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Larry Hawkey - Dir. of Senior Youth Ministries

E-mail Larry

I am a graduate of Bridgewater College and have a Master of  Arts in Liberal Studies from Duke University.  My wife, Beth and I have been members of McMannen since 1984.  I have been Director of Sr. High Youth since Feb 2004.  We have two sons, Michael and Andrew.

Favorite Bible Verse:
Luke 17:20-  Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, "The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the Kingdom of God is within you"  (**See below for my interpretation of this verse.)

What I like best about being a Youth Director:
I like the kids.  Each one is different and in their own way unique gift from God.  It is a challenge to make a difference in each of their lives and to make UMYF something that meets each of their needs.  In the end, I feel the best way to do that is to help each of them develope and grown in their relationship with God.

General Philosophy about a youth program:
It's relationships, not programs, that change young people.  A great program simply creates the environment for healthy relationships to form between adults and youth.  Young people thrive when adults care about them on a one-on-one level, and when they also have a sense of belonging to a caring community.  --Bill Milliken-- 

Final comment:
My wife says I have too much time on my hands and that I think too much.  I get 24 hours in a day just like everyone else.  As far as thinking too much...... I'll have to think about that....

** "The Kingdom of God is within you."  Most people think of the Kingdom of God as Heaven; that place where good people go when they die.  While it is true that God rules in Heaven so it is his kingdom, it is also true that anywhere God is sovereign is his Kingdom.  Jesus is telling us that if we let God rule our hearts then we are part of that Kingdom or that Kingdom is part of us.  Submitting to God's sovereignty is scary.  He may ask us to do something hard.  However, He will never ask us to do anything unimportant or meaningless.  Anyway, that is my read of that verse and why it is important to me. 8<)