Aberlemno

A message from Brian August 2022

Dear friends,

One of the joys of living where we do is that we have a wonderful variety of birds and other creatures in our garden. Everything from Robins and Collar Doves to Red Squirrels and Hedgehogs.

Peter Owen Jones, a Vicar and author tells the story in one of his books of how he first became aware of God’s presence. As a seven year old he was looking for bird’s nests when he came across a Hedge Sparrow’s with four shining blue eggs. He said he was in a state of wonder at the beauty of this delicate creation when he realised that God was there with him sharing this wonder.

It is a lovely picture of a seven year old enjoying nature and realising God was there too. It is also a story with two very important messages for us today.

Firstly, it reminds us that our world is a precious gift we have been given and that as such we should do all we can to care for it and the creatures we share it with.

Secondly, it reminds us that God is not distant from us in any way but is with us everywhere and at all times. One of the things that Jesus made clear is that God is there in everyday life and any of us can turn to Him at any time.

May God bless you all.

Brian

A prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for all the wonderful things we have as we travel along life’s journey. Help us to always enjoy these blessings and never to take them for granted.

We bring before You our families, friends and neighbours and in particular those who are struggling with problems of health, sadness or despair at this time. May they remember that they are in our thoughts and prayers.

We pray too for those who live in troubled lands where violence, fear and hunger are part of daily life.

Bless and keep safe our loved ones.

Our prayers are in Jesus’ name.

Amen

The Aberlemno book club based in Aberlemno Church has now been launched. 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.

It was a very poignant Easter Church service for the congregation of Aberlemno Parish Church .

In the presence of all eight elders, it was the last time that our much loved Reverend Brian Ramsay stepped down from the pulpit at Aberlemno.

We all hope he will enjoy a long and happy retirement.

Click here to read the March 2022 Parish newsletter for Aberlemno, Guthrie & Rescobie.

These messages will be put on the aberlemno.org website each week under the “Kirk” heading. If you know anyone who would like a printed version please let the minister know.

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.

Church News:

Click here to download a full copy of the March 2022 Parish newsletter for Aberlemno, Guthrie & Rescobie.

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, we are still a very active congregation with weekly services, a Sunday School and a Youth Group.

Rev. Brian Ramsay

Guthrie Manse, Guthrie, Forfar, DD8 2TP

01241 828243
revdbrianr@hotmail.com

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