get to know us
FAQ
8:00am Sunday worship service uses the traditional English of the King James Version of the Bible (e.g., ‘thee’ instead of ‘you’, ‘thine’ instead of ‘yours’). This type of service is referred to as Rite I. This service tends to be quiet and contemplative and usually lasts less than an hour and includes communion.
10:30am Sunday worship service uses modern English. This type of service is referred to as Rite II. This service is energetic and lively and usually lasts about an hour and includes communion.
12:00pm Wednesday Intercessory Prayer service uses modern English yet is quiet and contemplative as we pray for those on our prayer lists. It usually lasts about half an hour.
5:30pm Wednesday Centering Prayer is a method of quiet meditation in which a single symbolic word is used as a sign of one’s willingness to wait on God and be available to God’s presence, involving setting aside around twenty minutes for silent prayer.
Our service leaflets contain everything you need — the words, the music, and even when to stand, sit, and kneel. We have paper copies, and you can also access them on your device via QR code, which is particularly useful for those who need an enlarged font, and a link on our website provides electronic copies for those worshiping remotely.
Our primary music is hymns accompanied by a digital organ, frequently with our choir and soloists. The 8:00 AM service typically has music twice a month, while the 10:30 AM service has music each week.
The fourth Sunday of each month, we celebrate Family Church Sunday at the 10:30am service. There is no Sunday school and children are encouraged to participate in the service as ushers, readers, and have even helped with floral arrangements. Families can join our Family Choir with rehearsal starting at 9:30am.
We care more that you come to St. Thomas’s than about what you wear to St. Thomas’s. Some people dress up, while others dress casually. Children often wear school clothes.
We have a parking lot, with two spaces near the front door set aside for newcomers and those with special needs. Handicapped parking is available, with a ramp, by the door on the right side of the building. This door is equipped for handicapped usage.
Our services start on time, so we recommend arriving 5-10 minutes early to be seated in time, or even earlier if you’d like to socialize in the Great Hall at the Overflowing Cup Café.
- Absolutely! Whoever you are and wherever you are on life’s journey as God’s beloved, you are worthy and welcome here!
- We are an inclusive Christian congregation and we welcome everyone, regardless of ethnicity, nationality, socio-economic status, age, education, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression.
- Whether you are an opposite-sex couple, same-sex couple, single parent, divorced parent, grandparent, or guardian, you and your children and grandchildren are welcome to participate fully in the worship, mission, and ministry of the church.
Opposite-sex couples, same-sex couples, single parents, divorced parents, grandparents, and guardians are welcome with their children and grandchildren to participate fully in the worship, mission, and ministry of the church.
From September to May, we offer childcare through Sunday School and baby care in our cozy “creche” room. Rest assured that every adult interacting with our children has undergone a thorough background check and completed “safe church” training. During the summer months we enjoy our children attending worship with the rest of congregation.
Absolutely! Our sanctuary is open to everyone, regardless of age. The “soft loft” is a favorite spot for our younger worshipers, although some folks prefer the pews. We wholeheartedly embrace those delightful “joyful noises” children may make during the service. Plus, our ushers have fun bags with coloring pages and crayons – perfect for keeping little hands busy!
Our priests are usually referred to as Father Howie and Father Clay. Fr. Howie is our rector, which is the priest in charge. Fr. Clay is our curate, which is an ordained minister training to be a rector. Our deacon, which is another order of ordained ministry focused on serving as a bridge between the church and the world, is usually referred to as Deacon Sheila.
At one point during worship, the ushers collect the Offering. The contributions collected during the Offering are used to support the worship, mission, and ministry of the church. Everyone is invited to make a donation; no one is expected to make a donation. Contributions of all amounts are gratefully accepted. You may place cash or checks in the Offering plate passed by the ushers, or use the QR code on the back of the service leaflet to donate electronically.
Our Sunday School program runs throughout the school year, and each new year it is adapted to our families’ current wants and needs. They meet each week, excluding the last Sunday of the month which is reserved for everyone’s favorite: Family Church Sunday! For more information about this year’s Sunday School programming, please contact the office or reach out directly to our children and youth leader, Belinda Young-Payne belmar43@aol.com.
There are several children and youth fellowship activities year round, bringing us together to serve our greater community, strengthen friendships, and learn how to live the Way of Love.
Once our youths have reached middle school, they are invited to join a confirmation class. Learn more about confirmation HERE (link to the confirmation info page)
The Christian life is an ongoing adventure—a journey of learning and exploration. As we navigate our lives, there’s always something new to discover. This year, we’re committed to exploring our roots, understanding who we are now, and examining the points where our faith intersects with the world.
We offer a variety of opportunities for adult education:
Weekly Sunday Adult Education: Join us for lively and pertinent conversations about our world—past and present. These sessions take place on Sundays from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. Check with the office or our this ministry’s leaders for the current program schedule. Our Adult Education leaders are Ronnie Wilbur (vfwilbur@gmail.com), Rue Manning (rueamanning@verizon.net), and Larry Duggan (lgjd@udel.edu).
Weekly Lectionary Bible Study: Every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m., we gather at the church to discuss the lessons for the upcoming Sunday. It’s a relaxed and friendly group where we gain new perspectives on familiar stories. Feel free to drop in whenever you can! For more information, contact Carol Palermo at cpalermo625@gmail.com.
Monthly Novel Theology: On the second Sunday of each month (September–May) at 9:15 a.m., we explore theology through novels. Susan Hechter (susanahechter@gmail.com) can share this month’s book selection, and provide additional details.
Whether you prefer in-person or virtual participation, we invite you to join us as we continue this exciting journey of faith and discovery!
Known as Holy Communion, the Lord’s Supper, or the Mass, Holy Eucharist is the sacrament commanded by Jesus for the continual remembrance of and participation in his life, death, and resurrection. The symbols of the Eucharist are bread and wine. All are welcome to participate in Holy Communion, including children.
At the time of the distribution of Holy Communion, follow the people in the pew in front of you and walk up the center aisle. The priest will be standing at the top of the center aisle. When you come to the priest, hold out your hands together, and a priest will place a piece of consecrated bread in your hand. You may eat the bread or wait to dip it in the consecrated wine. After you receive the bread, walk over to the side aisle where a minister will have a cup of consecrated wine. You may take a sip of wine from the cup or dip your wafer in the wine (both sipping from the cup and dipping the bread are acceptable). After receiving the consecrated bread and wine, walk down the side aisle and return to your pew.
If you prefer to receive a blessing or prefer that your children receive a blessing instead of the consecrated bread and wine, when you come to the priest, cross your arms over your chest or have your children cross their arms over their chests. If you prefer not to receive the consecrated wine, you may receive the consecrated bread only. Consecrated gluten-free wafers are available. When you come to the priest, ask to receive a gluten-free wafer.
We LOVE sharing our building with the community. Click HERE for more info.
To learn more about St Thomas’s, I invite you to explore the rich tapestry of our faith community. Here are some ways:
Worship with Us: Join our worship services, whether in person or via YouTube. Our strong roots in the Newark community and Anglican tradition create a sacred space where we find fellowship, grow spiritually, and worship our Lord together.
Connect Through Our Calendar: Access upcoming and past worship services, events, and gatherings through our calendar. It’s a window into our vibrant life together.
Reach Out: We want to hear from you! Whether you have questions, seek guidance, or simply want to connect, don’t hesitate to reach out.
May your journey with us be filled with grace, joy and discovery.
How do I learn more about St Thomas’s?
To learn more about St Thomas’s, I invite you to explore the rich tapestry of our faith community. Here are some ways:
01
Worship with Us
Join our worship services, whether in person or via YouTube. Our strong roots in the Newark community and Anglican tradition create a sacred space where we find fellowship, grow spiritually, and worship our Lord together.
02
Connect Through Our Calendar
Access upcoming and past worship services, events, and gatherings through our calendar. It’s a window into our vibrant life together.
03
Reach Out
We want to hear from you! Whether you have questions, seek guidance, or simply want to connect, don’t hesitate to reach out.
May your journey with us be filled with grace, joy and discovery.
Clergy and 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.
Our Faith Home
St Thomas’s Then…
St Thomas’s Then… In 1842, a collective of professors from Newark College, which is now known as the University of Delaware, along with other community members, recognized the need to create an Episcopal congregation in the expanding town of Newark. With the Reverend George Allen at the helm, a professor of literature and language at the college, they founded St. Thomas’s Parish. The initial church, constructed and consecrated on February 24, 1845, endures as Bayard Sharp Hall for the University, situated at the intersection of Main and Delaware Streets. The churchyard and cemetery continues to be used by St Thomas’s, and is maintained by the loving hands and hearts of our parishioners. The parish moved to its current location in 1955.
We stand on the strong, faithful, and gracious shoulders of the saints of St Thomas’s Parish history, lay and ordained. Now, it is our time to serve in our parish history.
St Thomas’s Now…
Today, we stand solid in our vision and mission for the future. St Thomas’s Parish strives to be a safe and inclusive community of worship that welcomes everyone as a child of God, and values everyone’s ministry in the Church and beyond. St Thomas’s is a diverse community of young and old, different races, languages, and nationalities, cradle Episcopalians and those new to our tradition. We are conservative and liberal, single and married and partnered, socially active, spiritually reflective, deeply committed to being the Gospel in our community, our diocese, and our world.
Giving to St. Thomas
We invite you to participate in our mission of compassion and community support. Through electronic giving, you can make a meaningful impact in several different ways. Visit our giving site and explore the options. Every contribution matters, and together, we make a difference. Thank you for your generosity and commitment to our shared mission.
