Hiona-St Stephen’s, Opotiki

Hiona-St Stephen’s, Opotiki

Hioana-St Stephen’s sits in the midst of painful stories of Maori-Pakeha relationships of previous generations and is therefore aware of the depth of emotion in any reconciliation process. It is a parish committed to its community and tries to provide creative worship within a traditional framework.

Contact:
Office, 124 Church Street, PO Box 453, Opotiki
Ph 07 315-8319
Email: hiona-st.stephens@xtra.co.nz

Priest in Charge - Rev'd Jim Greenaway.

Worship:
Sunday - 8am & 9.30am.
First Sunday 9.30am only, with Family Eucharist.
Children’s Liturgy 9.30am every Sunday in the Schol Term. NZ Prayer Book with comtemporary music and diglot liturgy.
Thursday - 10am: Eucharist.


Ethos: A servant congregation with a strong sense of community loyalty built around historical and family connections. New people welcomed, old relationships nurtured while working towards building a community of faith in Opotiki.


Ethnicity: Mainly Pakeha in an increasingly Maori context with Te Reo used in liturgy.


Children: Christian education provided for a small group on Sunday. Future development planned.


Social: Morning tea after service on Sunday and Thursday. AAW fellowship meets monthly.


Training: Currently fostering neighbour gatherings designed to create good communication and involvement. Further development possible.


Outreach: Supporting Mothers In Love and Encouragement (SMILE) on first and third Fridays during school term. Task groups formed to develop ministry with families and children; provide critical services for an ageing community; communicate the Anglican mission story in Opotiki. Pastoral work with older residents; partners with Anglican Childcare (Whakatane) in providing childcare. Growing through Grief Anglican Care programme also based in the area.


Highlights: Mokomoko and Volkner, symbols for reconciliation. Constantly celebrating continuing reconciliation through tours of our historic church; annual fair.