At the end of June, Carole Halmekangas will retire as our Director of Traditional Worship after 45 years of service to Ward Church. Since coming to Ward three years ago, I have marveled at her incredible gifts and grace. I have worked with many musicians over the years, but none more talented than Carole. Music is a part of her and seems to flow effortlessly through her. However, the amazing talent Carole possesses isn’t even the best part about her. Carole has a winsome grace-filled walk with Jesus that permeates her life. It is unusual for one so gifted to walk with such humility. It has been a great privilege to serve Christ with Carole. I have found in her a kindred spirit that understands the joys and challenges of ministry.
Our friend Carole avoids the limelight and squirms under public recognition. I invite you to join me in “silently” honoring her by posting a tribute to her ministry. Let her know how she has brightened your life and lifted your spirit. All of the posts will be printed and included in a book for Carole.
14 Comments
I have been in the chancel choir for almost 19 years. When Jerry Smith left, most of us in the choir were devastated and could not fathom a music ministry at Ward without him. Then Carole graciously agreed to take over the music ministry and slowly but surely we all settled in to a wonderful choir experience with a lovely lady who is so very talented in so many ways. Thank you, Carole, for your steadfastness in the music ministry at Ward Church and kind expressions of love and concern for all of us.
Dear Carole,
Our special friendship for these many years has been a bright light in my life always leading me closer to the Lord. Remember all those Wednesdays nights when several of us prayed in the pew after choir? Remember our crazy and fun times together up North? Remember our many dinners together, Birthday celebrations and times of laughter and joy? Remember the beautiful musical offerings of HeartSong and Soli Deo Gloria! These are just a few of my most treasured memories of times shared with you. I’ll always be grateful for your kindness and love. You will remain as one of my very special friends! I know God will continue to bless you fully each day!
Love, Janet
Thanks, Carole, for helping my heart step beyond what I can say to God through music.
Thank you. Carole: For allowing me to worship the Lord through music – which has been such a blessing throughout my life. I will always cherish the “Carole Memory” I have when I relocated from Michigan to New Mexico in 2002. You were so kind with your e-mails to me as I settled into a new job, new location, far from friends, family, church. You thanked me for my participation in the Chancel Choir, encouraged me in my new endeavors, invited me back to sing any time I was visiting in Michigan. I appreciated those messages more than you will ever know.
In 2009, when I retired and moved back to Michigan, you warmly welcomed me back to my beloved Alto section. You are serving God in your gratiousness toward others.
It is a very challenging task to seek a simply way to express appreciation for Carol’s services, however, Psalm 37 : 4 “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” comes to mind. She is magnificently setting an example for all of us on ‘how to’.
Thank you, Carol.
Carole has been and inspiration and support to me since 7th grade when I joined Ward as a member. Being a young, novice oboe player, Carole always invited and encouraged me to play for God’s glory and to enjoy the moments of blessed music. I so appreciate her example of humility not to accept praise based on my own ability but to give it to God and He gives it back to you. There are so many great joys in the music God gives us to make. The intensity of emotions that music brings is without words but, it is tangible and brings such a spirit of peace and focus that nothing else can bring. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!
Thank you Carole and may God Bless this next phase with new melodies and joys.
After 51 years in the Ward Chancel Choir, and singing under many directors both short term and long term, it has been, without a doubt, the highlight of all the years to sing for such a wonderful “all around” person. Carole and I have shared many adventures in weddings, funerals, a quantum number of flocks of “Sparrows”, and especially those interesting challenges of singing in Ab rather than Eb. Talk about stretching God’s greatness in supplying our needs…whew! Carole, I love everything about you, and what you have taught all of us about graciousness, kindness, beauty in person and soul, and most valuable of all, your understanding of us, and modesty regarding your talents and tools. With love, Ken
Dear Carole,
I am saddened that you will no longer be our music director. Your choice of music for the Sunday worship was inspirational and lifted my soul. Ans it was always challenging, and yes, fun, to participate in the special programs that you created for us.
May the Lord bless you on your new journey.
Yours in Christ,
Jeannette Tiberio
Dear Carole,
Thank you so much for sharing your gift of music with the people of God. You are a blessing and an inspiration. May the Lord bless you in your new endeavors.
With Love in Christ,
Susan Sweetman
Carole,
What a delight it has been to share in the music ministry with you. Your extreme talent and humble spirit has made the worship experience very powerful. Your grace, friendship and encouragement has been an anchor for me during my thirty years at Ward. Thank you!
Dearest friend and mentor how quickly the precious moments in our lives turn to memories. But those memories are relived over and over and they nourish us. Thank you for the abundance of laughter over lunch and with the girls ( Fifth Season). Didn’t we Praise the Lord with laughter and song! Today they call it “girls nite out” but we did it better because our Lord was the center of the evening and how he must have laughed along with us. The music you arranged is also arranged in my heart. When in need, out it comes with words that bring comfort for the circumstance. ” Friends are Friends Forever”,
Love Nancy K
Carole,
Clara and I have always loved and enjoyed the traditional music program at Ward since our first visit to the Livonia campus during Advent season. We became part of the last new member class at that facility. Clara joined the choir right away. Although I have a good instrumental music background, I had no prior vocal music experience; however, thanks to your continual urging and encouragement, I joined the choir. It has been very rewarding to be a part of this wonderful Christian organization, and I can’t thank you enough for your leadership and your ministry.
Thanks again for all that you have contributed over the years.
Bob Pawling
We’ve been attending Ward for about 5 years now but have only know you personally for 2 years or so.
When I see the program Sunday mornings, I often see that the hymns and tunes are well coordinated with the topic of the sermon which further enhances the worship of our Lord.
These words above reminded me of several anthems that I discovered you have written for the choir at Ward. Your knowledge of the Scriptures and your recitation of verses while playing the piano are both refreshing and inspiring. I greatly appreciate your efforts and abilities. It greatly enhances my worship experience, and I pray other’s experience as well.
We greatly appreciate your service to our Lord.
Your focus is on Christ, not yourself and it clearly shows. You demonstrate an uncommon trait, that of a comfortable leader that is so comfortable that you can participate with others as well as lead. I think that this builds the next generation when they see the competence of a skill set.
May the Lord continue to bless you as you continue to serve Christ.
Enjoy life.
Dick and Sylvia Clifford
So glad your ministry is as faithful as it was 20 years ago. I miss the choir and the people in Mi. I hope to come back someday. Meanwhile, I fell and broke and had to have 2 surgeries and 2 rehabs because the bones in my arm crumbled around the hardware. Finally with cement holding the fracture together and a new shoulder, I am close to being the bionic woman. Think of you and Rich often and wish I could talk to you. My No is 919-854-0298. Our new choir director is Rusty McKinney. Google him. He has done work with the Morm Tab choir and the Utah Symphony. Plays trombone and works very hard shaping us up. Love to hear from You. Elaine