It was announced on October 28, that Father Joel Daniels has been called to become Rector of St George’s Church, Ardmore, in the Diocese of Pennsylvania. We are very pleased for Fr. Daniels and his family, and we are glad for the people of his new parish.
This call will give Fr. Daniels greater responsibilities and is an affirmation of his gifts as a priest. Over the last year, Joel has discerned an interest in finding a new challenge and he has done this very discreetly. It is always sad when a colleague leaves, but it is ultimately a good thing for both them and for the wider Church.
Fr. Daniels began his work at Saint Thomas Church in April 2010, sharing in the preaching, teaching, and pastoral care of our parish and as a full-time member of staff since January 2015. He has had a prominent role in our common life, and has ably led our adult education since September 2016.
In order to prepare for his new call, Fr. Daniels has informed the Vestry that his last day at Saint Thomas needed to be today, Sunday October 28. We recognize that this is relatively swift notice, yet we are glad that he celebrated the Festal Eucharist at 11 am and will preach for the Festal Evensong at 4pm for his farewell Sunday.
Farewell gift
Should you wish to contribute to Fr Daniels’ leaving purse, please send your contribution to the Parish Office by November 30. Please make checks payable to Saint Thomas Church, writing ‘Fr. Daniels’ Purse’ in the memo line.
We congratulate Joel on this new call, and ask God’s blessing upon him and his future ministry.
Fr. Daniels writes:
Saint Thomas has prepared me well for this call to St. George’s. I am honored and humbled to be called to serve at such a fine parish. As I have come to know them over the past few months, I have been uniformly impressed with their faithfulness and integrity, and I am deeply appreciative of the warm welcome they have extended to me and my family. I look forward to the opportunity to minister among them, to the greater glory of God.
