Welcome to October's Newsletter! |
| | | Information on courses, awareness dates, events, etc, are available via our Adventures in Faith pages:
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Revd Jane MacLaren Announced as Dean |
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Bishop Dagmar has announced that the new Dean of the Diocese of Edinburgh will be the Revd Jane MacLaren, Priest-in-Charge of St Philip and St James, Goldenacre. Jane will take up the post of Dean from 1 November, while continuing to lead St James, Goldenacre.
Jane has been in the Diocese of Edinburgh for 22 years, where her roles have included Associate Rector at Ps & Gs; ministry at St James, Leith; Associate Tutor at the Scottish Episcopal Institute; and Diocesan Ministry Development Officer. Bishop Dagmar said: “This experience will stand her in good stead as she brings her gifts and skills to serve our Diocese and I very much look forward to working with her.”
Jane said: “It’s a great honour to be invited by Bishop Dagmar to work with her as Dean of Edinburgh Diocese. From the Borders to the City and the Lothians, it’s an exciting place to be. Many of our churches are growing, embracing the challenges, and finding new opportunities for mission and ministry. I’m looking forward to working as Dean with Bishop Dagmar and the wider Diocese whilst continuing to lead St James Goldenacre.” |
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| | The Very Revd Frances Burberry will stand down as Dean on 31 October after ten years of service. Bishop Dagmar said: “I speak on behalf of all of you when I express my sincere and deep gratitude for her faithful commitment, gracious support and hard work which she has offered during this time, and of course especially during the episcopal vacancy. I am personally tremendously grateful to her for her help to me in these early days of my time with you.” |
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Jane’s installation in St Mary’s Cathedral will take place in the new year. Bishop Dagmar said: “Please remember in your prayers both Frances and Jane at this time of transition.” |
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It's Goodbye to Marion ... |
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St Mary's Cathedral said a fond goodbye to the Revd Canon Dr Marion Chatterley on 13 September, when she led her last service as Vice-Provost. Provost John Conway told her: "You have exemplified a commitment to help the Cathedral look outward, to engage with our city, and the myriad and varied people who pass through the doors of this place. ... I will miss you. The staff team, the choir, the congregation will miss you. I know that you will miss us. But we wish you, and pray for, every blessing in your retirement."
Read more on the diocesan website. |
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... And It's Hello to Mae! |
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On 24 September the Revd Canon Mae Christie was installed as the new Vice-Provost of St Mary’s Cathedral, Edinburgh during a special Choral Evensong led by Bishop Dagmar and heralded by the cathedral's bells. |
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Hope for Creation Conference, 20–21 October, Stirling |
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The Scottish Episcopal Church Net Zero Team are pleased to invite you to join their Hope for Creation conference, taking place on 20–21 October in Stirling.
Hope for Creation will bring together funders, experts, eco-theologians, decision-makers, clergy and congregations from the Scottish Episcopal Church, and other denominations, to discuss the efforts to combat climate change in the Scottish church context.
Highlights include keynote speeches by figures such as Adrian Fox of the Church of England and human-ecologist Alastair McIntosh, and breakout conversation sessions covering such topics as ‘Solutions for Sustainable Heritage Buildings’, ‘Carbon Footprints and Contributions’ and ‘Creation Care, Mission and Intercession’, as well as funding, biodiversity, storytelling and community energy discussions.
All are welcome: church leaders, volunteers, environmental group members and anyone interested in creating a more sustainable future.
Further information and registration details here. |
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Guidance and Resources on Recent Legislation |
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People's Emergency Briefing: Could You Host a Screening? |
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A number of our charges have hosted community screenings of the People's Emergency Briefing – a film that outlines the climate and nature crisis and encourages those watching to consider how they can respond.
We've put together a page for any churches that are considering hosting a screening of the People’s Emergency Briefing, with useful advice from three Diocese of Edinburgh churches. Find out more. |
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Diocesan Lent Course 2027 |
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| | Called to Be ... will be our 2027 Lent Course as we think about discipleship. This course will take five images of how we are called by Jesus to Follow. It will be an opportunity to explore who we are before God, how we relate to God and to others, and where we might want to deepen the journey during Lent.
Called to Be ... will be available from January. Further details are available from Revd Sophia Marriage. |
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| | Grants: Next Deadline is 25 November. The DMMC Grants Committee meets in the first weeks of March, June, September, and December each year. If you wish to apply for a grant, your application should be with the DMMC Team by the 25th of the previous month. Click on the links below to find out more:
▶ Youth & Children's Grant
▶ St Hilda's Grant
▶ CMD Grant |
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Changes to our Charges' Comms Channels |
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| | The Priory Church in South Queensferry has changed its website and email addresses from a .com suffix to an .org one.
St Andrew's, Innerleithen has launched its own Facebook page (pictured below). You can now get all the latest from St Andrew's here. |
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Week of Prayer for Christian Unity |
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The theme of the 2027 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, from 18–25 January, is 'Do Not Be Afraid'. The week will invite us to explore what it means to be followers of the Good Shepherd, members of a 'little flock' called to live, pray and work together. Its prayers and reflections have been prepared by representatives of the churches in Ireland.
There are lots of resources on the CTBI website, including 'Go and Do' actions provided by Christian Aid, and a downloadable pamphlet with reflections for every day of the week and an ecumenical order of service. Visit the resources page. |
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| | | Learning & Development Opportunities |
| | | For detailed listings across a range of providers, check out the Courses page. This is updated very regularly and is a one-stop shop for you to browse any time. |
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| | A Rocha has announced the launch of a new Christian Environmental Mobilisers (CEMs) online course, running from October 2026 to April 2027. The six-session course promises to equip you with biblical foundations, leadership, influencing and planning skills to inspire others and mobilise meaningful environmental action in your church, workplace, university or community. Participants are also encouraged to attend in-person forums and practical experience days.
Cost: £25, with funding support available. Find out more and apply here. |
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| | Neurodiversity and Worship: A Practical and Liturgical Theology, Saturday 17 October, 2pm–4pm, in the Walpole Hall (St Mary’s Cathedral).
This important workshop will be led by Dr Léon Van Ommen (pictured), Senior Lecturer in the Department of Divinity and Religious Studies and Co-Director of the Centre for Autism and Theology at Aberdeen University.
“What if our worship could bring us even closer to God and to each other? What if our communities could be blessed even more? By listening deeply to neurodivergent people, we can ... In this workshop, we will listen deeply, in order to worship more faithfully and to be blessed richly. Whether you have a specific role in your church or none at all, everyone is welcome!”
Entrance fee: £5, to cover costs. Register here. |
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| | The College of Preachers has released its webinar schedule until December. Get more information on any of the courses below on the College of Preachers website.
Speaking Faithfully: Preaching for Broadcast Media & Online
Saturday 10 October, 2–4pm, £12.
Preaching as Men and Women
Monday 12 October, 7–9pm, £15.
Preachers’ Forum
Tuesday 20 October, 7:30–9pm, free.
Preaching on Empty
Wednesday 21 October, 12–1pm, £5.
Preaching the Incarnation from Advent to Epiphany
Wednesday 4 November, 2–4.30pm, £15.
Getting to Grips with Mark’s Gospel
Saturday 21 November, 10am–12pm, free.
Resting in the Word
Thursday 10 December, 12–1pm, £5. |
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St Martin-in-the-Fields Autumn Lecture Series Continues |
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Loving Our Own Minds Conference |
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Loving Our Own Minds Conference: Neurodiversity, Faith and God, 24 and 25 October.
Neurodiversity is the idea that there are natural variations in the way people think, sense and experience the world. The church and society can be difficult places for those who think differently. This conference, taking place at St Martin-in-the-Fields, London, and online, will share ideas of faith, church and God and of learning to love our own minds.
Online tickets: up to £60 (concessions available). Find out more and book. |
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GoHealth Festival of Healing 2026 |
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GoHealth Festival of Healing 2026 takes place on Saturday 21 November online, and is free of charge.
It will invite us to pause, breathe and explore what helps us become more fully alive, drawing on ancient wisdom, new practices and the growing understanding of health, wellbeing and human flourishing.
There will be worship, teaching, conversation, a special keynote lecture by Steve Coles, the outgoing Chair of the GoHealth Board, and practical workshops.
You’ll need to be a GoHealth member, or on the GoHealth mailing list (which is free), in order to book this conference. Find out more. |
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| | | Children and Young People |
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beHeld: Training and Prayer Breakfasts |
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| | beHeld: Youth & Children’s Ministry Training Days
In 2026, all involved in youth and children's ministry are invited to a fresh series of training days at Ps & Gs Church called 'beHeld'. The next is on 28 November. Each is on a Saturday morning, 9am–1pm, with light refreshments, worship, and the chance to hear from experts on key subjects. |
| | | beHeld costs £15 per session, which is excellent value for the course, but the diocese will cover the cost of one ticket per charge. Just email us at [email protected] with your name and charge, and we'll book you in for 28 November. |
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| | beHeld: Youth & Children’s Ministry Prayer Breakfasts
Ps & Gs also hold monthly ecumenical prayer breakfasts for all those who work in paid youth and children's ministry. There's tea, coffee, pastries, prayer, and lots of sharing of ideas and resources. All sessions run from 10–11.30am, and the next date is 11 November.
If you'd like more information, contact Rachel Cooney: [email protected]. |
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| | Could you be the host of Play Church during the Advent-Christmas-Epiphany season?
Play Church, currently at St Mark's, Portobello, is available from the Advent to Epiphany slot: November to February. It comes with outfits, props, books, an instruction booklet, and lots of opportunities to interest and engage children in the various services and traditions of the Scottish Episcopal Church. For Advent season, there is also an Advent candles feature! If you're interested in hosting Play Church from November, email [email protected]. |
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| | | | | | | | | The monthly Adventures in Faith Newsletter from Edinburgh Diocese shares lots of ideas for your ongoing Christian life. Each month, there are news items, courses, events, and ideas for you to explore. You can read past mailings, and sign up to receive future ones, via the diocesan website (tinyurl.com/EdinburghAIF). |
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| | We list Awareness Days that may be relevant for congregations to consider on our website here. Most entries have links to external websites that provide information and resources for the particular cause or event. |
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| | | 12 Oct - Lay Readers' Conference
10–17 Oct - PYC Iona Pilgrimage (for 12–18 and 18–25ish).
24 Oct - Trustee Training (St Peter's, Galashiels).
2–5 Nov - Clergy Conference.
28 Nov - BeHeld Training event at Ps & Gs |
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| | | Keep up-to-date with Diocesan News & Events |
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