Phil Giallombardo

I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. I never knew how blessed I was with my family until I grew older and the real world was revealed to me. My parents encouraged me to take accordion lessons when I was just 6 years old and I studied until I was 16. I then switched to other keyboards and played and sang professionally in Rock n' Roll Bands for the next 16 years, playing and touring with some of the biggest acts in the music industry. I have been writing songs since I was a teenager and have been fortunate enough to have many of them published.

I wrote my first Christian song in 1990 when our church in Ohio asked me to perform for a special service. I had no idea that God was going to give me the gift to share His word through my music. It's very satisfying to finally use my God given talents the way He intended.

Throughout my musical career, I always thought that when I was "older" I would join an "a capella" choir or a vocal group of some sort - I always loved harmony! Before I started "wing and a prayer" I used to think I was still middle aged until I realized I didn't know anyone who was 104 years old! So, I said why not just start a group of my own. Instead of looking for the best singers I could find, I wanted people that were first good Christians, then good friends and then who could also sing a little. I've told them all that we'd be singing things they never thought they could sing. But, I'm so proud of them all for the work they've put into this labor of love and how one day the Lord turned us into "wing and a prayer".

Together, we hope we can touch some hearts with our music.

Personally, I've been blessed by my son Jesse. I've always been able to count on him to do the right thing and I'm proud of the man he's become. With my "city boy" living in Chicago, I only wish that I could see him more often to share more of our lives together.

My life changed forever when I met my wife Jocelyn. She is my angel on earth and anything that I've become spiritually or otherwise is mostly due to her encouragement and example. We continue to grow together in our marriage and as members of Central United Methodist Church in Denton, NC. God continues to reveal His plan for us and why He led us to High Rock Lake.

Charlanne Tippett

I think I must have come out of my mother's womb singing harmony! But seriously, my parents are both superbly talented musicians, and all my life they have had a church music ministry.  Some of my earliest memories are of going to choir practice with them, their wonderful Christmas and Easter cantatas, and my brother playing his golden trumpet at church.

In my teens in Greensboro, NC, it was youth choir and countless duets, trios and quartets at Friendly Avenue Baptist Church and "Tuttle's Famous Choir" at Grimsley High School. Then it was on to Wake Forest, where I always seemed to be singing, whether it was around campfires at pre-school retreats, in "Dr. Mac's Touring Choir" and Madrigal Singers, or simply strolling around "The Quad" singing silly sentimental songs or golden oldies. (They weren't oldies then!)

When "real life" set in, my priorities shifted and the only singing I did was along with the radio. BUT, it was always, ALWAYS a dream to perform. After moving to Richfield some eight years ago, I soon became a member of Stanly County Chorale. I must credit Director Cindy Pribble with rekindling my passion for choral music and performing with her demand for excellence. A TRULY "Long and Winding Road," on which I strayed from my roots for an unfortunately long time has led me to the doorstep of Central Methodist Church to embark on this new journey with "Wing and a Prayer." My testimony is never, never doubt God's infinite wisdom and marvelous plan.  The long and not always happy or smart story of my life is the perfect illustration of my favorite Bible verse, Ephesians 3:20, in which Paul says, "Now glory be to God! By His mighty power at work within us, He is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope." (NLT)

Among the greatest blessings God has bestowed on me are my wonderful husband Bill, who continues to be "The Wind Beneath My Wings," and my precious son Christian, who has made me so proud yet so humble with the man of God he has become. God is going to do great things through him, I just know it!

Adalyn Nopanen

I am a native North Carolinian, born and raised in Denton. Esko, my husband, was transferred with General Electric to Connecticut in 1979, where we spent the next 19 years. In 1998, Esko took early retirement and I found my feet once again in Tar Heel soil. We built a house on High Rock Lake , which has truly become "home".

Together Esko and I have four children and eight grandchildren. Gail and David, both married, live in Florida. Gail and Charlie have two children, Kevin and Lena, and David and Terese have a son, Eric. Crissie lives in Durham, N.C. with their five children - Carey, Jessa, Joey, Jakob, and Cylie. The three oldest are part of the youth voices on our first CD. Our youngest son, Aron - a computer engineer, is married to Sheila and they live in Wellington, New Zealand.

I feel so blessed to have grown up in a Christian home, where my parents, Polly and Blanton Lomax, provided a secure and happy childhood. My dad owned the local Esso (later Exxon) Service Station, that is now a great little restaurant, The Buttercup. My mom was a stay-at-home mother for my older brother, Brad, and me. Activities at Central United Methodist Church filled a large part of my younger years.

My faith journey definitely started in my childhood, but grew much deeper in my years at Huntington United Methodist Church in Connecticut. Through wonderful friendships, studies, retreats, and activities I not only found a "Connecticut family" but a richer relationship with Christ. But life's journey is filled with changes - and we grow through them. As I struggled with the move back to North Carolina, knowing it would bring change, a good friend told me she knew something wonderful was waiting for me with our move - something that would strengthen my faith more than I could imagine. Never in a million years would I have guessed what was to happen to me.

I had always loved music - in early years I was in the school chorus and took piano lessons. I sang in church choirs both growing up and in later years. But that was the extent of it. A few times I struggled with duets or solos, but always got so nervous. Several years ago I made a pact with God one Sunday morning when I was to do a solo at church. If He would get me thru it, I promised I would never put myself in the same situation - and I stuck with that promise for the next several years. Now I know God must have been laughing and saying - "If you only knew what was ahead for you!" If He had told me I would move back to the town I grew up in, meet these wonderful friends, become part of a Christian music ministry, and cut three CDs, I do believe I would have had to question Him.

When Phil first talked about forming "Wing and a Prayer", it sounded like a great idea - little did I know then that this guy had such a vision. Next thing I knew he was talking about singing in PUBLIC. Of course I thought of my promise several years ago, but something had changed. I truly turned my doubts, fears, and my control over to God - if I was truly singing for the right reason - to glorify God and share His word thru music, then I knew He'd give me what I needed to stand up in front of an audience. And He did. From the first time we sang in public I felt a peace surround me. Maybe there are a few knots in the stomach, but the joy and happiness I've received from God, from these great friends, and the blessings I receive from those we share with is much stronger than those butterflies.

I am so thankful to Phil for his patience, vision, and faith in me, to Neil for his support when I've needed it and for sharing his love for Christ with all of us, and to Charlanne whose faith flows through her joy and enthusiasm. Just as important to "Wing and a Prayer" are our spouses - thanks to Jocelyn for her love, laughter, constant encouragement, and wonderful friendship, to Janice who has supported us all the way, and to Bill for sharing Charlanne with us. And Esko, what can I say - he's been there all the way - always listening with new interest, inspiring me with just the right words, and loving me no matter what. On top of the list I thank God for blessing me so - I am amazed at what He can do in and with our lives if we just let Him. I'm not sure what He has in store for me, but I do know nothing is impossible if we just "Take It To the Lord."

Neil Snider

I guess I'm the only member of the group that has lived his entire life in Denton, NC - now home to everybody in "wing and a prayer". I'm very thankful for my roots. My parents were Church oriented Methodists and faithfully brought us to church every Sunday.

At about the age of 17, I broke away from Church - just quit going. Several years later, tragedy hit my life. But I still had it in my mind that I wasn't about to attend church. I thought that was for hypocrites. But the Lord never gave up on me. He kept after me. I didn't know what to do or what the Lord wanted. Then my boss and some other friends invited me and my family to Summerville Baptist Church. I believe the Lord used them to plant the seed for my return. So after 9 years of marriage, my wife Janice and I started going every week and never quit. We both accepted Christ and our life hasn't been the same.

I feel grateful to have such a devoted and understanding wife. I really appreciate the sacrifices she makes so that I can devote time to "wing and a prayer". Janice and I were blessed with two sons, Jonathan and Steven. Sadly Jonathan was taken to be with his Heavenly Father on October 20, 2009. Our faith in the Lord is certainly what is getting us through devastating time. I appreciate all the support I've received from all my family and friends.

I've always enjoyed music but had never sung in public. Our pastor's wife encouraged me to sing and after I found Jesus, I started to sing for Him and praise His name through my voice. The first song I ever tried to sing was "He Touched Me" about 10-11 years ago (I love singing it with the group - it still has such a special meaning in my life). Anyway, I became more and more comfortable at singing all the time. Phil likes to say that I found the Lord and He found my voice. I actually wanted to get a group together, but didn't know much about music and didn't have a clue how to start. Then I received a call from Phil asking me if I wanted to join a Christian singing group that he was starting back in March of 2002. He wasn't sure what the group would become but he knew he wanted to spread the Lord's word in song and thought that I would fit right in. I didn't know Phil very well and hadn't even met the girls yet. I was curious if they were sincere in their desire to praise the Lord with music. Very quickly I learned we were all committed to making this music ministry a priority in our lives. I really enjoy "wing and a prayer" - a new call to serve the Lord. I feel we've all answered the same calling.