A Christmas Message from Brian 

Today I had a lovely and very special time. I was invited to join with the Aberlemno School Christmas Concert. I was looking forward to it because it is a place with many special memories for me.

I was amazed and delighted by all that those lovely children did; acting, singing and telling us the Christmas story in their own words. It was a reminder of one of the messages at the heart of the Christmas story; that Jesus, the son of God came for all of us and every Christmas we celebrate that wonderful act of love, just as vital as it was more than 2,000 years ago.

All of those youngsters will grow up into a very different world as all generations do but Christmas reminds us that they are just as precious to God throughout their lives as anyone who has dwelt in His world.

For someone who has been conducting Christmas services since the 1970s it was wonderful to see and hear another generation giving their unique qualities and talents to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

May God bless you and all those you love this Christmas.

Brian

A Christmas Prayer

Heavenly Father 

We thank You this Christmas, for its message of the depth of Your love. May the message of He who was the Child in the Manger given  to us this Christmas. May we remember that He came for all of us; blesses those who seek to find faith and is there wherever life takes us.

May we hear the angels’ song and follow in the footsteps of the shepherds who came looking for the baby after hearing the Angel’s message. We pray that peace, care and love may reign in our hearts; and may those we love be blessed with the joy of Christmas.

In Jesus’ name.

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.