Please note that the Choir School of Delaware will be joining us and performing at the 10:30 a.m. service at St. Thomas’s Church on Sunday, February 3, 2019.  This is a wonderful opportunity to come out and support the students and adult mentors of the Choir School of Delaware.  The Choir School serves Wilmington’s youth and families through after-school mentoring, musical training, and performances throughout Delaware and the region.  I know that you will be inspired by the Choir School at this special choral event.  Thanks and we hope to see you on February 3rd at the 10:30 a.m. service.
–Rich and Jean Wadman

See St. Thomas’s Carpenter’s Helper newsletter for the week of January 27, 2019. See all newsletters and announcements.

See St. Thomas’s Carpenter’s Helper newsletter for the week of January 20, 2019. See all newsletters and announcements.

Between this Sunday and March 3, 2019, there are available slots to be filled for Flower Donations. Flowers may be donated to remember a loved one, or celebrate an occasion or person in your life. Flower Donation forms are available at the bottom of the sign-up sheet in the Narthex or online at Flower Memorials and Thanksgivings – Weekly.

See St. Thomas’s Carpenter’s Helper newsletter for the week of January 13, 2019. See all newsletters and announcements.

See St. Thomas’s Carpenter’s Helper newsletter for the week of December 30, 2018. See all newsletters and announcements.

See St. Thomas’s Carpenter’s Helper newsletter for the week of December 23, 2018. See all newsletters and announcements.

We return again to our yearly remembrance of the birth of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ. “O Come, let us adore him,” in our words and song, and in our action and deeds, beginning with our worship together on Christmas Eve, Christmas Morning, and the First Sunday after Christmas. A Service Schedule follows.

CHRISTMAS EVE – December 24, 2018
5:30 p.m. Holy Eucharist with Christmas Pageant
10:30 p.m. Carol singing followed by
11:00 p.m. Midnight Mass of Christmas Eve

CHRISTMAS DAY – December 25, 2018
9:30 a.m. Carol singing followed by
10:00 a.m. Christmas Morning Eucharist

FIRST SUNDAY after CHRISTMAS DAY – December 30, 2018
9:30 a.m. Christmas Lessons and Carols with Holy Communion
(One Service this Sunday)

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 

Feedback:

• 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 

See St. Thomas’s Carpenter’s Helper newsletter for the week of December 16, 2018. See all newsletters and announcements.

Brochures are now available in the Narthex for the summer of 2019 at Camp Arrowhead. Additional information regarding applications and costs are available from Belinda Young-Payne.