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Sunday Services: Holy Communion 8am | Parish Eucharist 10am | Evening Prayer 6.30pm
Christ Church, West Wimbledon
Sharing God's Love
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Sunday Services: Holy Communion 8am | Parish Eucharist 10am | Evening Prayer 6.30pm
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.
We’d be delighted for you to join us at any of our events and services
Sunday 3 May
FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
We welcome The Revd Jack Belloli
8am Holy Communion
10am All-age Service
6.30pm Evensong (Book of Common Prayer)
Wednesday 6 May
9.15am Toddler Group In the hall
12pm Prayer Group In Church
Sunday 10 May
SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
8am Holy Communion
10am Parish Eucharist
6.30pm Evensong (Book of Common Prayer)
Father of Creation, turn your face to us, strengthen us. So that we will face, what we will face with a firm heart, focused mind and resolute will.
Amen
Dear Friends,
I do hope this message finds you well.
What a wonderful time we shared at last Saturday’s Quiz Night! It was an evening full of laughter, delicious food, and great fellowship. Congratulations to team “Not Zero” for their well-earned victory!
A heartfelt thank you to our fantastic social team; Bertha, Dee, Tim, Mark, Jane, Tracy, Elaine, and Tish, for all the planning, preparation, and care that made the evening such a success. And thank you to everyone who came along and made it such a joyful occasion.
On Sunday at our 10am service, we were blessed to welcome 15 children, with 12 attending Junior Church, what a joy and encouragement! Thank you to Tish and Claire Mangrioti for teaching the children about the Good Shepherd and the Gate. We were also blessed by Farhad, one of our two brilliant Reader’s who spoke on the same theme in our main service. His sermon is below if you would like to reflect further. As Jesus reminds us: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” (Mark 10:14)
If you feel called to support our children’s ministry, or if you are interested in exploring a vocation as a Reader, please do speak to Tish or myself, we would love to encourage you.
We have a wonderful opportunity to serve our community on 10th May, as the Banham Marsden March passes by Christ Church. Thousands of walkers raising funds for cancer research will be making their way past us, and we are delighted to once again offer hospitality as an official refreshment and toilet stop.
Last year, many walkers told us we were a “Godsend” offering water, encouragement, and a warm welcome when it was most needed. That is exactly who we are called to be. This year, we are especially cheering on William (Bill) Petch, a faithful member of our 8am congregation, who quietly serves our church in so many ways behind the scenes. Bill will be walking the Marsden March with family members, do consider sponsoring him if you are able.
Thank you to everyone who has already signed up to help this year we are making a real difference together. As Jesus encourages us:
“You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world… let your light shine before others.” (Matthew 5:13–16)
I am on annual leave, and Tish, our Churchwarden, is in charge. The Revd Jack Belloli will be leading our 8am BCP Holy Communion service and 10am All Age service. I know you will give him a very warm Christ Church welcome.
Thank you, as always, for all that you bring to the life of our church. It is a joy to serve the Living God alongside you.
With love and every blessing,
Lotwina
What a glorious season it is — bluebells carpeting the woodlands, alongside daffodils, tulips, cherry blossom, and primroses all bursting into life. There is something deeply uplifting about these signs of new life, reminding us that God is always at work bringing renewal and hope. As Scripture so beautifully puts it: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). This truly feels like a season of hope, growth, and fresh beginnings.
My sincere thanks to Claire Mangrioti, who has recently stepped down as our Electoral Roll Officer. Claire has done a wonderful job, and we are very grateful for her faithful service. If you feel called to take on this role, or would like to know more, please do speak to Tish or myself. Likewise, if you have a gift in finance, we would warmly welcome new members to join our finance committee.
It is always a joy to celebrate the gifts and achievements within our church family. Professor Ron Barnett from our 10am congregation has recently had a book published in paperback by Bloomsbury, titled Realizing the Ecological University: Eight Ecosystems, their Antagonisms and a Manifesto (2024), and it is receiving excellent reviews. Ron, a Professor at University College London, continues to contribute widely through writing, teaching, and speaking internationally, even in so-called “retirement”! Do feel free to congratulate him and ask about his work.
We also saw Professor Nick Robins, another member of our 10am congregation, speaking eloquently on BBC News about finance and the environment. Nick also gave the sermon last week. You can read it here.
As we enjoy this beautiful season, may we also continue to grow together in faith, encouragement, and community, supporting one another and giving thanks for all that God is doing among us. I look forward to seeing you this Sunday at our 8am, 10am, or 6.30pm Evensong services.
With love and every blessing,
Lotwina
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
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE…
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
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.
Gospel Reading: Matthew 6 vs 25 to 34 New Testament Reading: Romans 8 vs18 to 25
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
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…
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
if you have any queries.
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.
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 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 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.
