Trinity Cranford Welcomes Rev. Andrew Kruger

Trinity Episcopal Church, 119 Forest Avenue, Cranford, New Jersey is pleased to announce it has called the Reverend Andrew Kruger as their Priest-in Charge. Following an exhaustive 10-month Discernment process the Trinity Vestry unanimously approved the Discernment Committee’s recommendation of Reverend Andy for Priest-in-Charge. His selection was enthusiastically supported by the Right Reverend William H. Stokes, the 12th Bishop of the Diocese of New Jersey. “We are so pleased that Reverend Andy has accepted Trinity’s call to lead our parish”, said David Burnett, Senior Warden Trinity Episcopal Church. "Father Andy brings a number of gifts to Trinity that include a strong understanding of our liturgy, a personal approach to pastoral care, a sharp intellect, not to mention and great sense of humor and humble demeanor", Mr. Burnett continued.

Rev. Andy is from South Africa and was ordained an Anglican priest in November 2011. Since January 2014 he has been the Rector of the Parish of Umkomaas with Scottburgh, SA. In 2013 he served as Assistant Priest of the Parish of St. Faith’s, Durban, SA. In 2011 and 2012, he was Curate at the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. George, Grahamstown, SA. In 2008 – 2010, he was Youth Pastor in the Parish of Kirby Hilton, Hilton, SA . Rev. Andy has a Masters in Theology from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. He is an avid student of Liturgical Renewal. He was coordinator of the Liturgical Task Team for the Diocese of Natal and since 2013 Rev. Andy has been a member of the Secretariat of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa’s Prayer Book Revision Committee. Rev. Andy has broad experience in intergenerational pastoral care, youth ministry, and parish growth. He can speak three languages and read four including New Testament Greek. His wife Heather recently began her doctoral studies in Astrophysical Sciences at Princeton University. They both enjoy music and Heather plays the flute. They have a husky named Shir. Rev. Andy and Heather are very excited about joining the Trinity Cranford family. “I was drawn to Trinity by the positive energy of the parish that was so evident during the interview process”, Reverend Andy said. “Heather and I were moved by Trinity’s welcoming nature when we came to a service. We are eager to join the Trinity family and participating in God’s work in the world,” he continued.

Trinity Episcopal Church is a family church that has been serving the needs of Cranford area families since 1872. Sunday services are at 8 AM and 10 AM. For more information about Trinity please call 908-276-4047 or visit http://www.trinitycranford.org/. Trinity also provides Trinity Episcopal Day School (TEDS), a state licensed facility serving children from 2 1/2 years through Kindergarten, providing a nurturing, learning environment which promotes intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual and physical growth. Program options include Full or 1/2 days from 2-5 days a week, extended Hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM, and Kindergarten Wrap Around. For more information about TEDS, please cal 908-276-2881 or visit http://tedscranford.org