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 12 October 2025
In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope – 1 Peter 1 v 3.
A very warm welcome to the latest edition of Thought for Sunday
One of my happy memories as a young Probation Officer was visiting the maternity unit at Bradford when some of my young offenders had babies!!! I love the innocent, dependent faces of babies completely in need of adult support. The potential of each baby is amazing.
Nicodemus came to Jesus to discuss His teaching. One of the most important lessons he learned was ‘That he must be born again.’ This confused Nicodemus who responded by asking what it meant. Jesus response was that he needed to be born of the Spirit. In other words, he needed cleansing from inside. Jesus stressed that being born again was seeking God’s forgiveness, accepting Jesus as Saviour and becoming a member of His family. As Paul puts it ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.’
However, we can only come as babies, needing spiritual milk to grow and then to move on to more solid food – the meat of the Word.
Peter reminds us that we are saved by God’s great mercy. God’s love is so great that He willingly allowed Jesus to be crucified and die, as to provide the ONLY means by which we can be forgiven. No ‘good works’ or seeking to purchase salvation, but by accepting God’s great mercy, love and grace. May we be encouraged to listen and learn, as the Lord helps us to grow in our knowledge, love and service for Him.
It is once we are ‘born again’ that we receive the living hope. This hope is not a fairy-story or myth but is based upon the living person of Jesus. Yes, Jesus died, but on the third day He was raised from the dead and forty days later returned to heaven where He remains until He return for His coronations, and all who know Him will be part of a massive wedding feast. Are we ready for that great day?
