Matis Home Firesides
Once a month, Fred and Marilyn Matis sponsor a fireside and open their home for spiritual and social support to Latter-day Saint men, women, spouses, parents and other family members and friends who are touched in some way by the issue of same-gender attraction. Since their son, Stuart, took his life in February 2000 (see KSL-TV interview), Fred and Marilyn have reached out with support and love to men and women dealing with this sensitive issue. These gatherings are typically attended by anywhere from one to two hundred people each month.
NOTE: North Star does not sponsor the gatherings held by Fred and Marilyn Matis. We do, however, provide a calendar of events sponsored by other individuals or groups we have reason to believe to be in general harmony with the mission of North Star and the values and standards of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Because of the support Fred and Marilyn have provided North Star, its mission, and its members, we have provided this calendar page for their gatherings.
If you would like to attend or be added to the Matis Fireside email list, please contact us for details.
March 2010 Fireside
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Sunday, March 14
Guest Presenter: Nadine T. Matis
Sister Nadine T. Matis received her doctorate in Counseling Psychology at Brigham Young University and currently works in private practice. In 2002, Sister Matis returned from serving a mission with her husband where they served in the Pacific Islands Area Presidency. Under the direction of the Area Presidency, she worked with six mission presidents to assist with the psychological and emotional problems of missionaries. Prior to their mission, Sister Matis worked for 10 years at the Counseling Center of Weber State University and as an adjunct professor of psychology.
Sister Matis’ additional Church service includes serving as an ordinance worker in the Jordan River Temple, ward and stake Relief Society President, ward and stake Primary President, Stake Social Service Coordinator, and as a teacher in all Church auxiliaries.
Sister Matis is married to John A. Matis, with whom she has four children and eight grandchildren.
2010 Fireside Schedule
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Sunday, April 11
Guest Presenter: Jordan Jantz
Sunday, March 14Photo and bio coming soon!
Guest Presenter: Nadine T. Matis
Sunday, February 14Sister Nadine T. Matis received her doctorate in Counseling Psychology at Brigham Young University and currently works in private practice. In 2002, Sister Matis returned from serving a mission with her husband where they served in the Pacific Islands Area Presidency. Under the direction of the Area Presidency, she worked with six mission presidents to assist with the psychological and emotional problems of missionaries. Prior to their mission, Sister Matis worked for 10 years at the Counseling Center of Weber State University and as an adjunct professor of psychology.
Sister Matis’ additional Church service includes serving as an ordinance worker in the Jordan River Temple, ward and stake Relief Society President, ward and stake Primary President, Stake Social Service Coordinator, and as a teacher in all Church auxiliaries.
Sister Matis is married to John A. Matis, with whom she has four children and eight grandchildren.
Guest Presenter: Lili De Hoyos Anderson
Sunday, January 10Lili De Hoyos Anderson is a first generation American. Her mother is French and her father is Mexican. She was born in a little border town in Texas, but her family soon moved to the Midwest, where she grew up in Michigan and Indiana. When she started high school, both her parents began teaching at BYU, so the family moved to Provo and she graduated from Provo High School.
Sister Anderson attended BYU and graduated in Sociology. Social science runs in the family. Both her parents are retired professors of Sociology and her husband, Chris Anderson, is also a social worker with LDS Family Services. After almost 20 years of being a full-time homemaker, Sister Anderson completed her own Masters in Social Work degree. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has a full-time private practice in individual, marriage and family counseling. (For information about counseling services, contact her through this website.) Later, Sister Anderson completed her PhD in Marriage and Family at BYU and for several years taught part-time there for the School of Family Life.
The Andersons have eight children. They are affectionately referred to as the “Alphabet Kids” because their names are Adam, Bethany, Caitlin, Dominic, Eden, Faith, Graydon, and Harper. The Andersons now have sixteen grandchildren (and counting).
Sister Anderson is an avid reader. She also enjoys sewing, music, quilting, making stained glass windows, and photography—none of which she currently has time for. She has published in the Ensign and in various books and journals. She taught part-time for the BYU School of Family Life for several years after completing her doctorate. She wrote her first book at the request of the BYU students taking her class on the Family Proclamation. The book, Family Foundations, is about healthy individual adjustment and marriage and family principles. This August, Sister Anderson’s second book, Choosing Glory, will be released. This second book takes one chapter in Family Foundations on the Three Realms Perspective and develops the idea, applying the perspective to individual life choices, dating, spouse selection, marriage, parenting, and personal progression. The Anderson family has lived in Oklahoma, Chicago and for 15 years in Las Vegas, where they mostly raised their family. In Las Vegas, Sister Anderson taught both early morning seminary and two Adult Religion classes for several years. Her greatest love, after the gospel and her family, is teaching.
Sister Anderson presents often at professional conferences and church groups. If you are interested in having Brother and/or Sister Anderson present at your event, please contact us through this website.
Guest Presenter: Elder Hartman Rector, Jr.
Hartman Rector, Jr., is a convert to the Church who was called to serve as a member of the First Council of the Seventy from 1968 to 1976 and as a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy from 1976 to 1994.
Elder Rector joined the Church in 1952 while serving in the U.S. Navy. After serving as a naval aviator for twenty-six years, he retired with the rank of captain. Born and reared in Missouri, Elder Rector attended school at the University of Georgia and the University of Southern California. He also served as president of the California San Diego and Alabama-Florida Missions. In 1994, Elder Rector was made an emeritus general authority of the LDS Church and released from full-time ecclesiastical duties.
Elder Rector and his wife, Constance, currently reside in Lehi, Utah.
Complete 2009 Fireside Schedule
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Friday, December 4
Annual Christmas Musical Program and Desserts with Fred and Marilyn Matis
Tuesday, November 3As an annual Holiday tradition, and in lieu of a guest speaker, the December Firside will be a musical program of men and women who attend the fireside sharing their instrumental and vocal talents with us all.
Guest Presenter: Elder Gene R. Cook
Tuesday, October 6Elder Gene R. Cook, emeritus member of the First Quorum of the Seventy, was born in Lehi, Utah and raised mostly in Arizona. He served an LDS Church mission in the Paraguay–Uruguay Mission of the church and later married his wife, Janelle Schlink. At the age of 34, Elder Cook became a member of the First Council of the Seventy. He served there for only one year, when he was transferred to the newly constituted First Quorum of the Seventy. He was given general authority emeritus status on October 6, 2007.
Elder Cook is a prolific writer and has written such books as Teaching by the Spirit, Searching the Scriptures: Bringing Power to Your Personal and Family Study, Receiving Answers to Our Prayers, and Raising Up a Family to the Lord.
He and his wife are the parents of eight children and reside in Lehi, Utah.
Guest Presenter: Douglas Brenchley
Tuesday, September 8Brother Douglas Brenchley will be our October speaker. Brother Brenchley was born and raised in Preston, Idaho, and then went on to get a degree in Choral Music from Utah State University. He then taught choral music in a high school in California for 10 years before entering the Church Education System (CES) in 1978. Since that time, Brother Brenchley taught institute in Cerritos, California, where he also directed the Grand Land Singers, and Orem, Utah, where he directed the Latter-Day Celebration Choir. He has also directed the Choir at the Missionary Training Center for the past 22 years.
Brother Brenchley’s church service includes counselor to three bishops, bishop, and counselor in two stake presidencies. He is currently serving as stake president in the BYU 14th Stake (single young adult stake). Brother Brenchley and his wife, Nanette, have six children and nine grandchildren.
Guest Presenter: Arthur F. Coombs Jr.
Friday, August 7Arthur F. Coombs will be our September speaker. Brother Coombs has served in the Church as a Bishop, Stake President, Mission President in the Dominican Republic, and as the inaugural president of the Dominican Republic Temple. He is currently working in operations with the Perpetual Education Fund, overseeing areas in the Caribbean, Central America, Chile and South America West.
Brother Coombs will be talking about his work with the Perpetual Education Fund and some of the successes and miracles associated with this inspired program of the Church.
Brother Coombs and his wife, Mignon, are the parents of six children and currently make their home in Cedar Hills, Utah.
Annual Fall Bar-B-Q ~ CANCELLED
Monday, July 6Due to unforeseen circumstances, the August get-together will be canceled. Firesides will resume in September and will likely be held on a day other than Mondays for the foreseeable future.
Guest Presenter: Jacob Hess
Monday, June 1During his mission to Brazil, Jacob witnessed the painful impact of clinical depression on several of his companions. After graduating as psychology department valedictorian in 2001 from BYU, he was admitted to the Clinical-Community Psychology doctoral program at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. While there, he co-facilitated the first college-level “liberal-conservative dialogue” in the nation and conducted dissertation research on medical treatment for depression, with a focus on diverging scientific views of its long-term outcomes. After finishing his Ph.D., he began a full-time research position in January 2009 at Utah Youth Village, a non-profit for abused children. He currently resides in Salt Lake City, still holding out hope in the Jazz winning a championship, getting married one day, and other sweet miracles.
Guest Presenter: Steven A. Smith
Monday, May 4Steven A. Smith, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist and is the assistant director at the BYU Counseling and Career Center (CCC). Steve received his BS in special education and MEd in counseling and guidance from BYU and his Ph.D. in Counseling and Student Personnel Psychology at the University of Minnesota. Upon completion of his doctorate, Steve worked at the University of Utah Counseling Center for three and a half years before transferring to BYU. Steve held a joint appointment with the CCC and the Counseling Psychology doctoral program, where he served as training director from 2002 to 2004. Steve has been at the Counseling and Career Center for 17 years.
Steve and his wife Klyss are the parents of three children and welcomed their first grandchild in November.
Guest Presenter: Robert Haight
Monday, April 6Robert Haight is presently serving as a sealer at the new Draper Temple. Prior to this, he had been a sealer at the Jordan River Temple.
Brother Haight was raised in Palo Alto, California, the second child of Elder David B. and Ruby Haight. Educated at the University of Utah and BYU, he graduated with a degree in Business Management. Brother Haight worked for many years in the family business in Palo Alto, and finally moved to Salt Lake City in the Financial and Public Finance industry. He has spent 35 years in Salt Lake with Merrill lynch, Smith Barney, and A G Edwards. He currently serves as the Executive Vice President of the Huntsman Cancer Foundation.
His Church callings have taken him from most Ward callings such as Cub Scout leader to the Bishop of the Willow Creek 8th Ward. He has served in many stake callings. During his business career he has served on many boards and directorships. He has served on the Snow College Foundation, Deseret International Foundation, Salt Lake C0uncil of Boy Scouts of American Foundation and the Sandy Rotary Club (which he helped establish).
He presently serves as a member on the Marriott School of Business National Advisory board, and is a past member of the BYU National Alumni Board and past national President of the BYU management Society. Brother Haight served with his wife Dorothy as Mission President of the Canada Vancouver Mission, which was a life changing experience. His first mission was to Sydney Australia.
Brother and Sister Haight feel that their life has been a rally exciting trip. We never know what is coming around the corner. From their life together in the fast lane, raising three children and experiencing 12 grandchildren, leave as Mission President with one month’s notice, knowing Fred and Marilyn Matis for over 50 years, father as an Apostle, and a nephew who became governor, and who knows what is next.
Guest Presenter: Camille Fronk Olson
Monday, March 2Camille Fronk Olson is an associate professor of Ancient Scripture at BYU. She completed a PhD in Sociology—Middle East, a master’s degree in Near Eastern Studies, and a bachelor’s degree in Education. Her research and writing have focused on women in scripture, biblical studies, the New Testament, and Palestinian families in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Sister Olson grew up in Tremonton, Utah and served a full-time mission to Toulouse, France. Prior to coming to BYU, she taught seminary and institute for the Church in the Salt Lake area and was employed as Dean of Students at the LDS Business College. She is a former member of the Young Women General Board and is currently serving with her husband, Paul Olson, as stake institute instructors. Sister Olson is a popular speaker and author of Mary, Martha and Me: Seeking the One Thing That Is Needful.
Guest Presenter: Providence
Monday, February 2Providence is the creation of Shadow Mountain Music. The group consists of Camille Aagard, Kerilyn Johnson, Katharine Matis Adams, and Kelly Shepardson. The group's tight harmonies and contemporary sound created a buzz along the Wasatch Front, months before their first release hit stores in January 2004.
Their debut single "You'll Get Through This," from the bestselling Women of Destiny, Volume 2, encompasses the message they hope to share with women around the country. "No matter what happens in this life, there is great peace and hope in knowing we have a Father in heaven who loves us and who will not abandon us," says Katharine, a California native. The group shares a message of grace and faith and the blessings that can come when women enjoy the unique sisterhood they share. "I am fascinated by the things I learn about life and the gospel from the women in my life," says Camille, who currently lives in Alpine, Utah, with her husband and three children. "It's so critical that we nurture and care for each other. We need each other."
Providence's debut album can be purchased at Amazon.com.
Guest Presenter: L. Edward Brown
Monday, January 5L. Edward Brown currently serves as president of the Mt. Timpanogos Utah Temple.
Born in Preston, Idaho in a Latter-day Saint family, President Brown was raised in Logan, Utah and served a full-time mission in South Korea during the late 1950s. Since that time, Brother Brown has worked as an instructor and supervisor in the Church Educational System, served a term as the mayor of Pocatello, Idaho, served three terms as a members of the Idaho House of Representatives, and served as president of the church's Korean Mission from 1971 to 1974.
President Brown became a general authority and member of the church's Second Quorum of Seventy in 1996. During his time as a general authority, Brown served in the presidency of the Asia North Area of the church, which includes Korea and Japan. Since his release, Brown has served in the Mt. Timpanogos Utah Temple presidency as both counselor and president.
President Brown and his wife, Carol, reside in Lehi, Utah and are the parents of eight children.
Guest Presenter: Ty Mansfield
A life-long member of the Church, Ty served in the Manchester New Hampshire mission and graduated from BYU in Asian Studies and Business Management. Upon graduation, he worked in Washington, DC, for two years for a Department of Defense contractor, and currently lives in Texas where he's doing graduate work in family therapy and serving in his stake as an Institute instructor.
He loves hiking, running, eating, skiing, writing, strawberry cheesecake, beef ravioli, and Gladys Knight. He also loves to travel and has lived or studied internationally in Japan, China, Israel/Palestine, and Egypt. He is a co-author, with Fred and Marilyn Matis, of In Quiet Desperation: Understanding the Challenge of Same-Gender Attraction, published by Deseret Book, which includes a personal memoir of his spiritual journey as a member of the Church dealing with same-gender attraction. Ty will be talking about the concept of premortality and theological possibilities, with insights both from teachings of Church leaders and from Near-death Studies, that may shed some light on some of the complexities and difficulties of mortality and inspire hope and confidence in the divine purposes of life's circumstances.
Complete 2008 Fireside Schedule
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Friday, December 5
Dinner - Annual Holiday Community Musical Fireside
Monday, November 3The December get-together will be the annual Christmas musical presentation with refreshments. It will be held at a chapel near the Matis home.
Guest Presenter: Mike and Darcy Kennedy
Monday, October 6Virginia and Allan Kennedy settled in Cedar City, Utah, a month after their marriage in October 1953 to be near Allen’s step father and mother who had transferred there with the Forest Service. Even though they lived there for three and a half years, they had no religious affiliation. Mike was born there, and in June of 1957, they moved to Tonopah, Nevada, where Mike was raised and was not aware of his heritage.
Through LDS missionaries, Mike joined the Church at age 18 and is the first direct descendent of the Prophet Joseph Smith to hold the Melchizedek Priesthood and the offices of Seventy and High Priest.
Mike is the President of the Joseph Smith Jr. Family Organization and of the Joseph Smith Jr. and Emma Hale Smith Historical Society and has been since their creation in 1985 and 2007. He is an Executive Producer of The Times and Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith that came out November 12, 2007, and of the movie Emma Smith, My Story that came out April 22, 2008. He and his wife Darcy have been married for over 34 years and have 7 children and 9 grandchildren.
Darcy was born and raised in Nevada. The missionaries found her at age 16, and she was the only member of her family to join the Church. She has been secretary and personal assistant to the Joseph Smith Jr. Family Organization since 1985 and now is for the Historical Society as well. Keeping track of the Joseph Smith Jr family and communicating with them is a full time job.
Guest Presenter: Hilary Weeks
Monday, September 8From her website: "Music was important in the home where Hilary Weeks grew up. Born in Colorado, and raised in Alaska, she began playing the piano at age eight and wrote her first song at age 14. Her first published song 'He Hears Me' was recorded on the 1993 EFY album, and from there Hilary quickly became a favorite in the inspirational music industry. She has released six solo albums, has been featured on numerous compilation albums, and has been the recipient of numerous awards from the Faith Centered Music Association. Her most recent album, The Collection, is a compilation of her most beloved songs from the past 15 years.
"Hilary met her husband Tim when he was serving as a missionary in Alaska and they are the parents of four beautiful daughters. A self-described 'homebody,' Hilary says her favorite times are those spent with her family. She loves scrapbooking, exercising, and cooking. She loves trying new recipes and hopes to become a great cook someday. Hilary, Tim, and their girls live in Lehi, Utah."
Hilary's music can be purchased at Deseret Book.
Guest Presenter: Kris Belcher
Monday, August 4Have you ever felt overwhelmed with the challenges and trials of mortal life? Have you ever wished that difficulties would some how just go away? Kris Belcher has.
Having dealt with a myriad of physical problems from an early age, five years ago Sister Belcher’s vision began to fade and she was diagnosed with cancer. With a tumor in her optic nerve, her world continued to grow darker and darker as she slowly lost her eyesight. After five major surgeries within a five-month, her team of surgeons had been able to remove her cancer and save her eyesight, but they were not able to save her vision. Kris would have to live the remainder of her life completely blind.
Slowly, with the help of a loving family, friends and her Heavenly Father, Kris made her way through the horrible recovery and difficult adjustment to her new way of living. And even though she says that it was a horrible and devastating time in her life, it was also spotted with times of holiness and spiritual strengthening where she became acquainted with Deity. She thinks of those moments as her “holy places.”
Sister Belcher will share with us some of her personal spiritual journey through this difficult period of her life. She also has a forthcoming book, Hard Times and Holy Places, soon to be published by Deseret Book.Sister Belcher has learned that everyday life offers many opportunities for me to “stand in holy places.” Trials and difficulties can, if we let them, become holy places; places where we can commune with the Father through the Spirit; places where we can feel the power of the Atonement in our lives. Our personal hard times can become our personal holy places. Such holy places will, through the power of Christ, provide purifying and refining for our souls. Our struggles can be consecrated to our good and growth, and empower us to become more like Christ.
Dinner - Annual Fall Bar-B-Q
onday, July 14The August get-together will be a bar-b-que at the Matis home. Food will be provided by Fred and Marilyn Matis, but you are welcome to bring a favorite side dish or dessert.
Guest Presenter: P. Clint Rogers
Monday, June 2P. Clint Rogers, holds a doctorate in Instructional Psychology and Technology and has taught (in the Marriott School of Management at BYU and at the University of Joensuu, Finland), conducts research, and does consulting work primarily regarding web analytics, instructional technology, and cross-cultural online collaboration and innovation. To see his most recent interests or send him a message, visit his blog.
He has been invited to come and speak about some of life's greatest lessons that he learned from his friend and mentor, Colonel Eugene Haynes Butler, USAF, who passed away earlier this year. Colonel Butler was an entertaining and compassionate man - and I think you will enjoy this presentation. If he were still alive, Colonel Butler might say something like, "Holy Mary! You're not so tough that you can't come with us to the Matis fireside!"
Guest Presenter: Brian Miller
Monday, May 5Brian Miller is an attorney practicing law in Salt Lake City, Utah. He graduated from Brigham Young University with a BS in Business Management/Finance in 1991 and again from BYU's J. Reuben Clark Law School in 1994 where he was a member of the Law Review and served as the Chairman of the law school's Trial Advocacy Board of Directors. Brother Miller has extensive litigation and trial experience primarily in the defense of health care providers. Mr. Miller consults daily with physicians, hospitals, nursing homes, and other health care providers regarding all aspects of health care law. As reported in Utah Business Magazine, Mr. Miller was selected by his peers for inclusion in the "2007 Utah Legal Elite" in the category of Civil Trial as well as the "2008 Utah Legal Elite" in the category of Civil Trial.
Brother Miller is married and has four children. Among other Church callings, he has served as an Elders Quorum President, Young Men's President, and as a Counselor in a Bishopric. He will be discuss a unique perspective on the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper and how through it Christ's Atonement can become a daily reality in our lives.
Guest Presenter: Pam Infanger
Monday, April 7Pam has a degree in generating energy and happiness, working on graduating magna cum laude from life's teachings. She taught high school for 13 years in Minnesota, was appointed by the Governor (even the infamous Jesse VenTurra) to head up his task force teaching Service Learning in the state of Minnesota, and has been a professional trainer/speaker. She came to Utah as the Executive Director of an Assisted Living Center in SLC, exchanging her love of high school seniors for senior citizens! She now tutors at the Rippy Literacy Center in Lehi.
Pam loves the youth, serving as a Young Women's President 3 times, as a missionary with her husband for the Laotian people in Minneapolis, as Stake Education Counselor in the Relief Society, and now serving with her husband as the YSA couple in the Saratoga Springs 1st Ward. One of her greatest joys is moderating the North Star Friends and Family online discussion group, and organizing a Moms' Luncheon. She is excited to be included in the Matis Family Firesides and gets regenerated each month by the spiritual feast she enjoys there. She hopes to add to that spirit by sharing some miraculous experiences in her own life story.
Pam's presentation is entitled Miracles of the Extraordinary Nature. As a newborn, Pam was adopted. Forty years later, her birth family found her. This story is one of miracles and shows the hand of the Lord in our lives—even when we least expect it. Learning to recognize and even expect miracles in our own lives, is a gift given to us. Pam will address how to tap into that power within us. Being the mother of a gay son, Pam has experienced many Miracles of the Extraordinary Nature through this joyous—and, occasionally, not-so-joyous—experience. Learning to find the joy can be well worth the ride!
Guest Presenter: Dallyn Vail Bayles
Monday, March 3Originally from Green River, Utah, Dallyn is a professional actor, singer and recording artist. He performed the role of Enjolras in the Broadway touring company of Les Misérables. He has also performed leading roles in theatre productions in Los Angeles, Seattle, Utah, and at Brigham Young University. Most recently, Dallyn performed with the Academy and Grammy Award winning and Tony nominated songwriter, Stephen Schwartz, in a New York industry presentation of his musical, Children of Eden.
Of all his performing credits, Dallyn values his participation in productions produced by the LDS Church the most. He can be seen portraying Hyrum Smith in the LDS Church film, Joseph Smith The Prophet of the Restoration, as well as in the upcoming film, Emma Smith: My Story, produced by the Joseph and Emma Smith Historical Society. Dallyn and his wife, Rachel, portrayed Joseph and Emma Smith in the first three seasons of the new LDS Church historical pageant, Nauvoo, in Nauvoo, Illinois. Dallyn originated and has reprised the role of Joseph (the carpenter) in the sacred musical drama, Savior of the World, at the Conference Center Theatre in Salt Lake City. He also performed as Alma Richards in Light of the World, an original musical production presented by the LDS Church during the 2002 Winter Olympics at the Conference Center.
Other credits include: guest soloist with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir on Music and the Spoken Word, leading roles in three movies for the "Liken the Scriptures" musical film series, the BYU Young Ambassadors, and several album and cast recordings and concerts. Dallyn recently released his debut solo inspirational album, Prayer. He graduated from Brigham Young University with a BFA in Music Dance Theatre, and is a member of Actors' Equity Association. Dallyn and Rachel are the proud parents of three children: Audrey, Warner and Joseph; and currently reside in the New York City area. For more information about Dallyn please visit DallynVailBayles.com.
Guest Presenter: Richard C. Ferre
Monday, February 4Brother Richard C. Ferre, a native of Salt Lake City, Utah, is a staff psychiatrist at Primary Children's Medical Center in Salt Lake City, and is on the faculty of the University of Utah, Department of Psychiatry. He presently is board certified in Adult and Child Psychiatry. He enjoys teaching psychotherapy to the psychiatric residents and has interests in health care delivery reform and increasing access to care to the disabled and mentally ill. He attended Stanford University for his undergraduate degree and completed his medical degree at the University of Utah. He completed his residency training in psychiatry at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.
For the last ten years Brother Ferre has delivered psychiatric services to early-released missionaries through the LDS Family Services clinic located in downtown Salt Lake City. "The opportunity to work holistically with both the psychological, biological and spiritual aspects of healing," he says, "has been extremely rewarding." He is married with three sons and six grandchildren. The delight of remaining young by serving children has been a lifetime focus. He follows the moon in its cycles, the seasons both in the mountains and deserts, celebrates the creativity of God in his garden, and hopes to never lose his sense of humor.
Guest Presenter: James R. Birrell
Monday, January 7James R. Birrell is a professor of Teacher Education at Brigham Young University where he teaches classes in human diversity, develops teacher certification programs for career-change teachers in urban settings, runs the BYU inner city student teaching program/partnership in Washington, D.C., establishes teacher preparation partnerships in various urban settings, and conducts research on preparing teachers for diverse learners.
Brother Birrell was born in Sandy, Utah, and lives presently in Alpine, Utah, with his wife, Kristine Densley. They have three children: Amanda (Kurt) Stevens, Katy (Scott) Adams, and Archer Birrell.
The topic of discussion will be a fun look at individual perspective, how our views are formed, and what they let us see and keep us from seeing. This will be both an enjoyable and spiritual look at our individual realities and how to rethink some of our thinking that could be holding us back from a more joyful and thoughtful list.
Some of Brother Birrell's published articles include "The Rise of Relativism and the Decline of Freedom and Virtue in America Relativism" and "Relativism and the New Meaning of Tolerance in America's Culture Wars".
Guest Presenter: Brad Wilcox
A popular author and speaker, Brad Wilcox is a frequent speaker at Especially for Youth programs and BYU Education Week. He is an associate professor of education at Brigham Young University and recently served as president of the Chile Santiago East Mission from 2003 to 2006. He and his wife, Debi, are the parents of four children.
Brad has published several tapes and books, including Pornography: Satan's Counterfeit; Filling Your Testimony Tank; Growing Up: Gospel Answers about Maturation and Sex.
Complete 2007 Fireside Schedule
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Monday, December 3
Dinner - Annual Holiday Dinner
Monday, November 5
Guest Presenter: Mindy Gledhill
Monday, October 1From her website: "Since childhood, Mindy Gledhill has seen the world through curious, determined eyes. The eclectic entourage of musical influences surrounding her only fed her free spirit. Raised on the north coast of California, Mindy recalls her grade school music hours with Mr. Lindsay, and the marimba, drums, and flute she played in the school band. She was surrounded by the music of Native American pow-wows and blue grass bands, the Jewish fiddle of her fourth-grade teacher, and her mom singing the classics from the 20s and 30s--even lullabies from her older sister at bedtime. These are the memories Mindy claims to be the essence of the music she creates...
"In September 2002, acclaimed producer and composer Kenneth Cope heard Mindy at a songwriter's workshop. Impressed by the depth of her songwriting and the emotion in her voice, Kenneth offered to produce Mindy's first album and immediately began to mentor her. Mindy has toured with both Kenneth and Jenny Phillips and is now signed as a label artist with Lumen Records, a division of Excel Entertainment Group."
Mindy's music can be purchased at Deseret Book. Her new album, Feather in the Wind, will be released fall 2007.
Guest Presenter: Sandra L. Cherry and Sage Volkman
Monday, September 10Sandra Cherry, M.S., and Sage Volkman will be our October presenters. Much of Sister Cherry's personal and professional time has been devoted to the study of Near Death Experiences (NDEs), which is how she met Sage, and which is what they will be speaking about. Sandra is a contributor to the book They Saw Beyond Death, by Arvin S. Gibson.
Born and raised in northern California, Sandra converted to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1970 and has been married to her husband, Bert Cherry, for 42 years. They have "two kind-hearted sons, two awesome daughters-in-law, four beautiful granddaughters, and two wonderful dogs." Sandra first received her bachelor's degree in Humanities at age 49 and then went on to do graduate work in psychology at Brigham Young University, where she has been teaching since 1997. She teaches Personality Theory and Psychology of Gender at the BYU Salt Lake Center. Sandra is also a member of the International Association of Near-Death Studies, where has served as Vice President over research since 1996 and is a member of the Board of Directors.
Sage Volkman's story has been featured twice in Ensign and New Era stories (see "Sages Song" and "Sage's Story"). At the age of 5, two weeks after her parents and older brother had joined the Church, Sage was on a fishing trip with her dad and brother, Avery. At one point, while her father and brother were a short distance away fishing, Avery heard a dog bark and saw that their camper was on fire. Brother Volkman rushed back to rescue the sleeping Sage but was unable to do so before she had already received 3rd and 4th degree burns over 70% of her body. Sage spent the next 6 weeks in a coma, where she had a Near Death Experience, and in the years since awakening has had 78 surgeries. A living miracle, Sage writes, "I am happy and people wonder how I can be with all that I have gone through. I tell them you have two ways to see the world, as a good place with wonderful people to love and be loved by or you can see everything as a problem and feel anger always in your heart. I choose to be happy."
Guest Presenters: Tamu Smith and Keith Hamilton
Tamu Smith and Keith Hamilton are black converts to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who starred in "I Am Jane," Margaret Blair Young's critically acclaimed play about Jane Manning James, a black Latter-day Saint pioneer. (For those who attended, Sister Young was the June presenter.) An actress and author, Tamu is also one of the women featured in Tahlee Booher's documentary "Sisters in Zion." Keith was the first black student to graduate from the BYU Law School.
Monday, August 6
Dinner - Annual Fall Bar-B-Q
Sunday, July 1
Guest Presenter: Providence
Monday, June 11Providence is the creation of Shadow Mountain Music. The group consists of Camille Aagard, Kerilyn Johnson, Katharine Matis Adams, and Kelly Shepardson. The group's tight harmonies and contemporary sound created a buzz along the Wasatch Front, months before their first release hit stores in January 2004.
Their debut single "You'll Get Through This," from the bestselling Women of Destiny, Volume 2, encompasses the message they hope to share with women around the country. "No matter what happens in this life, there is great peace and hope in knowing we have a Father in heaven who loves us and who will not abandon us," says Katharine, a California native. The group shares a message of grace and faith and the blessings that can come when women enjoy the unique sisterhood they share. "I am fascinated by the things I learn about life and the gospel from the women in my life," says Camille, who currently lives in Alpine, Utah, with her husband and three children. "It's so critical that we nurture and care for each other. We need each other."
Providence's debut album can be purchased at Deseret Book.
Guest Presenter: Margaret Blair Young
Monday, May 7Margaret Blair Young teaches creative writing at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. An accomplished author, she has won numerous awards from the Utah Arts Council, including Best Short Story Collection for Elegies and Love Songs (which also captured Best Short Story Collection of the Year from the Association of Mormon Letters); Best Novel of the Year in 1992 for Salvador, and Best Novel of the Year in 1995 for Merry's Daughters.
She has also written three plays, two of which have been produced at BYU, including Dear Stone and I Am Jane. Margaret also teaches at the Spanish Institute at BYU. Margaret co-authored with Darius Gray the three-volume series, Standing on the Promises, published by Deseret Book.
Margaret and her husband, Bruce, a professor of English at BYU, are the parents of four children and live in Provo, Utah.
Guest Presenter: Robert L. Millet
Monday, April 2Robert L. Millet is Professor of Ancient Scripture and former dean of Religious Education at Brigham Young University. Before joining the BYU faculty in 1983, he worked with LDS Social Services and the Church Educational System. He earned a master's degree from BYU in psychology and a Ph.D. from Florida State University in biblical studies and nineteenth- and twentieth-century religious thought.
Brother Millet has served in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a bishop, stake president, temple worker, and member of the Church Materials Evaluation Committee. A prolific speaker and writer, his most recent books include Men of Valor, Grace Works, Lost and Found, More Holiness Give Me, Alive in Christ, Life After Death, When a Child Wanders, and Within Reach.
He and his wife, Shauna Sizemore Millet, are the parents of six children.
Dinner - Annual International Potluck Dinner
Monday, March 5
Guest Presenter: Nathan D. Wood
Brother Wood graduated with both Masters and Doctoral degrees from Brigham Young University in Marriage and Family and currently teaches classes in marriage, family, and human development at Utah Valley State College in Orem, Utah.
Brother Wood will speak about cultivating intimacy in our relationships with others.
Monday, February 5
Guest Presenter: Hilary Weeks
Monday, January 8From her website: "Music was important in the home where Hilary Weeks grew up. Born in Colorado, and raised in Alaska, she began playing the piano at age eight and wrote her first song at age 14. Her first published song 'He Hears Me' was recorded on the 1993 EFY album, and from there Hilary quickly became a favorite in the inspirational music industry. She has released six solo albums, has been featured on numerous compilation albums, and has been the recipient of numerous awards from the Faith Centered Music Association. Her most recent album, The Collection, is a compilation of her most beloved songs from the past 15 years.
"Hilary met her husband Tim when he was serving as a missionary in Alaska and they are the parents of four beautiful daughters. A self-described 'homebody,' Hilary says her favorite times are those spent with her family. She loves scrapbooking, exercising, and cooking. She loves trying new recipes and hopes to become a great cook someday. Hilary, Tim, and their girls live in Lehi, Utah."
Hilary's music can be purchased at Deseret Book.
Guest Presenter: Wendy Ulrich
Sister Wendy Ulrich was raised in California and served a mission in the Belgium Brussels/Netherlands Mission from 1973-75. She is married to Dave Ulrich and they have three children. She served with her husband as head of the Canada Montreal Mission from 2002-2005 and now reside in Alpine, Utah.
While living in Michigan as her husband worked as a Professor of Business Administration at the University of Michigan, Sister Ulrich received her Ph.D. in Psychology from the same university and held a private practice there for nearly 20 years. She served as president of the Association of Mormon Counselors and Psychotherapists (AMCAP) and has authored numerous professional articles in both psychology and business. Wendy has taught at the University of Michigan and Brigham Young University and speaks frequently to both lay and professional audiences on the topics of personal growth, healing, spirituality, and change. She also co-facilitates a series of seminar-retreats called Sixteen Stones.
A sample of previous presentations she's given are a 2001 Cyber Secrets Conference address at BYU on pornography, "The Illusion of Intimacy: The Effect of Pornography on Individuals in Relationships", as well as a 2005 conference address for the Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research (FAIR), "‘Believest Thou?': Faith, Cognitive Dissonance, and the Psychology of Religious Experience".