Author: npc-laureny
Concerts & Recitals – April 2019
New School for Music Study
Sunday, April 7
Music That Tells a Story
Please join us Sunday, April 7 at 2:30 p.m. at Nassau Presbyterian Church Church for the final concert of our 2019-2020 series. Music That Tells a Story will feature faculty of The New School for Music Study, performing solo and collaborative music with a literary component. The recital will feature student narration as we tell the stories of famous pieces by Ravel, Prokofiev, Schumann, and MORE!
These recitals take place in the Sanctuary of Nassau Presbyterian Church, 61 Nassau Street in Princeton. They are open to the public and free of charge.
Westminster Conservatory at Nassau
Thursday, April 25
On Thursday, April 25 at 12:15 p.m. Westminster Conservatory at Nassau will present pianist Mary Greenberg performing music of Claude Debussy. Please note that this recital is on the fourth Thursday of the month, as the third Thursday falls within Holy Week. Ms. Greenberg, a member of the Westminster Conservatory faculty, will perform Debussy’s “Bells Across the Leaves” from Images, Book II and the Children’s Corner Suite.The program is intended to mark the centennial of Debussy’s death in 1918 and includes a reading of letters from the Debussy family and a monologue in the persona of Debussy’s second wife, Emma Bardac.
These recitals take place in the Niles Chapel of Nassau Presbyterian Church, 61 Nassau Street in Princeton. They are open to the public and free of charge.
Westminster Conservatory of Music
Celebrate Women of the Church & Community
pictures from the March 2018 event
Celebrating the Gifts of Women Serving their Church and Community
In honor of Women’s History Month and the phenomenal women who contribute to the vibrancy of Nassau Presbyterian Church, Westminster Presbyterian Church, and Witherspoon Street Presbyterian Church, women of the church are invited to an evening of inspiring conversation and a night at the McCarter Theater on Thursday, March 28. Nassau and Westminster Presbyterian Churches are hosting a private reception for 100 women who have been faithfully serving the church and the Trenton/Princeton community. These amazing women put their love into action by serving in every area of our society: education, government, healthcare, and religion.
You are one of these amazing women! We want to celebrate you!
Please accept our hospitality by joining at Nassau Presbyterian Church for a reception from 6:00PM-7:00PM. At that time we will also give you a free ticket to see Ken Ludwig’s The Gods of Comedy at McCarter Theater at 7:30PM.
RSVP to Len Scales (, x103) by Thursday, March 14.
More information about the play may be found here.
With Joy,
[ezcol_1half]Pastor Karen Hernández-Granzen
Westminster Presbyterian Church[/ezcol_1half] [ezcol_1half_end]Rev. Len Turner Scales
Nassau Presbyterian Church[/ezcol_1half_end]
Reception co-hosts: Nassau & Westminster
Thursday, March 28, 2019 – 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Nassau Presbyterian Church, Assembly Room
61 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ 08542
The Gods of Comedy free tickets provided by McCarter Theater
Thursday, March 28, 2019 – 7:30-9:30 p.m.
McCarter Theater Center: Matthews Theater
91 University Place, Princeton, NJ 08540
Adult Education – Lent 2019
During Lent our Small Groups, Adult Education, and Sermons will all be focused on the same passages from Luke’s “travel narrative” (9:51-19:28). Come, be linked in for Lent.
All classes 9:30 a.m. in the Assembly Room unless otherwise noted
Download the Lent brochure: AE Lent 2019
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Read more about: Small Groups
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Listen/Read: Sermon Journal
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March 3
Lenten Practices in the Early Church
Mary Farag
9:15 a.m., Assembly Room
Today churches follow different Lenten practices, but in antiquity historians find even more diversity. How did the Christian liturgical cycles come to include a forty-day period of Lent? What was the purpose of Lent? What does Lent have to do with Holy Week and Pascha?
Mary K. Farag earned her Ph.D. in Ancient Christianity at Yale University and currently serves as Assistant Professor of Early Christian Studies at Princeton Theological Seminary. She has published articles on late antique liturgical and monastic practices of Egypt.
March 10 – April 17
Questioning Jesus
Shane Berg
9:30 a.m., Assembly Room
Join us for study and discussion of texts from the Gospel of Luke in which Jesus responds to questions from his followers and those he meets as he makes his way to Jerusalem. We’ll explore how Jesus teaches, challenges, and comforts in his answers. While the small groups will be studying the same passages, the adult education class will allow for a deeper dive into the historical, social, and theological context of these passages in the Gospel of Luke.
Shane Berg, Executive Vice President of Communication and External Relations at Princeton Theological Seminary, earned his M.Div. degree from there and his PhD in New Testament and Ancient Christianity from Yale University. In his teaching and research, Dr. Berg strives to read the New Testament faithfully and well by paying special attention to its context in ancient Jewish thought and culture.
Click the passage for the week to read it on BibleGateway.
March 10
Luke 9:51-56
“Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?”
March 17
Luke 10:25-37
“Who is my neighbor?”
March 24
Luke 10:38-42
“Do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself?”
March 31
Luke 13:22-30
“Lord, will only a few be saved?”
April 7
Luke 17:20-37
“When is the kingdom of God coming?”
April 14
Luke 18:18-30
“What must I do to inherit eternal life?”
Small Groups – Lent 2019
Questioning Jesus
During Lent this year we will explore the questions people put to Jesus while he is on the way to Jerusalem (Luke 9:51-19:28). Small Groups are available Sunday through Thursday nights, then join us Sunday mornings for Adult Education and Worship for further perspectives on these same passages.
Be linked in for Lent.
In the Gospel of Luke the evangelist gives us a rich and lengthy account of Jesus and his disciples making their way to Jerusalem for the Passover celebration, during which Jesus will be arrested and crucified. One of the recurring themes of this so-called “travel narrative” is Jesus responding to questions that are put to him by various figures in the story–his disciples, members of the crowd that is often gathered around him, and even his dear friends.
Small Groups will focus on these texts in a way that encourages participants to reflect deeply and personally upon them and even to wrestle with them. The goal is to engage the text each week in a way that shapes and nurtures our own faith in the safe, welcoming context of a small group. How does Jesus respond to hard questions from his community? Come learn the questions, wrestle with the answers and build relationships in our community.
Sign Up
Sign up in Fellowship beginning Sunday, February 17, or online beginning Tuesday, February 19.
Beginning Sunday, February 24, Participant Guides will be available for pick up in Fellowship on Sunday morning or in the church office during regular business hours. Or download the file here: Small Group Study Guide Lent 2019 (pdf)
Available Small Groups
Groups meet weekly for six weeks unless otherwise noted. The small groups with spaces available are listed below.
Complete catalogue: 2019 Lent Small Groups (pdf)
Sundays, Mar. 3 – Apr. 7, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Room 202, Nassau Presbyterian Church
Mani Pulimood, leader
Mani has been worshiping at Nassau Church for the last 10 years with his wife, Monisha, and two sons, Nikhil and Philip. He has authored a book, Spiritual Dimensions–Musings on Life and Faith. One of his favorite ministries is online evangelism. You can find him on Twitter: @ManiPulimood
Tuesdays, Mar. 5 – Apr. 9, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Seminar Room 1060, Princeton Theological Seminary Library (25 Library Place, Princeton)
Cynthia & Jim Moorhead, leaders
Cynthia, a long time member of Nassau church, has taught 3 and 4 year olds for many years in both the Dietrich Johnson Nursery School and on Sunday morning during the church school hour. She is a mother and a grandmother.
Jim, an ordained minister, is also a long time participant in the life of Nassau. Now retired, he taught American church history at Princeton Seminary.
Tuesdays, Mar. 5 – Apr. 9, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Hage Home, Princeton
Jade Hage, leader
Jade has been grateful to call Princeton her home for the past year and a half. During the week she spends her days teaching the greatest hits of English literature at Princeton International School of Math and Science, and on Sunday mornings you can find her in the choir loft. Participating in small groups has helped shape Nassau as Jade’s home away from home, and she is thrilled to be taking on a new role as facilitator.
Thursdays, Mar. 7 – Apr. 11, 7:30-9:00 p.m.
Seminar Room 1060, Princeton Theological Seminary Library (25 Library Place, Princeton)
John Parker & Jeff Kuhn, leaders
John is a writer by trade and a long-time member and current Ruling Elder of Nassau Church. He is grateful for the witness of Nassau Presbyterian Church to the eternal word of God and for the mission of this church to the community and the world.
Jeff is a deacon and has been a member of Nassau Church since 2008. After having participated in a number of small groups, this is his first time as a co-leader.
Thursdays, Mar. 7 – Apr. 11, 7:30-9:00 p.m.
Conference Room, Nassau Presbyterian Church
PHOTOGRAPHING QUESTIONS
Ned Walthall, leader
This Spring Sacred Art will use photography to imagine how the questions posed to Jesus in Luke and his responses to them impact our own lives. There will be a field trip, a movie night, and other larks.
No special equipment or skill is required: only imagination and a willingness to have some fun.
Ned has been a member of Nassau Church since 1987. He is a Deacon and has led these small groups on the Sacred Art of Photography since 2016.
Art Show & Hook Rug Demonstration
Conference Room Art Show
February 17 – March 15
Hooksome-Chatmore Rug Artisans invite you to a show of our work in the Conference Room through March 15. Rug Hooking is an ancient craft using strips of wool and other materials pulled through a linen base to create floor mats, wall hangings and various other items. Rug artisans create their own designs and plan their colors as well as using commercial patterns.
Friday, February 22, 10am – 2pm
You are invited to meet members of our group at a special “hook- in.” We will be demonstrating our craft as well as offering instruction on how to hook – equipment and materials provided. Come and be hooked by our special art!
Youth Schedule March – May 2019
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Confirmation Class
Sunday Mornings
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Sunday Night Fellowship
Summer Trips
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More information about Youth Activities at Nassau Church can be found on the Youth Ministry webpage.
Middle School and High School can be grand. But they are also rough. Each week we gather to blow off some steam, reconnect with God and each other, and recharge for the coming week. Some nights are serious, some nights aren’t. Either way, you’ll find just what you need most: fellowship with God and friends.
For regular schedules, click the links above – exceptions listed here:
- March 17 (Youth Sunday) – no Church School/no Choirs/no Fellowship
- April 7 – Combined Choirs at 5:00PM, walk to dinner at 6:15PM
- April 14 – Combined Choirs at 5:00PM, dinner 6:00PM, combined fellowship
- April 21 – Easter Sunday – no Church School/no Choirs/no Fellowship
- April 28 – Communiversity – one service at 9:15AM, Combined Choirs at 10:15AM, no Fellowship
ASP Fundraising at Communiversity (Sign Up HERE) - May 5 – no Choirs/no Dinner – Hike the Sourlands (details to come)
- May 12 – Combined Choirs at 5:00PM, Senior Send off at 5:30PM
- May 19 – Combined Choirs at 5:00PM (practice for worship at Westminster on June 2)
- June 2 – Combined Choirs sing in 11:00 AM Worship, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1140 Greenwood Ave., Trenton, NJ 08609
One Great Hour of Sharing (2019)
On Palm Sunday, April 14, we will take up a special offering “One Great Hour of Sharing.”
Sharing God’s Love with Our Neighbors-In-Need
Open Doors, Open Hearts
All around the world we see people whose homes and even loved ones have been washed away by hurricanes and floods, people trapped in systems of injustice and oppression, and people who will go to bed tonight hungry or without a roof over their heads.
One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) lets us come together to open our doors — as well as our hearts — to share the love of Christ through our ministries of justice, compassion, and joy.
OGHS is the single, largest way that Presbyterians join together to share God’s love with our neighbors-in-need around the world. Each gift helps to improve the lives of people in challenging situations through three impactful programs:
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
Restorers of Streets to Live In
Works alongside communities as they recover and find hope after the devastation of natural or human-caused disasters
Presbyterian Hunger Program
Share your Bread with the Hungry
Takes action to alleviate hunger and the systemic causes of poverty so all may be fed
Self-Development of People
Loose the Bonds of Injustice
Invests in communities responding to their experiences of racism, oppression, poverty and injustice and educates Presbyterians about the impact of these societal ills
One Great Hour of Sharing lets us come together to open our doors — as well as our hearts — to share the love of Christ through our ministries of justice, compassion, and joy.
Text SHARING to 56512 to receive a link to resources to learn more about how your gift to One Great Hour of Sharing makes a difference, or visit www.pcusa.org/oghs
Questions? Contact us at 502-569-5047 or email
PC(USA) Special Offerings
100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, KY 40202
Valentines for Food help support Arm in Arm
February 1 – February 14 we are participating in Arm In Arm’s annual Valentines for Food drive. With other congregations, McCaffrey’s Supermarkets, and area schools and community groups, we join with Arm In Arm to raise funds, food, and awareness to end hunger in our community. For the sixth year, several generous church members have pledged to honor the memory of Bill Sword, Jr., by collectively matching total Valentines for Food donations made by Nassau Church.
Your donation can be made at www.arminarm.org/donate or in special pew envelopes on February 3 and 10. It will be greatly appreciated by everyone at Arm In Arm.
Valentines for Food is Arm In Arm’s biggest community drive of the year, and we can help support it as volunteers, donors, and advocates. To learn more, take a flier from the literature rack outside the office or download one here: 2019 VFF Flier (pdf), visit www.arminarm.org, or call 609-396-9355. Arm In Arm is grateful for your involvement — and hopes you will help this Valentines for Food will be the strongest yet.
Adult Education – February 2019
A Month of Mission and Music
Come learn about Missional Living. What is it? How do you do it? During the first three weeks of the month we will hear how Nassau members respond to God’s call in their lives. For some, this call directly affects their career choice while others seek to give time and talents through avocational opportunities. As God’s people, we all strive for faithfulness in our respective lives. Come and hear as members of our community reflect on the meaning of this practice in their own lives.
The month wraps up with a special session from Ingrid Ladendorf, Associate Director of Choirs for Children and Youth, who will provide us a preview of John Rutter’s Mass of the Children which will be sung by members of Nassau’s choirs (Adult, Middle School, and Choir 3-4-5) on Saturday, March 2 at 5:00 pm. Mark your calendars.
February Classes
Missional Living
Music and Arts
Download the full brochure: February 2019 (pdf)
Missional Living
February 3
Living as God’s “Sent-Ones”
Darrell Guder, moderator
Polly Griffen, Shana Lindsey-Morgan, Ron Zink
9:15 a.m.
Assembly Room
God’s mission is the purpose and action that informs who we are as a Christian community and as individual followers of Jesus Christ. To use language that Pastor Dave has often used, we are “sent-ones,” and God is doing the sending. Come explore this understanding of our Christian vocation; how does our life as a gathered community support and inform our missional living seven days a week?
Darrell Guder, member of Nassau’s Mission and Outreach Committee and an ordained Presbyterian minister, is the Professor of Missional and Ecumenical Theology Emeritus at Princeton Theological Seminary. Guder has a life-long commitment to forming faith in congregations, faith that reflects one’s understanding of being sent by Christ, as Christ was sent by God, to serve the world God loves. Guder continues to teach all over the world, including regularly at Vancouver Theological Seminary. He is the author of many books, most recently Called to Witness: Doing Missional Theology.
February 10
Christianity and Taiwanese Religions
Jonathan & Emily Seitz
9:15 a.m.
Niles Chapel
Jonathan and Emily will share briefly about their work in Taiwan. Jonathan will also report on the recent 7th Parliament of the World’s Religions, which includes several missionary Buddhist groups from Taiwan. What does it mean to be Christian in a pluralistic world? How do Christians as minorities relate to the other religions?
Jonathan Seitz was a Nassau member during college and seminary and now lives and works in Taiwan with his family. He serves in Taiwan through PCUSA World Mission, teaching at Taiwan Theological Seminary.
Emily Seitz is a librarian by training and serves part-time at the Presbyterian college outside of Taipei. They have three children: Samuel (fifth grade) and Eva and Eli (second grade).
February 17
Villages in Partnership: Journey to Malawi
Karen Brown and Kim Kleasen
9:15 a.m.
Assembly Room
Villages in Partnership (VIP), one of Nassau’s major mission partners, has created an enduring collaborative partnership with the people of Sakata, Malawi – one of the poorest regions in one of the poorest countries of the world. VIP focuses on six key development needs: water, food security, education, health care, infrastructure, and economic development. Last year Kim and Karen joined VIP in Malawi on a friendship trip – today they will will share their experiences from Malawi and the impact VIP is having in this developing country. Those who are considering joining a trip this year from Nassau are encouraged to attend!
Karen Brown is a consulting clinical pharmacologist by day, and, after an amazing trip to Malawi this summer, a dedicated supporter of Villages in Partnership in her off time. Karen and her husband, James Takasugi, are long-time members of Nassau, and raised their two now-adult sons (Alan and Andrew Takasugi) in the church. She and James live in Lawrenceville.
Kim Kleasen is currently a ruling Elder, member of the Adult Choir and flautist with the Princeton Presbyterian Quintet. Kim made her first Friendship trip to Malawi in August 2018, filling a long-held desire to spend a week in village life in the developing world. During that trip, Kim was inspired by the partnership model of VIP and its powerful possibilities to continue to improve the lives of villagers in Malawi.
Karen will be returning to Malawi on a medical mission trip with VIP in March. Specific needs include batteries (AAA and D cell), tylenol (acetaminophen) and advil (ibuprofen) for adults and children, iron tablets, and disposable gloves (eg latex). If you would like to help support VIP, she will have a collection box at the class.
Download the presentation: VIP Adult Ed-1 (pdf)
Music and Arts
February 24
It’s So Much More Than Just the Notes!
Ingrid Ladendorf
9:15 a.m.
Assembly Room
All children can improve their ability to sing and benefit from their participation in music, especially by leading worship in church. Come hear how Ingrid prepares the children’s choir for John Rutter’s Mass of the Children, to be presented in an evening choral service with our Adult Choir on March 2. We’ll consider what is actually learned in an ensemble, how singing serves all ages, and hear directly from Nassau’s own children and youth!
Ingrid Ladendorf thoroughly enjoys her work as Nassau’s Associate Director of Choirs for Children and Youth. She thrives off the endless energy, joy and perspective that is shared at each rehearsal. She also teaches music education students at The College of New Jersey, at The Diller-Quaile School of Music in NYC, and is often seen running around Pennington, literally. She is Mom to Nassau teenagers, Camille and Duncan.