An Easter message from Brian

Dear friends,

A Happy Easter to you all.

When Jesus came to Jerusalem in the days before the first Easter He came with a message of peace, riding on a donkey to fulfill the prophet Zechariah’s prophecy about a King who would bring peace to the world. Women, men and children welcomed Him yet only a few days later He hung on a cross.

It seemed that the King of Peace had been defeated. His loved ones, friends and followers were heart broken. Then on the first Easter day the light of joy and peace lit up their hearts. Goodness prevailed and to many in our world the King of Peace is still our ruler.

He still comes to us as He did that day, with a message showing us a better way. He offers us a way of life that is needed so much in our world today- a world in need of love, peace and care for all.

May God bless you and all those you love 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 leadership that brings peace to our troubled world.

Even on the cross you showed compassion forgiveness and understanding; 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 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.

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.