The Rev. Joyce Harder, who serves as a deacon at Christ Church Anglican, has accepted a call to serve as the assistant to Bishop Chip Edgar. (This is following the resignation of the Bishop’s long-time assistant Beth Snyder, who is moving to TN with her family.) In a note to the congregation of Christ Church, Rector, the Rev. Ted Duvall, wrote, “Joyce and the Bishop are excited to begin working together, and Joyce takes this position with my thanks for all the wonderful ministry she has done as our Pastoral Care Associate, and with my blessing in her new call.” Joyce has been a member of Christ Church Anglican for 35 years, during which time she served as Senior Warden, President of the Daughters of the King, and in varying roles in Christian discipleship. She was ordained as Deacon in 2016 with a focus on Kairos Outside, a program that ministers to women whose lives are impacted by the incarceration of loved ones. Joyce is married to Howard. Their son, Walt and his wife, Jenny, have three children in their 20’s. Their daughter, Cameron Handel, and her husband, Jeff, have two little girls. Deacon Harder will continue her Sunday diaconal duties at Christ Church, as well as some of her other volunteer responsibilities. She noted, “I am humbled and thrilled to accept this new call. God has blessed me above and beyond what I could hope or imagine, and I’m so looking forward to working with Bishop Edgar. At the same time, I’m very grateful to be able to continue to serve Father Ted and my beloved Christ Church family.” She joined the staff of the Diocesan office on June 27.
