Since last year's report the committee of the Churches Together in Merton Park have continued meeting every two months. There have been changes in the committee membership. Pastor In Jung Kim and his daughter Annie from the Korean Church were welcomed in September 2010. Sadly Anne Fleming has stood down in July and replaced by Lisa Ashby who was also welcomed as one of St James' representatives. Rev Tom Kavanagh continues his role as Chairman and Father Graham Derriman is now the secretary.
The Service of Healing and Reconciliation took place at St Mary's Church on the 18th October which happened to be St Luke's day. There was a good representation from all 6 churches but more especially from the Korean Church. It is hoped that these services will be a twice yearly event arranged by each of the CTiMP. The next healing service will take place at Martin Way. (Date and time to be arranged).
The Good Friday Witness of the Anglican and Roman Catholic Churches at St James' Church was relatively poorly attended. It was suggested that in future the Churches might consider joining the Act of Witness at the Civic Centre at 11am led by the Churches Together in Morden. As in previous years Merton Park Baptist and Martin Way Methodist have a joint Service with Morden Baptist and Morden Park Baptist Churches on Good Friday.
As Churches Together the committee is keen to celebrate the 400th Anniversary of the King James Bible this year. There was an opportunity at the Service for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity to use the authorised version with effect. This Service, which was well attended took place at St John Fisher RC Church on the 23rd January. The Bible Society website (www.kingjamesbibletrust.org) revealed 23rd October as Bible Sunday so CTMP will be presenting 'The Good Book' at St James' Church at 6pm.
At the beginning of this year a suggestion was made to support a 'Joint Venture' (of the non-smoking type) as a fund raising event. St Mary's Church held an auction on the 5th February and offers or promises made from CTiMP and others helped raise more than £4,000 toward St Mary's Scout project. It is one way in which each Church would benefit from becoming involved in different fund raising activites as a way of working together.
Proposed Homeless Shelter in Merton has been discussed at the CTiMP meetings in the past and more recently following last winter's extreme weather. Faith in Action, YMCA South West London and Wimbledon and BE Church Wimbledon are all proposing a 7 nights a week facility during the coldest nights of the year. Volunteers will be required from the local Churches and it is hoped that C.T.M.P. members will be proactive in encouraging a response to the needs of the proposed shelter.
Since Christian CARE grew out of a Lent group of the Merton Council of Churches, the present CTiMP members have benefitted greatly having CC's chairperson Gillian Thick on the committee. At each meeting Gillian gives an update on the activities as well as needs that arise. As a response to the increased number of families in need of subsistence at the beginning of the year, each of the 6 Churches collected food items to distribute to these families in the borough and was greatly appreciated.
Dennis Clark and Gwen Wildman are currently the representatives from Martin Way but anyone with an interest in ecumenicalism or have ideas about working together as Churches are most welcome. The next meeting will be on Thursday 15th September 2011