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Merton Priory TeamMagazine

An eventful first yearIT hardly seems possible. I have been Team Vicar in the parish for just over a

year. During this year much has happened to me as Vicar, and to us all, as a team, we have begun to see our mission develop, and we are all learning how to be a ‘team’ for God in our part of Wimbledon and Colliers Wood.

I wonder how many of us, as we go through our daily lives, think: what have I done today, or what has changed in my life today? For many people, a life-changing situation can be vast: a new baby, moving home, job, or even the uncertainties life can often bring. I find myself involved with different people, at different stages of their life. Some come asking for baptism, some for marriage and some for the funeral of a loved one; the conversation in the street, or at the pub, engaging with people in different situations and times.

Jesus engaged with all kinds of people throughout his earthly ministry. At times he listened, at times he acted, and sometimes he rebuked. At all times he loved, and he continues to love all people in the same way. It may be a different circumstance each time, but the love stays the same.

My prayer for the whole of our parish is that we can show to all people something of the love of Jesus. I know there are many ways in which we do that, so let’s keep the kingdom of God alive and kicking here in this place.

Every Blessing,

Paul HamblingTeam Vicarvicarpaul@yahoo.co.uk

Issue 1 December 2011

Merton Priory TeamChrist Church, Colliers Wood • St John the Divine, Merton • Holy Trinity, South Wimbledon 58 Christchurch Road High Path 234 Broadway christchurchsw�9.org.uk holytrinity-southwimbledon.org.uk

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News from Merton Priory Team

Team Mission StatementWe unveiled our Team Mission Statement at our Team Service on August 28. Here it is:

IN Merton Priory Team Ministry we aim to be a community:Faithful to God

Sharing with those in needCaring for one another

Being ‘Faithful to God’ is the basis of Christian life. But it doesn’t start with us. The centre of Christian faith is the conviction that God is faithful to us. Jesus shows us that God sticks by us, even when we get it wrong. And we stick by God in response to his commitment to us. There are some everyday ways we live this faithfulness: by worshipping, praying, seeking God’s will. So we should ask ourselves: What will we do to stay faithful to God each day and for the rest of our lives?

Sharing with those in need also starts with God: Everything belongs to God and he’s sharing it with us: we say ‘all things come from you and of your own do we give you’. Learning to share is to allow this message not only to be in our minds but also

touch our hearts. There are lots of ways to do this; for example, this winter we’ll be sharing with those in need by offering our buildings and perhaps time and money to a Night Shelter project, in collaboration with other churches and community groups. How will you join in our mission to share with those in need?

Caring for one another. The phrase ‘one another’ is important. Being a church is not simply about the vicars caring and everyone else being cared for. Everyone needs to do the caring and everyone needs to be cared for. So we need to make sure we’re part of a network within our parish – a home group, a choir and so on – where this caring becomes real. Where is your group where you are responsible for caring for others and know they will care for you?

So that’s our mission. We know we don’t always get it right, but we seek God’s grace to fulfil his mission.

Chris PalmerTeam Rectorchris.j.i.palmer@gmail.com

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Pilgrim Hall, 10–12 JuneSeventy people from the parish went away for the weekend. There were people from all three churches of the Team and of every age. We prayed together, ate together, and had fun together. Here are some of the things we got up to.

WOW!What a weekend! There was

the splendour of the house, the extensive grounds, the very helpful staff, great food and a friendly, happy and spiritual atmosphere. The age range was from 1 to 80+. We were like one big family! The children seemed to enjoy it and soon made themselves at home.

During the session of silence, I went for a prayer walk in the grounds. I could see Paul sitting on the grass with a group of children. They were calling out “God is

love” in as many languages as they could manage – in preparation for Pentecost!

A group of us went for a walk to the next village. We two pensioners had not anticipated climbing over so many stiles – or walking through a ploughed field in the pouring rain! We were grateful to Barbara for the lift back in her car!

The most poignant memory was the final service – a joint effort -the banner made up of our handprints; the children’s prayers; the drama and the music! We sang Shalom during the peace, and tears were rolling down my cheeks.

An afterthought: Those who rely on SATNAVs have such faith in them – they know no other way! Just like our faith should be in the Lord! Ask Chris about it!

Sylvia Mills

Left wanting moreOn arriving at Pilgrim Hall we were greeted by smiles and welcomes before carrying more bags than we really needed up to our rooms.

The children ran off to explore the massive house while I went and found a nice cup of coffee and

The Parish Weekend, 2011 – ‘Inside Out’

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One big family.

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relaxed with my friends and waited for everyone else to arrive. And before we knew it, it was time for dinner. We all piled into the dining rooms and took our seats and tucked into lovely home cooked food.

In the evening the children played some more while the adults all sat down to enjoy the evening, some of them staying up late into the night.

Saturday morning was a time of quiet prayer before spending the morning enjoying all the different groups and activities that the weekend had to offer. I myself spent the afternoon walking around the beautiful grounds in solitude and prayer and was relieved to find that I wasn’t the only one who found the experience very moving.

After another delicious dinner the rest of the evening was then taken up with the children’s disco. It was nice to see all the children from the different churches playing and dancing, although it would have been nice if more of the adults could have come and danced the night away with us.

But sadly, as most things do, the weekend was over far too soon, but not before the children had spent some time in the pool (even though it was raining) and we all headed home.

I really did enjoy my time away and would most definitely do it again.

Emma Spencer

The Good, the not so Good and the Good-to-see-next-timeAt the end of our time at Pilgrim Hall we asked people to make three suggestions based on each of the above. There were some recurring themes and here is a selection of some of them.

Everyone felt that Pilgrim Hall and the facilities that it offered were great. The pool was used despite the weather and some

Preparing entertainment for the children.

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wanted longer time to use it! We all felt that the chance to get to know people from the other churches was very valuable and new friendships were made. We really enjoyed the workshops and a time of prayer on Saturday was an hour that many had never had to pray undisturbed. There was a real sense of togetherness at the Eucharist on Sunday morning. The children had a big part in planning this and the joy on their faces was apparent. We enjoyed relaxation time, helped by a large keg of home brew!

Many people said that it wasn’t long enough. Some felt that there needed to be a dedicated team of children’s leaders and more of them, so that those leaders could take part in the group activities with the adults. Others wanted a session all together and some felt that we were just getting a good discussion going when the session had to close.

And so when the next one happens there would be more singing and musical instruments; more activities in the ‘free ‘time. It would be a good idea for everyone to have name badges on the first night, as remembering everyone’s names was difficult. We also needed a better getting-to-know-you exercise. The children would also like a quiz!

Sarah Taylor

Hearing God’s callA big part of the weekend was time spent talking about our faith and hearing God speak to us. We were seeking to discern together God’s vision for our Team Ministry.

We used the story of Jonah as the basis of our discussions:

Jonah first runs away – and we thought about what makes us reluctant to do things for God. We tried to distinguish the inner response that comes from God or simply from our own apathy.

Jonah then prays from the belly of the whale – and everyone had an hour to pray in a quiet way. Lots of people valued this time of reflection. And being with God helped to awake new spiritual resources within them.

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Pilgrim Hall was great.

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Finally Jonah heeds God’s call – and we started to consider where God is calling us. We used Romans Ch 12 – ‘A Charter for a Healthy Community’ – to help with this. Remarkably, different groups had similar ideas of where God is leading our parish. We gathered the phrases that most captured our imagination (see picture). There was still some more work to refine these – left with the PCC – but it was a great start.

But the highlight of our time with God was Sunday – Pentecost – when we celebrated the gift of God’s spirit. Different groups prepared different aspects of our Eucharist, which was full of colour, life, and joy. The children lead the ‘sermon slot’, telling us about their weekend. God was present throughout and we give thanks for the ways we grew in love for him.

Chris Palmer

STOP PRESSWe’ve just booked Pilgrim Hall for another weekend: 7–9 June 2013. Two years’ time! But it’s already time to put it in your diaries.

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It’s panto time

As many of you may know, we are organizing a Parish pantomime of Cinderella on 27 January in Saint John’s Hall and 28 January at

Holy Trinity. The three main aims in putting on this panto were: first, to raise money for Great Ormond Street; second, to reach out to the local community; and third, to have a laugh with our parish, and to discover who the new ugly sister is, with our Rector Chris. So do come along and support us, and look out for more news in our parish newsletters.

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WHEN I offered to write a short contribution about what I’m

doing in South Africa I never realised how hard it would be. My friends from The Priory Team ask me when I’m back in London: “So what exactly are you doing in South Africa?” My answer often confuses the questioner and now that I try to write it down I realise why! Anyway – here goes.

A bit of background information will help set the scene. I took (very!) early retirement from British Airways on September 30, 2006. At the time I didn’t know where that decision would take me but I had decided that I needed a new challenge. I had enrolled on a course at Kingston University, which was due to end in May 2007 and during the course I was talking to David Monteith about the future. He knew of my passion for travel and suggested that I might like to visit some people he knew in the Eastern Cape. Not sure of what to expect I emailed the Brothers in Grahamstown and Heidi and Monica, friends of Christ Church, in Queenstown. Then I booked my

ticket! My family and friends were puzzled but stuck with me. To be honest I was terrified, as I just didn’t know what to expect.

My first night in South Africa was spent at the Monastery in Grahamstown. On the way from the airport I was stopped by the police for erratic driving and had to submit to a sobriety test! As I’d arrived in the middle of a retreat there was silence and no one to talk to! The next day I set off to meet Heidi and Monica at the Anglican Retreat House in Bolothwa – in the middle of nowhere about 45km outside Queenstown. It was dark and mid-winter with no electricity. In spite of this introduction I felt completely comfortable and was overcome with a feeling that is hard to describe. But I felt that I had come home.

The next five weeks were spent watching and learning. It was a wonderful experience and I learnt so much. I spent time in townships and in people’s homes. What I experienced was way beyond anything I could have imagined. I was always welcome and, as a

An exhilarating experience

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Mike Brunt tells how he has made the transition from cosmopolitan London to rural South Africa where he is doing sterling work with a local charity.

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result, constantly feeling humble yet privileged that people who had only just met me were prepared to share so much of the little that they had. My vegetarianism was put to the test and it was impossible to refuse what was on offer.

At the beginning of July 2007 I returned to London and started working as a freelance HR consultant but wondering how and when I would return to South Africa. The answer came in a phone call from Monica when she asked if I would consider covering a sabbatical they had planned for early 2008. I was booking flights again and in January 2008 Heidi and Monica gave me a swift handover and the keys to their vehicle.

The four months I spent as the stand-in coordinator of the Isibindi projects in Ilinge and Ezibelini near Queenstown and in Alice, which we at Christ Church support, were amazing. I was like a sponge soaking up everything I could possibly learn. Although I missed my loved ones at home I knew that I was in the right place.

As I approached the end of my time volunteering on the projects I spent Easter 2008 at the Monastery in Grahamstown. It is hard to put

into words but at the age of 51 I understood for the first time in my life what Easter is all about. It was as if a light had been switched on.

I returned to London at the end of April 2008 – the recession was around the corner and freelance HR work had all but disappeared. I had to find a job! I was appointed as the Head of HR for a London-based charity and should have been happy but my thoughts were elsewhere. By the start of 2009 I knew in my heart that I should be in Africa. In an amazing sequence of coincidences my name was made know to the son of Donald Woods, the late journalist and anti-apartheid campaigner. He was told of the work I’d been involved with in the Eastern Cape and called me very early on a Thursday morning in March 2009 asking to see me on the following Sunday. The next morning I was standing in the rain outside my office in Kings Cross. At that moment I made a decision. I walked into my boss’s office and resigned.

Whether this was foolhardy or arrogant or just stupid I don’t know. But what I did know was that it was the right thing to do.

When I met Woods’ son, Dillon, two days later I didn’t tell him

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initially that I’d resigned. We talked about the work of the Donald Woods Foundation – of health improvement, community empowerment and education in the deep rural areas of the Eastern Cape – and he offered me a six- month opportunity with the foundation. Eight weeks later I was on a flight to South Africa again.

That initial six months led to other opportunities and I’m still here! I’m working on projects in East London, Madwaleni, Zithulele, Barkly East, Lady Grey and Rhodes. I’ll go into more detail next time.

Although my work is in another part of the Eastern Cape, I still see the Brothers in Grahamstown and Heidi and Monica whenever I can. Sadly this is not as often as I’d like it to be. I pop into the Isibindi’s in Ilinge and Ezibelini when I’m in the Queenstown area and I’m always pleased to hear how well they are doing. I’m also in touch with the Brothers about the school they are

building – the school that the legacy fund from Holy Trinity supported earlier this year as well as by individual donors from the parish.

As a Londoner it is odd that I feel so at home in such a rural setting here in South Africa. As I’ve said, it just seems right. That doesn’t stop me feeling home sick at times. It doesn’t stop the guilt. Guilt that I feel so happy with my work but knowing that being away for long periods causes such heartache for those that I love – in particular for my mum and dad, Tim, Alison and Jane.

I’ll end with the prayer that we say at the end of our services here. It was written by the late Archbishop Trevor Huddleston as the homes of black and coloured people in Sophiatown were being demolished by the then apartheid government under the Group Areas Act: “God Bless Africa, guard her children, guide her leaders and give her peace, for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.”

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Who’s Who in St John the DivineWardens – Gordon Reid and Jean BaileySouthwark Pastoral Auxiliary – June SmithDCC members – Emma Spencer, Phil Bousfield, June Smith, Jean Barley,

Ann Newson, Anne Cox, Gordon Reid, Joan Brunt, Natalie Blagrove and Katie Gibbs

Sunday Club leader – Emma Spencer

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Night shelters ease homelessness burden

WHEN faced with a problem such as homelessness many

of us might be at a loss as to how we can help. So we feel that all we can do is buy a copy of The Big Issue or make a donation to Shelter, which, realistically, is just going to be a drop in the ocean. This leads to the question: “Well, what can I do?” Well, Faith in Action in Merton is championing a new project this winter whereby many hands making light work will help us to provide some help that will make a huge difference to the homeless.

Based on a scheme that is currently being run in Kingston, Faith in Action has asked us to set up a shelter over the coldest month of the winter. However, instead of asking one church to run the shelter for a whole month, each church is being asked to allocate just one night for the month, making the prospect a lot less daunting. Each church is asked to help man the shelter for the night, but with the

help of volunteers from churches with no suitable venue.

Carrying on with the theme of many hands, there are several roles that can be volunteered for, which means there wouldn’t be too much work for one person. There are roles for greeters, those cooking dinner, people to talk to the guests, people staying overnight to address any matters arising, cooking breakfast and, finally, clearing up.

All guests are first assessed by Faith in Action – to determine their needs and identify any potential to cause problems – to help ensure a smooth running and safe shelter for both volunteers and guests.

By splitting a huge problem into tiny bite-sized jobs, it is hoped that as many people could volunteer their services to play a key part in helping bring relief to a marginalised part of our community that a church on it’s own could not hope to achieve.

Bruce Warman, Christ Church

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Sleep-out: a much better experience this time

JUNE 25 this year was my second time of sleeping out for Faith in

Action. My first experience was in July 2008 at Wimbledon Guild car park. That night was cold and damp and I wasn’t prepared. I had only a sleeping bag, a handbag, a jacket and a camera.

The night seemed rather long and I found it difficult to settle, the cold concrete floor and a thin sleeping bag adding to my discomfort. Naturally, the next day my body

was constantly cold and I was very tired. Having gone through that, I told everyone I would never do it again

because the experience was scary and daunting. But it was an achievement nevertheless.

So, when I undertook my second sleep-out on June 25 I was fully

prepared. I had my son Ryan with me, Jennie (my mum) and Sharon from Christ Church. This time round I fortified myself against the cold with a sleeping bag and duvet. But these were surplus to requirements: the night was warm.

We slept in the garden of Holy Trinity, which is situated by the high street. Passing traffic and night clubbers made it a noisy sleep-out. Ryan, even with his airbed, still found it difficult to sleep in the open air.

All in all, the event reminded me of the importance of not being judgemental when dealing with rough sleepers in our community. After all, we all once had a home. For Ryan, I believe the exercise would help him to realise how lucky he is.

The event was to raise money for, and awareness of, homelessness in Merton. We are supported by the public and churches, which provide donations of clothing, food and time. The government’s cuts in housing benefits have made the matter even more acute.

Angela Robinson, Christ Church

Sharon roughing it for the night.

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THE Surrey Churches Bike ride is an annual event that takes

place on the second Saturday in September. Its aim is to raise funds for parishes and enable participants to have a fun day out.

This year seven of us took part including Lizzie, age 13. It was a voyage of discovery, which included seeing hidden parts of Merton.

We set out from at Christ Church, Colliers Wood, where Paul gave us a blessing, and headed out of Merton following cycle route 20. The route isn’t perfect, as you sometimes lose the signs, but having seven pairs of eyes really helped. So where else did we go? The churches we visited were:

All Saints, CharshaltonSt Peter, WoodmansterneSt Margaret, ChipsteadSt Peter & St Paul, ChaldonSt Andrew, CoulsdonSt Mary, BeddingtonAll Saints, Hackbridge

Chris was in charge of the map and we didn’t get lost once – well, perhaps just once. He promised to purchase a cycling map for next year. Not all the churches

were open but there was a warm welcome in those that were. Highlights included a Roman lead coffin at St Mary’s, as well as lots of fantastic art work in some of the churches. Some parts of the route were hilly as we headed towards and across areas of the North Downs. I suspect there may have

been a couple of sore legs the next day after 26 miles of cycling but I hope we will all be back next year. I must stress that it wasn’t all hard work. We had a relaxing lunch en route. A great day was had by all (I hope). More recruits are needed for next year!

Fiona Sydney, Christ Church

All Saints, Charshalton – minus Chris Palmer, who is taking the photo.

Surrey churches take to the road

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THE dream of my colleagues in the support team at YMCA

London South West (YMCA LSW) is to see our residents re-integrated into the community and being able to live quality lives. In this regard, we believe volunteers are vital in achieving this goal. We are reminded that life is not all about receiving (and benefits) but also about giving from the little one has.

Here is an example. One of your members, despite her heavy work schedule, gives up about an hour of her time each week to help one of our residents tackle literacy. Her kindness has been heart-warming. Indeed, she has been an amazing help to this resident, helping him to develop confidence.

More importantly, we look

forward to seeing your Team Rector, Chris. Despite the huge responsibilities he bears, he spends time with us whenever in our ‘snack and chat’ sessions. His friendship, partnership and willingness to play pool with us reminds us that God can be human as well.

So, on behalf of YMCA LSW, residents and staff, I want to thank you for contributing to our work in Wimbledon. For us, you are a model community, selflessness and faithful.

Thank you so much!If you are interested in

volunteering for the YMCA LSW, email us and we will in send you a volunteer registration form. Many thanks in advance!

Rodney Akko (volunteer Co.)

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An appreciative YMCA

Who’s Who in Holy TrinityWardens – Andy Coles and Caroline GoodwinSouthwark Pastoral Auxiliary – Sarah HawtinDCC secretary – Claire VirikDCC treasurer – Liz HolderDirector of Music – Barbara SkiltonAdministrator – Gilly McCarthyThe office is open Mon–Fri 9am–12noon; 020 8542 1388;

email admin@ht-sw.org.uk

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I was born, and grew up, in London. I have been a

member of St Mary’s church, Wimbledon, since 2005. I trained for ordination at the South Eastern Institute of Theological Education alongside ordinands from all Anglican traditions as well as Methodists and Lutherans.

I have lived in the Republic of Ireland where I developed my love of all things equine, especially National Hunt Racing and English Thoroughbred breeding. I qualified and worked as a veterinary nurse before training to be a tax inspector. And I have happily worked in compliance and investigation ever since.

My interests include Arsenal Football Club, exploring the Scottish Western Isles and honorary

membership of the Scottish Episcopal Church, obscure Sci-fi “B” movies and cooking everything that involves spices!

Our new curate – Tracy Dowling

News from Merton Priory Team

Tracy wearing her new collar.

Who’s Who in Christ ChurchWardens – Marion Reid and Bruce WarmanSouthwark Pastoral Auxiliaries – Sylvia Mills and Joy LyonsDCC members – Martin Budd, Mandy Clarke, Desmond Davies, Evelyn

Douglas, Alison Fletcher Rogers, Jonathan Fletcher Rogers, Emma Fraser, Bruce Goatly, Revd Paul Hambling, Helen Harknett, Sylvia Mills, Revd Chris Palmer, Angela Robinson, Marion Ross, Jane Savill and Bruce Warman

Sunday Club leaders – Karen Warman and Susan Plumridge

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Junior Corner

CrosswordAcross2. Who saved

the animals from the flood (4)

4. City where Jesus was born (9)

8. The sign God used to tell Noah he was never flooding the Earth again (7)

9. Satan was disguised as this in the Garden of Eden (7)

12. The 2nd bird Noah sent out from the Ark (4)

13. He was inside a big fish for 3 days (5)

14. Zaccheus climbed this to see Jesus (4)

16. Paul was on his way when he was blinded by a bright light (8)

17. Sit on this in church (3)18. This led the Wise Men to where

Jesus was (4)

Down1. Type of wood used to build the

Ark (6)3. David used this to kill Goliath (5)5. Mary and Lazarus’s sister (6)6. The number of Apostles (6)7. Hallowed be Thy ....... (4)10. The disciple who doubted Jesus

(6)11. Angel Gabriel came to visit her

(4)13. His brothers sold him into

slavery (6)15. Saved all the Jewish people in

the Persian Empire (6)

Junior Corner

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PrayerWritten by Laura, age 11Dear GodPlease love us the way we love you.Live in our hearts forever.Amen

Sunday Club at St John the Divine

Learning that God’s love is more important than money.

Matthew 22:15–22

Recipe – fruity sconesIngredients

• 250g (8oz) plain wholemeal flour• 3 teaspoons baking powder• 50g (2oz) soft margarine• 50g (2oz) sultanas or raisins• 50ml (2fl oz) water mixed

with 50ml (2fl oz) semi-skimmed milk

• 1 egg, beaten with a forkHeat the oven to 220°C/gas mark 7.

Sieve the flour and baking powder into a bowl. Rub in the margarine so it looks like breadcrumbs. Stir in the sultanas or raisins. Slowly pour in the milk and water. Use your clean hands to knead the dough into a soft dough. Roll out onto a floured surface until about 2cm thick. Use pastry cutters to cut out the shapes you want. Place onto a greased baking tray. Brush with egg. Cook in the oven for about 15 minutes. Eat once cool.

Junior CornerAcross2. Noah 4. Bethlehem8. Rainbow9. Serpent12. Dove13. Jonah14. Tree

16. Damascus17. Pew18. Star

Down1. Gopher3. Stone5. Martha

6. Twelve7. Name10. Thomas11. Mary13. Joseph15. Esther

Crossword answers