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Easter Message from Brian 

According to John’s Gospel, the first appearance that the risen Jesus made was to Mary Magdalene. What many folk have thought is the most astonishing event of the history of the world is marked by a quiet word between two friends.

Jesus, risen from the dead, makes no triumphal return to the city full of folk celebrating the Passover. No, He waits in the garden for friends to appear, then in the evening goes to the house where His disciples were hiding.

His first encounter was with Mary Magdalene, who had stood at the foot of the Cross with Jesus’ mother Mary and then on the Sunday had stood at His grave. She was so upset because He had helped her in many ways and given her a new life.

With eyes filled with tears she offers to look after His missing body. Then Jesus speaks to her from behind and she recognises Him at once. His first appearance is to someone with no power or authority but someone He cared for and loved and who loved and cared for Him.

That was the heart of His message while with us on Earth; that loving and caring and helping are the most valued of aspects of life. The story of Easter is much more than a history story or a legend from long ago; it is a living message and experience that guides countless lives even today and it not only comforts them but inspires them to care, love and have compassion, as millions have done.

May God bless you and your loved ones this Easter. 

Brian

An Easter Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, we greet You this Easter.

Help us to travel through life following Your example.

As You came to Jerusalem riding on a donkey, the symbol of a King of peace, we pray that our world may find a way that brings peace into our troubled world.

When You rose You showed the love, care and compassion that was at the heart of Your life on Earth; may we strive to live with that spirit in our lives and in our communities.

Bless all who are in need, who are sad, bewildered or afraid, those living in places where there is no peace and all those most dear to us, that they may find the light and joy of Easter in their lives and in their hearts.

 Amen                                                                

Aberlemno Parish Church

This small country parish church has a long history. A church here was dedicated by Bishop David de Bernham in 1242, but the site's history may be substantially longer.

There is documentary evidence to suggest that Aberlemno Kirk was originally called Egglespether, a Pictish church of around 710AD by King Nechtan, although this is not agreed by some scholars. On the register of churches belonging to Restenneth in 1161/2 Egglespether is mentioned but by 1230 it had become known as Aberlemno.

The building today largely dates to 1722 when the church was more or less completely rebuilt, although a ridge of possibly earlier stonework survives at the base of the church's walls. It has a T-shape plan, with a later porch and rear extension. The church is built in coursed sandstone rubble, with ashlar surrounds and has a slate roof. It is surrounded by a small graveyard and the manse stands to the east.

The church is surrounded by a graveyard with many 19th century stones. It is famous for its Pictish stone however, which stands near the west gable of the church. It dates to the 8th century and commemorates the battle of Nechtansmere.

In 1983 the Church was linked to the neighbouring parish of Guthrie and Rescobie.

Although it is a very historic Church, it still has a very active congregation with weekly services.

A few photos taken when putting up the Christmas decorations in the Church:

Aberlemno Church Coffee Morning
5th November 2022

Click here to download an annotated PDF copy of the above photos.

Did you know there is the Aberlemno book club based in Aberlemno Church? The idea is that you can go along to the ‘library” to pick up a book. You may also take one you have read and no longer need in to the library as a swap. If you simply take a book the charge is £2. However, if you take along a book to exchange the charge is only £1.

The books are in the Church at the back of the west pews so can be accessed at any time during the day whilst the church is open. Please do feel free to browse the selection or add to the books on offer.

Memorial Stone

During the first lockdown I was asked to find a gravestone at Aberlemno for a gentleman trying to trace his ancestors. Whilst researching this I discovered that there was an area at the West of the Kirkyard which had been set aside for the burial of infants and still-born babies. As there was nothing to mark this area, we decided we should put a Memorial stone on the wall where these little ones were laid to rest. I contacted David McGovern of Monikie Rock Art who, when he heard what the memorial was for, very kindly donated the stone which he created. Raymond and Kelly prepared the area beside the stone and we were able to dedicate it on Sunday 25th of April not only to remember those little ones and their heart-broken families but also those today who go through the same tragic loss.

B.R.