STAFF
The Reverend Dr. Howell C. Sasser, Jr.
Rector
302-368-4644 or StThomassRector@googlegroups.com
The Reverend Dr. Howell Sasser has been the Rector of St Thomas’s Church, Newark, since March 2019. Before coming to Delaware, he served churches in Pennsylvania and New York. He grew up around the world and in the Episcopal/Anglican church. Over the years, he has served as acolyte, chorister, reader, chalice bearer, Sunday School teacher, vestry member, youth leader, senior warden, cook, dish washer, Christmas pageant sheep, and probably a few other things now lost in the past. He aims always to model for the faithful that the joy of the Lord is our strength, and joy is a renewable resource. See the Rector’s Message. Your presence is a blessing to us – add your story to ours.
The Reverend Clay Brown
Curate
610 972-1665
The Reverend Kevin “Clay” Brown joined St. Thomas’s Church, Newark as a Curate in May 2023. He is a cradle Episcopalian and has served in a variety of positions in the church, including acolyte, Eucharistic minister, vestry member and served on various committees in the diocese. Clay graduated from The General Theological Seminary and was ordained a deacon at Christ Church Christiana 100 in Wilmington, Delaware and later Priest at Saints Andrew and Matthew. Father Clay loves plays, concerts, traveling and the outdoors. He invites you to join him in fishing, boating, kayaking or just sitting on the beach. He is delighted and feels blessed to have the opportunity to serve and worship here at St. Thomas’s.
The Reverend Deacon Sheila Brigid Sharpe, AF
Deacon Associate
302-368-4644 or sgsharpe@comcast.net
I am a cradle Episcopalian and have lived in the Newark area since my college years. Prior to my ordination, I was an active parishioner here at St. Thomas’s where I sang in the choir, served liturgically, and was on the vestry. When I was in the ordination process the bishop sent me to St. Albans Church (now closed) for my discernment period and I served there briefly after my ordination. My next assignment was at Immanuel Church Highlands were I was parish deacon for ten years. Now retired, I am enjoying serving again at St. Thomas’s. I am also a professed member of the Anamchara Fellowship where I am known as Sister Sheila Brigid.
The Reverend Juan George
Priest Associate
302-368-4644
The Reverend Juan V. George has been an Associate Priest of St. Thomas’s Church, in Newark Delaware, since 2020. Before coming to Delaware, he served churches in New York and Connecticut. Born in the Dominican Republic, he came to the US at the age of 20. He became an Associate Priest in New York and Connecticut, as well as a Priest-in-Charge of the Hispanic/Latin Congregations. Upon arrival in Delaware, he served at the Cathedral of St John and Trinity Episcopal Church until his retirement in 2019. As a member of St. Thomas’s, he was elected as a member of the Diocese Council of Delaware. One of his favorite texts in the Holy Scripture is: This is what God asks of you: only this, to act justly, to love tenderly and to walk humbly with your God. – Micah 6:8
Marc Cheban
Organist and Choir Director
302-368-4644 or StThomassMusic@googlegroups.com
BM West Chester (PA) University; MM Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester; Westminster Choir College; University of Kent, England; General Theological Seminary, New York City
Marc’s programs are marked by a delightful combination of serious organ works, orchestral transcriptions, and colorful novelty works. A prolific choral composer, Marc writes and arranges extensively for the organ. Three of his works are published by Warner, Inc. While Organist/Choirmaster of St. Andrew’s School in Middletown, Delaware for 30 years, he led groups to perform in Europe and the at the White House. He has appeared frequently as recitalist (especially during the Christmas season) on the renowned Ballroom Organ at Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania and has been fortunate to play informally many of the great cathedral organs of England and France. He is known for his accompaniments to major silent films. Recently, he has become a regular performer on the great Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall pipe organ, the largest in the world.
He currently serves as Director of Music here at St. Thomas’s where his huge talent and personality add much beauty and heart to our worship.
Cana Hartman
Parish Administrator
302-368-4644 or StThomassOffice@googlegroups.com
“It is the duty of the office to live out Invite Welcome Connect. Everything we do supports that mission of fostering and growing God’s Kingdom. I heard a nagging voice in my heart, and followed its call to this position. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity to live out that call with a warm smile and an open door.“ Cana Hartman is a native Newarkian, and she and her husband are happy to be raising their two children in this diverse and vibrant community. She is a “cradle Episcopalian” and has been involved with St. Thomas’s Parish since childhood; from attending youth group, to serving on the Vestry. She has a BA in Art from the University of Delaware, and Masters in Educaton from Wilmington University. When she is not in the office, she can be found celebrating the domestic arts, and getting way too excited about fellowship activities with family, faith family, and neighbors.
