that Pray for Scotland would finish their Prayer Walk by walking from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Park, where everyone would gather to pray together
Rev Peter Clark invited everyone to gather afterwards for a 'Global Sing' at Nicolson Square at 6.30pm in celebration of the tercentenary of Charles Wesley's birth.

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Meetings
Tuesday 2 nd October 07 at Craigmillar Park Chair Pastor Colin Symes (to be confirmed)

6 th February 08, AGM -venue to be decided

Members of Newington Churches Together

Community Church, Edinburgh
Kings Hall, 37 South Clerk St. EH8 9NZ
Tel 0131 466 8660
Pastor Colin Symes Tel 0131 658 1893
We are a community, a family, learning day by day how to love God, each other and those around us with our whole hearts. We are convinced that only Jesus can make this happen for us, as we respond to his love and follow his lead. His vision and desires for the nations, Scotland and particularly Edinburgh inspires and guides our efforts.MORE

Craigmillar Park Church of Scotland
Craigmillar Park, EH9 2BZ tel 0131 667 5862
Rev Sarah Nicol Tel 0131 667 1623
'To be a worshipping and caring community, following Jesus Christ.'

German Speaking Congregation,
1 Chalmers Crescent, EH9 1TW
Rev Michael Mehl Tel 0131 667 1619
The present-day German-speaking congregation in Edinburgh dates back to 1947. Edinburgh is now the hub for the "extended parish" of Scotland and North-east England, and the minister for the region resides here. In 1995, Edinburgh and Aberdeen joined together as one congregation but services and events are still held in both locations MORE

Kirk o’ Field Church of Scotland,
139-140 Pleasance, EH8 9RR
Rev Dr Ian Maxwell Tel 0131 667 7954
Our aim is to be a community worshipping Jesus Christ, serving the local community wherever we can. As a congregation our roots are in the mainline Reformed tradition. MORE

Korean Church meet at Priestfield Church8
Rev Kisung Kang

Mayfield Salisbury Church of Scotland ;
18 West Mayfield Rd tel 0131 667 1522
Rev Scott McKenna tel 0131 667 1286
Mayfield Salisbury Parish Church is the parish church covering part of the Grange and Newington in the City of Edinburgh. We are an active congregation of some 750 members, with weekly activities on offer, along with 3 diets of worship each Sunday --MORE

Methodist Church 25 Nicolson Square
EH8 9BX tel 0131 662 0417
Rev Peter Clark tel 0131 667 1465
We are called to respond to the love of God through Jesus Christ in all our life and work.

Orthodox Church of St Andrew
2 Meadow Lane, EH8 9NR
Archimandrite John Maitland-Moir tel 0131 667 0372

Priestfield Church of Scotland
2 Marchhall Place, EH16 5HW tel 0131 667 5644
Rev Tom Johnston tel 0131 668 1620

Reid Memorial Church of Scotland;
182 West Saville Terrace EH9 3HY 0131 662 1203
Rev Brian Embleton Tel 0131 667 3981 Email brian.embleton@which.net

St Columba’s Roman Catholic Church,
9 Upper Gray St EH9 1SN tel 0131 667 1605
Father Francis Kerr (as above)

St Peter's Episcopal Church,;
Lutton Place, EH8 Tel 0131 667 9838
Rev Fred Tomlinson Tel 0131 667 6224
Welcome to this lively congregation set in the middle of Edinburgh's historic Southside. Our building is conspicuous on the skyline of Edinburgh, and although we draw the majority of our congregation from the vicinity of the church, many travel from other parts of the city and beyond to worship with us. MORE

Salvation Army;
1 East Adam St EH8 9TF tel 0131 667 8257
Capt Gillian Magookin

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