THE people who gather in this church are active in building a society rooted in God’s justice and compassion. Some spend hours each week volunteering to support people in crisis. Others work on the front line of projects campaigning for justice. Some offer professional expertise: providing legal advice, designing community spaces, or teaching new skills to those seeking a fresh start. Others campaign for environmental conservation and human rights, beautify public spaces, organise cultural events, or bring hope through music and the arts. Members of the congregation of St Michael and All Saints are engaged in some of the most significant and meaningful work there is.
In Scripture and the Church’s tradition, Christians are called to ‘build the kingdom’—not as an optional side project, but as part of daily discipleship. Why? Because God calls Christians to work for a world that better reflects God’s goodness: a world where love overcomes hatred, justice remedies injustice, and compassion offers hope. This mission is the calling of every Christian and the heartbeat of Christian life.
St Michael and All Saints is a place where people gather to be renewed for this work. Through worship, prayer, and community, it offers strength and sustenance to those who live out their faith through service. It is a spiritual ‘filling station’, where connections are made, burdens are shared, and the vision of God’s kingdom is brought to life.
EACH year, the Vestry (Board of Trustees) selects specific charities to support. Through collections, events, and other initiatives, the church raises awareness and funds for these causes. From supporting medical projects in under-resourced regions of the world to funding education projects, these efforts allow the congregation to collaborate in making a tangible impact locally and globally.
ST Michael and All Saints supports St Salvador’s Community Food Initiative, a non-referral food pantry located in Stenhouse, Edinburgh, which provides essential assistance to individuals experiencing financial hardship. Food donations are collected on a table at the back of the church, and volunteers coordinate the delivery of items to the pantry.
This partnership reflects the congregation’s commitment to meeting immediate needs in the community and offering hope through practical acts of service.
AMIDST the bustle of Tollcross, the church’s garden provides a place of peace, reflection, and welcome. Open to all, it is a quiet sanctuary, whether for rest, contemplation, or simply a moment of stillness. Distinct from the open expanse of the nearby Meadows, its enclosed setting offers a sheltered refuge in the heart of the city. Volunteers from the church and local community care for the space, ensuring it remains inviting and well maintained. The garden provides a meaningful connection with the surrounding neighbourhood—an expression of hospitality in a busy world.
ST Michael and All Saints values its relationships with other churches in Tollcross and beyond, sharing resources and working together where possible. These partnerships take many forms, including liturgical celebrations, pastoral care, learning, and community engagement. Through them, a wider sense of Christian witness is fostered, strengthening mutual support and deepening the church’s presence in the city.
Priests from St Michael and All Saints are often out and about in Tollcross, engaging with local residents, businesses, and community groups. These relationships build connections, offer support where needed, and ensure the church remains an active part of the life of the neighbourhood.
IF you are looking for ways to put your faith into action, Edinburgh offers an abundance of volunteering opportunities. Here are some resources to help you find roles that match your interests and availability:
Volunteer Edinburgh → A comprehensive platform for connecting people with local volunteering roles, searchable by interest, location, and time commitment.
Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations’ Council → Highlights opportunities through its network of charities and voluntary groups.
Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations → Offers a dedicated volunteering section to help find opportunities across Scotland, including Edinburgh.
ANOTHER great way to find volunteering opportunities is by speaking with other members of the congregation. Hearing firsthand about their experiences can help you understand what’s involved and connect you with like-minded partners in service.
Sunday • 10:30 High Mass
A service with choral music, organ, incense, bells, and elaborate ritual Read more →
Wednesday • 11:00 Low Mass (Lady Chapel)
First Saturday of each month • 12:30 Rosary Mass
Celebrate
ST Michael and All Saints invites you to mark some of the most significant moments of the liturgical year with special services featuring glorious music from one of the finest choirs in the city, vibrant Anglo-Catholic liturgy, and preaching that speaks to the heart. Whether you’re a frequent attendee or joining for a special occasion, these events are sure to inspire.
Watch recent services and special liturgies.
Listen to recent sermons and reflections.
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