Grab this summer opportunity to reflect on our role as Christians in a world of uncertainty, change, and anxiety. Come looking to claim your hope, Christian resilience, and the gifts God bestows for the work our times call us to do.
Coffee and bagels served at every class
For a look at the entire Summer offerings, download the brochure: AE Summer-2017 bro.
The digital media files posted on the Nassau Presbyterian Church website are copyrighted by the pastors and presenting lecturers. These works are only for personal and educational use through a digital media player on a personal computer or using a personal digital media device (e.g., iPod). These works may not otherwise be archived or re-posted on the Internet, broadcast in any manner, distributed, transcribed or modified in any way without written permission of the presenting lecturer. The user of the audio file holds no license (of any form – expressed or implied) to any of the content of these files. The same applies to any PowerPoint® presentations.
Churches Matter! Lives Matter!
Rick Ufford-Chase
June 11, 11:15AM
Assembly Room
Rick will focus the conversation on one of the central questions he takes on in his recent book, “What does it take to create strong faith communities that have the capacity to provide solidarity to those who are most at risk in our community and around the world.” Rick knows Nassau Church well, and we have worked together on numerous projects over the last few years. Please come for a conversation together about what it takes to shape a relevant Christian witness in the challenging times in which we live.
Rick Ufford-Chase and his wife Kitty are the Co-Directors of Stony Point Center and co-founders of the multifaith Community of Living Traditions. Rick is the author of the book Faithful Resistance: Gospel Visions for the Church in a Time of Empire, and he is the Associate Director for Interfaith Formation for the Presbyterian Mission Agency. He is an avid outdoorsman, and spends his spare time guiding whitewater raft trips in the Adirondacks.
Refugees Matter!
Deborah Amos
June 18, 11:15AM
Assembly Room
Deborah Amos of NPR will bring us an update on current refugee resettlement developments. Deborah has become our life-line to knowledgeable analysis and continuing compassionate action on this issue.
Deborah Amos covers the Middle East for NPR News with reports heard on “Morning Edition,” “All Things Considered,” and “Weekend Edition.”
Nassau and Westminster Presbyterian Churches have had a long history of sharing opportunities for faithful action together.
The Nassau/Westminster Partnership is about to launch a new inter-congregational project
for strengthening and expand personal relationships between our two congregations.
The Holy Moments: Story-Listening Partnership Project
Acknowledging our united communities as a vibrant and powerful sharing partnership; tapping into the personal stories of faith we have to offer one another, learning to notice, name, and celebrate evidences of God’s Presence among us—both yesterday and today!
Phase One
In the next few weeks, members of the Nassau/Westminster Partnership team will be approaching individuals in their counterpart congregation who have been identified/recognized for their individual faith, courage, or joy—all gifts of the Spirit and evidence of God at work. The members of the team will ask these identified individuals to share a story of faith from their personal journey in a one-on-one interview—Storyteller and Story Listener in a private and personal holy moment.
Phase Two
A few weeks later, Story Listeners will publically reflect on their personal experiences of listening to the story of their Storytellers—not sharing the stories of the Storytellers, for they are not the Story Listeners’ stories to tell. Instead Story Listeners will share with both congregations the spiritual gifts they received from their holy moments with their Storytellers.
If you are approached to share—or lend—your story of faith, courage, or joy, please say yes!
For those who want to know more about or join in on the “Holy Moments: Story-Listening Partnership Project,” you can find an introduction to the project in printed form at both churches:
at Nassau in the literature rack outside the Church Office or contact Patti Daley , 609-273-3345
at Westminster in the Narthext or contact Paula Alekson at
Have you ever worshiped with our partner church in Trenton, Westminster Presbyterian Church?
Nassau and Westminster work together for the justice of the city, and promotion of the good news of Jesus Christ. Come and worship at Westminster on Sunday, June 4 at 11:00 a.m. Celebrate our partnership, participate in a sharing of the Lord’s Supper, and join in joyous worship! Carpooling or maps provided – it’s 20 minutes from Nassau! Pastors Joyce MacKichan Walker and Patti Daley are leading the way!
If you are able to offer a seat in your car OR you need a seat in a car, sign up on the clipboard in the Narthex on Sunday or call the church office during the week.
Driving Directions to 1140 Greenwood Ave., Trenton (Google Map)
From Nassau Presbyterian Church, take Mercer Street/Princeton Pike to Rt. 95 N/295 S (9 min, 5.3 mi)
Take 295 S to Exit 63, Rt. 33 W/Nottingham Way (5 min, 4.6 mi)
Stay on Rt. 33 W, slight left about 0.9 miles, Rt 33 becomes Greenwood Ave
Destination is 1.2 miles further on the right (6 min, 2.0 mi)
Parking is available in a lot behind the church or on the streets surrounding the church
In May and June, the Princeton/Parramos Partnership is holding three dinners-plus-entertainment to raise scholarship and other funds for New Dawn school in Parramos, Guatemala.
A contribution of $40 is asked of each guest. Sign-up on sheets (with more information and hosts’ street addresses) in the hallway outside Niles Chapel. Or contact Mea Kaemmerlen at 609-799-1419 or , or Jonathan Holmquist at 609-771-3744 or .
“Dinner and a Mayan Movie”
Saturday, May 20, at 6 pm
Hosted by Hana and Ed Kahn in Princeton
The Kahns are well known for their wonderful cooking and hospitality. Hana is also a scholar of Guatemalan culture. The evening’s film, “Ixcanul,” is Guatemala’s first feature film in the Kaqchikel-Maya language (with English subtitles). On the dramatically beautiful Pacaya volcano, a traditional family works a coffee plantation. A marriage is arranged for the 17-year-old daughter, and the plot unfolds from there—exploring some of the contemporary issues faced by the multilingual and multicultural Guatemalan society. Says Toronto’s Globe and Mail: “…‘Ixcanul’ bubbles with the tension of a teenage girl at odds with her family’s native customs—before erupting into a frantic and quietly devastating third act.”
“Dinner with the Joe Saint Michael Trio”
Sunday, May 28, at 6 pm
Hosted by Cindy and Charlie Clark in Hillsborough
The Clarks’ lovely woodland-surrounded deck is the setting for dinner and a delightful, sometimes rousing, performance by the Saint Michael Trio. The trio (keyboard, sax, drums and vocals) performs a wide range of music—country, rock, dance, pop and old standards. They will surely be a crowd pleaser, playing everyone from Carole King and Neil Diamond to Ray Charles and Elvis Presley; from John Denver and Neil Young to Richie Valens and James Taylor. Should be a very lively evening!
“Dinner with the Weaver”
Sunday, June 25, at 6 pm
Hosted by Jane and Jonathan Holmquist in Lawrenceville
Along with dinner (and you may know about Jonathan’s excellent cooking), Armando Sosa, superb Guatemalan weaver, is the featured guest. Mr. Sosa has been artist-in-residence at Nassau Presbyterian Church this year and, for the church, created three magnificent Holy Week tapestries. He was born in the Guatemalan Highlands where he learned to weave and build his own looms: “My work is a continuation of a thousand-year-old craft rarely practiced today.” He will show and discuss his work and tell his story.
For more information contact Mea Kaemmerlen at 609-799-1419 or , or Jonathan Holmquist at 609-771-3744 or .
A Festival of Song: Nassau’s Soloists and Section Leaders
Saturday, May 6
7:00 PM, Sanctuary
The beautiful voices of our talented section leaders will be featured in a voice recital in Nassau’s sanctuary. Accompanied by Mark Loria, our recitalists will include Maria Palombo, Marissa Chalker, George Somerville, Steve Updegraff, and Bill Walker. Art song, Broadway, opera, folksong, and oratorio will be among the styles presented in this eclectic and engaging program. All are invited to this free recital presented by Nassau’s own!
Sundays, 9:15 AM, in the Assembly Room, unless otherwise noted.
Summer schedule begins Sunday, May 28 — worship at 10:00 AM, Adult Education at 11:15 AM.
From Mister Rogers to Myanmar, Sunday classes start near and go far with an emphasis in May on mission. Learn about Nassau’s mission partners and explore opportunities to be a part of these growing relationships.
May 7
Trenton Children’s Chorus: Making Music, Making Friends, Making a Difference
John J. Floyd II, Linda Helm Krapf
Trenton Children’s Chorus (TCC) began as a twinkle in Sue Ellen Page Johnson’s eye, and an idea kernel in Eric Johnson’s mind. Come and hear today’s Trenton Children’s Chorus story in word and song. Listen with pride and learn from this extraordinary and talented TCC Intermediate Choir (6th and 7th graders), their director, John Floyd, and Executive Director, Linda Helm Krapf. We promise a joy-filled start to your Sunday.
John J. Floyd II directs the Intermediate Choir at TCC. He holds a B.M. in Music Education from Westminster choir College of Rider University. John is a Southern New Jersey native. He joined the faculty at Somerville Middle School as a music teacher, choir director, and director of the annual school play. John also directs the summer musical theater camp in Somerville.
Linda Helm Krapf, TCC Executive Director, has directed non-profit programs and organizations for more than 30 years. Prior to coming to TCC, Linda directed the Printmaking Center of New Jersey and the Myhelan Cultural Arts Center. She also wrote, directed and produced an award-winning documentary film on the environmental issues that threaten the health and well-being of the Navajo people.
May 14
Research, Relationship, Reconciliation, and Reparation
Nancy Prince
Begin by examining some of the experiential hurt the African American population in Princeton lived through from the mid 1800’s to 2015. Then hear the story of the 2005-06 celebration of 250 years of the Presbyterian Church in Princeton, where relationship and reconciliation grew between the Witherspoon Street Presbyterian Church, a historically black church, and Nassau, leading to several significant events, including an offering of reparations in 2015. Come and hear the story from someone involved is this story for many years.
Nancy Prince has been an active member of the Presbyterian Church (USA) since 1963, and a member of Nassau Presbyterian Church since October 2003. She regularly attended the Witherspoon Street Presbyterian Church from 2001-2003 when her husband, the Rev. David Prince served as Interim Pastor. She returned to Witherspoon Church in the summer of 2014 for regular attendance and congregational gatherings when Dave Prince served as Pastor in Residence.
May 21
Bethany House of Hospitality: Doing the Right Things in Trenton
Founded and maintained by our partner, Westminster Presbyterian Church in Trenton, Bethany House of Hospitality is a young adult intentional living community with a community garden in its backyard. Each month NPC members travel to Trenton and share vespers, conversations with local leaders, dinner, and some very satisfying hands-on projects with our WPC team at Bethany House. Come and meet some of the remarkable residents and emerging leaders, their support team and learn how they are making a real difference in Trenton.
May 28
Burma/Myanmar through Our Eyes
Summer schedule begins
11:15 AM in the Assembly Room
Work and a better life in Burma/Myanmar depend on speaking English well enough to become a tour guide, an interpreter, an employee of an international company, and so much more. Come and hear stories from Joyce, Susan, and Michael’s January trip to visit our mission partner CETANA’s English language centers. Be inspired by the teachers, fall in love with the children and youth in whose faces you can read the dreams and hopes of families. Leave knowing you are making a difference, and you can make more!
Joyce MacKichan Walker went to Burma/Myanmar on behalf of the Mission and Outreach Committee to enrich their view of CETANA’s vital work in this country still struggling to emerge from years of military rule. Susan and Michael Jennings empower this work with their love for Burma and their leadership within CETANA by leading a yearly exploratory excursion to this fascinating country. And Lois Young, founder with her husband, Jack, and her siblings over twenty years ago, will join us!
Ongoing through May 14
In-Depth Bible Study: First Corinthians
George Hunsinger
9:15 AM
Maclean House
George Hunsinger returns for the 20th year to lead this verse-by-verse examination of the First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians. Bibles are available for use during the class. Find them on the Deacon Desk by the church kitchen. Class meets next door in Maclean House (Garden Entrance).
The digital media files posted on the Nassau Presbyterian Church website are copyrighted by the pastors and presenting lecturers. These works are only for personal and educational use through a digital media player on a personal computer or using a personal digital media device (e.g., iPod). These works may not otherwise be archived or re-posted on the Internet, broadcast in any manner, distributed, transcribed or modified in any way without written permission of the presenting lecturer. The user of the audio file holds no license (of any form – expressed or implied) to any of the content of these files. The same applies to any PowerPoint® presentations.
Westminster Conservatory Recital
John Paul Velez, jazz piano and Paul Hofreitter, upright bass
Thursday, April 20
12:15 PM, Niles Chapel
New School for Music Study Recital
Sunday, April 23
2:30 PM, Sanctuary
Mark your calendars! The New School for Music Study, in partnership with Nassau Presbyterian Church, presents its spring Faculty Recital! The recital will feature solo, duet and collaborative music by Bizet, Bolcolm, Debussy, Schubert, and MORE! Join us on Sunday, April 23 at 2:30 p.m. at Nassau Presbyterian Church for an afternoon of beautiful music!
Download a copy of the print brochure here: Lent-2017 (pdf) for April 2 & 9
The digital media files posted on the Nassau Presbyterian Church website are copyrighted by the pastors and presenting lecturers. These works are only for personal and educational use through a digital media player on a personal computer or using a personal digital media device (e.g., iPod). These works may not otherwise be archived or re-posted on the Internet, broadcast in any manner, distributed, transcribed or modified in any way without written permission of the presenting lecturer. The user of the audio file holds no license (of any form – expressed or implied) to any of the content of these files. The same applies to any PowerPoint® presentations.
Reflecting on Lent in Art and History
Sundays, 9:15 am, in the Assembly Room, unless otherwise noted
See Lent through the eyes of diverse approaches — interpretative dance, art, historical reflection, and theological pondering.
April 2
A Historian Looks at the Crucifixion of Jesus
Dale Allison
How Christians and theologians interpret the last days of Jesus is one thing. What historians think of the sources and how they evaluate them is another. Come and hear an attempt to interpret the earliest sources for Jesus’ last days in their original first century context and ask, What can we really know happened? Today we’ll look at the crucifixion.
Dale Allison is professor of New Testament at Princeton Theological Seminary and author, most recently, of Night Comes: Death, Imagination, and the Last Things.
April 9
A Historian Looks at the Burial and Resurrection of Jesus
Dale Allison
In this session Dale Allison continues his discussion of historical sources in their original context, with an eye to Jesus’ burial and resurrection.
April 16
Easter Sunday – No Adult Education Classes
April 23
Why “Mister Rogers’ Neighboorhood” Worked (and what Fred was really like)
Eliot Daley
Eliot Daley will take us behind the scenes at “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” to describe the concept behind the program and the dynamics of interaction between Fred (Mister) Rogers and the viewing child that made him such a beloved member of American families.
While serving as associate minister of First Presbyterian Church of Princeton (now Nassau), Eliot Daley wrote many articles about the influence of TV on American families and children. This led to his connection with Fred Rogers who invited Eliot to join him in producing “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” Eliot served as president of the production company and wrote many early episodes before management responsibilities eventually required his full attention. In later decades, Eliot served as a management consultant in the health care field and now writes punditry posted at www.eliotdaley.com.
In-Depth Bible Study
Ongoing through May 14
Class will not meet on April 16 or April 30
1st Corinthians
George Hunsinger
9:15 am
Maclean House
George Hunsinger returns for the 20th year to lead this verse-by-verse examination of the First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians. Bibles are available for use during the class. Find them on the Deacon Desk by the church kitchen. Class meets next door in Maclean House (Garden Entrance).
Lament: Voicing Our Cries
Sundays, 9:15 a.m., in Music Room unless otherwise noted
Explore the Christian practice of lament through the biblical text and other artistic resources. Each class will stand on its own, addressing one of the five facets of lament. Taken as a whole, this series will allow you to construct your own psalm of lament, writing proficiency not required.
Melissa Martin is a third-year student at Princeton Theological Seminary.
April 2
Lament: Demanding Action
Can we demand God to act? Practically speaking, this may be the hardest part of the process of lament. Looking at examples in the prophets, we will work together to formulate our own “demands” of God.
April 9
Lament: Declaring Trust
The psalmist concludes the process of lament with a vow to offer God thanksgiving for God’s act. This vow not only expects action from God but necessitates an embodied response. Not only will we work to articulate these vows of thanksgiving, but then we will practice what we promise: a thanksgiving celebration!
