St Mary’s Raetihi Connects to Community Through Morning Tea Ministry

To connect with the wider community, St. Mary’s Anglican in the Ruapehu Parish began offering morning teas for local school staff. And, after initially being met with surprise, their gesture of manaakitanga soon received delight and gratitude. Now, they're expanding, inviting all to partake in their mission of blessing. 

Pictured: Wendy Darmody, Rev Alison Seifert and Vanessa Pehi (Orautoha School Principal).

"It's more than just baking cakes; it's about connecting with our community," explains Rev Alison Seifert, Priest in Charge at St Mary’s.   

Stepping outside their comfort zone, parishioners began delivering the baked goods to schools and the response was beyond what they had anticipated. Schools welcomed them with open arms, offering tours, introductions to staff, and invitations to share in morning tea. 

"It was wonderful to see the joy on their faces," says Alison.  

"Their gratitude was humbling, and it affirmed that we're on the right path. 

"We've seen God's hand in this, blessing us as we seek to bless others. But they’ve also been a huge blessing to us, too. 

"God is working through our small parish, showing us that even the simplest acts of kindness can make a significant impact." 

The baking first relied on the efforts of regular attendees at Sunday services. However, realizing the need for broader involvement, the parish sought guidance from Archdeacon for Mission and Ministry Gendy Thomson. With her help, the “morning teas for school’s” ministry is now coordinated by St Mary’s 3dm group as part of its mission focus.  

They reached out to people who weren't regular attendees and invited them to join in baking for the schools.  

Alison says, "By inviting others to participate, we're not only spreading joy but also forging new bonds within our parish family." 

Looking ahead, the group aims to expand their outreach by engaging those on the margins of the parish. They plan to invite magazine recipients who don't attend services to join in the baking efforts, offering yet another avenue for connection and inclusion. 

The initiative was birthed during the St Mary’s 2023 AGM when they discussed the question: How can we, as a parish, be more visible in our community? This soul searching resulted in the idea of providing morning tea for the staff of the local schools being proposed," shares Alison.  

"It seemed like a wonderful way to connect with the staff and show our appreciation for the vital work they do." 

Initially met with stunned silence, the proposal eventually garnered unanimous support from parishioners. "Once the shock wore off, everyone agreed – yes, we can do this."  

However, despite the enthusiasm, implementation proved slower than expected. It wasn't until the first school received their delivery of homemade treats – including a cake made from locally grown beetroot – that momentum truly picked up. The positive feedback from the grateful staff propelled the parish forward. 

As the year progresses, plans are in motion for a thank-you event, where all the bakers will be honored for their contributions. It's a testament to the power of community and the transformative potential of small acts of love. 

In the end, St. Mary’s has found not only a way to be more visible in their community but also a deeper sense of purpose and connection within their own congregation.