- 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 slightly warmer. Now, let us see what has changed at Lonmay Church since the previous edition.
Although the weather is meant to be warmer, please remember to dress appropriately for the conditions. Be prepared to cast a layer when coming into the sanctuary as the heating will be on.
Although the Presbytery Plan had Lonmay Church closing 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. We are currently working towards a single Parish made up of the old parishes of Aberdour, Strichen, Tyrie, New Pitsligo, Crimond and Lonmay.
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 mad
Blessings.
Lonmay Thought for Sunday 18 October 2026
You shall walk after the Lord your God and fear him – Deuteronomy 13 v 4.
A very warm welcome to the latest edition of Thought for Sunday.
Here Moses is addressing the problem of disloyalty to Yahweh – God. Moses continues to apply the initial commands of the Ten Commandments: God’s people must forcefully resist the temptation to follow other gods. The chapter addresses three sources of temptation: false prophets, close relatives, and entire towns. For prophets, the litmus test of prophecy, even if accompanied by a miraculous sign, is whether the prophet urges obedience to the first commandment.
Moses was reminding the people of the first commandment – you shall not have any other gods before Me. The people had demonstrated that, although God was with them, it was easy for forget Him and to go their own way. When life is running smoothly for us, it is easy for us to forget about God and think that we can manage without Him. We are ‘in control’ and so we look to other sources to fulfil our desires. God reminds us that He is a jealous God and will not have any competition. He demands total allegiance to Him. That is tough, but we do not have to attempt it by ourselves, for He has promised to equip us and be with us along life’s journey.
Moses warned the people of three possible sources of temptation.
- False prophets. Those who claimed to be God’s spokespersons but was simply seeking to push their own version of what they thought God meant or wanted. The situation today has not changed, and in many ways is worse because some have the backing of influential people.
- Close relatives. We do not wish to fall out with those close to us, and yet in countries where persecution is more acute, it is family members who take action against a member who is a Christian.
- Entire towns. Perhaps not too relevant for us, but certainly in some towns in England there are areas where Christians are forced out.
Let us be determined to follow Jesus and have no other gods but Him.
Lonmay Thought for Sunday 11 October 2026
Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe – Proverbs 29 v 25.
A very warm welcome to the latest edition of Thought for Sunday.
I am sure that we have all experienced situations where people have said something with which we disagree, but we have remained silent due to fear of consequences. For some this is a usual experience, while for others it is occasional. Whenever it takes place, it is threatening and uncomfortable, and we do fear what might happen next.
We live in times when there are many ideologies being shared, some without undue pressure, others with threats and intimidation. How do we react in these situations?
Fear is a very genuine emotion. It can stop us ‘in our tracks’ and cause us to give up. Fear can make us withdraw or remain silent or even deny our faith. Fear can stop us living the life we have been called to live. Fear is an emotion not to be ignored but to face. That is the hard part. When we do not know the outcome, we tend to be cautious and hesitant and genuinely fear the consequences.
The Devil loves to get us into this position, because it means that we are looking at ourselves and circumstances, rather than at Jesus. Solomon reminds us that the fear of others can become a snare to catch us out or stop us. He accepts the tension that fear brings.
However, Solomon then provides us with the way forward – ‘but whoever trusts in the Lord will be kept safe.’ What a glorious promise. In the middle of all our concerns and fears, as we place our trust and confidence in Jesus, He WILL keep us safe.
As the Psalmist reminds us – ‘God is our strength and refuge, a pleasant help in time of trouble.’ Today rest in the Lord – He cannot fail because He is God and His love and care for you are far greater than we can imagine.