- 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.
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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.
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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.
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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. You are all invited to come along to the Sunday School Picnic (See events page for details).
Blessings.
Lonmay Thought for Sunday 2nd November 2025
“In whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” – Colossians 1:14
As we come to another Communion Sunday, we are reminded of the fact that Jesus had to die in order to provide a means of receiving God’s forgiveness for the sins we have committed.
Paul reminds us, in our text for this Sunday, that it is only through the shed blood of Jesus that we can receive forgiveness.
In the Old Testament, God gave instructions for the building of the Tabernacle. A mobile sacred facility where people offered animal sacrifices to receive forgiveness for their sins. But this was never enough, because as they sinned so they needed the sacrifices to receive forgiveness. However, God had an ultimate plan. This was to offer His one and only Son as the supreme sacrifice for being forgiven – no more animal sacrifices – Jesus paid the ultimate price. We are reminded that God is so holy that He cannot look upon sin but needed a sinless, pure individual to pay the price. Jesus who was pure and sinless willingly allowed Roman soldiers to beat and kill Him on that cross at Calvary, to provide the ONLY means of receiving God’s forgiveness.
So, as we meet on Communion Sunday, we face the amazing fact that God so loves US, that He willingly gave His Son, to die in our place, to, on confession of our sins, receive forgiveness. It is always a solemn occasion, but within it there is a wonderful assurance. Being forgiven is something to rejoice in, and accepting Jesus as our Saviour and Lord, gives us a purpose and point of life which has been missing. We receive His peace, presence and assurance of spending eternity with Him.
Having taken our place on the cross, we are now encouraged to ‘present ourselves as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship.’
Today let us draw near to God, presenting ourselves to Him, and with grateful hearts, thank Him for taking our place at Calvary.