Willow Creek Speaks: Recent Episodes
Lynne McKinley
Gage Kelsey sits down with me!
I’ve been a member of the Willow Creek ward for decades. It is one of the greatest blessings of my life. Learn a little more about me.
Thank you Gage!
Energy, intelligence and life experience is what Cindy Alldredge is all about! This woman is not slowing down at all!
You will love and appreciate her outlook on life and what’s most important. Look for Cindy’s work on the website, "Most Delicious Life.”
Thank you, Cindy for sharing a little bit of your story!
Lindsey is a rockstar! Like all the Willow Creek women, she shines in every way and was just called to serve as our young women stake camp director.
Get to know another member of our ward who was raised in the great state of New Mexico. You will love her!
Look up "dynamo" in the dictionary and you will see Shelley's picture.
Born and raised in Canada, Shelley always felt a yearning for America.
She is the mother of 6 great kids. Working in the health field is just one of Shelley's endeavors and passions.
Shelley, you are amazing! Thank you for sharing a little of your story.
Get to know one of our new ward members - Gage Kemsley!
He's young, smart, athletic and has a great story.
Gage grew up in Germany, served a mission in Germany, attended university in New Mexico and now lives in Colorado.
He has a wonderful testimony of the gospel that you will love hearing.
Thank you, Gage, for sharing a little of your story!
Listen to Julie's podcast and then go ask her to share more.
Julie, a full-blooded Navajo, grew up in New Mexico to first generation LDS convert parents.
Oldest of 7 children, Julie loved her gospel home and served a great mission in the Philippines.
Her life is one full of light and intelligence. Her advice, Hozho, is one of the most important words in the Navajo language.
Thank you, Julie, for sharing your remarkable story!
To know Stan is to love him because Stan loves everyone around him.
You probably didn't know that Stan grew up amidst the Crips and Bloods. Listen to how he navigated that environment.
Sports, especially football blessed Stan's life greatly. In addition, he has a great Tongan background.
Stan's story is one of the best. Thank you so much for sharing!
Take a trip to Singapore with this cherished ward member!
Charles grew up in Singapore, served a mission in Taiwan and now is happily living in Colorado.
Singapore has a mandatory 2 year military service requirement. Listen to Charles' second year of military service as part of the rowing team. Sadly, his team had a tragic turn as Charles began his mission.
Learn about what Charles values most in the gospel. Thank you, Charles, for sharing your story.
Jared Doot, husband, father of 4, football coach,, basketball coach and runner was just called as 1st counselor in the bishopric. He will be working with the youth.
What a great role model he will be! Listen to how he works with his own kids. Jared shares a little about his parents' conversion to the church, his childhood, how he felt about his stateside mission call and what anchors him to the gospel.
Thank you, Jared, for sharing a little of your story!
Look up the word "accomplished" in the dictionary and you will find a picture of Kim Woo.
Kim was raised in Southern California, served a mission in Taiwan and is the mother of two children while working as an optometrist. She also serves as second counselor in the relief society.
Thank you, Kim, for sharing your story.
Please take the time to listen to our young adult ward member, Rachael Hadden.
Rachael is crazy intelligent, well-spoken, educated and valued in every way. As a member of the LGBTQ community, her life experience is important for all of us to hear.
Thank you, Rachael, for sharing your story (so far!) with us.
"You belong here." This is the message Eric heard when he was putting away chairs at the HIghlands Ranch Stake Center after a scout meeting. Eric Ericson has been led by the Spirit his entire life.
Listen as he shares his experiences as a child of a military family living around the world, meeting his darling wife, Lisa, and his career today.
Thank you Eric for sharing your story!
Lisa Ericson is a recent convert to the church. Her path of conversion is a great story - a big shout out to all you scout leaders!!
Listen as she shares about what attracted her to the church. Lisa, a big sci-fi reader, has complete integrity and adds so much to our ward.
Thank you, Lisa, for sharing your story!
Tim Pingree, member of the Willow Creek ward for 31 years, recently returned from serving as a mission leader for the Florida Fort Lauderdale mission.
Listen as he shares his experiences in the mission field.
Lou Ann Pingree, member fo the WIllow Creek ward for 31 years, recently returned from serving as a mission leader in the Florida Fort Lauderdale mission.
Listen as she shares her amazing experiences in the mission field.
Romarecord1973
This is a must listen!
These two full-time missionaries are the best of the best. Get to know Sister Hatch and Sister Boris and then have them in your home!
Thank you, Sisters for your service in our ward!
Romarecord1973
Dave DeLapp was baptized on March 8, 2019. His health doesn't allow him to attend Sunday meetings at this time, but he is a faithful watcher of our sacrament meeting recordings!
Dave taught physics at George Washington High School for 34 years and was recognized as a favorite teacher for 33 of those years. Listen as he shares his philosophy on teaching and his time as a high school swim coach. Truly inspirational!
Thank you, Dave, for sharing your story. You are a beloved member of the Willow Creek ward!
In this episode of Willow Creek Speaks we hear from Katherine Brady and learn about her experience growing up in Colorado and how she was introduced to the church. We are reminded of the value that we're all brothers and sisters.
Second of 2 part series with Roseanne and John Ainscough. In this episode we hear from John.
First of 2 part series with Roseanne and John Ainscough. In this episode we hear from Roseanne.
Kelly gives us a glimpse into her daily life, how she stays inspired and connected to her faith. Kelly discusses gospel learning, growth and building gospel understanding together with her husband Dave. She also shares some of joys of raising kids in a time of social media. Kelly and Dave love the Willow Creek Ward so much that they are now on their fourth residence within the ward boundaries. We are grateful for Kelly's open heart and welcoming spirit.
Nicole shares personal stories about meeting her husband Jason and having to wait for kids. We also get to hear about Nicole's work in the news business.
Get to know this sensitive, insightful member of our ward. Tim's center revolves around loving others and strengthening relationships. A native of Colorado, Tim chose to raise his family here. He has two adult children: an artist and engineer!
You will love even more this lover of family history, cycling and hiking, Thank you, Tim, for sharing your story.
Host Lynne McKinley interviews Patrick Ollerton, a young husband and father who recently joined us in Willow Creek. Patrick talks about the importance of trusting The Lord, his work with NASA and how he uses technology to stay close with long time friends.
Your time will be well spent in learning more about our new 1st Counselor in the Relief Society, Michelle Ollerton. Michelle, her husband, Patrick, and young son, Issac, are fairly new to our ward. Get to know her wonderful childhood in Logan Utah, her mission in South America and journey through college. Michelle's life is an example of listening to the spirit and seeking advice when needed. Thank you, Michelle, for sharing your story with us.
Do you want to make an easy friend in the ward? Search out Marv Mickelson. Marv is a man of many talents and interests so it's likely you will have something in common. Get to know Marv a little better as he shares about his own faith development through the great examples of his ancestors. Marv's career and hobbies make him a wonderful addition to the Willow Creek ward.
Get to know Charley Brown, a fairly new member of Willow Creek ward and 2nd Counselor in the Denver North Mission Presidency. Charley grew up in Wisconsin and, after many moves, has landed in his favorite city, Denver!
Claire Christofferson grew up in the Willow Creek ward. An ideal childhood gave way to some bumps and detours in her early adult years. Claire’s honesty about all things in life is a breath of fresh air.
One of our ward’s greatest treasures is Deborah Geist. She is a gem because she has been buffeted and polished by life experience. Listen to her share the lessons of leadership, the blessings and challenges of a special needs child and her many talents and abilities. It was such a pleasure to hear her story. I know you will love it, too.
Larry Merrill is a charter member of the WIllow Creek ward. His childhood in Idaho is unlike all childhoods today. Driving at age 14 and operating heavy equipment a short time later, we are lucky to have Larry with us today! Listen to Larry share his time at BYU. He came to Denver when there was one stake from Cheyenne to Colorado Springs. A life-long musician, Larry has played bassoon in many of the symphonies around the city. Larry's wealth of experience and knowledge is a tremendous asset to our ward.
Some people just light up a room. Cindy Jessop is one of them. A native of Colorado and goodly parents, she joined the church as an adult with her husband, Jon. Cindy has a cheery, optimistic nature which has blessed her marriage, family and ward family. Listen to her journey as an early member of the church. Thank you, Cindy, for all you add to our lives!
How does someone serve in a bishopric 6 times? Humble and willing to do all that is asked, Jon Jessop is a native Willow Creek ward member. Listen and learn about this father, husband and now early morning seminary teacher. You will be uplifted and inspired.
Meri Brown has been a member of the Willow Creek ward for just over 3 years (2 of them during Covid). She is enthusiastic, quick, funny and a lover of the scriptures and good literature. Find out how her knowledge of the scriptures came about. Meri, mother of 5 (if you have been sick during a pregnancy, talk to Meri. She was horribly sick with all 5 pregnancies!), now serves as gospel doctrine teacher and in the stake mission presidency. Thank you so much for sharing your story!
Intelligence meets empathy in Cody Whipperman. Cody serves as one of our seminary teachers and you will quickly figure why. He has a quick connection with people, an ability to read a room and a love of the gospel. You will be inspired with how Cody has met some of the challenges of his life. We are blessed to have Cody and his family in our ward.
Son of rocks. This young man is pure inspiration. Home from his mission just 8 weeks, Devin showed up at my home with scriptures in hand. This set of hunter green scriptures, received at his baptism, goes everywhere with him. Devin demonstrates what the youth of today are looking for and shares his personal journey to serve a full-time mission. Don’t miss this.
Do you want to know what a rock sounds like? Check out Dave Geist, a 20-year member of Willow Creek ward. Dave has navigated his journey with jobs, a special needs child to a cancer diagnosis with faith and a heart and mind that listens to the whisperings of the spirit. Dave’s message to his posterity is particularly meaningful for our day.
We have the good fortune to listen to Marlene Daly this week. Marlene is a charter member of WIllow Creek ward, a past relief society president and current high school educator. In this podcast, Marlene shares her experience and wisdom on many things. For those who seek additional education, learn of Marlene’s path as an Independent Study BYU student. Listen for her leadership and gospel insights. There is much we can learn from Marlene’s story.
Well, this one is embarrassing for me. Why couldn’t I remember how to pronounce Sister Bishoff’s name all the way through the podcast? I apologize!! Despite my inabilities, the experiences, testimonies and insights of our ward missionaries is not to be missed. Calling all youth! Listen to their advice about how they came to be full-time missionaries. Listen for some of the lessons a mission can teach. Listen to their favorite gospel principles. And, for all of us, how can we better support our full-time missionaries. (Hint: Have them into your homes.)
Do you love Nila Peterson for her honesty, her humor, her pies…? It’s hard to pinpoint why we love Nila so much. Get to know Nila a little better as she wraps up 27 years of living in Colorado. Don’t worry, she will return to visit her many family members who are staying in Colorado.
Okay, this guy does all the family laundry. That alone makes Ken Jach’s story a must listen. First counselor in the bishopric, father of six and husband of the great Amelia, Ken does everything with a love of people. His faith in God has blessed the life of many, especially his father. Listen to Ken’s journey from St. Louis to Australia to California and eventually Denver.
We have the best new families! Meet Heather Peterson, raised in Vermont, educated in Salt Lake City, resident of Portland and now with her husband and three sons in Centennial! Heather is a plant lover, people lover and has a wonderful outlook on the gospel of Jesus Christ.
What are some of the things that make our ward so wonderful? Diversity has to be one of them. Meet Laura Brown, counselor in our Relief Society presidency. Even though Laura describes her upbringing as “white bread,” she has had some challenges along the way. Listen to her outlook on growing up, meeting challenges and what role the scriptures play in her life. Laura is a great member of our ward and her story is terrific!
Do you want to be uplifted and thrilled with the youth of today? Meet 2 of our 4 Willow Creek Ward high school graduates, Sawyer Whipperman and Brooklyn Anderson. Listen to the people and things that developed their personal faith in Christ. What are their plans for the futures? What advice do they have for the upcoming high schoolers? This is a podcast that will make your day.
Come and meet our 2nd counselor in the bishopric, Jason Denne. Learn about Jason’s youth in Southern California, the early death of his father and how he navigated his childhood in these circumstances. Jason’s practical approach to the gospel and pragmatic view of life resonates with so many. Thank you, Jason, for sharing your story.
Scott Pusey is a 27-year veteran of the WIllow Creek ward and left just one year ago to move with his wife, Jenifer, to Gunnison, Colorado. Catch up with Scott, one of the best gospel teachers around, and learn about his deep-rooted faith in God, the scriptures and his posterity message to all of us.
Need some advice on how to navigate these difficult times for yourself and your children? Meet Michael Christofferson, a school psychologist and member of our ward. Michael shares some of his insights and experience about health - physical and mental. In addition, Michael’s unique life as a son of a general authority gives perspective to counsel to his posterity and all of us.
Miranda Stewart, a parent of four children, is a relatively new member to our ward. She moved in just prior to the Covid shut down. Miranda’s life-long faith as helped her navigate her course in life. Listen to her commitment to love being primary in all things. Her natural intelligence and engineering mindset is a wonderful addition to our ward!
How does a testimony grow? For most of us, including our bishop, it grows line by line. Get to know our bishop a little better and learn how we can best support the bishopric.
Do you want a lift today or a bucket of wisdom pearls? Thelissa Zollinger, a long-time Willow Creek ward member, is offering up some of her best life experiences and the knowledge she has gained from them. Listen for her thoughts on parenthood and family history. Thelissa is a treasure. Enjoy!
If you want to meet one of our newest baptized members, check in with Jeremy Parsons. And, to boot, Jeremy is engaged to the beautiful Meranda Peterson!! Jeremy graduated from Columbine High School and has been familiar with the church for several years. Listen for his simple faith. In addition, Jeremy has some fun hobbies and interests. Welcome to the Willow Cree Ward, Jeremy! You are a wonderful addition!
We have all watched Meranda go through countless hip surgeries. Where did she get such stamina and faith to endure all she has? Listen for the answer and it may be spelled, NILA. Meranda has emerged triumphant and is taking on the world and marriage to the cute Jeremy Parsons next month.
If you want to find a fun-loving, smart and realistic woman in our ward, look for Amelia Jach. Amelia grew up in Alaska and moved to Colorado at age 17. She works full time, mothers full- time and has been able to navigate the challenges in her life with unwavering faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Joan Doot is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. Listen to the magical childhood she had in Tooele, Utah. Her love for babies and children came with some heartache as she miscarried a baby girl and cared for two young children while their baby was in the hospital. Joan’s message to her posterity.can benefit us all.
Ken Bailey’s started working at age 5. He plans to work until he hits the grave. Where did this work ethic come from? Listen for Ken’s personal commandments. I borrowed them as I think you will, too!
To know Laura is to love Laura. Laura Garn is a life-time member of our ward. Raised in the same neighborhood where she is now raising her four children, Laura has an honest approach to life and shares some of her personal challenges. Listen for her strategies to conquer the anxieties she has experienced.
Jared Hadden’s quick wit is enjoyed by all who associate with him. However, don’t be fooled into thinking he is all about the funny things in life. Listen for Jared’s thoughtful gospel insights and his personal approach to gospel living.