- 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.
Crimond and Lonmay Thought for Sunday 4 October 2026
But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father – Jesus Christ, the Righteous One – 1 John 2 v 1
Welcome to the latest edition of Thought for Sunday.
John is writing to Christians who sometimes struggle with their faith, when faced with persecution in a variety of forms. The main theme of this first letter is to remind the Christians that God is love, and He really does care about them – to love them, protect them and provide for them. It is a great encouragement.
However, in their lives, they realise that there are times when they let the Lord down by attitude, words and actions. They are concerned that they may ‘fall out of favour’ with the Lord and be rejected. John addresses this issue by reminding them that they are not alone. Failure/sin will take place, but when that is confessed, there is an Advocate, in Jesus, who will speak up on their behalf. He will represent us much better than our own attempts.
We face similar situations today. Mostly we do not deliberately sin – we do not sit down and decide to let the Lord down; it is often in the ‘heat of the moment’ or when we too tired to make correct decisions. When the pressures are so overwhelming that we do not think before we act. These are not excuses but the reality of serving the Lord today. Many are watching us hoping to see us fail and then tell us that we are not really Christians!!! It is hurtful and painful, and we need help.
John reminds us that there is Someone who will represent us before the throne of God. When we confess our sins/failures, Jesus will represent us before God to seek His forgiveness, cleansing and healing. All we need to do is to turn to Jesus and ask Him to help us. Because of what Jesus did on the cross of Calvary, we can have our failures/sins removed for ever, never to be brought up again. Jesus our Advocate is waiting to help us.