Message from Live More Ministries

Dear Live More Ladies –

We would like to share with you a message of hope and encouragement from Ginny Merritt, guest speaker for the next Live More Ministries program.  As soon as we have a new date for that program, we will let you know.  In the meantime …

Be safe, stay healthy, and always Live More!

March 31, 2020

Dear LiveMore sisters,

“Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.”

That childhood song is such a comfort in the face of the Covid-19 crisis. As the waves of change wash over us and threaten to knock us off our feet, our anchor is Jesus and His love. This I know.

Ray and I set up our Resurrection Set on the living room hutch a week ago (see picture below). Our white-robed Lord is perched on top of an empty plaster tomb. He has His arms thrown wide in triumph and welcome. Below Him, a few of His disciples in their striped clothing and some women carrying brightly painted flowers have come. They are in awe. Some kneel.

Like you, we have been so sad about the whole world being affected or infected by this invisible virus. We decided to put our world globe on our dining table so we could look at different countries and pray for the people there. Last night, Ray moved the globe to the Resurrection Scene. He wants a visual image to remind us that Jesus died for this world. He loves every nation. He loves every person. He is not absent. He is with us.

In my devotions this morning, I came across a familiar passage of Scripture, but it took on new

meaning in light of this crisis. That’s what the living Word of God does, doesn’t it? It lives, it grows, it breathes, it gives life.

Ephesians 5:15-20, NLT 15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. 17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. 18 Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, 19 singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. 20 And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The verse that struck me in the face was v. 16: “Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.”

What? Make the most of every opportunity? What opportunity? I can’t get out; I can’t get to church; I can’t talk with my neighbors face to face; I can’t see my children or grandchildren; I can’t hold Good News Club in my home! And I can’t come to speak at LiveMore on April 25. What am I supposed to do?

Well, little lady, you DO have a husband to care for and live with in isolation in tender, loving ways. You DO have your emails and letters and texts to encourage friends and family. You DO have the privilege of intercessory prayer for medical workers everywhere, particularly for ones whose names you know: Stacy, Kevin, Erin, Dr. Shives. You CAN make face masks for those who need them.

There’s lots to do! Make the most of it. That’s what Paul says.

He also says to sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs “among yourselves.” Ray and I have taken up a new habit at one meal a day of reading the background of a familiar hymn and then singing it together.

Finally, the passage says to give thanks for everything. Some versions say IN everything. Honestly, I’m more comfortable with that. I am not thankful that the world is suffering from this crisis, that so many thousands are sick and dying.

But I can trust God that He will bring good out of this. And I can find things to thank Him for IN this situation. I thank Him that we have neighbors shopping for us and taking care of our needs; I thank Him that my husband is good and kind, and we have many resources in our home to keep us pleasantly occupied; I thank Him for His word, His son and His love. Being grateful lifts my mood and gives me new perspective.

In His time, God will bring us together again, friends. Maybe in Belleville, maybe in heaven. We don’t know. But we will Live More for Him as we trust in His watch care.

With love in Jesus, our anchor,

Ginny Merritt

More, Please or Pleasing More?

On Saturday, January 25, 2020, Mary Hooker will encourage listeners to “get growing” as she did in her journey from a military mom homeschooling five children to a widow who found new purpose in helping hundreds of children throughout Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties. Mary, who serves as Director of the Watertown/Tri-County Chapter of Child Evangelism Fellowship, based in Warrenton, MO, will also talk about how others can grow from an attitude of “more, please” to pleasing more through service.

This free program is a presentation of Live More Ministries for women and will be hosted by St. Cecelia’s Church, 17 Grove Street, Adams, NY. A complimentary breakfast will be served from 9am to 9:45 am, the program runs from 10 am to 12 pm and is a presentation of Live More Ministries for women. 

Mary will share how various milestones in her life as a military wife impacted her life from a women’s meeting while stationed in Hawaii and a decision to homeschool to requesting a posting to Fort Drum, NY, losing her husband to cancer while stationed in Georgia, and discovering Good News Clubs in Sackets Harbor, NY.

After settling in the Watertown area following her husband’s death in 2006, Mary was asked to help with the Good News Clubs in Sackets Harbor and Belleville-Henderson and thereafter helped pioneer the growth of Good News Clubs and 5-Day Clubs in the Watertown, Indian River, Beaver River and Massena areas. Today, Mary serves as Director of the Watertown/Tri-County Chapter of Child Evangelism Fellowship, Warrenton, MO. Her program will mention how others can become in involved in Good News Clubs, Stonecroft Ministries for women and frequently available near military bases, and Christian Youth In Action.

When Mary returned to Northern New York, there were five Good News Clubs underway: at Belleville-Henderson, Lyme, Sackets Harbor and two at South Jefferson. Today, there are 15 clubs in the 3-county area of Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties. The individual clubs draw as many as 40-60 children for the one-hour programming. Opportunities to start new clubs are available; volunteers are especially sought for St. Lawrence County.

"You are the light of the world" ~ Live More Ministries' 10th Anniversary

Live More Ministries has offered quarterly programming for women at churches throughout Jefferson County since September 2009. On Saturday, October 5, past program presenters including speakers, authors, artists, a humorist, and singers will unite for Live More Ministries’ 10th anniversary celebration at the Adams Village Baptist Church, 24 East Church Street in Adams, NY. The celebration theme is “The Light of the World.” There is no cost to attend. A complimentary breakfast will be served from 9:00 am to 9:45 am; the program with music, presentations, and door prizes will run from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. All are welcome. 

Past Live More Ministries program presenters have shared personal stories and presented messages in word, art and song on such topics as mercy; overcoming obstacles, including depression, severe physical injury, chronic illness, and disability; forgiveness; finding a divine purpose; prison ministry; suicide prevention; overseas missions, including Operation Christmas Child; and the true meaning of Christmas. 

Live More Ministries began as a way to bring Christian speakers and programming to those unable to travel long distances for larger conferences and events and has attracted 80 to 250 people for its free programs. Sales of gently used faith-themed books support the ministry. Speakers often have tables with products for purchase. Local churches interested in hosting a Live More program may contact Chris at 315-767-2058, or email sallyj@twcny.rr.com. 

Listen, Listen and Love, Love: Speaker to Share Journey to a Prison Ministry

On Saturday, July 6, at Emmanuel Church, 40 East Church Street, Adams, N.Y., speaker Carol Jefford will inspire others to change their lives through a simple act of trust. The 10 am to 12 pm program is free, and follows a complimentary, optional breakfast from 9 to 9:45 am. 

“I hope sharing my amazing journey that prepared me for a ministry I said I would never do will inspire others to make a decision to change their lives for the better as well,” says Jefford.

Jefford’s presentation will touch on the epidemic of drug and alcohol addiction, family dynamics, isolation following the death of a spouse, the incarceration of a child, and how, there but for divine grace, anyone could be in prison.

She will share how life and family experiences combined to prepare her to become part of the Kairos Prison Ministry International program that offers a four-day, faith-based weekend experience at participating correctional facilities in the spring and fall of the year. The interdenominational ministry currently serves in 37 states and nine countries.

“Working through the prison ministry has shown me how easily one poor choice can cause a person to lose nearly everything, everything but God. Whether you are in prison for a crime or in a prison of your own making, you can learn to put God in control and that will change your life in ways you could never imagine,” says Jefford, a former Adams resident now living in Florida.

This Live More Ministries program is a free presentation by the Christian women's outreach offering programming quarterly at churches throughout Jefferson County. All are welcome. 

Speaker from Ghana to Present “Seed of Purpose” May 18 in Adams Center; Sharing the Value of Faith, Family, Education, Giving Back

On Saturday, May 18, Live More Ministries and Adams Center Baptist Church, 13394 US Route 11, Adams Center, N.Y., will host Dr. Anna Adjei-Barrett of Ghana, Africa, sharing her personal story titled “Seed of Purpose” about finding one’s divine purpose. 


Dr. Barrett is the founder of Global Partnerships, Inc., and a high school teacher and university professor in Western N.Y. Her program will incorporate drumming as part of her cultural heritage and a way to communicate and connect people to her life story and to the needs of others. Artisanal items made by some of the women in Ghana served by Dr. Barrett’s ministry will be available for purchase.


The 10 am to 12 pm program is free to attend, and follows a complimentary, optional breakfast from 9 to 9:45 am.


Dr. Barrett and 10 family members were raised by their grandparents in one of the poorest slums in Accra, Ghana. She experienced first-hand not having enough food to eat, walking miles to collect semi-clean water, and sporadic education. 

POSTPONED!!!

The program scheduled for January 26 has been rescheduled to Saturday, March 2. Hope to see you then!

Author Presents "Identity Crisis" for Women January 26 in Adams Center

On Saturday, January 26, 2019, author and speaker Barb Desormo will share how a divine experience changed the way she viewed herself and was freed from crippling insecurity. Today, Desormo shares her message to help others overcome their own "Identity Crisis." The program at Grace Community Church, 17784 Michael Road and U.S. Route 11, Adams Center, N.Y., is a free to attend and begins at 10 am following a complimentary and optional breakfast from 9 to 9:45 am.

"Once I was crippled by insecurities, jealousies, unforgiveness, and believing what other people said about me. Today, I write and speak to gently, and with humor, help other women overcome the labels people put on us, regardless of their past or challenges," says Desormo, author of "The Devil Wants You Busy, Bound or Burnt Out."

Desormo is active with a weekly jail ministry, the worship team at First Baptist Church of Watertown, N.Y., and the Rose of Sharon and Daughters of Grace women's ministries.

The January 26 program is a presentation of Live More Ministries, a Christian women's outreach program offered quarterly at churches throughout Jefferson County. Desormo will be giving four copies of her book away as door prizes that day.

Humor-Filled Faith Message: “Behold, I Stand at the Door and Knock, Knock”

On Saturday, October 13, 2018, at the Woodville Congregational Church, 5868 County Road 120, Woodville, N.Y., Jennie Mantle will present “Behold, I Stand at the Door and Knock, Knock,” a humorous look at how a relationship with Jesus can lift one up from sorrow and discouragement. Participants will be asked to respond to a series of “Knock, Knock” requests that sparks words of wisdom and comfort from the Bible. The program is free to attend.

The Woodville Congregational Church Women will offer a complimentary breakfast from 9 am to 9:45 am; the program runs from 10 am to 12 pm.

“We all have times of sorrow and challenges. It helps to laugh, even if you cry first, and it helps to know Jesus is always there in whatever situation you find yourself. The Bible serves as our ‘Life’s How-To Manual’,” Mantle says.

She credits attending Camp Aldersgate as a child for developing a foundation for her cheerful outlook on life challenges. Mantle now helps provide Christian hospitality to hundreds of visitors, from college-age runners to families with children with cancer, at the camp and retreat center in Greig, N.Y. 

The October 13 program is a presentation of Live More Ministries, a Christian women’s outreach program offered quarterly at churches throughout the Jefferson County area. For more information, contact Chris at 315-767-2058,  or sallyj@twcny.rr.com

A Treasure Chest of Timeless Truths

In a free program on Saturday, August 4, 2018, at the First Baptist Church of Watertown, 207 State Street, Watertown, NY, Suzanne Buckingham will share how an illness and hospitalization led her to rediscover an enduring resource for living a victorious life no matter your challenges or burdens. 

“A Treasure Chest of Timeless Truths” with Suzanne Buckingham will run from 10 am to 12 pm. The First Baptist Church Women will offer a complimentary breakfast from 9 am to 9:45 pm. Visitors are asked to enter the church from the Public Square side through the recessed door on the far left; the handicapped elevator in the church is most accessible through that door. Parking is available opposite the church on State Street. 

Buckingham encourages anyone who is challenged by such emotions as discouragement, fear, or loneliness, or is just wanting to “do life” well to attend the August 4 program. She says an earnest study of the Bible during and after her illness continues to show how to apply truths and promises available to everyone. 

“God’s promises in the Bible are everything you need to live the life He has given you. The storms of life cannot defeat the truths of His Word,” says Buckingham. “I hope listeners will find common experiences in my story and be encouraged to open The Book that holds our victory over our past, in our present, and for our glorious future.” 

A Regional Speaker Trainer with Stonecroft Ministries, Buckingham has spoken throughout New York State and at venues in Pennsylvania and Canada.

Learn Unexplainable Forgiveness from A Mother’s Story with Penny Keen

On Saturday, April 14, 2018, Ellisburg Methodist Church, 4618 NYS Route 289, Ellisburg, NY, and Live Ministries will host Penny Keen sharing “A Mother’s Story: Learning to Forgive the One Who Hurt Your Child.” This free program includes a complimentary breakfast from 9 am to 9:45 am; program runs from 10 am to 12 pm. 

Keen shares a personal story not just for other mothers, but a testimony of living through deep pain that shook her foundation of faith to find hope and healing for any woman hurting for any reason. She has presented her story for 10 years at programs in the U.S. and Canada as a speaker for Stonecroft Ministries. 

“Whatever you are facing, no matter how devastating or how long a journey, don’t give up in the midst of the muck and mire. God did not give up on me and I now speak to comfort others with the comfort that I received,” says Keen.

  

Live More Ministries is a Christian outreach program for women offered quarterly at churches throughout the Jefferson County area. For more information, contact Chris at 315-767-2058, sallyj@twcny.rr.com.

Learn About Anxiety from a Godly Perspective

On Saturday, February 3, 2018, psychologist Shirley McFadden will share a message of hope titled “Anxiety from a Godly Perspective” at Honeyville Baptist Church, 13210 Fuller Road, Adams Center, NY.

“In spite of the fact that anxiety is now the most common mental health affliction in the US, our Lord has given us the tools to disentangle ourselves from the shackles of anxiety,” she said.

McFadden shared this program in 2016 at Georgia Plains Baptist Church in Vermont.

McFadden earned degrees in philosophy, special education and psychology at Denison University, the University of Northern Colorado, and SUNY Oswego.  She served 22 years as a school psychologist for South Jefferson schools. She retired in 2013 to continue her private counseling practice and has recently begun working with a trained therapy dog named Traber. 

The February 3 program is free and presented by Live More Ministries, a Christian outreach program for women offered quarterly at churches throughout the Jefferson County area. The Honeyville Baptist churchwomen will offer a complimentary breakfast from 9 am to 9:45 am; the program runs 10 am to 12 pm. For more information about Live More Ministries for women, contact Chris at 315-767-2058 or email sallyj@twcny.rr.com

Misery, Miracles and Mercy: Wonder in the Waiting

On Saturday, November 18, 2017, Terri Ward will be the featured speaker at an Advent theme event hosted by the Life Church of the Nazarene, 535 Thompson Boulevard, Watertown, NY. This is a free Live More Ministries quarterly program for women.

Ward’s Misery, Miracles and Mercy: Wonder in the Waiting testimony with Power Point accompaniment, teen youth reading and music presentations, inspirational gift door prizes from Ward and Live More Ministries, themed décor, and an Advent-themed complimentary breakfast planned by Life Church of the Nazarene Hospitality Director Mae Solon are part of this special event program. The breakfast starts at 9 am, program runs 10 am to 12 pm.

“This will be the first time I have shared my full testimony of the physical and emotional miracles that led me to my walk with Christ at age 28. I hope to show that no matter what your circumstances or who you are, beauty can come from ashes,” said Ward.

Ward serves as worship leader with a music outreach for teens and office manager at the Life Church of the Nazarene.

The November 18 program is free and presented by Live More Ministries, a Christian outreach program for women offered quarterly at churches throughout the Jefferson County area. A book sale at each event supports the ministry. For more information about Live More Ministries for women, contact Chris at 315-767-2058, sallyj@twcny.rr.com

“Jesus Is Your Savior, But Is He Your Lord?”

On Saturday, September 16, 2017, Northern New York native Janet Jerome Durham will pose the question Jesus Is Your Savior, But Is He Your Lord in a presentation at 10 am at the Adams Center Baptist Church, 13394 Route 11, Adams Center, NY. This is a free Live More Ministries quarterly program for women.

“I have posed the question of Jesus Is Your Savior, But Is He Your Lord and received a wide variety of answers over the years. The September 16 program will present an opportunity for self-examination, a time to reason together what it means to allow Jesus to set up His Kingdom in our lives and the impact, as Christian, we have in our world,” Janet said in an interview from her home in western New York. 

Janet and her late husband Jeff pastored churches from Calcium in northern NY to Niagara County for 35 years. Janet often travels to churches to encourage people to grow in their Christian walk. 

The September 16 program is free and presented by Live More Ministries, a Christian outreach program for women offered quarterly at churches throughout the Jefferson County area. The Adams Center Baptist Church Women will offer a complimentary breakfast from 9am to 9:45 am.

Janet Durham