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 warmer, let us see what has changed at Lonmay Church since the previous edition.
Covid is no longer the driving force in our lives and has now the same status as a head cold. Not man-flu as that is really serious.
Although the plan from Presbytery was for Lonmay Church to close it’s doors by the end of last year, that hasn’t happened. We plan to stay open for worship as long as we can, God willing.
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 28 December 2025
They followed the star – Matthew 2 v 2.
Welcome to the last edition of Thought for Sunday for 2025 – where has the year gone? Even the younger folk are expressing the same point!!!
We look back on 2025 with mixed feelings. There have been many wonderful experiences, bringing joy and happiness, but there have been periods of pain, sorrow and disappointment. However, we rejoice that throughout the year, the Lord has been faithful and kept His promise to be with us in every situation. Thank you, Jesus.
Our final Sunday of the year brings us to the visit of the Wise Men, possibly nearly two years after Jesus was born. Understandably they went to the Palace in Jerusalem, but He was not there. Herod, however, was jealous and having ascertained where Jesus could be, he sent them to Bethlehem. They came to the house, recognised Jesus, and fell down worshipped Him and then gave their gifts. An amazing experience for the Wise Men and having been warned not to go back to Herod, they returned to their homes rejoicing.
The question for us is ‘who are we following today’? The Wise Men knew what they were looking for, and following a star, eventually met Jesus. While the star is no longer visible, we can still follow Jesus. Through His death we can receive forgiveness and by His resurrection, we can become members of His family. Although not visible to our naked eyes, we can know His Hand of protection, provision and guidance, and the assurance that He is always with us – in every situation. Today, we can continue to put our confidence and trust in our wonderful Saviour and Lord.
We do not know what lies ahead in 2026. Certainly, there will be major changes for us, but we are encouraged to keep our eyes and trust on Jesus, as He continues to lead us, to complete His divine plan for us as individuals and as congregations.
‘Keep you eyes upon Jesus, let nobody else take His place, and then hour by hour you will know His power, until you have won the great race.’
