Aberlemno

Aberlemno, Guthrie and Rescobie Churches.

Due to the Covid restrictions there will be no services until further notice.

Take care, Brian.

A message from the Minister 05.03.21

Dear friends,

A little boy came home from school one day and as he was sitting having his tea his mother noticed that he was very quiet. She asked him if he was O.K. and he explained that there had been a school service that day and that there had been a collection for a charity which helped provide clean drinking water in poor countries. He then said, “Do you know, mummy, that there are countries where children have to drink dirty water?”

His mother explained that unfortunately that was true. He then replied, “Why haven’t we stopped that happening? It makes me very sad.”

When Jesus scolded His Disciples for turning away parents that had brought their children to be blessed He pointed to the children and said, “Of such is the Kingdom of Heaven.”

As the years go on in life it is all too easy to accept that things cannot be changed for the better, to find excuses for not being able to solve the world’s problems. That little boy saw the issue of clean water for all children a something we had to sort out, not something we could accept, no matter how hard it was. When we stop trying it doesn’t just make a little boy sad, it makes the whole world a sadder place.

May God bless you all.

Brian

A Prayer

Heavenly Father,

God our Father, we give thanks that in our society we are blessed with all the essentials of life. Help us to remember that there are many in our world less fortunate than ourselves. Help us to show our gratitude to You for Your gift beyond words, Jesus Christ Your son, by caring and loving as He has taught us.

Bless those we love and those we know are struggling at this time.

In Jesus’ name.

Amen

Please click here to read the December 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.

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

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 December 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.

Rev. Brian Ramsay

Guthrie Manse, Guthrie, Forfar, DD8 2TP

01241 828243
revdbrianr@hotmail.com

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