At the 10 am service last Sunday, the congregation at St. Mary’s Church, Tenby, said their goodbyes to our popular young curate, Rev. Joel Barder, and his three girls (writes G.D.). The Barder family have all endeared themselves to worshippers in Tenby and at St. Anne’s in New Hedges during the three years since they arrived, prior to Joel’s ordination.

The service of Holy Eucharist was conducted by Rev. Barder and featured hymns which had been chosen for their special personal significance, culminating in the recessional hymn, ‘And Can It Be’. In his sermon, Joel shared his beliefs concerning journeying forward, based on the experiences of the Disciples on the road to Emmaus, recounted in the Gospel reading by Rev. John Morgan, from the book of Luke.

Joel has made an enormous personal contribution to many areas of spiritual and community life within the area. He has been a regular guest at assemblies at Tenby Church in Wales Primary School and has become a great friend to the children and staff there. Rev. Barder has enthusiastically delivered several Bible Study courses and worked regularly with the young people in the Youth Group and the Sunday Club. He has been responsible for the excellent Christmas and Easter projects within church, welcoming the children to learn more about our great celebrations through a variety of themed displays and interactive tasks around the church building. The success of the recently established Messy Church scheme has been very much due to Joel’s enthusiasm and contributions. All this time he has been learning to speak Welsh, with help from his wife, Eleri, and eldest daughter, Eliana. Baby Tirzah will soon be chatting happily in Welsh too!

On Sunday the children of Sunday Club happily made presentations of gifts to Joel, along with performing a delightful and unique song, dedicated to him. Our Rector, Canon Andrew Grace, presented the family with a generous gift, collected through a testimonial fund. He spoke with warmth, gratitude and admiration about the very positive curacy which Joel has undertaken, emphasising the wish of all present to keep in touch with the family as they move on in Joel’s ministry.

Joel replied with his deep appreciation of the guidance and support which his mentor, the Rector, had unstintingly offered.

This time of fellowship took place after the service, enhanced by delicious refreshment served by the ever faithful Soupermen!

Fortunately, the family are not moving far away. The Rev. Joel Barder will be licensed as Priest-in-Charge of Carew, Cosheston, Nash and Redberth at 7 pm on Monday, July 29, in St. Mary’s Church, Carew, by the Rt Rev. Joanna Penberthy, Lord Bishop of St. Davids, and The Ven. Paul Mackness, Archdeacon of St. Davids.