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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 14 June
TRINITY 2
8am Holy Communion
10am Parish Eucharist With Baptism
6.30pm Evensong (Book of Common Prayer)
Wednesday 17 June
9.15am Toddler Group In the hall
12pm Prayer Group In Church
Sunday 21 June
TRINITY 3
8am Holy Communion
10am Parish Eucharist
6.30pm Evensong (Book of Common Prayer)
Faithful Creator, whose mercy never fails: deepen our faithfulness to you and to your living Word, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
Dear Friends,
I do hope this message finds you well and enjoying these beautiful summer days. As the seasons change around us, I am reminded once again of God’s goodness and the many ways He blesses us through friendship, fellowship, beauty, and community.
Classical music filled Christ Church last week as we were treated to a truly wonderful concert by Mary Ann Bown, Tom Kirby, and Roelof Temmingh. Their performances on flute, oboe, cor anglais, and piano were simply sensational. It was a joy not only to hear such beautiful music but also to listen to the performers share the stories behind the pieces they were playing. Their passion and artistry captivated us throughout the evening and reminded us of the power of music to uplift, inspire, and bring people together.
We were also wonderfully looked after by our Social Committee, who provided a delicious selection of refreshments and treats. A huge thank you to everyone who helped make the evening such a success, from the performers to those who set up, welcomed guests, served refreshments, and cleared away afterwards. Christ Church is blessed by so many people who quietly and generously give their time and talents. I am already looking forward to our next concert, which we are planning for early autumn.
Last week, together with Chris Montagnon, Chair of our Finance Committee, I attended a tour of a local mosque as part of an interfaith peace conference. It was encouraging to spend time with people from different faith backgrounds, listening to one another’s experiences and exploring how we can contribute to the wellbeing of our communities together. While we do not share the same beliefs, we do share a desire to see greater peace, understanding, compassion, and human flourishing. In a world that can sometimes feel increasingly divided, there is something profoundly hopeful about people choosing conversation over suspicion, understanding over misunderstanding, and friendship over fear.
Jesus said: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9
Peace often starts with simple acts of listening, respect, kindness, and neighbourliness. May God continue to help us be people who build bridges, extend and receive hospitality, and reflect His love in our community.
I am delighted to report that our Reader, Farhad Hedayati, has been featured in a wonderful article on the Southwark Diocese website. The article is titled: “I used to study how the earth breaks apart; now, I spend my days helping people find the peace of the One who puts us back together.” It is an inspiring reflection on Farhad’s journey of faith and ministry. I encourage you to take a few moments to read it via the link below. Please do join me in congratulating Farhad when you next see him.
As I reflect on the past week, from beautiful music, to conversations about peace, to the many ways people continue to serve our church and community, I am reminded that God is constantly at work among us. Whether through a concert, a conversation, a cup of tea shared with a neighbour, or an act of kindness offered in Christ’s name, each of us has the opportunity to bring a little more light, hope, and love into the world.
May God bless you richly in the week ahead, and may His peace fill your hearts and homes.
I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.
With love and every blessing,
Lotwina
Jesus Sees More – Matthew 9:9-13
One of the things I love most about ministry is seeing how God is at work through ordinary people doing extraordinary things in His name. The Raynes Park Bereavement Service has been awarded a Silver Award in the Health and Wellbeing category at the Merton Partnership Civic Pride Volunteer Awards. This ministry began twelve years ago when members of Christ Church started thinking prayerfully about how we could serve our local community beyond our church walls. Chris Larkman, together with our dearly loved Clare Gummet, (may her soul rest in peace), and other members of Christ Church, established the service with a vision of offering support, friendship, and hope to those navigating grief and loss.
Today, Chris, Ian and Lucy Christie, Corinne Phillips, and a dedicated team of volunteers continue this important ministry, which has now grown to include sixteen volunteers.
I would also like to express my personal gratitude to the Bereavement Service team. When I first arrived at Christ Church nearly three years ago, our community was coming to terms with a deeply tragic local event. As a church, we opened our doors to provide a space where people could gather, pray, light candles, reflect, and grieve together.
During that difficult time, members of Christ Church, together with the Bereavement Service volunteers, were an enormous support. Their compassion, wisdom, and calm presence helped many people navigate those first painful days.
They embodied Christ’s love in a very practical way, offering comfort, hope, and a listening ear when it was needed most. It was a powerful reminder that some of the most important ministry happens simply by being present with people in their time of need.
The Bereavement Service continues to make a profound difference in the lives of many local people, often quietly and without fanfare. This award recognises not only the work they do, but the kindness, dedication, and faithfulness with which they do it. Please do congratulate them when you see them. This award is richly deserved and reflects countless hours of listening, encouragement, compassion, and care.
As St Paul reminds us: “For we are co-workers in God’s service.” 1 Corinthians 3:9
I often enjoy helping out across our Diocese, and last week it was a privilege to assist in teaching and facilitating learning on behalf of the Diocese as part of the Parish Renewal Development Programme. It was inspiring to spend time with church leaders from across Southwark Diocese as we explored together how God is renewing His Church and calling us afresh to mission and discipleship.
I am also very excited to share some rather remarkable photographs of our very own Chris Larkman meeting Pope Leo last week! Chris was attending the annual gathering in Rome of former students of the English College, where he trained for the Roman Catholic priesthood. Archbishop Paul Gallagher, seen in the background of the photograph, is the Pope’s Foreign Secretary and a fellow member of the association. He kindly asked Pope Leo if the group could meet him, and the answer was yes! It is not every day that someone from Christ Church gets to meet the Pope, so I thought this was too good not to share. Do feel free to ask Chris about his visit when you next see him.
Whether through bereavement support, children’s ministry, hospitality, music, eco-church, bible study, pastoral care, or prayer, I am constantly encouraged by the many ways Christ Church is helping to build God’s Kingdom both locally and beyond. May we never underestimate the difference a simple act of kindness, a listening ear, a prayer, or an offer of help can make. These are often the very things God uses to transform lives and build His Kingdom.
I look forward to seeing many of you at the concert tommorrow night at 7pm, or in Church on Sunday.
With love and every blessing,
Lotwina
Trinity Sunday
Chris Larkman
Many of you may have noticed that scaffolding has gone up around the church this week. I am delighted to share that, thanks to Tish’s tremendous hard work navigating the diocesan approval process, we have finally received DAC approval to proceed with repairs to the North Buttress of our beautiful historic building.
The work will shortly begin and will be undertaken by Archer Stonemasons. Thanks be to God! These repairs are an important part of caring for the church entrusted to us for future generations. Our building has stood faithfully at the heart of the community for many years, and it is a privilege to continue preserving it for worship, prayer, music, hospitality, and mission. If anyone would like to contribute towards the cost of these repairs, we would be deeply grateful. Every donation, large or small, helps us continue this important work.
The Book of Nehemiah feels particularly fitting at moments like this. Faced with the enormous task of rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls, the people came together with determination, faith, and shared purpose. It is a wonderfully uplifting reminder of what can be achieved when a community works together for God’s Kingdom. As Scripture says: “So we rebuilt the wall… for the people worked with all their heart.” Nehemiah 4:6
I see that same spirit so often here at Christ Church – in the generosity, dedication, and quiet faithfulness of so many of you.
Bishop Christopher’s Leaving Eucharist will take place on 18th July at Southwark Cathedral, and all are warmly invited to attend. Please do keep Bishop Christopher in your prayers as he prepares for this new chapter, giving thanks for his ministry and service among us.
We also have several joyful events coming up at Christ Church, and I warmly encourage you to put these dates in your diary.
• Saturday 6 June – Concert of music for Oboe, Flute and Piano
We’re very much looking forward to what promises to be a wonderful evening as we welcome Tom Kirby on oboe, Roelof Temmingh on piano and Mary Ann Kernan on flute. More details above.
• Saturday 27 June – Eco Church Film Night
Our Eco Church team will host a free screening of The Emergency Briefing, an important and thought-provoking film exploring climate change and our shared responsibility to care for creation. There will be a guided discussion afterwards, and everyone is warmly welcome. Please do invite friends and neighbours.
• Sunday 28 June – Christ Church Summer Garden Party
A joyful afternoon of tea, sandwiches, cake and community in the Church Garden. Please do invite friends and neighbours – all are very welcome and if you enjoy baking, contributions of cakes would be greatly appreciated.
As we continue through this season together, I remain deeply encouraged by all that God is doing among us – from preserving our church building, to serving our community, to sharing fellowship, music, hospitality, and faith together. May we continue, like the people in Nehemiah’s day, to work with willing hearts, joyful spirits, and confidence that God is building something beautiful among us.
I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.
With love and every blessing,
Lotwina
Pentecost: Come, Holy Spirit!
Texts: Acts of the Apostles 2:1–21 and Gospel of John 7:37–39
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.
