- Video: Presbytery of Buchan – some congregational stories:
(Crimond and Lonmay represented by Mr Tim Barker)
Lonmay Newsletter
Welcome to this edition of the Lonmay Newsletter.
Now that Spring is with us, you can tell as the rain is wet and plentiful, let us see what has changed at Lonmay Church since the previous edition.
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Although the weather is slightly warmer, please remember to wrap up warmly and try to avoid catching anything serious. This is especially true when taking part in the annual hedge cutting.
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Although the plan from Presbytery was for Lonmay Church to close it’s doors by the end of 2024, that hasn’t happened. We plan to stay open for worship as long as we can, God willing. Services and Fellowship continue as normal until further notice.
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Please continue to come along to the weekly Sunday Service at 12:00 o’clock and be ready to sing along to the varied selection of hymns. These are either sung along to the wonderful organ accompaniment provided by Alice or by recordings provided by Tim.
Tim also produces the texts and ‘Thought for Sunday’ which is posted weekly below this newsletter. In addition, Tim sends them out to a distribution list every week. If you wish to be included in the distribution, let one of the session know or ask Tim directly.
It has been a difficult period of uncertainty, and your support, prayers and encouragement during this period has been really appreciated. Please continue to pray as we move into the next stage of the Presbytery Plan and ask the Lord to continue to lead and guide decisions which have to be made.
Just to let you know that Sunday School will NOT be re-opening due to the retirement of Lorna and Yvonne. Many thanks to Lorna and Yvonne for their dedication and commitment to the Sunday School over the last number of years.
Blessings.
Crimond and Lonmay Thought for Sunday 26 April 2026
The Lord is my Shepherd – Psalm 23 v 1.
A warm welcome to the latest edition of Thought for Sunday.
Perhaps the best-known Psalm out of 150, is the 23rd. Often sung to the tune Crimond, after the composer who was the organist in the church, and daughter of the Minister and lived in the village. The Psalm is often referred to as The Shepherd’s Psalm. Of course it is easy to quote, as many were taught the words from childhood, but they have an amazing truth for each one of us today.
The first line reminds us of the wonderful relationship we can have with Jesus, our Shepherd. It is personal relationship as the word ‘my’ implies. It is a relationship which emerges from confession of our disobedience to God’s laws and commands and accepting His invitation to be our Saviour and Lord. The result is wonderful – His peace, presence, protection, provision and the certainty of spending eternity with Him. All this is free – cannot be bought or earned but simply to accept this gift.
The Psalmist, who we believe to be David, was an experienced shepherd himself, and the words flowed from that walk which was to lead him eventually to be King.
We are reminded that the loving care of the Shepherd will bring rest and refreshment, along with provision and protection. His presence is assured even in the worst experiences of life, and He will not abandon us. Indeed, He is busy preparing a home for us with Him, so that ‘His house will become my home’ for ever.
No fantasy or vivid imagination – just a genuine, sincere promise to everyone, who is willing to place their confidence and trust in Jesus. We can then rest, safe and secure in His Hands as He leads us through this earthly life, while waiting for the guarantee of spending eternity with Him.