1. 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 Winter is with us, you can tell as the rain is white and hard, let us see what has changed at Lonmay Church since the previous edition.

1. Various forms of Cold, Flu and probably Covid have struck down various members of the Congregation. Please remember to wrap up warmly and try to avoid catching anything serious. 

2. 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.

3. 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. You are all invited to come along to the Sunday School Picnic (See events page for details).

Blessings.

Lonmay Thought for Sunday 4 January 2026

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest – Matthew 11 v 28.

A warm welcome to the first Thought for Sunday in 2026 – A very happy, healthy and blessed 2026 to you.

Christmas and the New Year period can be such a busy and demanding time for many people. We ‘tumble’ into a New Year wanting to rest and recover and yet feel a mixture of excitement and fear about what may lie ahead for us. This is quite natural and not unexpected.

New Year offers changes, aspirations and hope that the year will be better than the previous one!! It depends on how we tackle the issues we face. At this time, our text may seem a little inappropriate, but our Heavenly Father knows exactly what we need in the coming days.

He knows our fears, worries, and wants to assure us that He is in control while ever we place our trust and confidence in Him. He knows when we need rest and refreshment, and He also knows when we need to take action. As He loves us so much, He assures us that we are never alone, and as we face the unknown future, we can place our hands in His and walk with Him as He leads, provides, protects and knows our future. It will not be ‘plain sailing’ – there will times of confusion, doubt, frustration and uncertainty, but our assurance is that He wants us to know Him and His way better by trusting Him in everything.

Today, as we come to the first Sunday in 2026, may we take Jesus up on His words to us – ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest’. Not a myth or forlorn hope, but a certainty in Jesus who never, ever breaks His promises.