Welcome to the website of the Parish of Merton Priory in South Wimbledon, London SW19. We welcome and encourage all people to worship God with us. Whether or not you are new to the area, you are most welcome to join us in our acts of worship and share in our Anglican tradition.

The Merton Priory Team consists of three churches, details of which are on the following websites: Christ Church, Colliers Wood, St John the Divine, Merton, and Holy Trinity & St Peter, South Wimbledon.

A prayer following the attack at Heaton Park Synagogue, Manchester
God our refuge and strength,
close at hand in our distress;
meet us in our sorrow and lift our eyes
to the peace and light of your constant care.
Help us so to hear your word of grace
that our fear will be dispelled by your love.
(12 October 2025)

Book sale at Christ Church

Christ Church is holding a book sale this Saturday (18 October) to continue with fundraising for improvements to the church. Books can be dropped off at Christ Church on Thursday (from 10.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon) and Friday (from 4.00 to 6.00 p.m.). Please come and support this event, either by donating books or by buying them on Saturday!
(13 October 2025)

Alison's retirement
Last Sunday we said thank you and farewell to our Team Vicar, Alison. In an uplifting service that was full of music, Morris dancing and thankfulness we celebrated all that we have shared with Alison, and asked for God's blessing as she continues on her way. Thank you to everyone who organised and contributed to the lunch and service. We keep Alison and Peter in our prayers as they prepare to move to Weymouth.
(12 October 2025)

Prayer of Farewell to Alison and Peter
We praise and thank you, God of the journey,
for Alison and Peter who are leaving us today.
We entrust them into your loving care,
knowing that you are always the faithful traveller
and companion on the Way.
Shelter and protect them from all harm and anxiety.
Grant them the courage to meet the future,
and grace to let go into new life;
through Jesus Christ our Saviour.
(12 October 2025)

Bible Study
We will be meeting during Black History Month using the four-part Anti-Racism Charter Parish study resource. This will be at 7.30 p.m. at Holy Trinity on Thursdays 9, 16, 23 and 30 October, and all are welcome.
(14 September 2025)

Archbishop of Canterbury
It was announced last week that the Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally DBE will become the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury. Please keep her in your prayers as she prepares to answer this calling. You can read her opening address here.
(12 October 2025)

Prayers for our clergy
Please keep all our clergy in your prayers: Mark as he is currently one of the two Acting Archdeacons during Simon Gates' sabbatical (1 September to 15 December), Alison in her retirement, and Mary as she continues to settle into our parish.
(7 September 2025)

Preparation for 2026 Panto
The annual spectacular Parish Panto from the MP3 Players for 2026 will be Peter Pan, with performances from 30 January to 1 February. Auditions are open to all, and will be held on Wednesday, 8 October from 7 to 9 p.m. at St John's. Whether you've never acted before or are a seasoned veteran – we'd love to see you! Adult rehearsals will be at St John's on Wednesday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. and Sunday afternoons.
Fancy being involved without treading the boards? There are lots of jobs that need doing – get in touch by email or via Ann Roberts on 07956 934578.
This year we are going to be running dedicated sessions for kids who want to be in the panto. The sessions will run on Sundays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at St John's. There will be acting, singing and dancing, all under the watchful eyes of experienced theatre performers and directors. This is open to all children from school year 3 and upwards. The first session will be on Sunday, 12 October.
(5 October 2025)

Nightshelter
We are looking for a volunteer (or two...) to coordinate the annual Nightshelter for the Team. There would be others to assist (who have led it in the past) – please contact the clergy for more information.
(21 September 2025)

Quiz Night at Holy Trinity
On Friday, 7 November we will be holding a Quiz Night at Holy Trinity Church starting at 7.00 p.m. in aid of MND Association. Please save the date and come along and support this charity event. Further details and tickets will be available later in September.
(21 September 2025)