About Activ8Her
Activ8Her's Story
After years of longing for women of faith to have the opportunity to connect on the other side of their church walls, Chrissy Garrett began a local chapter of a national women's ministry with a like-minded vision. When the ministry dissolved, the chapter model was graciously handed over to Chrissy and Kolleen. The Lord rebranded the ministry into Activ8Her and brought what appeared dead back to life.
Chrissy and Kolleen have been friends and ministry partners for more than thirty years. They've spent years serving God and studying His Word together. In every season, they have remained faithful throughout their friendship to speak life into each other and encourage one another to rise above the chaos and confusion this life may bring.
Kolleen describes Chrissy as: humble, peacefully-steadfast and beautifully-wise. Chrissy describes Kolleen as: a lover of God and His Word, articulate and FUN!!
In the years since its incorporation in August of 2018, God continues to shape and develop Activ8Her into the fullness of His vision for ministry. Chrissy and Kolleen have been a captivated audience to God's ability to bring like-minded and faithful team members beside them to help Activ8Her for Him.
Christine Garrett
Chrissy is a wife, mother of four adult children, and grandmother to eight. She sees those roles as her primary calling. She served as Administrator of Believers' Chapel North in Mexico, NY for 12 years. In the almost two decades leading up to that time she served as the church's Women's Ministry Director.
Chrissy is the Executive Director of Administration in Activ8Her.
When she is not looking for opportunities to speak life into those around her, Chrissy enjoys spending time in the outdoors and with her family at the Five Ponds Ranch and the St. Lawrence River.
Kolleen Lucariello
Kolleen and her high school sweetheart, Pat have been married for 40+ years, have three married children and six grandchildren. She delights in her role as wife and mom, but has found immense joy in being, Mimi.
She is an author, writer and speaker who loves to share whatever life-lessons the Lord is teaching her through her writing and speaking. Kolleen's book, #beYOU: Change Your Identity One Letter at a Time, comes from Kolleen's own struggle to find her voice and her identity in Christ. Now, it is her passion to help others walk in their God-given identity so they can discover the destiny God created them for.
You can learn more about Kolleen by going to her website at www.speakkolleen.com.
Kolleen serves as the Executive Director of Communication and Content for Activ8Her. She enjoys family time, photography, hiking and figuring out how to kayak in a straight line.
Activ8Her Board Members
Chair: Abigayle Garrett - Abbi has been connected with Activ8Her since its inception. As Chrissy's daughter, she remembers watching as two best friends prayed, asking the Lord if Activ8Her was REALLY what He had in store and if the two of them were REALLY the ones to be spearheading it. Abbi is excited to bring her heart for prayer to the ministry. She feels her youthful perspective, administrative abilities and her growing experience as an attorney will also be assets to the ministry. She sees opportunities for Activ8Her to grow and deepen its impact geographically in the coming years.
Vice Chair: Julie Reid - Julie has served as coordinator of the Sandy Creek chapter for two and half years and was connected as a member of the now Parish Activ8Her chapter before that. She brings a willing heart to serve, to strengthen, and to continue the mission of Activ8Her through ideas and her experience as a chapter coordinator. Julie has served on the advisory board for Homeschool NY LEAH and has also served for 10 years as the president of Pulaski LEAH. She would love to see Activ8Her develop a stronger online presence and increase the number of chapters in the years ahead.
Secretary: Jody Armstrong - Jody has been involved with Activ8Her for six years, first as a chapter member, then a coordinator and eventually as Regional Coordinator. She was a critical member of the Activ8Her team before the Lord led her to move to Ohio. Jody brings her history with Activ8Her to her role on the Board. She knows the heartbeat of the ministry and she shares that heartbeat. She has a desire for Activ8Her to expand its reach any way that the Lord leads and specifically to attract a more diverse group of women, both culturally and in age.
Treasurer: Paula Shortsleeve - Paula has been connected with Activ8Her for three years through the annual conference and chapter life. She brings a heart of discernment and empathy for those who are hurting with a special heart for young women. She has ministered to women of all ages, married and single, rich and poor, gay and straight, partially through her previous employment with Vera House and The Family Resource Center of Oswego County. Paula has many years of experience working in the human service field and with not-for-profit organizations, serving on numerous financial and planning committees.
Denise Greene - Denise has been connected with Activ8Her for over six years, serving first as a Coordinator and later as the Director of Coordinators. She considers it a privilege to encourage and mentor women as they grow in their faith, leadership,
She brings a servant's heart and gifts of administration, leadership, encouragement, and faith. Through her ministry with Changed By Christ and my work with Activ8Her, she seeks to lead with compassion, integrity, and a desire to help women recognize their worth in Christ and fulfill the calling He has placed on their lives.
Wanda Richardson - was saved at a Billy Graham crusade. She is a retired insurance broker and office manager at Pulaski Wesleyan Church, where she attended and served for over 30 years where she held numerous leadership and support positions. Wanda's hobbies include kayaking, camping, walking, biking, acrylic paint and crafting. She is active in area exercise, book and garden clubs, as well as Bible and fellowship study groups.
Legal Advisor, Robert Genant, Esq.: Bob has been a General Practice Attorney since 1974, and is an Assistant District Attorney with the Oswego County District Attorney's office. He also serves as an Allied Attorney lawyer for the Alliance Defending Freedom.
We actively believe:
Each woman’s personality, talents, and skills are gifts from God. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, she has the capacity to make a significant impact within her sphere of influence. Our goal is to celebrate her uniqueness, increase her Biblical knowledge, inspire her kingdom vision, and teach her to develop deeper connections with others. Activ8Her strives to help each woman recognize she has been perfectly placed and called to be confident in her leadership, connect in her relationships and courageous in her faith.
Our organization is founded on three biblical principles: the Great Call (Matthew 28:18-20), the intentional design of each woman (Psalm 139:13-16), and the development of the individual in her divinely appointed purpose (Ephesians 2:10, Acts 17:26-27). From this foundation, we strive to encourage women to develop their gifts and talents for the glory of God and the expansion of His kingdom.
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God is the creator of the universe creating both the seen (physical) and the unseen (spiritual) realms and God the Creator is also the giver of life who created man and woman in his image.
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The Bible is the flawless word of God.
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There is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
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Jesus Christ was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, and died for our sins on the cross at Calvary. He was resurrected from the grave, ascended into heaven, where he sits at the right hand of the Father.
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People receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life through Jesus alone.
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God created mankind as two distinct genders: male and female; living in alignment with the gender of birth honors God's presence and wisdom in His creation. (Gen 1:26-28; Matt 19:4-5; Psalm 139:13)
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Marriage is a sacred institution that has been established by God and is defined by the uniting of one man and one woman in covenant commitment for a lifetime. (Matt.19:4-6)
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God has created each person with a unique plan and purpose.
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Christians are called to share both love and the uncompromising truth of the Gospel with the world around them.
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God has called us to treat others with dignity and respect.
Statement of Faith
The Meaning Behind our Logo
Leaf
The Leaf in the center represents life and growth, something we actively seek in our lives. Our theme verse for Activ8Her is found in Jeremiah 17:8, “For [S]he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit” (NKJV).
Arrow
The Arrow represents moving forward. God is always moving forward so we should be moving forward, too. Our desire in Activ8Her
is to help women become unstuck from old habits and move forward, into their true identity in Christ. We passionately desire to see women walk in the fullness of who God meant for them to be.
The number 8
In Biblical numerology means: resurrection, regeneration and new beginnings. We stepped into new beginnings as Activ8Her to Activ8 women near and far with the truth of the Word.
Acts 8 explains how the Believers, while scattered, preached the good news, met together (denominational lines didn't exist) and amazing things happened. People believed, lives were changed, and the good news spread. We believe God will use Activ8Her to spread the good news of Jesus to those who need to hear His message. In the hearing they will find hope and in the hope – healing.