St Mary the Virgin Merton is an inclusive Church of England parish within the Diocese of Southwark, serving a community of some 3,000 households in and around Merton Park, London, SW19.
Beautiful choral worship, quiet prayer, and a warm welcome for all ages. A community for faith, friendship, questions and hope - wherever you are on the journey. We’d love to see you.
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Today the church keeps the Festival of Saint James the Apostle. James was a fisherman, the brother of John and one of the first disciples called by Jesus. With Peter and John, he witnessed some of the most mysterious moments of Christ’s ministry. According to Acts, he later became the first of the apostles to suffer martyrdom. But the Gospels also let us see James learning. He and his brother dream of privileged places in Christ’s kingdom but Jesus answers by overturning their understanding of greatness: “Whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20.26). James eventually became the patron saint of pilgrims, represented by the walking staff and scallop shell. His feast reminds us that faith is more like a road than a possession - we need not understand the whole journey before taking the next faithful step. The Vicar of St Mary’s is the joint patron of St James', Merton, and we pray today for everyone who worships and serves there. May God give us courage for the road, kindness towards our fellow travellers, and the humility to discover greatness in service. St James, pray for us. #SaintJames #StMarysMerton #StJamesMerton #Merton #Wimbledon -
The choir are on their summer break and, as such, the coming Sundays will be stripped back and unplugged #godislove ~ Almighty Lord and everlasting God, we beseech you to direct, sanctify and govern both our hearts and bodies in the ways of your laws and the works of your commandments; that through your most mighty protection, both here and ever, we may be preserved in body and soul; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. -
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Today the Church remembers 𝐎𝐬𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐝, 𝐁𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐲, 𝟏𝟎𝟗𝟗. Osmund was a Norman scholar and builder of the cathedral community at Old Sarum. He is also associated with the tradition of worship later known as the 𝑺𝒂𝒓𝒖𝒎 𝑼𝒔𝒆: the ordered pattern of prayer which shaped much of medieval English Christianity. Today we give thanks for Osmund, and for all who have ordered the Church’s life in prayer and praise: bishops, priests, musicians, scholars, builders, and faithful worshippers across the centuries. May we, like them, offer God not only our words, but the whole pattern of our lives: ordered by prayer, shaped by beauty, and rooted in love. 𝑶𝒔𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒅, 𝑩𝒊𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒑 𝒐𝒇 𝑺𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒃𝒖𝒓𝒚, 𝒑𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒖𝒔. St Mary’s, Merton A place of prayer, worship, and welcome for all. #StOsmund #OsmundOfSalisbury #SarumUse #ChurchOfEngland #Liturgy -
Today the Church remembers 𝐒𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐮𝐧, 𝐁𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 𝐨𝐟 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫, 𝐜. 𝟖𝟔𝟐. Swithun was an Anglo-Saxon bishop remembered for humility and pastoral care. His name has become associated with rain, sunshine, and the turning of the weather: 𝑺𝒕 𝑺𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒖𝒏'𝒔 𝒅𝒂𝒚 𝒊𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏, 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒚 𝒅𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒊𝒕 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒂𝒊𝒏. 𝑺𝒕 𝑺𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒖𝒏'𝒔 𝒅𝒂𝒚 𝒊𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖 𝒃𝒆 𝒇𝒂𝒊𝒓, 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒚 𝒅𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝒏𝒂 𝒎𝒂𝒊𝒓 (fortunately it's not 35 degrees today!). Perhaps behind this folklore is a saint who points us to the quiet faithfulness and unchanging nature of God who persists through the ebbs and flows of life. Before the Diocese of Southwark existed, Merton belonged historically to the Diocese of Winchester and thus Swithun, we remember with gratitude, would have been our bishop. As we remember St Swithun, may we learn to find God in weather and seasons, in patience and humility, and in the daily work of love. 𝑺𝒕 𝑺𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒖𝒏, 𝑩𝒊𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒑 𝒐𝒇 𝑾𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓, 𝒑𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒖𝒔. St Mary’s, Merton A place of prayer, worship, and welcome for all. #StSwithun #SaintSwithun #BishopOfWinchester #ChurchOfEngland #Winchester -
Today the Church remembers 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝐊𝐞𝐛𝐥𝐞, 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬𝐭, 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧, 𝐏𝐨𝐞𝐭, 𝟏𝟖𝟔𝟔. Keble was a parish priest, a poet, and one of the great voices of the Oxford Movement. His book 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒉𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒂𝒏 𝒀𝒆𝒂𝒓 helped generations of Anglicans pray their way through the seasons of the Church, finding God in scripture, worship, nature, and the quiet holiness of ordinary days. In 1833, Keble preached his famous sermon on **National Apostasy** at St Mary’s University Church, Oxford — an event often seen as the beginning of the Oxford Movement. That movement called the Church of England to remember its catholic roots: the sacraments, the beauty of holiness, the faith of the early Church, and the deep rhythm of prayer. Keble's influence surrounds St Mary's. The Oxford Movement had a marked effect in this part of south-west London and its legacy still shapes churches like ours: places of choral worship, sacramental grace, beauty, prayer, and welcome. As we give thanks for John Keble today, may we learn to seek God in the Christian year, in the worship of the Church, and in the holiness hidden within ordinary life. 𝑱𝒐𝒉𝒏 𝑲𝒆𝒃𝒍𝒆, 𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔𝒕, 𝒑𝒐𝒆𝒕, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒘𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝑨𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆, 𝒑𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒖𝒔. St Mary’s, Merton A place of prayer, worship, and welcome for all. #JohnKeble #OxfordMovement #ChurchOfEngland #TheChristianYear -
Today the Church remembers 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐚, 𝐀𝐛𝐛𝐨𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐨, 𝐅𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐦, 𝐜. 𝟓𝟓𝟎 Benedict gave the Church a rule of life rooted in prayer, work, humility, stability, hospitality, and peace. His wisdom has shaped Christian communities for centuries by teaching them to receive the ordinary life of each day as a place where God may be found. Our own ancient story is linked with the Augustinian Canons of Merton Priory and the old Priory archway outside the church reminds us that Merton, too, has been shaped by the prayers of those who sought God in community, worship, learning, and service. In a restless, noisy, anxious, and divided world, Benedict calls us to steadiness, silence, peace, and hospitality. As we give thanks for Benedict today, may we learn to seek God in the rhythm of daily life: in prayer and work, in welcome and service, in patience and love. 𝑩𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝑵𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒊𝒂, 𝒑𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒖𝒔 St Mary’s, Merton A place of prayer, worship, and welcome for all. #BenedictOfNursia #StBenedict #Prayer #Hospitality #Peace -
Today we're delighted to host the Sanderstead Singers and MD @dansoper for their final rehearsal before a residence at @yorkminsterofficial from Monday 3rd to Sunday 9th August. St Mary's Merton Choir has had a long and happy association with Sanderstead Singers stretching back to 1999, and this year six current and past members of our choir will again be joining them for the week singing the choral services at York. The church remains open, but please respect the singers by keeping noise to a minimum and do not take any photos or videos. Thank you. The photo features Sanderstead Singers at St Paul's Cathedral on Easter Monday 2026. -
Today the Church remembers 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞, 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐁𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐨𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫, 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐲𝐫𝐬, 𝐝. 𝟏𝟓𝟑𝟓. More and Fisher lived through one of the most painful divisions in the history of the English Church. Both were executed under Henry VIII, after refusing to accept the King’s supremacy over the Church. St Mary’s, Merton predates the Reformation by centuries. A church has stood on this site since before the Domesday Book, and parts of the present building date back to 1115. Just outside the church stands the remains of the ancient archway from Merton Priory, dissolved under Henry VIII. So today we remember not only two courageous witnesses, but also the deep wounds and complicated inheritance of our own history. We give thanks for conscience, courage, learning, and costly faithfulness. We also pray for humility as we face the failures of the Church across the centuries. As the Church of England has recently acknowledged and apologised for historic links to the transatlantic slave trade, we are reminded that Christian memory must never be nostalgia alone. It must lead us to repentance, truth-telling, justice, and repair. May Christ, who is Lord of history and judge of all, teach us to be faithful in our own generation. 𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒔 𝑴𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑱𝒐𝒉𝒏 𝑭𝒊𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒓, 𝑹𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒚𝒓𝒔, 𝒑𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒖𝒔. St Mary’s, Merton A place of prayer, worship, and welcome for all. #ThomasMore #JohnFisher #ReformationMartyrs #ChurchOfEngland #MertonPriory -
Today the Church celebrates 𝐒𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐥𝐞. Thomas is often remembered as “doubting Thomas” because of his braveness to speak honestly: he is someone who will not pretend to understand what he does not understand, and who longs not for rumours about resurrection, but for Christ himself. When the risen Jesus comes to him, Thomas is not pushed away for his questions. He is met with peace. Christ shows him the wounds of love, and Thomas answers with one of the great confessions of faith: “𝕸𝖞 𝕷𝖔𝖗𝖉 𝖆𝖓𝖉 𝖒𝖞 𝕲𝖔𝖉.” Thomas reminds us that faith is not the absence of questions. It is the grace of bringing our questions, fears, and wounds into the presence of the risen Christ. Ancient tradition remembers Thomas as carrying the Gospel as far as India, reminding us that love of Christ reaches across every boundary of nation, culture, language, and doubt. Tradition has it that he was martyred for his faith and in the image he is holding the spear that killed him - touching with love even that which speaks of death. As we give thanks for Thomas today, may we have courage to seek Christ honestly, and grace to recognise him as our Lord and our God. 𝑺𝒕 𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑨𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒍𝒆, 𝒑𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒖𝒔. St Mary’s, Merton A place of prayer, worship, and welcome for all. #stthomas #doubtingthomas #ChurchOfEngland #Anglican #resurrection -
Today the Church celebrates 𝐒𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐏𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐚𝐮𝐥, 𝐀𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐬. Peter, the fisherman, was impulsive, devoted, afraid, forgiven, and sent out to strengthen the Church. Paul, the persecutor turned apostle, carried the Gospel across boundaries of nation, language, and culture. They were very different people. They did not always agree easily. And yet both were drawn into the same grace of Christ, and both gave their lives in witness to him. Their feast reminds us that the Church is built not on perfect people, but on people called, changed, and sent. Today we pray especially for all churches dedicated to Saint Peter and Saint Paul: may they be places of courage, welcome, reconciliation, and joyful witness to Christ. As we give thanks for these two great apostles, may we too be faithful in our calling, generous in our witness, and bold in proclaiming the love of God. 𝑺𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒕 𝑷𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑺𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒕 𝑷𝒂𝒖𝒍, 𝑨𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒍𝒆𝒔, 𝒑𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒖𝒔. St Mary’s, Merton A place of prayer, worship, and welcome for all. #SaintsPeterAndPaul #StPeter #StPaul #ChurchOfEngland #Anglican -
Today the Church remembers 𝐂𝐲𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐥𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐚, 𝐁𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐡, 𝐝. 𝟒𝟒𝟒. As a teacher, Cyril's great concern was that we should not divide Christ in two, as though Jesus were partly God and partly human, or as though God merely visited a human life from the outside. For Cyril, the wonder of the Gospel is deeper and stranger: in Jesus Christ, God truly comes among us. The eternal Word takes flesh. The divine light enters our ordinary human life, our weakness, our bodies, our joys and sorrows, and makes them places of grace. This is why Cyril defended the title 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐤𝐨𝐬 (𝐆𝐨𝐝-𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐫) 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐲. The child she bore is truly Emmanuel: God with us. Cyril’s vision of salvation was wonderfully vast. Because Christ has taken our humanity into himself, human nature is not abandoned, despised, or thrown away. It is healed, restored, and drawn back towards God. In Cyril’s theology there is a deep hope for the renewal of all things: a hope that God’s mercy is larger than our failures, and that the Incarnation reaches further than we can imagine. As we give thanks for Cyril today, may we honour Our Lady as Theotokos, and may we trust more deeply in the mystery of Christ: fully divine, fully human, and nearer to us than we dare imagine. He comes among us to restore, heal, and save. 𝑪𝒚𝒓𝒊𝒍 𝒐𝒇 𝑨𝒍𝒆𝒙𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒓𝒊𝒂, 𝑻𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒂𝒊𝒕𝒉, 𝒑𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒖𝒔. https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/join-us-service-daily-prayer St Mary’s, Merton A place of prayer, worship, and welcome for all. #CyrilOfAlexandria #ChurchOfEngland #Anglican #Theotokos #Incarnation -
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Today the Church celebrates the 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭. John stands on the edge of the Gospel like a figure at dawn: not the light himself, but the one who points towards the light. Before Jesus begins his public ministry, John is already preparing the way, calling people to repentance, renewal, and hope. His birth is a sign that God’s promises are not forgotten. To Zechariah and Elizabeth, long past the years of expectation, God gives joy. To Israel, waiting in darkness, God gives a voice crying in the wilderness. To us, God gives a reminder that grace often begins quietly, unexpectedly, and long before we can see the whole story. John’s great task was to make Christ known. “He must increase, but I must decrease.” As we celebrate his birth today, may we too prepare the way of the Lord: in our hearts, in our homes, in our church, and in the world. 𝑱𝒐𝒉𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑩𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒊𝒔𝒕, 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒓𝒖𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝑪𝒉𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒕, 𝒑𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒖𝒔. St Mary’s, Merton A place of prayer, worship, and welcome for all. #JohnTheBaptist #BirthOfJohnTheBaptist #ChurchOfEngland #Anglican #StMarysMerton -
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Today the Church remembers 𝐄𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐚, 𝐀𝐛𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐥𝐲, 𝐜. 𝟔𝟕𝟖. Etheldreda — also known as Æthelthryth or Audrey — was a Saxon princess, queen, foundress, and abbess. After a life shaped by political marriage, prayer, and costly faithfulness, she founded a monastery at Ely, where she became abbess and mother of a community of prayer. Ely Cathedral still bears her memory. Its origins lie in the monastery Etheldreda founded, and her shrine remains at the heart of the cathedral’s story: a witness to centuries of prayer, pilgrimage, beauty, and worship. At St Mary’s, Merton, we have our own ancient Christian story, shaped by the life of Merton Priory and by more than nine hundred years of worship. Today, as we remember Etheldreda, we give thanks for all holy places where prayer has taken root across the generations. As we give thanks for Etheldreda today, may we learn to seek God with undivided hearts, and to make our own homes, churches, and communities places of prayer and welcome. https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/join-us-service-daily-prayer Etheldreda, Abbess of Ely, pray for us. St Mary’s, Merton A place of prayer, worship, and welcome for all. #etheldreda #stetheldreda #elycathedral #churchofengland #womensaints -
Today the Church remembers 𝐀𝐥𝐛𝐚𝐧, 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐲𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧, 𝐜. 𝟐𝟓𝟎. Alban lived in Roman Verulamium, near the place where @stalbanscathedral now stands. When a Christian priest was fleeing persecution, Alban gave him shelter. Moved by the priest’s faith, Alban became a Christian himself. When the authorities came to arrest the priest, Alban changed clothes with him and gave himself up in his place. He refused to deny Christ, and was killed for his faith. His grave became a place of pilgrimage, and St Albans Cathedral still stands as a witness to his courage: the oldest site of continuous Christian worship in Britain. St Alban’s story has a special place in the life of St Mary’s too: in 2023, pilgrims from St Mary’s walked to St Albans Cathedral, joining the ancient stream of prayer and pilgrimage to the shrine of Britain’s first martyr (https://www.stmarysmerton.org.uk/uploads/FnJ271wv/ParishMatters-autumn23.pdf). Alban reminds us that faith is not only belief in the mind, but love in action: sheltering the vulnerable, protecting the persecuted, and standing for Christ when it costs us something. As we give thanks for Alban today, may we have grace to be faithful, courageous, and generous in love. Alban, First Martyr of Britain, pray for us. Pray today with the Church of England Daily Prayer: https://daily.commonworship.com St Mary’s, Merton Park A place of prayer, worship, and welcome for all. #saintalban #ChurchOfEngland #Anglican #stalbanscathedral #dailyprayer -
Our wonderful young singers - aged 7 to19 - thoroughly entertained a delighted audience at last night's Choristers' Concert. Thank you to everyone who came and supported our young people, raising valuable funds to support the musical education at St Mary’s; to our MD Tristan and Kate our Vocal Coach; to Alexandra Standing for her flawless accompanying. And most of all, to every one of our talented young performers who made it a truly memorable night! @alexandrathepianist @tristan_weymes -
Today's BBC Radio 4 Thought for the Day is by Revd Dr Giles Fraser who celebrates the peaceful joy and beauty of Choral Evensong. Find it on BBC Sounds. Come and join us at St Mary's for Choral Evensong every Sunday in term-times at 6.30pm sung by our Choir, and at other times by our Occasional Singers. #choralevensong -
Today the Church remembers 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚, 𝐒𝐚𝐝𝐡𝐮, 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐡, 𝐝. 𝟏𝟗𝟐𝟗 Sundar Singh was a holy wanderer, pilgrim, and teacher who travelled lightly. Clothed in the saffron robe, he showed that the Gospel does not belong to one culture, reminding us that Christ is always larger than our habits and assumptions. Faith is not the possession of one people, one style, or one age. It is the living light of God, received and shared in every place. The hymn 𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝑫𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝑭𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘 𝑱𝒆𝒔𝒖𝒔 is often associated with Sadhu Sundar Singh and the Indian Christian tradition, though its exact authorship is disputed. As we give thanks for Sundar Singh today, may we learn to follow Christ with simplicity, courage, and joy. Sundar Singh, pray for us. St Mary’s, Merton Park A place of prayer, worship, and welcome for all. #SundarSingh #SadhuSundarSingh #ChurchOfEngland #Anglican #TeacherOfTheFaith #Indian -
The Summer issue of our popular quarterly magazine Parish Matters is now online. Highlights include the story of how John Innes left his considerable mark on Merton Park - and we don't mean with compost! Several beautiful Burne-Jones windows in the church are dedicated to John Innes, and in this issue we look at the Isaiah window, manufactured locally by William Morris & Co. There's also fascinating insights into two other Merton figures - Richard Thornton, reputedly once the richest man in England, and 18th century female bookseller Dorcas Lackington, who is buried in St Mary's churchyard. Revd. Ali Milne reflects on his first weeks as our new Vicar, and we celebrate 100 years of Merton Park Bowling Club and 105 years of the Brownies in Merton Park. Download your free copy from our website - link in bio. Parish Matters is distributed to 3,000 households in the parish and is also available at the back of the church. -
Today the Church remembers 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐌𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐤𝐢, 𝐀𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐲𝐫, 𝐝. 𝟏𝟖𝟗𝟔 Born in Mozambique, Bernard was a teacher and translator, serving among the Shona people in what is now Zimbabwe. In a time of violence and danger, Bernard chose to remain with the people he had been sent to serve and was killed on 18 June 1896. Bernard reminds us that the Gospel is not carried only by bishops, priests, or famous voices. It is carried by all faithful people, teachers, neighbours, and friends: those who make Christ known by love, courage, patience, and service. As we give thanks for Bernard Mizeki today, may we have grace to be faithful where God has placed us, and to serve Christ in all people. Bernard Mizeki, Apostle of the MaShona and Martyr, pray for us. St Mary’s, Merton Park A place of prayer, worship, and welcome for all. #BernardMizeki #ChurchOfEngland #Anglican #Martyr #Zimbabwe #Mozambique -
Today, the Church remembers Joseph Butler, Bishop of Durham, philosopher, and intellectual defender of the Christian life. Butler wrote in an age when many were asking whether human beings are really anything more than self-interested creatures. Against the bleakness of Thomas Hobbes’s view of human nature, Butler argued that conscience, compassion, and benevolence are part of the complexity of what it means to be human. He also saw in the complexity of the world around him often perplexing patterns of order and meaning. In that same spirit, he invited people to see Christian faith not as an escape from reason, but as something woven into the deep structure of an untidy reality. In a noisy and suspicious age, Butler teaches us to listen to conscience, to ponder the strange patterns of meaning in creation, and to seek God with both heart and mind. Joseph Butler, Bishop of Durham and Philosopher, pray for us. St Mary’s, Merton Park A place of prayer, worship, and welcome for all. #JosephButler #ChurchOfEngland #Anglican #ChristianFaith #Conscience #Philosophy #Prayer -
Today the Church remembers Evelyn Underhill, writer, retreat conductor, and one of the great Anglican voices of prayer and the spiritual life. Underhill had a gift for helping ordinary Christians see that holiness is not reserved for a few exceptional people, but is the calling of all of us. She reminded the Church that prayer is not an escape from the world, but a way of being drawn more deeply into the life of God, and so into love for our neighbour. Her life and work still encourage us to make room for silence, attentiveness, and the presence of God amid the noise of everyday life. As we give thanks for Evelyn Underhill today, may we too grow in prayer, compassion, and the desire for God. “God is always coming to you in the Sacrament of the Present Moment.” Nico Muhly’s The Quiet Stars is a short anthem setting words from Underhill’s wartime poem “Candlemas, 1915”, St Mary’s, Merton Park A place of prayer, worship, and welcome for all. Image: Evelyn Underhill, 1926. Pleshey Retreat House / Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain. #EvelynUnderhill #FeastDay #SaintsOfTheChurch #Prayer #Anglican #ChurchOfEngland #stmarysmerton #MertonPark #christianspirituality -
Join us this us Sunday for beautiful music, restorative ritual, fellowship, and perhaps even a joke in the sermon! Excitingly, our wonderful choir are also singing at 𝑺𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝑪𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒅𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝒂𝒕 𝟒 𝒑𝒎 this Sunday for the Diocesan Evensong. If you fancy a pilgrimage, please do join us! Given this, the 𝟔.𝟑𝟎 𝒑𝒎 service this Sunday at Mary's will be a short Said Evening Prayer. Pew Sheet: https://landing.churchdesk.com/en-gb/file/3bc65a14-011d-4d56-bac7-60e2a70c5661 ~ Lord, you have taught us that all our doings without love are nothing worth: send your Holy Spirit and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of love, the true bond of peace and of all virtues, without which whoever lives is counted dead before you. Grant this for your only Son Jesus Christ’s sake, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen -
St Mary's Church is now on Facebook as well as Instagram! On Facebook search for St Mary the Virgin Merton and we're @stmarysmerton on Insta. -
It's another glorious spring day in Merton Park. Do join us for Choral Evensong tonight at 6.30pm. Responses - Ayleward Canticles - L'Estrange King's Service Anthem - Teach me O Lord - Attwood. #choralevensong -
A very happy Easter from the St Mary's Flower team, who worked so hard on Saturday to make the church even more beautiful than usual. #easterweekend -
A very happy Easter from all at St Mary's. Tonight at 6.30pm we continue our celebration of Christ's Resurrection with Choral Evensong. Responses: Rose Canticles: Stanford in G Anthem: My Beloved Spake - Patrick Hadley All welcome. #eastersunday #choralevensong -
The Easter Fire ablaze at our Holy Saturday service this evening. #holyweek #eastereve #holysaturday -
Easter Eve at St Mary's The Easter Garden is bare as we wait for the joy of the Resurrection on Easter Day. Tonight at 7.30pm: The Easter Vigil - from Darkness to Light. Easter Fire, renewal of baptismal promises and Easter music led by the choir. #holyweek #eastereve -
St Augustine's chapel, prepared for Good Friday. -
Good Friday at St Mary's 12noon Devotions with recorded music of The Passion (Pergolesi: Stabat Mater) 1pm Service at the Cross – hymns, readings, sermon 2pm The Good Friday Liturgy Do feel free to stay for all or any part of the 3 hours. #goodfriday #holyweek -
Maundy Thursday at St Mary's Tonight at 7.30pm we recall the Last Supper and Christ's washing of the apostles' feet, when He implored them to emulate His loving humility. After the service, which is led by the choir, there will be a Vigil until midnight for those who wish to stay for any or all of this. -
Do join us at St Mary's tomorrow as we begin Holy Week. Palm Sunday commemorates Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem. 9.40am Blessing of Palms - meet at John Innes Park Bandstand and process to St Mary's for : 10am Sung Eucharist in church with dramatic reading of the Gospel 6.30pm A Passiontide Sequence of Words and Music This service draws together some of the themes of the closing days of Jesus’ life and, in words and music, offers a space for reflection and prayer as we journey in faith and follow the way of Christ. The choir will sing: Mozart - Ave Verum Corpus Goss - O Saviour of the World Hilton - Lord for thy tender mercy’s sake #palmsunday #holyweek -
Easter baking all ready for tomorrow's Wednesday Club afternoon tea, 2:15pm for 2:30pm in the parish small hall. -
Do join us for our Mothering Sunday Children First Eucharist at 10am this Sunday. Free posies (made by our wonderful Flower Team) for all mothers, and simnel cake in the parish hall with tea, coffee and squash after the service! -
Revd Ali Milne received the key to the west door of the church from Churchwarden @davidreeves104 at the parish reception following his Collation and Induction as Vicar of St Mary’s Merton last Sunday. Ali's first Sunday is 8th March, and he will be preaching at all three services - at 8am Said Eucharist, 9.30am Parish Eucharist and 6.30pm Choral Evensong. Do come along on Sunday to support Ali as he begins his ministry with us. -
The bell tower noticeboard of Vicars of St Mary the Virgin Merton is now up to date! Ali is the 30th Vicar as, despite the church being founded around 1115, until the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII in the 1530s St Mary's was under the direct control of Merton Priory. -
St Mary's welcomed our new Vicar, Revd Ali Milne, at his Collation and Induction by the Bishop of Kingston, Rt Revd Martin Gainsborough, on Sunday 1 March. @southwarkcofe -
Official notification of the collation and induction of Revd Ali Milne as our new Vicar on Sunday 1 March, posted on the west door of the church. -
'Remember that you are dust, and unto dust you shall return'. Ash Wednesday sees the beginning of Lent, during which we reflect on Christ's time in the Wilderness and receive the sign of the cross in ashes from last year's palm crosses. Do join us at 7.30pm this Wednesday to mark this important time in the Christian year. Music is led by the choir. And enjoy your pancakes tomorrow! -
We're delighted to announce that Rev’d Alistair Milne will be the next Vicar of St Mary’s Merton. Ali currently is completing his curacy at St Nicolas' Guildford. His installation will take place at St Mary's on Sunday 1 March at 6.30pm. More details on our website (link in bio). @southwarkcofe @cofeguildford -
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Christmas Services at St Mary's Sunday 21 December - 6.30pm Nine Lessons & Carols by Candlelight Christmas Eve - 3.30pm & 5pm: Christingle services 11.30pm: Midnight Eucharist Christmas Day - 10am: Eucharist of Christmas Morning We look forward to seeing you over the festive season. -
This Sunday we look forward to Christ's coming at our candlelit Advent Carol service. Carols by the choir, readings and seasonal hymns for all in our joyful start to the season. All welcome! -
Don't miss our Christmas Market this Saturday 29th in the Church and Parish Hall from 11am to 2pm. Get in the seasonal spirit at our ever-popular community event! Kindly sponsored by @tennisonproperty -
Next Sunday, 9th November, we mark Remembrance Sunday with three services in collaboration with @merton_council, Rutlish High School and Old Rutlishians Association. - 9am Merton Civic Service outside the Nelson Health Centre in Kingston Road SW20 8DA, including the Last Post and wreath laying at the War Memorial of the former Nelson Hospital; - 10am Eucharist and Remembrance Service. Anthem: Greater Love Hath No Man by John Ireland. The two minute silence and Last Post at 11am is followed by the congregation moving outside to the War Memorial in Church Lane for; - a short wreath laying service and Last Post. Please arrive early for the 10am service as it is likely to be very busy. Our collection will be in support of @royalbritishlegion. 'At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them.' #remembrancesunday @rutlishschool @old_rutlishians_association -
Tonight at 6.30pm we remember loved ones who are no longer with us at our All Souls service. Do come and light a candle in memory of any relatives or friends who have died. Light refreshments follow the service. -
You are warmly invited to St Mary's Harvest Festival Celebration this Sunday 19 October at 10am. It will be a Children First Eucharist for all the family. We are collecting harvest gifts for @thespirescentre which works with the homeless and disadvantaged. Any of the following items would be gratefully received: Storecupboard donations such as tinned meat and fish, tinned meals, pot noodles, pasta sachets, snack pots of porridge, biscuits, cereal bars, evaporated and UHT milk, microwaveable rice. Toiletries such as shampoo and shower gel, toothbrushes and toothpaste, personal hygiene items. Thank you for your generosity, and we hope to see you on Sunday morning! #harvestfestival #homelessness -
Vicar of St Mary the Virgin Merton The recruitment advertisement for our vacancy appears in today's Church Times and is also posted on our website, together with our Parish Profile - link in bio. Closing date is 9 November 2025. -
We were delighted today to admit Ava Renton (2nd from left) as Head Chorister, supported by Chloe Ellam and Sophie Bisson (3rd and 4th from left) as Deputy Head Choristers. Ava succeeds Ellie Roberts (1st left) who performed the role with great dedication and skill. Ellie signed off as Head Chorister by singing the soprano solo in the Benedictus of Haydn's Little Organ Mass at this morning's Choral Eucharist. -
Flowers left on our war memorial on 19 September, in memory of Gunner Harry Littlewood who died the same day in 1917. -
St Mary's Choir sang Evensong at @westminsterabbeylondon on 28 July. The music: Ayleward responses, Psalm 71 vv1-16 (chants by GJ Bennett), Brewer in D Canticles, Anthem - O for the Wings of a Dove, Mendelssohn. @tristan_weymes #choralevensong -
Tomorrow, St Mary's Choir are excited and privileged to be singing Choral Evensong at Westminster Abbey. #choralevensong -
Help us get our bearings! The bells of St Mary’s need your help. Our six bells have been ringing out for hundreds of years. The oldest was cast around 1450, and is thought to be the oldest in Surrey. They are rung every Sunday, and celebrate christenings, weddings, funerals and mark important national occasions – recently the Coronation of Charles III and the 80th anniversary of VE day. But we have a big problem! As with most bells, St Mary’s bells are hung on ball bearings and, after 50 years regular use, the bearings need replacing. This requires professional bell hangers. Future expenses, such as new ropes and other essential items are imminent. We need to raise £10,000. If you love the sound of our bells and want them to continue, for us and for future generations to enjoy, please help us with a donation. Full details are on our website - link in bio. -
A memorable programme of opera arias and songs from musical theatre delighted an enthusiastic audience at St Mary's last night. Grateful thanks to old friends of St Mary’s @harriet_burns_ @ian.m.tindale and @matthewbisson01, and to tenor Matthew Palmer who very kindly sung at short notice. -
This Saturday, 28 June, we welcome the Wimbledon Chamber Choir for their summer concert. Book online or pay on the door. For more details and how to book online, visit our website - link in bio. -
Our next concert sees a warm welcome back to old friends Hattie and Ian who are joined by Michael Bell in what promises to be a spectacular evening of song. Date - Thursday 3 July Time - 7.30pm Tickets £15 on the door (cash or card) Licenced bar. @harriet_burns_ @ian.m.tindale -
The St Mary's Summer Fair yesterday was a great success and together we raised £5,500 for church funds. Thank you to everyone who came, to all the entertainers, the Wimbledon London Fire Brigade, and a particular thanks to Roger and his fantastic team of volunteers. -
🌞 Summer Fun at St Mary's Merton Fair! When: Saturday, 21 June. Time: 2 pm - 6 pm. Where: Parish Hall & Glebe, Church Path, Merton Park, London SW19 3HJ. Get ready for a quintessentially English country fair, right in the heart of South West London! 🏴 This family-friendly event is packed with endless entertainment and delights: • Live music to set the mood - from Rock to Barber Shop • Indulge in classic cream teas • Browse stalls selling plants, cakes, jams, and more • Try your luck at the traditional tombola • Play classic games and activities • See a real fire engine from the London Fire Brigade • Be mesmerised by the miniature train • Enjoy a refreshing drink from our fully licensed bar! 🍻 It's an afternoon you won't want to miss! 🎉 Bring the whole family and soak up the community spirit at the St Mary's Merton Summer Fair. See you there! -
We were delighted to welcome everyone on this year's Interfaith Walk to St Mary's, in support of Faith in Action Merton Homelessness Project, this lunchtime. They enjoyed hearing stories about St Mary's and our founder Gilbert the Norman, Sir Gregory Lovell (Cofferer to Elizabeth I), our most famous parishioner Horatio Lord Nelson, and Rear-Admiral Isaac Smith, reputed to be the first European on Australian soil and who's buried in our churchyard. #horationelson @mertonhomelessdropin -
Best wishes to everyone at Wembley today from St Mary's, including both Churchwardens, a choir member and our Parish Administrator, at today's League 2 Playoff final. #COYD! @afc_wimbledon -
This coming Sunday 11 May, we are recognising and celebrating the contribution of St Mary's peal of six bells and our wonderful Bellringers to the life of the Church and our local community. Do join us at our 9.30am Parish Eucharist and after the service enjoy a demonstration by the bellringers, and watch the bells in action via the belfry video monitor. Our photo is a screenshot from the monitor. #bellsunday -
Our Easter Garden is now emblazoned with colourful butterflies, thanks to our young Sunday Club members. Low Sunday services continue tonight at 6.30pm with Choral Evensong sung by our choir, including probationer trebles: Smith responses Grayston Ives: Salisbury Service canticles Anthem: Lead me Lord - Wesley #choralevensong #lowsunday #easter -
Apologies, our website isn't very well at the moment and not all its features are currently available. We hope that we can get it back to fighting fitness on Monday. -
Our Easter celebrations continue this evening at 6.30pm with Choral Evensong sung by our choir. Responses: Rose Canticles: Stanford in A Anthem: Ye Choirs of New Jerusalem - Stanford All welcome. #easter #choralevensong -
Easter Eve - Saturday 19 April 7.30pm The first service of Easter, The Easter Vigil takes place this evening. It begins in darkness retelling creation, the cry of freedom to set God’s people free. After the sun has set, the Paschal (Easter) Candle is inscribed with a cross, the current year and the letters ‘Alpha’ and ‘Omega’ just before it is lit from a bonfire set alight in the churchyard. Then carried into the darkened church, it is lifted high as a cantor intones ‘The Light of Christ’. The people’s candles are lit from it, gradually spreading light to fill the church. In a central place of honour, an ancient prayer of praise, the Exsultet is sung around the Candle, recording the mighty acts of God in redeeming the world and heralding the Light of the Resurrection. The church explodes with sound as the Gloria is sung, the organ thunders and bells peal forth, leading to the first Biblical readings of Easter. A richly colourful service full of symbolism and drama starts St Mary's celebration of the Resurrection. #holysaturday #easter #holyweek #eastereve -
Our Good Friday service from 12 noon to 3pm takes place as the Church recalls the hours of darkness after Jesus’ death on the Cross. It is divided into three sections: 12pm–1pm. Reflection on Christ’s Crucifixion while listening to recordings of music on the theme of The Passion of Our Lord. 1pm–2pm. The Service at the Cross: readings, hymns, prayers and sermon 2pm–3pm. The Good Friday Liturgy – telling the story and reflecting on what happened on the first Good Friday. Please feel free to come and go at any time during the service. -
It's been a glorious spring afternoon, and the bell tower of the church and the Norman arch in the foreground look lovely from the Vicarage garden. -
We were delighted to welcome back @alexander.binns2 last night, who treated an enthusiastic and appreciative audience to a wonderfully diverse programme of organ music. And many thanks, Alexander, for being so complimentary about our lovely Mander organ! -
Organ Recital TODAY Thursday 10 April at 7.30pm Don't miss this opportunity to hear Alexander Binns, Director of Music at Derby Cathedral, playing our fine 2015 Mander organ. Alexander's programme includes music from the 16th century, works by Bach, Widor, Cesar Franck, an arrangement of a well-known spiritual and music composed for the Coronation of King Charles III. Tickets £15 on the door, cash or card. Interval bar. We hope to see you this evening. -
We were delighted to welcome the Bishop of Southwark, The Rt Revd Christopher Chessun, to our Parish Eucharist on Sunday as our preacher and celebrant. Bishop Christopher was visiting St Mary's for the final time before our Vicar, Revd John Hayward, retires this coming July. @southwark_cathedral -
Organ Recital by Alexander Binns, Thursday 10 April 7.30pm Next Thursday we welcome Derby Cathedral's Director of Music @alexander.binns2 for what promises to be an exciting evening of organ music on St Mary's fine organ. Alexander's programme includes works from the 16th century, and by Bach, Widor and Cesar Franck. He'll also play an arrangement of a well-known spiritual and music composed for the Coronation of King Charles III. Tickets on the door are £15, cash or card. Interval bar. -
You can apply online right now to join St Mary's 2025 Electoral Roll. It's really easy! You're entitled to be on our Roll if you're baptised, become 16 years of age during the next twelve months and either live in the parish or worship regularly at St Mary’s. Click on the link in our bio and open the top story for more info and the online form. -
It was annual spring clean day in the church today, on a beautiful spring day. Thanks to all our wonderful volunteers for their hard work. -
'Remember that you are dust, and unto dust you shall return'. Ash Wednesday sees the beginning of Lent, during which we reflect on Christ's time in the Wilderness and receive the sign of the cross in ashes from last year's palm crosses. Do join us at 7.30pm on Wednesday to mark this important time in the Christian year. Music is led by the choir. And enjoy your pancakes tomorrow!
