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.
Blessings.
Crimond and Lonmay Thought for Sunday
6 July 2025
Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance – 2 Peter 3 v 9.
Welcome to the latest edition of Thought for Sunday.
This week’s verse reminds us of the desire of God that everyone should come to know Him as Saviour and Lord.
Some people interpret this verse as to mean that everyone will go to heaven. Sadly, that is not what the Bible teaches. While it is God’s wish that everyone goes to heaven, when He made male and female, He gave the right to make choices – it is called freewill. God does not force anyone to accept Him as their Saviour and Lord, but to wait patiently for them to make their final decision. This why ‘conversion therapy’ is a misnomer to Christians as no-one can force someone else to become a Christian – it is always a personal decision. No-one can make someone else a Christian.
So why did God give us a choice? It is because He does not want robots, but people in a personal relationship to serve Him from a heart of love not duty. He loves us with an unconditional love, and as He is love it comes directly from His heart to us. However, it is up to us to decide whether to receive His love or reject it.
Some people question His coming again because it has not happened since He promised to return over 2000 years ago. Why has He waited? It is due to His patience in not ‘wanting anyone to perish.’ He will grant plenty of opportunities to respond to His contact – through reading our Bibles, praying, reading Christian magazines, watching Christian films and videos, talking with Christians etc. any method to share His love. But the ultimate decision remains ours and ours alone.
Please do not make any assumptions on what you may have been told – ‘seek first the Kingdom of God’ and His Word. He is patiently waiting for you to respond to His call to accept Him as Saviour and Lord.
