Dear friends,
One of my favourite television programmes in the 1970s was “The Good Life.” Some of you may be old enough to remember it? It was about a couple who had given up the rat-race to become self-sufficient. There was an irony in the title as in the 1950s and 60s the term Good Life had come to mean a life of luxury and relaxation. Prior to that it had been a religious description- a good life was a Godly life.
Of course, the T.V. programme was not so much about self- sufficiency as friendship. The friendship between Tom and Barbara and their snobbish suburban neighbours Margo and Jerry. Despite all their conflicting ideas and attitude to life, their friendship grew stronger and stronger.
Perhaps that is what the test of “A Good Life” really is all about- our relationships with others. Jesus placed great importance on friendship and St. Paul tells us that living a Godly life requires us to be patient, tolerant and understanding of others.
One thing we have learnt in the last few months is the great value of human relationships. Let us hope that when this crisis is over we do not forget that important lesson.
John Greenleaf Whittier wrote, The joy that you give to others is the joy that comes back to you.” How true that is.
May God bless you all.
Brian
Guthrie Manse.
01241-828243
Dear friends,
As you will be aware the Scottish Government has now allowed the opening of Churches for worship under strict guidelines. Our two Kirk Sessions have agreed that we should try to open for worship. We have now received permission from Presbytery and the first service will be at Aberlemno at 10.00. A.M. on Sunday 9th of August. We will then follow the calendar as published at the beginning of the year.
However, if we wish to hold services it is essential that we follow these guidelines in order to keep everyone safe.
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
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.
Click here to download a full copy of the March 2020 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.
Guthrie
Manse, Guthrie, Forfar, DD8 2TP
revdbrianr@hotmail.com
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