September 2025
9:30 a.m. | Assembly Room
This September, join us as we explore surprising intersections between faith and culture. From the devoted fan community of the Grateful Dead to the art of photography to the new chancel texts in our sanctuary, discover how fresh perspectives can deepen our understanding of the gospel.
September 7 | Tom Coogan
On the Nature of Deadheads: Adventures in Amateur Exegesis
What can a community of devoted Grateful Dead fans teach us about early Christianity? Join the author to explore insights from the new book Deadhead and Christians, drawing surprising parallels between the Deadhead movement and the earliest decades of the Jesus movement—beyond just long hair and sandals.
Thomas A. Coogan has been a member of Nassau Presbyterian Church for 20+ years where he has served as Deacon, Elder, and softball coach. He identifies both as a Deadhead and a student of the Bible and laments the misunderstandings that persist between those communities.
September 14 | Ned Walthall
What Can Photography Teach Us about Faith?
What can photography teach us about faith? It seems like an odd question. Faith, after all, is often about things unseen, is it not? After appearing to Thomas, Jesus said “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” “We look not to the things that are seen,” Paul writes, “but to the things that are unseen; for the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” Join us to view the work of some of the great twentieth-century photographers, and ask ourselves, how can what we see in these photographs stimulate and enliven our faith?
Ned Walthall is a photographer based in Princeton, New Jersey. He received his MFA from the Institute of Art and Design at New England College (formerly the New Hampshire Institute of Art). His work has been shown throughout the United States and abroad. Since 2016, he has led a small group at Nassau Church called “The Sacred Art of Photography”. You can follow him on Instagram at @nwalthallstreetphotography.
September 21 | Worship & Arts Committee
Living Words: Exploring our New Chancel Texts
Part 1: The Art and Architecture of the Sanctuary
Carol Fagundus and Kim Kleasen will guide us through the visual transformation of the chancel and apse. Drawing from Nassau’s sanctuary history and artistic vision, this session will explore how design, architecture, and sacred art work together to support a space of welcome, beauty, and meaning.
Carol Fagundus is a linguist and retired Princeton University librarian. A 40-year member of Nassau Church, she has served as elder, deacon, and in nearly every musical role—alto, choir librarian, clarinetist, bell ringer, and director of children’s bell choirs.
Kim Kleasen has been part of Nassau for 36 years, serving as both Deacon and Ruling Elder. A flutist and choir member, she sees creativity as a spiritual pathway. Her study in Spiritual Direction at General Theological Seminary inspired the launch of Nassau’s Art of Faithfulness.
September 28 | Worship & Arts Committee
Living Words: Exploring our New Chancel Texts
Part 2: The New Biblical Texts in the Chancel
“Do justice, love kindness, walk humbly with your God”
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart…”
“I was hungry and you gave me food…”
“God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God…”
These four verses, now part of our sanctuary’s visual witness, invite us to lives shaped by justice, compassion, and wholehearted devotion. Join Eric Barreto, Andrew Scales, and Carol Wehrheim for a moderated panel exploring the meaning and context of these texts and how they shape our shared life of faith.
Eric Barreto is the Frederick and Margaret L. Weyerhaeuser Associate Professor of New Testament at Princeton Theological Seminary. He holds degrees from Oklahoma Baptist University, Princeton Seminary (MDiv), and Emory University (PhD), and previously taught at Luther Seminary.
Andrew Scales is a preacher, teacher, and developer of creative ministries. He holds a Ph.D. in homiletics from Princeton Theological Seminary and formerly served as Associate Pastor for Youth and Campus Ministry at Davidson College Presbyterian Church in North Carolina.
Carol Wehrheim is a seasoned Christian educator and author of curriculum, periodicals, and books for children. She has served in congregational, denominational, and seminary roles, and currently serves as Clerk of Session at Nassau Church.