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.