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 30 January 2025
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise –
Psalm 100 v 4.
Welcome to the latest edition of Thought for Sunday, which we pray you will find helpful and encouraging.
I wonder what we are thinking about as we come to church on Sundays? Perhaps it is natural to be thinking about the issues we are facing – or to be planning the rest of the day – or hoping the weather is kind? All understandable thoughts. But what about the church and service? It is possible to come to church facing many difficulties, and when you have settled into your seat, breathe a sigh of relief try to think positively for the future. Whatever ‘road’ we may take, it is worth stopping to consider what attitude we ought/should have in approaching a church service.
David had a very clear understanding in the words of our verse for this week. His thoughts are on where he is going and what it means to him. He did not simply want to turn up in the Temple but wanted to enter with a positive attitude – for him one of thankfulness. He reflected on who God was, what He meant to David, and all that had been provided for him since he was last in the place of worship. That contemplation was to play an essential part of his feelings and responses once the service took place. As he reflected on all he had received from God, his emotion was changed from thankfulness to praise. We know from other Psalms and Bible passages that David was so moved with praise that he danced before the Lord. Now that is not everyone’s expression, but it does challenge the often long-faces and miserable looks on our faces, particularly when we sing hymns and songs of praise!!!
May we be encouraged to prepare for attending church – expect to meet with Jesus, through music, reading and listening to His word – come with a spirit of thanksgiving for what the Lord has and is doing in our lives – seek to praise Him for all He means to us and for His many blessings.
