The Vestry and Search Committee of St. Thomas’s Episcopal Church in Newark, Delaware announce with great joy and elation the acceptance of the call to serve as Rector; The Reverend Doctor Howell C. Sasser.
Father Sasser is, at present, serving as Rector to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. We eagerly anticipate his arrival to St. Thomas’s in early March 2019.
Below is a biographical “snapshot” for Father Sasser. Listing in brief; some of his credentials from his CV, prior experience and his strengths. Also listed is the feedback received on Fr. Sasser from the Search Committee and the reference interviews.
Fr. Howie Sasser (Bloomsburg, PA) – Male, Married
Education:
1988 BA, International Studies, Johns Hopkins University
1999 PHD, Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh
2003 BD, Divinity, University of London
2009 STM, Sacred Theology, Yale University
2017 Leadership Group Process, College for Congregational Development
Experience:
Current Role: Rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Bloomsburg, PA since 2014
Prior Experience: Associate Rector and then Interim at St. Peter’s Church, Peekskill, NY, Youth Leader at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Charlotte, NC
Secular Experience: Director of Research Epidemiology of Carolina Healthcare System, Associate Professor of Epidemiology of New York Medical College, and Scientific Review Coordinator of Manila Consulting Group
Strengths:
Liturgy – Anglo-Catholic, blending of tradition and creativity, sung liturgy, art in worship
Homiletics – Informal,engaging, practical
Christian Education – Adults and Children, curriculum development, group facilitation
Vestry Development – Empowering lay leaders, team building
- Spiritual
- Creative, Organized and Analytical
- Tech Savvy
- Inspiring and Captivating Sermons
- Honest, Sincere, and Open
- Enthusiastic
- Very Adaptable
- Flexible
- Financially Inclined and Innovative Fundraiser
- Sung Liturgist
- Asset to St. Thomas and Newark
- Warm and Funny
- Works Well with People
We ask God’s blessing upon the other candidates. May they continue with God’s grace on their journeys to future mutual ministries.
We thank our Congregation, Search Committee, Consultant and Vestry for their hard work and continued support throughout this entire process.
Please join us in welcoming Fr. Sasser to St. Thomas’s Church!
Respectfully yours in Christ,
Regina M. McCann, Senior Warden-St. Thomas’s Vestry
Marilyn Prime, Chair – St. Thomas’s Search Committee
Donna Weaver, Chair – St. Thomas’s Search Committee