Since the first stage of the Piglet Taxi cycle path went into operation, St. Mary's Church has been a cyclist's church. It is reliably open and pilgrims and cyclists have the opportunity to take a break in the church garden or, in bad weather, under the gallery in the church, where there is also a bookshelf. Toilets are in a newly built outbuilding north of the church. A repair kit is available for smaller repairs if you don't have any tools with you.
A committed parish council is committed to the building and its preservation.
St. Mary's Church has a mighty, wide west wing in which the bells are also located. Currently (spring 2024) there is only one bell from 1501 in the tower. The smaller second one dates from the 11th century and is currently undergoing restoration. A third was melted down during World War II. However, you can only go into the tower on special occasions.
To the south of the church, in the former mortuary, there is a community room for services in winter or the children's group every two weeks.
A priest was first mentioned in Hakenstedt at the end of the 13th century. The current church dates from around the late 16th century. The patronage box of the Schwarze family has a separate entrance on the north side; the Braunschweig Chamber has had patronage rights since 1935.
In 2014/2015 the church was completely renovated by the Braunschweig Cultural Heritage Foundation.