Personal stories

Community is as diverse as the human body, weaving sinew, bone, flesh, organs.  The body is offered as a way of seeing oneness, for appreciating what is common to all.

When God wrapped himself with humanity, in the body of Jesus.  When God breathed into the human body and infills flesh by the Spirit of God we have an imprint that spirit and matter belong together and that the moving and growing community is one that is held, guided and energised.

This church attempts, haltingly perhaps, to receive this Christ into its very core.  It’s expression of Jesus is held within the heart and imagination, skin and bones, thought and daily life of it’s varied ‘members’.  Here is a snapshot of this walking, talking changing community of Jesus in the form of story.

Luke Moodley | Karen Geekie

Luke Moodley
I moved back to Edinburgh from St Andrews in October 2008 having previously only been to CCE on a handful of occasions with my fiance. Since becoming a Christian at University about 10 years ago, I’ve been fortunate to be part of a some great churches but what I think first struck me about Community Church was the sheer diversity of what happens there. While sometimes, even now, it can seem like you’re attending a different church each week there is a sense that we’re on the move together. I often look around on a Sunday morning and feel very privileged to be amongst such a group of caring, intentional and wise people who really want to seek God more and more with their lives.

Karen Geekie
I joined CCE by accident – I was at a friend’s house for dinner and he suggested I stay for his cell group. There was something I saw in that group that intrigued me: a very real, passionate and emotional response from intelligent people who spent a lot of time questioning what they believed and why. I joined the cell group, then the church, and ten years on have found a place to belong. I like that questions are always welcome and that the relationships are warm and real. There’s also a very creative, slightly anarchic streak to CCE’s approach to faith and life – you never know quite what will happen next…

Ashley Donald Duncan
We’ve both been part of the church for almost 5 years now, Ashley moved to Edinburgh to start University, and Donald came for a new job. The first time Ashley came to CCE, Colin Symes was at the door giving out biscuits before the service, and she knew straight away that she’d found her spiritual home!

We’ve both been part of cell groups throughout our time here, and we find ourselves challenged and loved and inspired by the people who’ve become our CCE family. Each of us has had somebody to support us and be alongside us in hard times and good times; people to mourn with us and celebrate with us. And we know that we’re not expendable – we’re both involved in the band; Donald leads a cell group; Ashley helps to run the youth work; and we have friends who need us as much as we need them.

We’ve been overwhelmed by the support and love the church has given. It’s amazing to know that there are so many people behind us, and who’ve got our backs. A church is a people who honour God, and we think one of the best ways to do this is by loving each other. That’s what we’ve found in CCE.

Lisa Gray
I grew up in Edinburgh but became at Christian at university.  When coming back to Edinburgh after uni I didn’t really know any churches and wanted one where I could meet like minded people who understood that relationship with Jesus is a process of growth and not a finalised state.  Over the past 4 years of being a part of CCE I have felt encouraged in my journey with God.  Through different experiences, for example the counselling course, I have grown and developed in a number of ways and I have certainly felt free to do this.  CCE has fostered this within a community which has accepted me for who I am.