We are a Church of England Christian church – the parish Church of Wimbledon Common – in the Diocese of Southwark. We’re an open and inclusive Church serving the community. We welcome all, regardless of age, ethnicity, sexuality, identity politics or Church background – sharing our faith with others and helping to build peace and justice in the world.

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Services & events

We’d be delighted for you to join us at any of our services

Sunday 22 February

FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT

8am Holy Communion 

10am Parish Eucharist

6.30pm Evensong (Book of Common Prayer)

Wednesday 25 February

9.15am Toddler Group
In the hall

12pm Prayer Group

In Church

Thursday 26 February

3pm Tea on  Thursday

In the Church Hall. All welcome. Please sign the list at the back of church if you plan to come and indicate if you’d like a lift.

Sunday 1 March

SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT

8am Holy Communion 

10am Parish Eucharist

6.30pm Choral Evensong (Book of Common Prayer)

Prayer of the week

Heavenly Father, your Son battled with the powers of darkness, and grew closer to you in the desert: help us to use these days to grow in wisdom and prayer that we may witness to your saving love in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

Dear Friends,

I pray that this message finds you well as we journey together through this holy season of Lent.

We shared a beautiful and moving service on Wednesday evening as we gathered for the imposition of ashes. As I traced the sign of the cross on each forehead, and as I received the ashes myself, the solemn words resonated deeply: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” These ancient words are a sober reminder of our mortality, but also a gentle invitation: to live each day in a way that is wholly pleasing to the living God, our Creator, and to cherish the moments that bring true joy along the way. It is a great joy and privilege to serve as your vicar, and you are all very much part of that joy.

South Ridgeway Residents’ Association

Bill, Lotwina & Paul Paul Kohler at the South Ridgeway Resident’s Association AGM Feb 2026

On Thursday evening, I had the pleasure of attending the Spring Meeting and AGM of the South Ridgeway Residents’ Association, held in our church hall. The meeting was expertly chaired by our very own Bill Petch. Many of you will know Bill from our 8am service. Beyond that faithful presence, Bill quietly gives countless hours to the life of our church, often found up a ladder or on his knees voluntarily fixing, repairing, and maintaining our buildings and grounds. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Bill publicly for his dedication and generosity of spirit. We are deeply grateful.

 

Also in attendance were our local Member of Parliament, Paul Kohler, along with ward councillors Daniel Holden, Susie Hicks, Max Austin, and Victoria Wilson. It was encouraging to see our church hall being used as a place of community gathering and civic engagement. 

Looking ahead...

Looking ahead, I warmly invite you to join us for our Lent Course on prayer, beginning on Tuesday 24 February (see details below). Together we will explore how to deepen and strengthen our prayer lives, growing not only as individuals but also as a congregation. I do hope you will consider being part of this.

Lent Course: Hear Our Prayer

Lent is a precious opportunity for growth, reflection, and renewal. If you’d like to deepen your prayer life our Lent course begins on Tuesday 24 February, 7.45-9pm in the Truman room, and every Tuesday thereafter for five weeks. The course explores the prayer lives of five Old Testament figures and how their experiences connect with the prayer life of Jesus. Personal Prayer  – Hannah, Ambitious Prayer – Elijah, Hopeful Prayer – Ezekiel, Communal Prayer – Esther, Constant Prayer – Daniel.

Each session will include an opening prayer, listening to Scripture, a short video talk, group discussion, guided prayer, closing prayer for growth and renewal. The course was created by Bishop Philip of Blackburn – a rich and nourishing experience for all.

SERMON 15 FEB

Living From the Father’s Affirming Love

Bible Readings: Matthew 17:1–9 and 2 Peter 1:16–21

Opportunity to take part in Palm Sunday dramatic reading

We’ll once again hold a dramatic reading of the Gospel on Palm Sunday. There’ll be three practice sessions:

• After tea and coffee on Sunday 15 March

• After tea and coffee on Sunday 22 March

• A final rehearsal at 9am on Sunday 29 March, before the 10am service

If you would like to take part, please email me or sign up on the sheet at the back of the church. No lines need to be memorised this is a shared, dramatic reading.

I very much look forward to seeing you this Sunday whether at our 8am, 10am, or 6.30pm services.

With love and every blessing,

Lotwina

EVENT

The Jigsaw Players

at Christ Church, West Wimbledon

 

On the programme:

Mozart’s String quintet in C Major KV 515 – written right after The Mariage of Figaro premiere in 1787. You can feel the joy through the movements.

 

Brahms String Quintet in G Major Op 111 – a masterpiece full of joy, and Hungarian-themed energy.

Ticket prices: £15. 

Free for under 18s. £5 students

Available at the door or book here.

BUY TICKETS HERE

Job Opportunity

Great opportunity to work with our children, restarting and sustaining Junior Church and contributing to our mission to be known as a welcoming church where worship is joyful – where everyone is supported in their journey of faith and where faith can be deepened with friends.

BACKGROUND

Our mission is to be known as a welcoming church where worship is joyful – to be a space where everyone is supported in their journey of faith and where faith can be deepened with friends. Because we are serious about growing the work we do with our children and young people, we are committed to restarting and sustaining Junior Church.

 

WE’RE LOOKING FOR…

An enthusiastic, motivating and reliable children’s leader to support the delivery of Junior Church during Sunday services in term time.

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Prepare and deliver Junior Church sessions for children using Roots resource, which we’ll provide.
  • Support a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment for children aged 4-11.
  • Set up and pack away materials before and after sessions.
  • Work collaboratively with our Vicar and volunteers.
HOURS & PAY
  • Three Sundays per month during term time – approximately 3 hours each week.
  • Includes preparation, set-up, delivery and tidy-up time.
  • Competitive hourly rate, based on experience.

 

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE…

  • Enjoys working with children and young people.
  • Is proactive, encouraging, organised and dependable.
  • Experience in youth or children’s work is desirable but not essential.
  • Shares and supports the values of Christ Church, West Wimbledon.

 

SAFEGUARDING

An enhanced DBS check is required (to be completed before starting the role).

 

IS THIS YOU?

To apply or find out more, contact Reverend Lotwina Farodoye, Vicar, Christ Church, West Wimbledon. 0203 597 9750 or ccww.vicar@gmail.com

Letting go of our burdens

After our service last week, many of you kindly shared with me how the image of carrying weights and the invitation not to hold on to worry given during our sermon resonated with you. Together we reflected on what it means to place our burdens into Jesus’ hands: to pray more, to live in the present, to share one another’s loads, and to pray with gratitude and thanksgiving.

I am so thankful for the openness and depth of those conversations. Our scripture reading encouraged us to “look at the birds” and notice God’s loving care in creation. My sermon entitled “The weight we were never meant to carry” is attached for anyone who missed it or would like to revisit it.

SERMON 8 FEB

Gospel Reading: Matthew 6 vs 25 to 34 New Testament Reading: Romans 8 vs18 to 25

First signs of Spring

With spring approaching, it feels like a particularly beautiful time to be out and about whether on the Common, in Cannizaro Park, in our shared green spaces and at our homes as the greenery begins to return and buds start to appear. Although the official first day of spring is March 20th, the daffodils already tell us it is right on our doorstep. With this in mind, please feel very welcome to join me at the free Walk and Talk on Saturday mornings at 10.30am starting from the war memorial and taking in our beautiful surroundings.

Candlemas celebrations

What a joy it was to see so many of you last week, spanning the generations, as we celebrated Candlemas, the 167th birthday of Christ Church West Wimbledon, and our deferred Patronal Festival. Our all-age service, followed by a splendid brunch, was a wonderful expression of who we are as a church family: rooted in faith, rich in welcome, and alive with joy. 

Our children truly did us proud playing the piano, the trumpet, singing in the choir, leading the intercessions, reading the Gospel, and taking part in the sermon which reminded us that the Church is at its best when every generation has a voice. If you are wondering what was on the screen in the photograph that the children were studying so intently, they were searching for “Wally” hidden in a crowded scene. This led us to reflect on Simeon and Anna in the Temple, and how they were able to recognise the infant Jesus among the hundreds of babies who would have been brought there over the years.

The conclusion was clear and deeply reassuring: it was the Holy Spirit who led and guided them, revealing to them who Jesus truly was. As Simeon proclaimed, “My eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” (Luke 2:30–32)

We are reminded that we too, need the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us every day of our lives, helping us to recognise where Jesus is at work in us, our community, and in our world, and showing us how we might join in with what God is already doing.

My heartfelt thanks go to our children, to all who helped in so many ways, and to the Social Committee: Bertha and her daughter Natalie, Tim, Dee, Tracy, Elaine, Jane, and Tish whose hard work made the day so memorable.

Thank you all so much, too, for the gorgeous bunch of flowers I was given at our brunch celebration. I was truly overwhelmed with joy and deeply touched by your kindness and generosity.

Children and Youth Leader

As we look ahead, we are also beginning to pray about the recruitment of a Youth Leader to help lead and nurture our children’s and youth ministry for three Sundays a month during term time. This is an important and exciting opportunity for our church, and I would be very grateful if you would remember this matter in your prayers. If you, or someone you know, might have the gifts, enthusiasm, and heart for this role, please do speak to Tish or to me. We would be very happy to share more details.

February news: Signs of growth

I want to begin by giving thanks for the very real signs of growth we are seeing among our children and young people. Last week, seven members of KFH (Kung Fu Hamsters), our fondly named church youth group, gathered at our warden Tish’s home for a joyful evening of fun and games.  When we relaunched KFH at the beginning of last year three children attended. We rejoice in how God is at work among us, and we remember these encouraging words from Scripture: “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” (Zechariah 4:10) 
 
Please remember to pray for our children and youth and for those who lead them, your prayers are an essential part of this growth. Heartfelt thanks to Tish, the Christies, and all who help with leading KFH. Please do join me in thanking them when you see them.

Investing in our children and young people

Because we are serious about growing the work we do with our children and young people, we are committed to restarting and sustaining both Junior and Senior Church which used to run on all but the first Sunday of each month during term time – the first Sunday being our All-age Service.
 
To this end, our PCC (Parochial Church Council) has taken an important step forward. During our meeting this Monday, we voted to support Junior and Senior Church, by recruiting a paid Christian youth leader. This has been made possible by a member of our congregation who has kindly offered to donate towards the first six months costs of hiring a youth leader. 
 
A huge thank you to them for this kind offer which means we can quickly move forward with this project. The role would involve preparing the lesson in advance, setting up in the hall on Sundays, teaching the children for around 40 minutes during the service, and setting down afterwards. Training will be provided and the youth leader would be supported by a rota of volunteers during sessions.
 
The PCC believes that this investment will help restore and grow our children’s and youth ministry, and we are currently putting together a job description. If you would like an informal conversation about what the paid role might involve, or you know someone who would suit the role, or you want to volunteer to support, please do speak with Tish or myself. Please pray that we find the right person.

Our PCC: Serving together

The PCC (Parochial Church Council) is the leadership body of Christ Church, and its members do such valuable work, often behind the scenes, to support the life, work, and mission of our church. I am deeply grateful to each PCC member for their prayerful commitment, wisdom, and generosity of time. We’ll soon have a poster in church so you can easily identify the members and the jobs they do. Please thank them for the work they do when you next see them.

Coming up...

As we look ahead, there is much to rejoice in and much to look forward to as a church family:

 Beginning 24 February

Lent Course on Prayer in the Truman Room

Saturday 22 March

Messy Church 

Saturday 28th April

Quiz Night 

All are welcome to attend these events and services. These gatherings are not only a gift to our fellowship together, but wonderful opportunities to invite family, friends, neighbours, and colleagues to experience the life of our church. Together, we are building God’s Kingdom, one invitation, one conversation, one prayer at a time. If you’re unsure who to invite, pray about it asking the Holy Spirit to guide you. The simple practice of pray, tell, invite can open doors we never expected.

Fair Trade Stall

Thank you for supporting the Christ Church Fair Trade Stall last year. Together we bought over £1,875 of fairly traded goods (that’s a lot of chocolate)! We made a profit of £372 and donated £370 to church funds. You may be aware that chocolate prices have risen due to poor harvests in West Africa, mainly due to extreme weather patterns. We realise this affects our chocolate-loving customers but not nearly as much as the farmers. Thank you for helping us trade differently and support producers in lower income countries – a small step towards justice for the world’s poor.

We really need help with ordering and stock taking. If you’d like to help please get in touch below. Thank you.

help Fair Trade

Opportunities to take part in our services

There are many ways to take an active role in our worship and community life. If you feel called to help by: Reading the Bible, leading prayers, serving or offering the chalice, helping with refreshments, stewarding or assisting in any other way, please sign up on the sheets at the back of the church, email our administrator, or feel free to speak with Tish or with I. We would love to involve you in the ministry and life of our church.

Prayer

If you’d like prayer for any matter whatsoever, please know that we are always honoured to pray with and for you. 
• Email ccparishoffice@yahoo.co.uk if you would like your name included in the notice sheet and prayed for during the service.
• Write a prayer note and place it on the board next to the prayer corner. A small but faithful group meets in church every Wednesday at 12pm to pray for us all at Christ Church and our Community, and we include all new notes left on the board. Notes can be anonymous if you prefer.
• Speak to Rev Lotwina after the service, or email her ccww.vicar@gmail.com

Please do reach out, your concerns, joys, and needs matter deeply to us.

Midday Prayer on Wednesdays

Every Wednesday at 12pm, a small group of us gathers in the church for Midday Prayer. We begin with tea, biscuits, and conversation, then spend time praying for the needs of the world, our parish, and our Church. Though we are small in number, we are reminded of Jesus’ words: “Where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20)

We give thanks that we have seen so many prayers answered, and it is truly encouraging. Please feel free to join us. We would love to welcome you! 

Recent sermons

10am SERMON 25 JAN

The call that changes everything 

Scriptures: 1Cor. 1(10 – 18): Matt. 4(12 -23). Farhad

10am SERMON 18 JAN

Called by grace, pointed to Christ

Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 1:1–9 and John 1:29–42. Reverend Lotwina Farodoye

10am SERMON 23 Nov

A King Like No Other

Colossians 1:11–20 & Luke 23:33–43 Reverend Lotwina Farodoye

10am Sermon REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY

Held in the Hands of the Living God

Scripture : Luke 20:27–38; 2 Thessalonians 2:1–5, 13–17 Reverend Lotwina Farodoye

10am Sermon ALL SAINTS’ DAY 2 NOV

The Counter Cultural Kingdom and the Inheritance of the Saints

Text: Luke 6:20–31 and Ephesians 1:11–23 Reverend Lotwina Farodoye

10am Sermon 26 Oct

Baptism “The Water of Mercy”

Scripture: Luke 18 vs 9 to 14 and Ephesians 2 vs 19 to 22 Reverend Lotwina Farodoye

8am Sermon 17 Oct

Faith That Doesn’t Give Up

Scriptures: Luke 18:1–8; 2 Timothy 3:14–4:5

10am Sermon 17 Oct

Farhad

Sermon 12 Oct

Rev’d Lotwina Farodoye

“Where Are the Nine? The Power of a Thankful Heart”

Scripture: Luke 17:11 to 19; 2 and Timothy 2:8 to 15 Theme: Gratitude as an expression of faith and endurance

HARVEST Sermon 5 Oct

Rev’d Lotwina Farodoye

Sermon 21 Sep

Rev’d Stephen Crabtree

May we be those who love the unlovely. May we be those who are prepared to give a second chance. May we be those who come to Christ in penitence and faith.

Sermon 14 Sep
Gabby Parikh
Head of Fundraising for our diocese on generosity

Eco Church

We are a group that promote caring for God’s earth. If you’re interested in finding out how to get involved contact Lucy Christie via the Parish Office to find out more.

 
MORE ABOUT ECO CHURCH

Your help could make all difference

The Raynes Park Bereavement Service has been operating for 10 years and has supported around 550 people locally. The service receives most of its referrals from local GP surgeries. We have 10 volunteers and are looking for more to help with our valuable work. If you would like to consider this opportunity, or make use of the service, please contact us on 07914263420 or email raynesparkbereavement@gmail.com

A brief history of Christ Church

By the mid 1850s, with the arrival of the railway, Wimbledon had grown from a village to a thriving town. The growing population needed a new place of worship. So, an appeal was launched to build a new church. £6,000 was raised, the church built and on 15 August 1859 the Bishop of London dedicated the new chapel-of-ease…

Read More
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  • Registered charity no: 1145463
  • © Copyright 2026. All Rights Reserved.

Bereavement group

Raynes Park Bereavement was set up by Christ Church as part of its outreach programme in 2014. There are 12 volunteers who meet with people who have been bereaved on a one-to- one basis. The service receives most of its referrals (about 60 per year) from local GP surgeries. If you (or anyone you know who lives in the area) would like to make use of our service, please call 07914 263420 or email raynesparkbereavement@gmail.com

Brownies (ages 7 - 10)

The 12 th Wimbledon Brownies meet on Wednesdays at the Scout Hut on the corner of Cottenham Park Road and Oakwood Road. We welcome all girls aged 7-10 from all schools and all denominations but those who live locally and those who attend Christ Church are particularly welcome. Contact is Elisabeth Bingham ccparishoffice@yahoo.co.uk

Guides (ages 10 - 14)

The 12th Wimbledon Guides meet on Tuesday evenings, at the Scout Hut on the corner of Cottenham Park Road and Oakwood Road. We welcome all girls aged 10-14 from all schools and all denominations regardless of whether or not they have been Brownies. Please contact us. Contact Nicolette Ewers ccparishoffice@yahoo.co.uk

Kung-fu hamsters - youth group (ages 10+)

This runs on Friday evenings – roughly once a month during term time and we have a variety of activities. We sometimes go bowling, we play rounders in the Summer, we have an institution called ‘Hamster Chef’ (loosely based on MasterChef!) and we have at least one ‘Eco’ evening per year. There is a lot of fun all round.

Senior church (ages 10+)

Senior church is more of a discussion session and is more philosophical. Generally, we share the learning with the congregation afterwards, and sometimes the group even write and perform a play for all to see.

Junior church (ages 4 - 10)

This runs during term time, every Sunday – apart from the first Sunday of the month when we have our All-Age Celebration service. We use as a guide the teaching programmes set out in the “Roots” publications, which suggests activities that will reflect the Gospel reading for the day, so we are thinking and reflecting on the same issues as the main congregation. The sessions will usually start with a game to warm up and introduce the theme of the day, followed by reading a simplified story version of the gospel reading. We will then go on to the main activity, which could be creative art-work, model making, drama, cooking, treasure hunts, gardening or problem solving games. We are also thinking of ways we can encourage the children to become involved in the Eco Church

Clergy, Readers, Wardens & the PCC​

Vicar

The Reverend Lotwina Farodoye 
ccww.vicar@gmail.com

 

Church Wardens

Two people elected represent the congregation.
Tish Mousell ccww.churchwarden1@gmail.com
There is a vacancy for a second Warden

 

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) 2024-2025

 

Elected to serve until May 2025

Stefan Bown

 

Elected to serve until May 2025

Jane Simpson
John Davey (Hon Treasurer)
Ron Barnett
Sally Edmunds

Felicity Banks
(ex-officio Reader)

 

Elected to serve until May 2026

Lynda Coleman

Sarah Hannaford

Chris Larkman

 

Elected to serve until May 2027

Chica Nwokoye*

Julie Grainger*

Julie Ashbee*

Ian Christie* 

Debbie Morley (Hon Secretary)*

 

Merton Deanery Synod Members 2017-2026 
(Ex officio on PCC)
Pat Spencer

Mair Rabagliati

*Eligible to stand for a further 3-year term

What this generosity means to Christ Church?

Our stall is open every Sunday run by members of the congregation.

 

Fair Trade is business with a commitment to justice for the world’s poor. Fair Trade is based on long-term partnerships with producers in the global south, guaranteeing suppliers a fair price for their products so that they can earn enough to support their families and communities.

 

Traidcraft run programmes in developing countries, supporting poor and vulnerable people to get a better deal from trade. They often focus on small, marginalised groups, creating long term partnerships and they also campaign to transform the way trade works.
For a wider range of products there is a Traidcraft catalogue and you can also order online at www.traidcraftshop.co.uk

order online

What this generosity means to Christ Church?

We have special collections throughout the year and there are specific charities that we donate to.

Currently we are supporting:

 

1. South London Refugee Association https://www.slr-a.org.uk

2. Church Mission Society https://churchmissionsociety.org
3. Christian Aid https://www.christianaid.org.uk
4. A Rocha Kenya https://www.arocha.or.ke
5. Children’s Society, https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk
6. Faith in Action https://www.faithinaction.co.uk
7. Christian CARE Association https://www.christiancaremerton.org.uk 

 

We also collect for emergency appeals for example we recently held a collection for Ukraine.

GIVING FORM

Hall hire

Christ Church Hall, 2a Cottenham Park Road, London, SW20 0RZ

Christ Church hall is a separate building next to the Church which was fully refurbished in 2019. The sprung wooden floor makes it an ideal venue for ballet and dance classes as well as yoga and pilates. With the modernised kitchen it is also brilliant for children’s parties. Hire rate is £35 per hour. For enquiries about hiring the hall please contact: ccsw20hall@gmail.com 

• Seats 120 (100 at table)
• Hall dimensions: approx 50ft x 30 ft / 15m x 9m excluding stage area
• Disabled access toilets
• On-site parking for 6 cars
• Wi-Fi

• New heating and air-cooling system
• Fully equipped kitchen including automatic water boiler

Funerals

We are here to help you if you would like to hold a funeral service in church for your loved one. It is not necessary for the deceased or their family to have been church goers. We can also conduct a full funeral service at a crematorium for those who live in the parish of Christ Church. It is usual for the funeral director to make direct contact with us but please contact the Parish Office 

ccparishoffice@yahoo.co.uk

if you have any queries.

Weddings

We are always pleased to discuss marriage with those who live in the parish of Christ Church or who can establish a Qualifying Connection with Christ Church. It may also be possible to be married at Christ Church where either or both parties have been divorced. Please contact the Parish Office at ccparishoffice@yahoo.co.uk to arrange a time to discuss marriage.

Confirmation

We are willing to consider preparing children to receive Holy Communion from about the age of 7-8 and subsequently we encourage young people to wait until they are at least 11-years-old before making the ‘adult’ step into church life at confirmation. Confirmation groups also run each year for adults who would like to make a commitment to church
life. Please contact the Parish Office ccparishoffice@yahoo.co.uk to discuss.

Baptisms

Baptisms are conducted on Sunday mornings either during the 10am service on the first Sunday of the month or at 12 noon on a convenient Sunday. We are always pleased to discuss baptism for those who live in the parish of Christ Church. Visit www.achurchnearyou.com to see if you live in the parish. Please contact the Parish Office at ccparishoffice@yahoo.co.uk for more details. 

Bringing Holy Communion to the housebound

Bringing Holy Communion to those who are housebound is always a deeply meaningful part of ministry. If you or someone you know is unable to attend church for a period of time due to ill health, please don’t hesitate to get in touch, for prayers, a visit, or simply a listening ear.

ccparishoffice@yahoo.co.uk