St. Paul's Waiwhetu Merges Food and Politics for Meaningful Community Engagement

Lower Hutt's St. Paul's Waiwhetu Church is proving that parishes can be vibrant hubs for community engagement, all while addressing practical needs.  

"Our Co-op and politics are both strengths of St. Paul's," says Reverend Karl Weeks-Dickson.  

"We recently opened our chapel for residents to not only pick up much-needed canned goods but also engage in discussions with Hutt City Councillors about the council's Long-Term Plan." 

The initiative wasn't just about groceries and governance. The warm atmosphere, complete with homemade baking and fresh coffee, fostered "peaceful but honest conversations," according to Rev. Weeks-Dickson.  

Residents actively participated, voicing concerns about everything from rate increases and flood plans to library funding and wharf development. 

"The generosity of our Co-op whānau blew us away," Rev. Weeks-Dickson continues.  

"The members, on buggies and walkers, brought in can donations to support Birthright Hutt Valley, a local organization providing support, advice, guidance and assistance to one-parent families under stress or in need." 

This event exemplifies St. Paul's philosophy of utilizing existing resources to serve the community.  

"We may be a smaller church," Rev. Weeks-Dickson reflects, "but we believe, like the story of the loaves and fishes, that the Lord can use what we have." 

The church's commitment extends beyond food and politics. "For the past two years, a dedicated group of men has met every Monday to pray for our church, community, and the world," Rev. Weeks-Dickson explains.  

"We've witnessed healings, growth, and answered prayers, which we believe contributed to the success of Tuesday's event." 

Drawing a parallel with car enthusiasts, Rev. Weeks-Dickson concludes, "W run what we brung” (we bring what we have) – our resources and prayers – and trust the Holy Spirit to guide the rest. As a church, we firmly believe God has a purpose for us, and we're actively living that purpose by serving our community, present and future." 

St. Paul's Waiwhetu offers an inspiring testimony for parishes seeking to foster meaningful connections and address the needs of their communities. By combining practical support with opportunities for civic engagement, they're creating a space for dialogue, growth, and positive change. 

In this season of Pentecost, we pray with our Diocesan whānau,  

Lord, we bring you ourselves and what we have. 

Lord it is yours. 

Lord, we think that what we bring is too small, not important, not impactful. 

Lord, it is yours. 

Use us and what we bring, in spite of what we think. 

Help us to see ourselves and what we bring with your eyes. 

Lord, we are yours. 

Lord, you have not called us to stop loving and serving. 

Lord, you have not called to stop being peacemakers and chain breakers.  

Lord, revive and restore us. 

Lord, we bring you ourselves and what we have.