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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 services and events
Sunday 1 November
ALL SAINTS
8am Holy Communion
10am All-age Service
6.30pm All Souls Service
Wednesday 4 November
9.15am Toddler Group (In the Hall)
12pm Prayer Group
Sunday 8 November
REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY
8am Holy Communion
10am Parish Eucharist
6.30pm Evensong
Almighty and eternal God, you have kindled the flame of love in the hearts of the saints: grant to us the same faith and power of love, that, as we rejoice in their triumphs, we may be sustained by their example and fellowship; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen
We’ll be holding our All Souls Service on Sunday 1 November at 6:30pm. This is a quiet and reflective service when we come together to remember loved ones who’ve died, give thanks for their lives and light candles in their memory.
Grief is such a personal journey, and it can touch us in different ways. Sometimes, particular dates or seasons bring memories close to the surface again. This service offers a little space to pause, remember, give thanks and bring our sadness and our love into God’s presence. You don’t need to find the right words or feel any particular way. You are simply welcome to come as you are, with whatever is on your heart. If you would like the name of a loved one to be read out during the service, please add it to the sign-up sheet in church.
Saturday 7 November
Piano Concert with Roelof Temmingh
We are especially excited to welcome our very own talented Director of Music, Roelof Temmingh, for a piano concert on the evening of Saturday 7 November. Roelof is accustomed to performing at prestigious venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and Cadogan Hall, so how wonderful that we have the opportunity to enjoy his musical gifts right here in our own beautiful and sacred church building! This promises to be a very special evening. I warmly encourage you to come along, enjoy the music and invite friends and family to join you. Let us fill our church with beautiful music and share the joy of this occasion together.
Tickets will be available on the door.
Dear Friends,
I hope this letter finds you well, with your hearts encouraged and your spirits refreshed. As I reflect on the life of Christ Church West Wimbledon, I am filled with gratitude for the many ways God is at work among us. From celebrating those who have faithfully served our community to welcoming the next generation into our church family, there is so much to give thanks for!
Last week, we said a heartfelt farewell to our much-loved Ian and Lucy Christie. It was a lovely opportunity to celebrate the many wonderful ways they have contributed to the life of our church and wider community, and to express our gratitude for all they have given us. We presented them with gifts and a card signed by members of the congregation. In keeping with our Eco Church ethos, these included wildflower seeds, organic champagne and a Bramley apple tree, which we will purchase once they are settled into their new home. What a beautiful thought that a tree will take root and flourish alongside them, a living reminder of the friendships, memories and love they leave behind!
Ian and Lucy have sent us this lovely message of thanks: “Thank you for your very kind and generous send off as we move to Sheffield. It was lovely to feel appreciated but also to take time to realise how grateful we are to all of you. You have walked alongside us in our shared Christian lives and we have worshipped and worked together in our community. Thank you for your thoughtful gifts. We shall enjoy planting the wildflower seeds and tree and toasting you all with the organic champagne! Please take a bag of bulbs and plant them in a garden or pot – a small thank you from us for all you have meant to us. You will continue to be in our prayers.”
What a beautiful reminder that the love we share in Christ continues beyond the time we spend together in one place. Ian and Lucy, thank you for all you have contributed to our church family. We will miss you greatly, but you will always be part of us. We wish you every blessing as you begin this new chapter in Sheffield, and we look forward to seeing the flowers bloom and imagining you settling into your new home! Please do take a bag of bulbs from the back of church as a little gift from Ian and Lucy, and plant them in a garden or pot. As they grow and flower, may they remind us of the friendships we treasure and the love that continues to flourish even when life takes us in different directions.
What a joy it was to welcome 17 children to church on Sunday! Seeing so many young people among us was a wonderful encouragement and a reminder of the importance of nurturing faith in the next generation. A member of our congregation kindly asked how we had managed to welcome so many children. It gave me a lovely opportunity to talk about the work that happens behind the scenes: the activities, relationships, invitations and events that help children and families feel that church is a place where they belong.
For example our recent Harvest themed Messy Church was one such occasion, bringing faith to life through creativity, fun, fellowship and thanksgiving. A huge thank you to our wonderful Messy Church team: Tish, Raddy, Jane, Claire, Claire, Arabella and Lyons, who give their time, energy and love to make every messy church a special event. Your contribution is deeply appreciated!
We have also recently held a youth KFH event at Tish’s house, another wonderful opportunity for our young people to spend time together, build friendships and grow in faith. I have attached photographs from both events so that you can share in the joy. These occasions may happen behind the scenes, but together they help to build something precious: a church where children and young people are welcomed, valued, encouraged and given opportunities to discover God’s love for themselves. Every conversation, every activity, every prayer and every helping hand makes a difference. And long may this work continue!
Please keep our children and young people in your prayers. Pray that they will flourish, develop deep and lasting friendships, discover their God-given gifts and grow in the knowledge that they are wonderfully loved by God and by their church family.
This is a paid position and an exciting opportunity for someone with the gifts, energy and heart to help nurture the faith of our younger generation. See our website for more details. Please pray that the right person will come forward, and do keep your eyes and ears open for anyone who might be interested. As Jesus reminds us in Matthew 19:14, “Let the little children come to me.” May we continue to be a church that opens its doors, its hearts and its lives to children and families, helping them find a place where they truly belong.
For more details see job add further down this page.
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
We are seeking to appoint a team of Choral Scholars to bolster the existing congregational choir
We’re looking for four Choral Scholars to sing every week (Soprano, Alto, Tenor & Bass). This consists of three Sunday morning services per month, and one Choral Evensong
(first Sunday of the month). Rehearsal times are 9am for the 10-11.05am services, and 5.30pm for the 6.30-7.15pm Evensong.
There may be additional services for special events in the church calendar. Payment is £30 per service (including rehearsal time).
AVAILABILITY & COMMITMENT
Ideally, we’d like a roster of singers to share the workload. One singer per voice group may be selected as the default candidate for every week, for the sake of continuity. Candidates of any or no religion are welcome to apply.
MUSICAL REQUIREMENTS
You’ll be expected to sight-read to a good level and be comfortable singing your vocal line as a solo. For Evensong the choir will sing the Psalm so experience of this is beneficial, but not essential. The repertoire is generally traditional to suit the voluntary choir members.
AUDITIONS
These will be scheduled at your earliest convenience at Christ Church, West Wimbledon, SW20 0RZ. Contact Roelof Temmingh, ccww.directorofmusic@gmail.com for more details.
Dear Friends,
I hope this message finds you well and that your soul is prospering!
There is something very special about being part of a church family. We all bring different gifts, experiences and ideas, and each of us has something to offer. Sometimes it is through the big things we do together, and sometimes through the quiet acts of kindness that no one else sees, that we make the greatest difference. As I reflect on life at Christ Church, I am thankful for the many ways we support one another and seek to share God’s love with our wider community.
On 30 September, we held a meeting of our Parochial Church Council (PCC). We meet every two months with regard to the life, worship and mission of Christ Church West Wimbledon, and to make decisions that help us move forward together. As your Vicar, I am so grateful to our PCC members for the time, thought, wisdom and care they give to our church.
Being on the PCC involves more than attending meetings and making decisions. It means taking responsibility for the life of our church, thinking about our future, listening to one another and seeking God’s guidance as we discern the way ahead. I want to thank each member for the gifts and experience they bring, and for their commitment to serving our church family and wider community.
One of the things I love about working together is that God doesn’t expect us all to be the same or to have all the answers. We bring different perspectives, different experiences and different gifts, and that is a strength. When we listen to one another, share our ideas and keep Christ at the centre of our conversations, we can discover possibilities that we might never have seen on our own.
As Ecclesiastes 4:9 reminds us: “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.”
We really are better together! Our calling is not to do everything alone, but to encourage one another, share the load and work together in God’s service. As we continue to pray about the future and the mission of CCWW, our aim is about so much more than looking after a building or organising church activities. We want to be a church where people can encounter Jesus, find a sense of belonging, grow in faith and experience the love of God. That takes all of us, each playing our part, however big or small it may seem.
A heartfelt thank you to all our PCC members. I would also like to say a very special thank you to Judy Luddington, our outgoing PCC Secretary, for all the excellent work she has done in this important role. Judy, thank you for your diligence, your commitment and the many hours you have given to keeping everything running smoothly. Much of this work happens quietly behind the scenes, but it is so important, and your contribution has been greatly appreciated. At the same time, please join me in thanking Ron Barnett as he takes on the role of PCC Secretary. Thank you, Ron, for being willing to serve in this way. I look forward to working with you, and I know you will have our support as you settle into the role. And finally, I would also like to say thank you to Ian Christie, who recently stepped down from the PCC due to his forthcoming house move.
Our church belongs to all of us, and it is important that everyone feels able to share their thoughts, questions and ideas. If there is something you would like the PCC to consider, please speak to Ron, Tish, Sarah or me. We may not always have immediate answers, but we do want to listen and hear what matters to you. I’ve included a photo montage of our current PCC members, so you can put faces to names and recognise those who give so generously of their time in the service of our church. Please keep them in your prayers as they continue to help guide and support the life and mission of CCWW.
As I reflect on all these things, I am reminded how much of church life is made possible by people who simply see a need and offer what they can. Some lead, some organise, some serve, some encourage, some pray, and some are there at just the right moment with a kind word or a listening ear. Whether you serve on the PCC, volunteer at the Winter Night Shelter, help at a church event, pray faithfully for others or take time to notice someone who might be struggling, please know that what you do matters. You may not always see the difference you make, but a small act of kindness can have a much greater impact than we realise. St Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 16:14: “Let all that you do be done in love.”
What a wonderful principle to carry into everything we do, in our church, in our homes and in our everyday encounters with others. We don’t have to be extraordinary or have special talents to make a difference. We simply need to be willing to let God’s love work through us.
Thank you for being part of our Christ Church family. Thank you for your prayers, your generosity, your friendship and the many ways you help make this a place of welcome, faith and hope. It is a privilege to serve alongside you, and I am excited to see how God will continue to work among us as we grow in faith and reach out in love. May God give us wisdom when we need to make decisions, compassion when we meet those who are struggling, comfort when we are grieving, and joy in the opportunities we have to serve. And may we keep discovering, together, what it means to be his church in this place.
With love and every blessing,
Lotwina
Dear Friends,
I hope this message finds you well and that your soul is prospering! As I sit down to write this week, I’m reminded once again of what a blessing it is to be part of our Christ Church family. There is so much happening in the life of our church, and behind every event, every act of kindness and every warm welcome are people who care, give their time and share their gifts so generously.
What a lovely Harvest Festival we shared together! It was such a joy to come together to give thanks to God for his goodness, enjoy our bring-and-share brunch and celebrate all that we have to be thankful for. There was a real sense of warmth and fellowship, and it was wonderful to see so many people contributing to make the occasion special.
Thank you so much to everyone who brought groceries for Christian Care Merton, Merton Refuge and Wimbledon Foodbank, and to everyone who contributed to our special collection for A Rocha Kenya. Your generosity will make a real difference to people in need, both in our local community and further afield. Harvest is a lovely reminder that although we may sometimes take our blessings for granted, we have so much to be thankful for, and so much we can share with others.
A very special thank you to our Social Committee members, Tish, Jane, Tim, Bertha, Dee, Elaine, Mark and Tracy, and to everyone who helped them. So much time, thought and effort goes into organising events like this, from planning and preparing behind the scenes to setting everything out and clearing away afterwards.
Thank you, too, to Elaine and her wonderful floral team, Wendy, Karen, Rosie and Julie, for their work year round and also the beautiful Harvest displays. They put so much care, time and creativity into decorating our church, helping us to celebrate the abundance and beauty of God’s creation. We are so fortunate to have people who share their gifts so generously, and the displays are always a real joy to see.
Most of all, thank you to everyone who played a part, whether by bringing something to share, donating food, giving financially to our church and also the charities we support, helping with the arrangements or simply joining us to celebrate. Every contribution mattered. Together, we made Harvest a joyful expression of our life as a church family, giving thanks to God and sharing his blessings with others.
We’ll be holding our All Souls Service on Sunday 1 November at 6:30pm. This is a quiet and reflective service when we come together to remember loved ones who’ve died, give thanks for their lives and light candles in their memory.
Grief is such a personal journey, and it can touch us in different ways. Sometimes, particular dates or seasons bring memories close to the surface again. This service offers a little space to pause, remember, give thanks and bring our sadness and our love into God’s presence. You don’t need to find the right words or feel any particular way. You are simply welcome to come as you are, with whatever is on your heart. If you would like the name of a loved one to be read out during the service, please add it to the sign-up sheet in church.
It’s always bittersweet when people we love move on to a new chapter in their lives. Soon we’ll be saying a fond farewell to Lucy and Ian Christie as they move closer to family. They’ve been such a valued part of our Christ Church family over many years, and we have so much to thank them for. They’ve both led and supported our Eco Church initiatives and our Fair Trade stall, encouraged our young people, served on the PCC, and served and chaliced at Holy Communion. These are just some of the ways they have shared their time, gifts and faith with us. I’m sure many of us will have our own memories of their kindness, friendship and contribution to our church life.
Their last Sunday with us will be 18 October, and we’d love you to stay after the 10am service for tea, coffee, cake and a little fizz as we celebrate them and send them on their way with our love and prayers. It will be a great opportunity to say thank you and wish them every blessing in their new home.
As I reflect on our Harvest celebrations, the preparations for the Night Shelter and our forthcoming farewell to Lucy and Ian, I’m reminded that generosity comes in so many different forms. It might be bringing a bag of groceries, offering time to help at the Night Shelter, sharing a skill, welcoming someone new, making a cup of tea, saying a prayer or simply noticing when someone needs a little encouragement. We may not always see the difference these things make, but every act of kindness has the potential to bring comfort, hope and joy.
Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 9:11: “You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us.”
I love the reminder that our generosity can lead others to give thanks to God. It is not simply about what we give, but about the love that is shared and the hope that grows through it. What a privilege it is to be part of a church where so many people quietly and faithfully give of themselves. We each have something to offer, and none of us has to do everything. When we share what we can, support one another and trust God to work through our ordinary, everyday acts of love, wonderful things can happen.
May we continue to notice the blessings around us, find joy in the opportunities God gives us, and be a blessing to others in whatever ways we can.
With love and every blessing,
Lotwina
Recently I visited the Wimbledon Open House Festival, which got me thinking about opening doors, welcome and hospitality. The festival gives us the opportunity to step across the thresholds of some wonderful private homes, places that we would not ordinarily have access to, as well as churches. I visited a beautiful house on Edge Hill Road and also the Sacred Heart Church, and in both places I was welcomed with open arms.
It made me think of the famous painting The Light of the World by William Holman Hunt. It depicts Jesus standing at a door, holding a lantern and knocking. Famously, there is no visible handle on the outside of the door. It can only be opened from within. It is a beautiful picture of the way Jesus comes to us. He does not force his way into our lives or barge through the door. He knocks, patiently and lovingly, and waits for us to open the door. In the Bible, Jesus says: “Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you and eat with you, and you with me.” Revelation 3:20
Perhaps there is something for us to ponder in that image. How are we opening the doors of our hearts to Jesus? What doors might God be inviting us to open a little wider? A door can be opened to God. It can be opened to a neighbour, a stranger, someone who is lonely, someone in need, or simply someone who needs to know that they are welcome. And tomorrow, as we celebrate Harvest, we have a wonderful opportunity to do just that.
And this brings me to another very practical way in which we can open our doors in the coming months. If you have ever wondered how you might help people experiencing homelessness, we have a wonderful opportunity to offer care, friendship and hospitality. Christ Church will become part of the established Merton Winter Night Shelter scheme, working alongside other churches who already take part.
From Sunday 28 February 2027 to Sunday 11 April 2027, Christ Church will take part in hosting the Merton Winter Night Shelter in our church hall on Sunday nights only, once a week during that period.
There will be a variety of ways to volunteer, including:
Setting up or putting things away.
Cooking and serving an evening meal for our 12 guests in our church hall.
Welcoming and befriending guests.
Chatting and playing board games.
Washing up.
Helping with cleaning.
Preparing packed lunches early on Monday morning.
Making and serving breakfast on Monday morning.
Driving rucksacks and sleeping bags to the next church location on Monday morning.
You don’t need to do everything! You can simply choose one thing from the list above. There are lots of different ways to contribute, and every act of kindness matters.
Merton Winter Night Shelter will provide volunteer training at 2pm on Sunday 8 November, Sunday 22 November, Sunday 7 February 2027. Volunteers only need to attend one of these training sessions. If you are interested in helping, or would simply like to find out more before deciding, please put your name on the sign-up sheet at the church desk or email me at ccww.vicar@gmail.com.
Jesus says: “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” Matthew 25:35
What a beautiful invitation to us as a church: to receive God’s generosity, to give thanks, and then to become generous ourselves. So tomorrow, let us come together with grateful hearts, open hands and open doors.
I look forward to seeing you this Sunday:
8am Holy Communion
10am Parish Communion
6.30pm Evening Service
With love and every blessing,
Lotwina
Thank you to everyone who wished me a happy birthday last week and for all your lovely cards, emails and gifts. I had a lovely time away, and it was good to have a little time to reflect and give thanks for another year of life. Birthdays are a good reminder of just how much we have to be thankful for: the beauty of creation, the air we breathe, friends and family, our church family, the wider family of Christ, and above all, the wonderful gift of Jesus.
Jesus says: “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10
I love this verse because it reminds us that our Christian life is not simply about getting through the difficult days. God invites us to receive life as a gift, to notice its beauty, to enjoy one another, to laugh, to explore, to serve, to worship and to share the love of Christ with those around us. Of course, life also brings worries and challenges. When these arise or when something is troubling you, try placing it into Jesus’ hands, and then look around and give thanks for the blessings that are already there. It may not make the problem disappear, but gratitude can be a real game changer and mood lifter! It helps us to lift our eyes towards God and remember that he is with us.
Our Bring and Share Harvest Brunch is on 4 October, after the 10am service. Come along, share a tasty brunch and enjoy being together. There’s a sign-up sheet at the back of church for helpful items to bring, but don’t worry if you can’t.. there’ll be plenty to share and all are welcome.
HARVEST DONATIONS
We’ll also be collecting non-perishable food to be distributed to the Wimbledon Food Bank and Christian Care Merton to pass on to needy families in the area, or to Merton Refuge (working with victims of domestic violence).
Top needs include tuna, chopped tomatoes,
baked beans, pasta sauce and pasta, tinned meats and soups, rice, dried red lentils and Weetabix. We are so grateful for your donations.
What a joy and honour to help out at the Wimbledon Common Open Day! It was fantastic to see so many there enjoying everything that was on offer – a parade by the Household Cavalry, a wacky dog show, BMX trials, food stalls, picnics, petting zoo, fun fair, donkey rides and lots of opportunities simply to connect with people.
As many will know, a large part of Wimbledon Common lies within our parish, and I always enjoy being out there representing Christ Church and meeting people from our wider community. I spent some time helping at the Friends of Wimbledon Common stall with Sue Bucknall, a brilliant conservator and a great friend of our Church.
And then came one of the highlights of my day: I met a real-life Womble! 😊
This brought back fond childhood memories of my parents taking my sisters and I to Wimbledon Common. We would play a game of looking for Wombles, and occasionally Dad would suddenly point and say, “There’s a Womble!” Of course, by the time we had all turned around and started running, the Womble had disappeared. So it was rather special to finally meet a real Womble all these years later!
One of the things I love about our parish is that there are so many ways to meet people, make new friends and become part of the wider community. Our regular Walk and Talk on Wimbledon Common is a lovely example. It is a chance to get some fresh air, but also to meet people, have a conversation and get to know others in our parish. There are also opportunities through the Friends of Wimbledon Common, the Friends of Cannizaro Park, parkrun, volunteering at Wimbledon Windmill and many other local activities.
And, of course, there are plenty of ways to get involved in church life too. Please do listen out for the announcements from our churchwardens every Sunday. There are always things happening at church, and many of them need volunteers. You do not have to take on a huge commitment. Sometimes an hour of your time, helping with an event, welcoming someone, making tea, setting something up or simply being there, can make a real difference. And getting involved is not only about volunteering. It is also about enjoying being part of our church family.
So perhaps this week, take a moment to notice something beautiful, thank God for something you might normally take for granted, encourage someone, welcome someone new, or simply make time to enjoy the life God has given you.
Jesus came that we might have life, and have it abundantly. Let’s make the most of it, together! 😊
I look forward to seeing you this Sunday:
8am Holy Communion
10am Parish Communion
6.30pm Evening Service
With love and every blessing,
Lotwina
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 promote caring for God’s earth at Christ Church, across our Parish (which includes a substantial part of Wimbledon Common) and beyond. If you’re interested in finding out more or getting involved please contact us via ccwwecochurch@gmail.com. We’ll be pleased to hear from you!
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
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
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.
