Annie Hawkes

My call to ordained ministry is built on the values of Whanaungatanga and Manaakitanga, these form the foundation of my vocation. I bring these values to life in my ministry within a local dementia unit and rest home services.

Whanaungatanga is the deep sense of connection and belonging that we are called to nurture and protect. Over time, I have had the privilege of growing a team to serve this community. We focus on being present and hold services more akin to Christian fellowship; we read the bible, pray for each other, sing familiar hymns and listen to music. We are always able to see the presence of God at work; people join in, sing, and have often spoken profound words of faith, gifting our team with their words. Our team enables those who can no longer easily attend a traditional parish church remain an active, member of the body of Christ. Through these services, we enable everyone to be part of a community of faithful people, recognising that our relationship with God does not end as we age or our cognitive abilities decline.

Manaakitanga offers radical hospitality, compassion, and profound respect to those in our care. In the rest home and dementia unit, this means creating an environment where every individual experiences the unconditional love of God. My time is spent on being someone who enables time for spiritual connection and peace. I am deeply committed to upholding the inherent dignity of each person I meet. No matter how elderly, infirm, or cognitively fragile, I stand alongside them to affirm and celebrate their enduring identity in Christ. I aim to remind them, their whanau and staff that they are known, loved, and securely held by God.