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.
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.
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.
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.
Lonmay Thought for Sunday 15 March 2026
Praise be to the God … of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles – 2 Corinthians 1 v 3-4.
Welcome to the latest edition of Thought for Sunday.
Paul, inspired by God, commences this second letter to the church in Corinth, by encouraging them to praise the Lord. This is based on his experience that, despite all the challenges he has faced since he met Jesus on that Damascus Road, he has had all of them met by God’s comfort, mercy and love. Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth, reflects his walk with Jesus, experiencing both the ‘highs’ and ‘lows.’ The Lord has never failed him, and always provided for all he needed, even when the events were uncertain and caused pain, hurt and discomfort. His personal experience must have been such an inspiration to the local church, and an encouragement to them to keep their eyes fixed on Jesus.
So, what about us? We are not facing the same challenges as Paul, but we are facing challenges of living in 2026. While for Paul, much was physical, emotional and psychological, while for us it is about uncertainty and the culture in which we are living today.
However, let us not ignore the stress of ill-health, cost of living and many practical issues we face. For me, personally, the last two weeks have been a very difficult period, primarily because I have not experienced this problem previously. Yet I can share that the Lord has provided for all my needs, even when they were so unexpected!!! There are many people around us, who need the comfort and blessing of the Lord to minister to their personal needs. Please uplift those you know before the Lord.
Also, may I encourage all of us not to limit the troubles others are facing. It is easy to dismiss them as not being serious, but for the individual it is painful and often faced in loneliness. We may struggle to know what to say or do, but prayer is of crucial importance. Let us leave them in the Lord’s amazing Hands in prayer.
