An Easter Message from Brian

A Happy Easter to you all.

After the first Good Friday, Jesus’ family, his Disciples and His followers were in despair and fear. Someone who had brought so much hope and love into their world had  had been taken from them.

Then on the first Easter day the light of joy and peace lit up their dark lives. Goodness prevailed. The most important thing for Jesus was not to show His enemies they were wrong and that they had not been able to destroy Him. For Him, the most important thing was to meet up with His loved ones and followers.

One of my favourite Bible stories is when on the first Easter day two of Jesus followers, Cleopas and another, perhaps his wife, were walking home to the village of Emmaus. It was a walk of about the distance from Forfar to Aberlemno. As they walked along a stranger caught up with them and asked what they were talking about. They told him about all that had happened in Jerusalem that day. Their companion then explained to them that this had been forecast by the Prophets of old but that God would bring a happy ending. Then when they reached home they invited him in for supper and as he broke bread they recognised him as Jesus.

For me it is such a comforting story. Life is a journey but this story of Jesus’ care and patience reminds us that we do not journey alone even when life is trying or confusing.      

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

Brian

An Easter Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, we greet You this Easter. As we remember once more the stories of the first Easter help us to remember what they teach us; that you came to us to teach us about God’s love for us.

Even when You were on the cross you showed Your understanding and concern for others and when risen You showed Your love and care for others. Help us, we pray, to live with that spirit in our lives.

Bless all who are in need, who are sad, frightened or struggling, those living in places where there is no peace and all those most dear to us, that they may find the peace and hope 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.

A few photos taken when putting up the Christmas decorations in the Church:

Aberlemno Church Coffee Morning
5th November 2022

Click here to download an annotated PDF copy of the above photos.

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.