A message from Brian

Dear friends,

Last week’s Coronation was a new experience for most of us with it having been almost 70 years since the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth, although I have spoken two people who have now experienced three coronations!

Our new King takes over his role in a world completely different from that in which his mother began her reign. She was ruling a country still recovering from World War II and indeed still at war in Korea. She showed the qualities needed; loyalty, a sense of duty and care for others.

As King Charles begins his reign, the challenges are very different and perhaps more complicated, yet the qualities he will need are exactly the same as his mother demonstrated for so long.

The teaching of Jesus is almost 2,000 years old and the world completely different yet the qualities He taught us are timeless. No matter what is happening or where we live, the qualities of care, love, forgiveness and kindness are still vital in life.

May God bless you all.
Brian

A prayer

Heavenly Father,

Help us to understand which things are of real value in life and to be thankful for them and cherish them.
Help us not to be afraid to tell people how much they mean to us and to show our care and concern for others, especially those for whom life is difficult at this time.

Be with all who are caring for the young, the old and the ill, that they may know they are valued by us.
Bless those dear to us and those who feel they have no one who cares for them.

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.

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.