Parish of Gate Pa

This parish is a welcoming parish of a more liberal persuasion. The church is built on the historic battle site of Pukehinahina/Gate Pā, which was fought on 29 April 1864. This part of our story calls us to a mission of reconciliation.

Contact:
Office, Ph 07 578-7916
1 Church Street, Gate Pa, Tauranga

www.stgeorgesgatepa.org.nz

Parish Administrator: Patricia Boland
admin.gatepa@waiapu.com

Vicar - Rev'd John Hebenton,  1 Church Street, Gate Pa, Tauranga
Ph 07 578-7916 or 021 679202. Email: john.hebenton@waiapu.com

Worship:
Our church is a space for people to explore and express their faith, and within our sanctuary is a deep sense of the sacred and peaceful presence.
Balance of NZ Prayer Book and other worship resources; music blend of traditional and contemporary; shared leadership between clergy and lay. We welcome people of all ages and offer children's activities.
There are occasional evening contemplative services;
We celebrate the major festivals of the Christian year.

Weekly Services:
Tuesday: 9.30am Holy Communion Service
Sundays:  8am Holy Communion Quiet Service (no hymns)
9.30am Holy Communion Service

Ethos: Liberal Anglican. We try to be welcoming of everyone who walks through our doors – above which are written the words “All who enter here be reconciled”. We believe in the principles of justice, social equality and human rights, and we seek to be present to and with our community including the marginalised.

Ethnicity: Mainly NZ European and English, but there other ethnic groups present; Te Reo used regularly in services.

Children: Merivale Whanau Aroha Childcare Centre; Pre-School Music group - Friday mornings 9.30am-10am; children's dinners and programmes prior to major church festivals.

Social: Parish complex used by community groups; regular Sunday lunches; Association of Anglican Women events and meetings; Men's afternoon teas; Evening dinners to mark special events (e.g. Shrove Tuesday, Mid-Winter, Maundy Thursday)

Outreach: Centrepoint Opportunity Shop and drop-in-centre in neighbouring Greerton; pre-school music group on Friday mornings 9.30am-10am; support of Merivale Whānau Aroha Early Childhood Education Centre; support of Foodbank; Hodgson House chaplaincy and services;  1 Retirement village with monthly communion; Rest homes with services. 

Highlights: Parish Fair in October; Annual SPCA Pet Service; hosting of school and other groups interested in the story of the Battle of Gate Pa. 60 Bells Remembrance Service; St. George’s Day Celebrations