Easter Day dawned with bright and sunny skies and the triumph of Christ's rise from death was celebrated throughout the benefice in a variety of uplifting services.

The Sung Eucharist at St. Mary's saw our magnificent church full of joyous worshippers from far and near. Many families with children and other visitors enjoying Easter in Tenby joined with the local congregation to share the wonder of the Easter events and the victory of life over death which Jesus' resurrection declares.

The joy of Easter was further celebrated at a wonderful Evensong service, although this was tinged with sadness as it was the final service in Tenby to be conducted by our much loved Team Vicar, Michael John.

Michael and his wife, Glynis, and their three children, Natty, Bridget and Nerys, are moving to Michael's new parish in Pentyrch, near Cardiff, during the Easter break. The members of the benefice are acutely aware of the enormous contribution Michael and his family have made in a very wide range of activities throughout the area. Goliath himself would find it an impossible task to even attempt to fill Michael's shoes and we trust the worshippers of Pentyrch realise how lucky they are!

A farewell celebration for Michael and his family was held in Church House following Evensong and the hall was filled to capacity with the members of the five benefice churches and other friends from the wider community, all of whom shared in the collective goodbyes.

Wine and delicious refreshments were expertly served by the Soupermen catering team and enjoyed by all present.

The wonderful angel sketch presented by Heidi and Nan was hugely entertaining and conveyed to the audience that one day in the future Michael and Co. would all certainly gain passes into heaven, not least because they're Welsh!

Word of appreciation, admiration, friendship and love were offered to Michael and his family by a variety of parish officers and a beautiful watercolour of the five churches, specially created by Stan Carswell, was presented to the family. A monetary gift, the result of a parish collection, was also given.

Rector, Andrew Davies, spoke in sincere appreciation of Michael and his pleasure at having enjoyed their excellent working partnership since his arrival in Tenby. Members of the Sunday Funday Club presented a beautiful card and gifts to Michael. Pat Davies, on behalf of Mothers' Union, also passed on good wishes and gifts to the family

Rector's warden, Nicole Evans, expressed the gratitude of the parishioners for all Michael's dedication, support and care and spoke of the inspiration his own shining faith gave to others.

After the many words of gratitude to the family, Michael and Glynis both expressed their own feelings as they leave Tenby to begin the challenges of living and working in a new community. Michael spoke of the privilege he felt at having been able to play such a worthwhile role in the life of the benefice and his personal thanks to Andrew as a friend and respected colleague. He also thanked his wonderful family for their constant love and support. The expressions of thanks and appreciation were reiterated by Glynis in the word she movingly spoke.

It will be terribly difficult and an uphill climb, but the members of the five benefice churches will now need to set themselves to the task of coping without our brilliant Team Vicar, at least until the new one is appointed. That unsuspecting individual has no idea yet what an amazing act he/she has to follow!

Thank you, Michael, we will all miss you terribly. May you and your family be richly blessed with good health and happiness in the years ahead. We believe this is not 'Goodbye', but just 'Auf Wiedersehen'.