Congratulations to our Chaplain, Carol Heckmann, for 30 years of ministry.  See her words below:

“My, how time flies!  I remember how impressed I was when I began in ministry and I heard of ministers celebrating their 30 plus years of ministry. And, now here I am!

I began my ministry at my first churches in Ellsworth and Prescott, Wisconsin on August 1, 1988. These were churches that had a predominately elder population. I so enjoyed listening to their stories as I visited with them in their homes.

After my pastorate in Wisconsin, I took positions as a chaplain in a variety of settings.  I found that I experienced my greatest joy when I worked with seniors.

I co-founded a non-profit called Journey to Wholeness where I and another person developed several programs to help people of all ages age with dignity and grace. We field tested them with great success.

I have always felt called to specialized ministry, and after my experience in the churches and writing these programs, I knew it was with the elderly.

When I first heard and read about Oak Meadows 20 years ago, I thought it might be a nice place to work.  I had facilitated a Celebration of Life Service for a tenant who had been a hospice client of mine, and my great-uncle lived there for a couple of years.

When I was in need of a job in 2009, a pastor friend of mine informed me of an opening for chaplain. I applied and was voted in by the committee made up of 5 tenants and have been here since.

I am where I am truly called to be. Ministering with the tenants and staff has been enriching and rewarding. I am so blessed to be a part of this community.”