Welcome to the website of the Parish of Merton Priory in South Wimbledon, London SW19.

The Merton Priory Team consists of three churches: Christ Church, Colliers Wood, St John the Divine, Merton and Holy Trinity, South Wimbledon.

Church notice sheet for the Merton Priory Team
Click on this link to read the latest church notice sheet for the churches in the Merton Priory Team Ministry.
(1 April 2021)

Headings on this page:
HRH THE PRINCE PHILIP, DUKE OF EDINBURGH    |    WORSHIP IN CHURCH AND ONLINE    |    PRAYER RESOURCES IN LOCKDOWN    |    PRIVATE PRAYER IN CHURCH    |    WORSHIP AT HOME    |    LOOKING BACK

HRH THE PRINCE PHILIP, DUKE OF EDINBURGH Many of us will have been very saddened to learn of the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh on 9 April. Our thoughts and prayers are firstly for Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family in their loss. Prince Philip's life of devoted service to the Crown, to this nation in war and in peace, and to the Commonwealth is a source of encouragement to us all. His enthusiastic support for many charities cannot be underestimated. The legacy of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme will continue to help many young people reach and surpass their potential. May he rest in peace and may we in our prayers give thanks for his life and example. Those who wish to offer prayers for his life may use the times our churches are open for private prayer (as detailed on the left). Coronavirus restrictions mean that books of condolence will not be left out at Southwark Cathedral or any other places of worship. Those wishing to leave a message of remembrance can do so electronically on the Church of England website. There will be a Sung Requiem at the Cathedral and Memorial Evensong in the coming days. It is planned that both will be live-streamed. Further details including how to book a ticket for these services will be announced as soon as possible. Heavenly Father, into whose hands Jesus Christ commended his spirit at the last hour: into those same hands we now commend your servant Philip, that death may be for him the gate to life and to eternal fellowship with you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Photo credit: Press Association) (10 April 2021)

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WORSHIP IN CHURCH AND ONLINE

Church buildings are open for public worship. Do please only come if you are comfortable to do so. Those who do come will find the same space and regulations as before: social distancing, hand hygiene and face masks with no mixing between households. One of the services will be recorded each week for the Team's YouTube channel.

The Parish Eucharist for 11 April (Second Sunday of Easter) at Holy Trinity led by Mark can be viewed as a YouTube video. You are invited to take part by following along with the order of service.

Service for 18 April (Third Sunday of Easter)
The Parish Eucharist at St John's will be led by Alison and uploaded to YouTube later in the day.

Services from previous weeks are on the Merton Priory Parish YouTube channel and listed on the 'Looking back' page.
(11 April 2021)

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PRAYER RESOURCES IN LOCKDOWN

The Archbishops have written to the nation to invite people to join in reflection and prayer each day from 1 February at 6 p.m. The Church of England website also has resources (such as this Prayer for the Nation booklet; there are others for those who wish to persevere, for example weekly prayer for notices/e-notices). Southwark Cathedral has a range of daily online worship (listed on this information sheet, which includes links to their website). For those who prefer the telephone, there is the Daily Hope phoneline (0800 804 8044), which offers hymns, reflections and prayers.

You may remember from the first lockdown the Inspiration and Comfort section; do look at it again and perhaps you will feel moved to contribute something.

If you would like to make a prayer request or have a conversation, please do contact the clergy.
(28 January 2021)

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PRIVATE PRAYER IN CHURCH

The churches remain open for private prayer, so if any church member or someone from the wider community wishes to make use of that, these are the times of opening:

Holy Trinity: Monday 3.00–6.00 p.m., and Thursday 11.00 a.m.–2.00 p.m.
St John's: Tuesday 9.00–10.00 a.m.
Christ Church: Wednesday 5.00–6.00 p.m., and Saturday 9.00–10.00 a.m.

Please refer to the guidance for those attending church, and wear a face covering in church (unless exempt) for the safety of all.

We pray for our NHS, for all afflicted with COVID, for those who have died, for all who grieve, for the roll-out of the vaccine and for one another: O God, make speed to save us; O Lord, make haste to help us.
(11 March 2021)

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WORSHIP AT HOME

Worship at Home When it isn't possible to join with the local church, this outline is designed to help you have a short time of worship as a household. You are also invited to follow the Royal School of Church Music's Hymn of the Day, and Sunday Self-Service, a simple act of worship with music, readings and prayers which will change weekly. (29 March 2020)

Spiritual Communion The term 'Spiritual Communion' describes the means of grace by which a person, prevented for some serious reason from sharing in a celebration of the Eucharist, nonetheless shares in the communion of Jesus Christ. You are invited to join in these prayers as an opportunity to give thanks for your communion with him while unable to be present at the Eucharist. (3 May 2020)

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LOOKING BACK

Visit our archival resource to examine and use items from the weeks since Mothering Sunday (22 March) 2020.
(9 April 2021)