St James, Mahora

St James is the largest local shared ministry parish in Hawkes Bay. It has a dramatic, although not entirely user-friendly, 1970s church and a rambling hall which is used for a number of Anglican social services. It has a small but growing outreach to children of the community, but the Sunday service tends to attract an older congregation.

Contact:
1024A Duke Street, Mahora, Hastings 4120
Contact: Sue Humphrey (Secretary)
Office, Ph 06 878-8980
Email:  stjamesmahora@xtra.co.nz
LSM Priests: Fred Ebbeling, Ph 06 877-6541
and Jan Tapper, 06 878-9823

Worship:
Sunday - 9.30am: music mainly traditional, with blend of modern songs from small music group, guitar and tapes.
4th Sunday, 8am: traditional

Ethos: Mainly traditional, reflecting an ageing congregation. Regular family forum allows sharing of views. Friendly, welcoming parish with dedicated pastoral care team.

Ethnicity: Pakeha, with snippets of Te Reo and a respect for bicultural reality of this land.
Children & Youth: Special programmes if children are present; welcoming area with toys and crafts at the back of the church; Christmas Eve service for families and children. Extra efforts are being made to encourage and welcome youth. Youth group most Friday evenings,

Social: Morning tea after worship; parish barbecue, gala, breakfast, and bi-annual dinners/lunches. Patronal festival followed by restaurant luncheon; Walk of the Cross with local Catholics; teaching and educational programmes. Fellowship with St Peters.

Training: Monthly sessions after church; parishioners encouraged to attend diocesan events.

Outreach: Op shop; foodbank supplies; monthly men’s luncheon; midweek service for elderly; monthly services at rest-homes; collectors for hospice appeal; hall available free to Growing Through Grief. Specially crafted services with focus on outreach

Highlights: Maundy Thurs service; Walk of the Cross; occasional jazz service; patronal festival; children’s Christmas service; flower Sunday in November