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 23 November 2025
Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands give me delight – Psalm 119 v 143.
A very warm welcome to the latest edition of Thought for Sunday, which we pray you will find helpful and uplifting.
The writer of this Psalm knows what it is like to face a load of trouble and distress. The author is felt to be David, reflecting on his life and sharing his experiences with his son, Solomon. For David he has had a range of events, some of blessings and some of heartache and sadness.
As a young lad he learned how to manage sheep and protect them from the wild animals. He trusted God in giving him victory over Goliath, his musical skills were to grant Saul peace of mind with his mental health problems. He was a great leader of soldiers, taking them into a series of remarkable victories. Eventually he was crowned King and was highly regarded by the people.
The negatives included nearly being killed by Saul, who, after he escaped, followed David with an intent to end his life. He had to cease his friendship with Saul’s son, Jonathan, and later faced a concerted effort from his son, Absolam, to take over the throne. He committed adultery and murder.
So, David could confidently write ‘trouble and distress have come upon me.’ His life had been full of challenges, but he was able to state that God’s commands had ‘delighted him.’ What did this mean? While he had faced many problems, some of his own making, he was very aware of the presence of God in his life, leading, directing, and correcting him, to help him to be the person God wanted him to be.
For us, our approach should be the same, even though it is sometimes very hard to achieve. We should see all the events in our lives as being learning opportunities to discover more about our amazing Saviour and Lord and give to Him all He wants of us in service.
