St Matthew’s, Hastings

St Matthew’s Parish in Hastings gathers in an architecturally and historically significant church building. A thriving parish school and childcare centre are located in the grounds and form an integral part of parish life.

Contact:
St Matthew’s Church, cnr King St South and Lyndon Rd West
PO Box 824, Hastings 4156

Administrator: Tracey Weston (Office hours 9am to 12 noon)
Ph: 06 878-9476 Fax: 06 878-9478
Email: stmatthews.hastings@gmail.com
Website: http://www.stmatts.org.nz

Priest in Charge: Rev'd Alister Hendery 
Email: alister@waiapu.com
Ph:021 742 434

Worship: 
Sunday Eucharists, which are rooted in A New Zealand Prayer Book – He Karakia Mihinare o Aotearoa, are normally held at:
8.00am (in the Lady Chapel)
10.00am
Thursday: 10.15am: A said Eucharist
 
Messy Church: 
Normally on the Second Saturday of the month in the church hall from 4.00pm.
 
A variety of groups gather regularly within the parish.
These include:
Drop-in Art; Drop-in Craft, Women’s Afternoon Fellowship, Mens’ monthly lunch & Hard HATs Youth Group.


Ethos: Relaxed broad Anglican but open to exploring faith and belief; shares with other mainline churches; regular combined services with Roman Catholics and Presbyterians.

Ethnicity: Mainly Pakeha but some younger families involved, including Maori, Malaysian and South African.

Children: Activity provided during 10am Eucharist. Interaction with school on site. Children’s dance group and choir being developed.

Social: Morning tea after 10am service, and regular congregational lunches. Afternoon Fellowship group meets monthly.

Training: Occasional study groups, seasonal quiet days and retreats encouraged.

Outreach: Parish hosts primary school and early childhood centre; op shop; weekly pre-school music and art and craft programmes.

Highlights: Advent, Christmas and Easter; patronal festival and occasional sung evensong and other celebrations; combined school and parish eucharist each term, Blossom Week lunchtime concerts; many other public concerts and recitals.