- 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 29 March 2026
Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power –
Ephesians 6 v 10
A very warm welcome to the latest edition of Thought for Sunday.
Today is Palm Sunday, when we remember the Lord’s entry into Jerusalem, riding on an unbroken donkey/colt. An occasion for much rejoicing, as the crowds greeted Him on His way. They put cloaks and palm leaves in the ground and shouted out a welcome – ‘Hosanna to the Son of David.’ This was a strong contrast to a victorious army whose leader rode on a white stallion to emphasise the size of his victory. Jesus came on the back of a donkey to remind people that He was not coming to defeat the Romans, but to provide a means of reconciliation between God and the human race. This was His peace not a ceasefire but an amazing peace to be experienced.
So, where does this leave us today? We will celebrate Palm Sunday, but rather than just an acknowledgement of the event, we can ensure that this is not something that is confined to history, but its implications are with us today.
We may feel that we are lone voices, often at odds with other more powerful voices. Those who seek to control our thinking, actions and speech. It is in those circumstances that we need reminding of Paul’s exhortation in Ephesians – to ‘be strong in the Lord and His mighty power.’ What does this mean for us? Firstly, we are reminded that our strength comes from the Lord. We can be strong in Him. Yes, we may be fearful of what others may say or do, but we are strong in Jesus. He has promised that we are never alone, and whatever occurs in our lives, He will be with us. Therefore, we are promised to ultimately be on the victory side. The second point we are reminded about is His power. Remember the power over death on Easter Sunday, His power over the weather on the Sea of Galilee, His power to raise the dead in Lazarus, His healing power in many different settings. This power was not just for those living 2000 years ago but is available to each one of us today. Let us, therefore, be strong in the Lord, and in His might power.