News in Liberty, MO
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In the News
May 2026 News briefs -
I Hope They Call Me on a Mission
Youth attend a missionary-focused event; Easter egg hunt -
Johnny’s Café
Feeding the hungry and serving God’s children -
Tabernacle Choir Watch Party
Church to sponsor Watch Party on June 26, 2026 in Kansas City; broadcast featuring the Tabernacle Choir & live, local musicians, free BBQ -
General Authority Elder Morgan
See photos from reception and a new interview from Church News -
Grow Hope, Grow Food, Grow Together
Liberty-Area Ministerial Alliance’s Shared Garden Ministry -
Man of Honor
Liberty attorney receives Alexander W. Doniphan Service and Leadership Award
News - Worldwide
- World: New Young Women Age‑Group Names Emphasize Faith, Hope, and Light
- World: New Nauvoo Temple Visitors’ Center Scheduled for Dedication
- World: Springfield, MO Temple Groundbreaking & Others
- World: Media Gets First Look at New Temple Square Visitors’ Center
- World: Latter-day Saints Sustain New First Presidency in Solemn Assembly
Features
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Saint on the Street
What are some of your favorite staycation ideas in the Kansas City area? -
Men of God
Local youth gather to inspire growth -
Scarred for Life?
A lesson learned about repentance from an ‘unsightly scar’ -
Liberty Recipe Exchange
Quick Breads & Yeast Breads -
Looking Back at Lessons Learned
How has your understanding, appreciation, and perspective of the Word of Wisdom changed with time and experience?
Missionaries
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A Special Invitation
A missionary message from Pres Russell -
Mission Map
Click on the world map to discover where our missionaries are serving -
Mission Advice
A video from missionaries from the Liberty Stake -
An Answer to Prayers
Sariah Ransom's Service Mission Call -
Returned with Honor: Paige Gallup
Utah Salt Lake City Temple Square Mission -
Returned with Honor: Paige Russell
Perú Lima Limatambo Mission - Spanish-speaking -
Returned with Honor: Zach Morris
California Riverside Mission
Men of God
Local youth gather to inspire growth
Lori Garcia, Stake Communications Director (Hodge Park Ward)
It wasn’t a typical teenage get-together, but Ethan Watson (age 17, North Brook Park Ward) and his friends don’t mind being different. While some young men get together to play video games or shoot hoops, Watson and his friends get together to learn how to be better.
“We get together to prepare for our future,” Watson said. “We want to prepare for our missions, to enter the temple, and to be good husbands and fathers. Ultimately this group will help us to prepare to be men of God.”
And that’s just the name they gave it: The Men of God. Watson and his friend Luke Tillitson (Rush Creek Ward)–who is currently serving as a missionary in the Colorado Denver North Mission–founded the group last July, and a group of 6-10 young men from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the area have been meeting monthly ever since.
As for how the idea came about, Watson said this: “I think Luke’s mom [Jen Tillitson] had the idea, actually. We kinda started holding it at his house and then when he left on his mission, I took it on at my house.”
The group, all in their mid- to late-teens, gets together and has speakers come share words of wisdom and encouragement. President Rudi Garcia (Hodge Park Ward), a counselor in the Missouri Independence Mission presidency, spoke during the January meeting.
“They asked me to come and speak to them on a Sunday evening,” President Garcia said. “I was honored to spend time with these wonderful young men who have a strong desire not only to follow Christ, but also to learn their duties as bearers of the Aaronic priesthood.”
Even though speakers are meant to encourage the young men, President Garcia found himself uplifted as well.
“I was inspired by their ability to look ahead and want to prepare for their life as men in the gospel.”
“I was inspired by their ability to look ahead and want to prepare for their life as men in the gospel.”
Inspirational words are not only on the menu; the boys cook dinner as well. Watson prepared curry “from scratch” to serve to the group.
Drake Crockett (age 16, New Mark Ward, Shoal Creek Missouri Stake) attended the Men of God group for the first time in January.
“I think it’s a great way to grow your testimony,” Crockett said. “It’s great being with people who are similar in age as you, in similar circumstances, to see how they live their lives and how they live the gospel.”
And what have the Men of God learned in the past few months?
“I have learned to submit to Heavenly Father’s will, that’s been a common theme about what everyone has come and spoken to us,” Watson said. “I’ve learned how important it is to stay close to the spirit and recognize that, although we are surrounded by worldly things, Heavenly Father’s work is the important thing right now.”
Watson recommends other young men put together a group like this.
“Just remember that this life is temporary and Heavenly Father’s work is the most important thing you can be doing. It will bring you more joy than anything else, even amongst extra curriculars and worldly entertainment.”
