Bishop of London's Statement

Dear brothers and sisters,

I am sure many of you saw the Prime Minister’s announcement on Monday evening informing us that we are now in a third lockdown. The Bishop of London made a statement shortly afterwards, which you can read below: churches are allowed to remain open. After some reflection our three churches will continue to be available for public worship and private prayer. We recognise that this has been a lifeline for some and we have worked hard to ensure our spaces are COVID-secure and as safe as possible. A weekly recorded service will continue to be placed on our Merton Priory Parish YouTube channel. Please do worship at home or worship in church as you feel comfortable doing and together let us pray for all at the frontline of the NHS and other key services, for the most vulnerable, for the anxious and isolated, and for God’s abundant blessing on the vaccination programme. May Christ be our light and our wisdom in these days. Revd Mark Eminson, Revd Alison Judge, Revd Belemo Alagoa on behalf of the Merton Priory Team

Bishop of London's Statement Following Monday's statement by the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, detailing new restrictions in England to control the spread of Covid-19, The Bishop of London, Sarah Mullally, who chairs the Church of England’s Covid Recovery Group, said: “The Prime Minister’s words tonight underline the severity of the situation for the country, as the virus continues to spread rapidly. At a time like this, the Church is here to offer comfort and spiritual support to everyone. We have a duty to care for each other, but particularly those who are vulnerable or who may be most at risk. “The Government has chosen not to suspend public worship in England at this time and we will continue to follow the guidance and ensure that churches remain as safe as possible. The Government guidance on the safe use of places of worship makes clear that those attending a place of worship must not mingle with anyone outside their household or support bubble. “However, some may feel that it is currently better not to attend in person, and there will be parishes which decide to offer only digital services for the time-being. Clergy who have concerns, and others who are shielding, should take particular care and stay at home. “I would urge everyone in our churches to pray for those on the front line in our public services the NHS and those working in social care, for schools and many others on whom we depend; and for parents and carers of children at this anxious and stressful time. “There is hope. The vaccination programme is underway and, as Christians, we have a deeper hope in God that comforts us beyond fear itself. As we have been remembering this Christmas Season, even in the midst of our darkest fears, that hope brings light.”

Merton Priory Team Ministry Christ Church Colliers Wood, Holy Trinity & St Peter South Wimbledon, & St John the Divine Merton www.christchurchsw19.org.uk www.ht-sw.org.uk www.stjohnsw19.org.uk

If you have any pastoral needs or concerns or any ideas about how we continue to be the Church during this period or for any other matter contact the Merton Priory Coronavirus Task Group – Mark, Alison, Belemo, Kerry & Richard – as below.

TEAM CLERGY Team Rector: Revd Mark Eminson (usual day off - Friday) t 020 8542 2313 / 07939 253915 e [email protected] Team Vicar: Revd Alison Judge (usual day off – Monday) t 020 8616 5794 / 07506 718940 e [email protected] Assistant Priest: Revd Belemo Alagoa (available – Wed, Thurs, Sun) t 020 3720 0543 e [email protected] Associate Priest: Revd Canon Duncan Swan (available Sunday) t 020 7939 9404 e [email protected] Reader: Nick Mayhew-Smith t 07789 432257 e [email protected] Southwark Pastoral Auxiliary: Joy Lyons (Christ Church) [email protected] CHRIST CHURCH: Churchwardens: Desmond Davies & Alison Fletcher Rogers HOLY TRINITY: Churchwardens: Kerry Porritt & Richard Blades e [email protected] ST JOHN THE DIVINE: Churchwardens: Ann Roberts & Jean Parker PARISH ADMINISTRATOR: Vacant, t 020 8542 1388 e [email protected]