Aberlemno

An Advent Message from Brian

Dear friends,

For many years a friend and I would meet every Advent for lunch. It began as a joke because we both worked on our own and did not have a company lunch or a works night out to go to. It was always a very special time because it reflected a very close friendship. We were both busy in the lead up to Christmas but set aside an hour or so every December.

Advent can be a busy time for many people but it should also be a time when we think about others. It is a time when we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, whose teaching was all about people.

It is always nice to give gifts but sometimes the best gift we can give at this time of year is a little of our time, especially for those who are alone, who have lost a loved one or we know are struggling with life.

A visit, perhaps with some homemade mince-pies, a telephone call, an offer to take someone to do their Christmas Shopping or even a little note with all our news inside a Christmas card can mean so much to those who receive that gift of time.

One of the most striking things about the life of Jesus was His willingness to give His time to help someone who was struggling, to bless little children and guide those who were rejected by society. Time, care and love are the greatest gifts we can give in this life and in these difficult times in which we are living are so very precious.

May God bless you all.

Brian

A prayer

Father, we thank You for this time of year when we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, Your greatest gift to us. We thank you for the happy things we do together and ask that You help us to remember the true meaning of this season and to reflect in our own small way the love and care shown to us that first Christmas.

May we also remember those for whom this will be a sad and difficult time.

Bless them, all who are in need and all whom we love.

In Jesus’ name.

Amen

Aberlemno Church Coffee Morning

5th November 2022

Another successful coffee morning was held in November. Click here to download a PDF of the above photos annotated.

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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