A message from Brian February 2025

Not long ago I met someone who knew a minister colleague I was friendly with many years ago. The minister and I had many chats over the years and once he spoke of the terrible things he had seen whilst serving in the Army in the Second World War. After the war he became a minister and spoke to me of the countless needs and problems of the folk in his first parish.

The challenges society faced then were very different from those that we face today. The problems we have faced in these last few years have been very challenging and there is no doubt that we are going forward into a very different world, even from that I first worked in, let alone in my friend’s time.

Yet, despite being in a much changed life, the Gospel response to our problems remains the same. The message of love, forgiveness and caring for others that Jesus taught by word and example is still so vital, not just in our community but in the whole world, as we move forward. We never know what lies ahead and no doubt future generations will look back as we do but we do know those qualities which really matter in any generation.

May God bless you and your loved ones.

Brian

A Prayer

Heavenly Father,

God our Father, we thank You that in a world of change and uncertainty Your love remains strong and the guidance You gave through Your Son Jesus Christ shows us the path through life we should try to follow. Help us to show our thankfulness to You for Your precious gift of Jesus Christ Your son, by caring and loving as He has taught us.

Bless those we love and those we know who are sad, afraid or unwell at this time.

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.

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.