Aberlemno

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.

Church Guidelines

Due to a change in regulations masks are no longer compulsory in Church and we no longer need to keep a record for track and trace.

Kindest regards,

Brian

An Easter message from the Minister

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Dear friends,

A Happy Easter to you all.

When I began writing these messages at the beginning of the Covid Pandemic more than two years ago I would never have imagined that the world would still be in such turmoil today. Sadly, we no longer only have to deal with a terrible disease but also a cruel and evil war.

At the first Easter, Jesus’ family and his Disciples were in despair and fear. Someone who had brought so much hope and love into the world has been treated so cruelly and unjustly and had been taken from them.

Then on the first Easter day the light of joy and peace lit up their dark lives. Goodness prevailed. When our lives or our world seem dark we must always remember that if we keep faith and keep believing in what is right then joy and peace will return.

This is my final minister’s message and I would like to thank you all for the support, encouragement and friendship you have given to me and my family over the years. It has been a pleasure and an honour to be minister in this community.

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

Brian

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

An Easter Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, we greet You this Easter.

Meet us as You met Mary, with gentleness and love, that we may reflect that same gentleness and love in our lives.

Meet us as You met Peter, with forgiveness and understanding, that we may find try to show that same spirit.

Meet us as You met the two from Emmaus, as we journey through life, that we may remember Your presence with us.

Meet us as You met Thomas, patient with our doubts and fears, that we will find the joy and peace of Easter.

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 hearts.

Amen

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 Safety Guidelines

1/ Face coverings must be worn whilst in the building.

2/ Hand sanitizers will be provided and must be used on entry and when leaving.

3/ A one-way system will be used in all three churches.

4/ Only those from the same household or “bubble” may sit in the same pew.

5/ Certain pews will be taped off in order to make social distancing easier to maintain.

6/ Only those pews with a poster can be used. If you are not from the same household you must not use the area between posters. An Elder will be on duty to guide you if you are unsure where you can sit.

7. There will be no hymn singing during the service.

8. The toilets will not be open for use and there will be no access to the galleries at Aberlemno.

9. The collection will not be taken during the service but there will be a plate for your offering on your way out of the Church.

If you have any questions please contact me for further guidance. I am now allowed to do pre-arranged pastoral visits if you need to see me to talk about anything. We are pleased to be able to gather for worship once more but if you are unsure or anxious about coming to these services please be assured that I understand completely how you feel and will not be disappointed if you decide to wait for some time. I do not want anyone to feel pressurised in any way to return before they feel ready.

God bless you all,

Brian

Help in the present crisis

Dear friends,

At this present time many people are beginning to struggle in different ways. Advice on how to access help and advice can be see below. However, I am aware that some people are reluctant to come forward with their needs, even at times like this. If you are uncomfortable asking for help please feel free to contact me. Anything you say will be kept in the strictest confidence and I will do all I can to help. Even if you simply want someone to talk to in these worrying times please do not hesitate to phone or e-mail me.

With kindest regards,

Brian

01241-828243 BRamsay@churchofscotland.org.uk

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Scottish Rural Network - COVID-19 Rural Information Hub

Charities Aid Foundation – Coronovirus Emergency Fund

Angus Council - services, welfare, advice

Age Scotland

Angus Foodbank is open as normal, with normal procedures for collections. A delivery can be arranged and will be delivered by a member of voluntary Angus where someone is showing symptoms of Covid-19. If anyone would like to make a donation then this can be done via Tescos, Lidls etc, dropped off at the food bank during opening hours, or if out with opening hours can be left behind the wheelie bins as this is checked every morning.

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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