- 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Crimond and Lonmay Thought for Sunday 3 May 2026
He always lives to intercede for them – Hebrews 7 v 25.
A very warm welcome to the latest edition of Thought for Sunday.
Our verse today is taken from the book of Hebrews, where the writer is assuring their readers that ‘He (Jesus) is able to save completely those who come to God through him,’ because Jesus will always represent us and speak on our behalf.
My work involved spending significant hours in criminal courts, listening to Solicitors and Barristers providing evidence of the guilt or innocence of the defendant/s. Many of the defendants would not be able to represent themselves, having little knowledge of the detail of the law, or put their knowledge into words which would persuade the courts to believe them. The required the services of trained professionals to act on their behalf. It was fascinating in trials to listen to the arguments and try to imagine what was going through the minds of the jury or Judge. Sometimes I got it right and sometimes wrong.
The writer to the Hebrews refers us to the role of Jesus in representing us before the throne of God. His superior knowledge along with His supreme sacrifice on the cross, enables Jesus to defend us and bring us God’s forgiveness. What a relief!! We do not have to defend ourselves, but hand over to Jesus to complete the task. Having asked for forgiveness and invited Jesus to be our Saviour and Lord, Jesus sets about the task of introducing us to God, in order that we can receive His acceptance into His family. We are no longer condemned but have been set free from the consequences of sin and are assured that a place is being prepared for us to spend eternity with Him. Whenever we need to confess our sins/disobedience to God, Jesus has promised to represent us at the hearing.
What greater Advocate do we need but Jesus. He will speak on our behalf – He will explain our failings and genuine desire to be forgiven, and God will accept His explanation. We are redeemed because we have a Redeemer in Jesus – Hallelujah.