- 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 Summer is with us, you can tell as the rain is slightly warmer. Now, let us see what has changed at Lonmay Church since the previous edition.
Although the weather is meant to be warmer, please remember to dress appropriately for the conditions. Be prepared to cast a layer when coming into the sanctuary as the heating will be on.
Although the Presbytery Plan had Lonmay Church closing 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. We are currently working towards a single Parish made up of the old parishes of Aberdour, Strichen, Tyrie, New Pitsligo, Crimond and Lonmay.
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 mad
Blessings.
Lonmay Thought for Sunday 14 June 2026
Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up – 1 Thessalonians 5 v 11.
A very warm welcome to the latest edition of Thought for Sunday.
We are facing some testing, demanding and challenging situations, which easily lead to stress, anxiety and worries. This can impact on our self-esteem and confidence, and even, in extreme events in doubting our faith. There is no doubt that, for elderly people, it is hard to reconcile our society compared to when they were children. Standards have changed, attitudes are different and, whilst it is right to expect changes, in ever developing skills, technology etc. there are times when we need to accept and rejoice in the good, positive aspects that are taking place.
At the centre is the fact that we all need encouragement. No-one is perfect, mistakes are made, but there is good in the vast majority of people. The Bible places significant importance on those who are encouragers. Barnabas and Andrew are two named for the way in which they drew alongside people, who were often ‘down’ and feeling unloved, and encouraging them in their faith and lives. Dorcas was another named for her help to others. Paul, at the conclusion of his letter to the church in Rome lists a large number of people who have encouraged and blessed him and his work for the Lord.
Our text also reminds us of the importance of building up people. There seems to be a culture where some take great delight in ‘tearing people down.’ Too quickly criticisms are made, sometimes without checking out the details to see if they are correct. Yes, we all make mistakes – some small, others much larger. However, it is a Christian response to build up one another. Yes, criticise but always in love and gentleness, and make sure that people are not left damaged and depressed, but put back together again. Someone once stated that it is easy to knock Humpty Dumpty off the wall, but much harder to put him back together again!!! May we seek to be encouragers this week.