DAVID Hawken grew up in a regional community, so by moving to Leeton he already feels almost at home. Mr Hawken is the new minister at St Andrew's Presbyterian Church and so far he is enjoying all that Leeton shire has to offer. The church had been without an official minister for some time following the departure of Reverend Richard Keith. Mr Hawken moved to Leeton with his wife and young daughter in December before heading off on a holiday. He officially started in the minister role at the beginning of February. "My parents live in northern NSW and I grew up on a sugar cane farm up there," Mr Hawken said. "So, coming to Leeton I'm enjoying being back in a regional community after living in Sydney for the last five years. RELATED "I'm happier in the country than I am in the city. "This is my first official ministry role. I've worked part-time at two other churches in youth ministry roles, but I've never overseen the whole church." To become a minister, Mr Hawken has had to complete a masters degree and graduate diploma. He's pleased to have the study behind him and is now looking forward to getting to work with the St Andrew's parish and wider Leeton shire community. To lead a parish successfully, Mr Hawken said there were three key elements. "There's the Sunday (church) gatherings every week," he said. "Then on top of that there's the pastoral care for members of the congregation. "There's also care for the local community and others around as well. Things like nursing home visits, being involved in local events and hosting events as well." Mr Hawken isn't locked into a contract as such for staying in Leeton. At the moment he and the church and its parishioners are part of almost a trial period. Within the coming months they will decide if its working and if so, Mr Hawken will then be offered tenure to stay on long-term if he wishes to do so. "It's an exciting challenge," he said. "I'm really looking forward to getting to know everyone, hearing and listening to them." **** While you’re with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox every Friday at 6am from The Irrigator. To make sure you’re up to date with all news in Leeton sign up here.
"I'm happier in the country than I am in the city.
"This is my first official ministry role. I've worked part-time at two other churches in youth ministry roles, but I've never overseen the whole church."
To become a minister, Mr Hawken has had to complete a masters degree and graduate diploma.
He's pleased to have the study behind him and is now looking forward to getting to work with the St Andrew's parish and wider Leeton shire community.
To lead a parish successfully, Mr Hawken said there were three key elements.
St Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Leeton.
"There's the Sunday (church) gatherings every week," he said.
"Then on top of that there's the pastoral care for members of the congregation.
"There's also care for the local community and others around as well. Things like nursing home visits, being involved in local events and hosting events as well."
Mr Hawken isn't locked into a contract as such for staying in Leeton.
At the moment he and the church and its parishioners are part of almost a trial period. Within the coming months they will decide if its working and if so, Mr Hawken will then be offered tenure to stay on long-term if he wishes to do so.
"It's an exciting challenge," he said.
"I'm really looking forward to getting to know everyone, hearing and listening to them."
****
While you’re with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox every Friday at 6am from The Irrigator. To make sure you’re up to date with all news in Leeton sign up here.
