Menu
Sunday Services: Holy Communion 8am | Parish Eucharist 10am | Evening Prayer 6.30pm
Christ Church, West Wimbledon
Sharing God's Love
Menu
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 21 June
TRINITY 3
8am Holy Communion
10am Parish Eucharist
6.30pm Evensong (Book of Common Prayer)
Wednesday 24 June
9.15am Toddler Group In the hall
12pm Prayer Group In Church
Thursday 25 June
3pm Tea Together In the hall
Saturday 27 June
6pm FREE Film Screening of People’s Emergency Briefing
On the climate and nature crisis. See below for details and to book tickets
Sunday 28 June
TRINITY 4
8am Holy Communion
10am Parish Eucharist
6.30pm No Evensong
Creator God, thank you for the waters of the earth, for the life-sustaining rains, lakes, and deep oceans. Keep us mindful of how precious these are, and how vulnerable they are. Help us to work together for clean water, and for the sharing of it with those who have need of it today.
Amen
Dear Friends,
I do hope this message finds you well. As I sit down to write this week’s newsletter, I realise there is so much good news to share that I hardly know where to begin! One of the great joys of parish life is seeing the many ways in which God is at work among us, in worship, friendship, service, learning, and laughter.
The Walk and Talk Group enjoyed a splendid outing last week on Wimbledon Common, a large part of which lies within our parish boundaries. As always, there was plenty of conversation, fellowship, and fresh air. The walk concluded with complimentary refreshments at the Wimbledon Club and a private viewing of the Young Wimbledon Artists Award finalists’ exhibition. It was a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the creativity of local young people and to enjoy the beauty of both nature and art. Whether through a beautiful landscape, artwork, a piece of music, or the kindness of a friend, God so often speaks to us through the beauty that surrounds us.
One of the highlights of last week was an outing with our Christ Church youth group, the Kung Fu Hamsters (KFH), to a bowling alley in Kingston. Tish and I joined the young people on the lanes and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. There was plenty of friendly competition, laughter, and encouragement as strikes, spares, and the occasional gutter ball were celebrated with equal enthusiasm! More importantly than the scores, it was wonderful to spend time together, strengthening friendships and enjoying one another’s company. Please continue to pray for our young people as they grow in faith and confidence, and for all those who volunteer to support and encourage them.
Not long ago, I shared the wonderful news that the Raynes Park Bereavement Service received a Silver Award at the Merton Civic Pride Volunteer Awards. This week I am delighted to announce yet another award winner from Christ Church! Our very own Pat Spencer, Head of the Stewards Team and PCC member, has received one of only twelve prestigious Eric Leppard Lifetime Achievement Awards. Pat received this honour in recognition of her remarkable 26 years of volunteering with Christian CARE, many of those years serving as Honorary Secretary. This award recognises decades of faithful service, dedication, compassion, and commitment to helping others. Pat’s contribution to both Christian CARE and Christ Church touches countless lives, often quietly and without seeking recognition.
As Jesus said: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23
Pat, we are incredibly proud of you and deeply grateful for all that you do. Please congratulate Pat when you next see her.
Saturday 27th June 6pm (over 16s only)
Our Eco Church team warmly invite you to a FREE screening of this important and thought-provoking film which explores the challenges of climate change and the role we can all play in caring for God’s creation. A guided discussion will follow the screening, offering an opportunity to reflect together. The film is suitable for those aged 16 and over, and everyone is warmly welcome. It is being shown in venues nationwide and we have invited local councillors and our MP. Please do invite friends, neighbours, and family members. The more voices we have in the conversation, the richer it will be. There are only only 80 places so be sure to book your tickets below.
Sunday 28th June at 3pm
The very next day we’ll gather for our Summer Garden Tea Party in the church grounds. This promises to be a joyful afternoon of friendship, tea, sandwiches, cake, conversation, and community. Everyone is welcome, so please do invite your friends, neighbours, and family members. If you enjoy baking, we’d be delighted to receive contributions of cakes. One of the greatest gifts of church life is simply spending time together, and I do hope many of you will be able to join us.
As I reflect on the events of the past week, I am struck by the many different ways God blesses us, through friendship, service, creativity, laughter, generosity, and community.
May we continue to encourage one another, celebrate one another’s achievements, and look for opportunities to share God’s love wherever we find ourselves.
“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Hebrews 10:24
I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.
With love and every blessing,
Lotwina
Jesus Looks with Compassion
Homily for Matthew 9.35–10.8
Classical music filled Christ Church on 6 June 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.
On 7 June, 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
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.
