As many people were blessed in their communities to encounter deeper connection and hospitality over the national lockdown earlier in the year, our bishops have sent out the challenge from September to the start of Advent to take part in prayerful hospitality with those around us. This week, Reverend Karl Dixon of St Paul’s Lower Hutt shares about the way his family has returned to a fun and active tradition of theirs to bring their neighbourhood together.

One of our responses to the invitation of Manaaki Tātou was to launch a new season of the Waiwhetu Backyard Badminton Association (established in 2018). The WBBA grew from a time when we shared our whare with another family for six months. Visitors to our place were often invited for ‘a quick hit up before kai' and the youngest winner of Player of the Day was a five-year-old. 

It is fitting that we relaunch the WBBA at a time where connection, kai and a few laughs are sorely needed. In honour of this season of Manaaki Tātou, we have even upgraded our net – which was an old threadbare one we found in the church hall (and was tied between the trampoline and a tree) – to an actual net (albeit a cheap one). 

Trees have been pruned to make space, the lawn has been mowed to WBBA regulation depth, and we are in the process of constructing a member’s stand for the enjoyment of spectators.

The season has already opened with a junior round held last week, and we are looking forward to spending a great deal of time with friends and whānau from around our community.

By Rev. Karl Dixon

We would love to hear more stories about the ways our parishes are connecting with their communities through Manaaki Tātou – if you would like to tell us what your church, whānau or household has been up to over this season, send an email through to communications@anglicanmovement.nz