- 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 21 June 2026
‘how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!’- Luke 11 v 13.
Greetings to you as you are welcomed to the latest edition of Thought for Sunday.
So many of us are facing uncertainties and concerns about our lives and the future. We look around and can be distressed at all we see and is being reported through the range of media resources. It is a natural reaction to be afraid and anxious, but is this the state that Jesus wants us to be in? Our burdens and worries can indeed weight us down with doubt and depression.
Jesus tells us to ‘cast all our burdens/worries/concerns upon Him’ because He cares for us. We know the promise, and we have experienced the fulfilment of His promises in out lives, but it is so easy to know and yet so hard to put into practice.
In the passage of Scripture, Jesus is speaking to his disciples in response to their request, ‘Lord teach us to pray.’ From that question we have what we now call, ‘The Lord’s prayer,’ after which Jesus illustrates by saying that a friend, who is in bed, will get up and provide food for his friend who has an unexpected visitor. He does this because he cares for his friend. Jesus also illustrates by saying that a father would not give a scorpion to his son instead of an egg, because he cares for his son. Therefore, Jesus goes on to say, that His Father will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask. We are reminded of the promise, ‘Ask and it will be given you.’ The Lord has all the glorious riches of heaven at His disposal, and He freely gives to those who ask, and it is in accordance with His will.
His continuing promise is that He will provide for all we need – not always what we want!!! Why are we sometimes reluctant to ask? Why do we struggle on with problems, when the hymn-writer reminds us, ‘Are we weak and heavy laden, take it to the Lord in prayer.’ Be encouraged not just to know His promises, but to be confident to ask the Lord, so that He will continue to supply all our needs.