Join a discussion of China Court by Rumer Godden. A family’s loves, pains, triumphs, and scandals are laid bare, forming an intricate tapestry of heart-wrenching humanity, in a remarkable work of fiction from one of the most acclaimed British novelists of the twentieth century.
This season’s first book to discuss is Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson, and the Opening of the American West by historian Stephen E. Ambrose. In 1803 President Thomas Jefferson selected his personal secretary, Capt. Meriwether Lewis, to lead a voyage up the Missouri River to the Rockies, over the mountains, down the Columbia River to the Pacific Ocean, and back. Lewis’ partner in this adventure was Capt. William Clark: together they created the first map of the trans-Mississippi West.
This three-part series will focus on engaging in ministry with and alongside people with disabilities. Come and learn about how disability theologies help us expand the shape of our community, how laypeople can engage in the work of disability ministry, and how people with disabilities are transformed by the Spirit as leaders.
Audio recordings will be posted below each class description.
September 10 | 9:30 a.m., Assembly Room
From Inclusion to Justice: Receiving the Ministry & Leadership of Disabled People
American Christianity does not tend to view disabled persons as having experiences and gifts that enrich the church. Come explore the social model of disability, the problems with paradigms of inclusion, and the promise of justice-oriented ministry. We will witness to how God not only makes disabled people in the image of God, but how Jesus calls disabled folks into ministry, and how the Spirit transforms them in leadership.
Erin Raffety is a cultural anthropologist, a Presbyterian pastor, and an ethnographic researcher who has studied foster families in China, Christian congregations in the United States, and people with disabilities around the world. Raffety teaches and researches at Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton University, and the Center of Theological Inquiry. She is the author of From Inclusion to Justice: Disability, Ministry, and Congregational Leadership (Baylor University Press, 2022).
Joyful Noise Ministry was designed to make our church communities more inclusive and truly welcome all. Learn how the Clarke Family decided to start a service for families encompassing children with special needs. Explore the importance of inclusion in our church communities.
Jessicaand Arundel Clarke grew up in North Jersey and met at a Lutheran Camp. Jessica is a Special Education Teacher and Arundel is a Computer Engineer. He is also the Vice President of the New Jersey Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. They have always been connected to the special needs community through camp, school and Special Olympics. They have two children Morrigan (13) and J’den (10). J’den has Autism and is an athlete for Special Olympics. Morrigan is a student at PDS and an Advocate for Adults and Children with disabilities. They are a very active family in the Community and at Church.
Join a discussion about our complicated acceptance of disability, and how it can provide a meaningful pathway in our spiritual journey, considering our neighbor, ourselves, and our God.
Chaplin Stephen Faller, an Ordained Deacon in the United Methodist Church, is a highly accomplished and experienced pastoral care expert, educator, and author with an impressive career spanning over two decades. Currently serving as an Association of Partners in Christian Education (ACPE) Chaplain Educator at Overlook Medical Center (Atlantic Health System), Summit, NJ, he is responsible for building a Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program and recruiting students for an ACPE accredited center. Faller’s personal experience with cerebral palsy and his role as a caregiver enable him to offer a unique and powerful perspective on the intersection of disability and spiritual caregiving.
We are excited about the coming program year at Nassau Presbyterian Church. This post contains registration and program information for the upcoming year.
REGISTRATION
We ask you to complete a new form each year to ensure we have accurate information on you and your child to ensure your child’s health and safety. If you have multiple children in your family, you will receive a separate registration email for each.
To complete your registration, please:
print the registration form that was emailed to you,
make changes/additions using the fields on page two,
with or without changes, please sign and date page one of the form, and
return these two pages to the church office as soon as possible – by Tuesday, September 5 or earlier – to make sure your child’s name appears correctly on our attendance lists.
If you are new to our church – Welcome! – or have an additional child to register, blank forms are available here and in the literature rack outside the church office:
From the Refugee Coordinating Team, an update on the Hashimi family, the Afghan refugee family that Nassau Church has sponsored.
Last October, the Hashimi family was kind enough to share their inspiring story during an adult education class. Since then, they have continued to make progress in building a new life in Princeton.
By the end of last year, they had completed the arduous process of applying for asylum in the United States. After waiting patiently for months, now all of their asylum applications have been approved (except for one still pending for one of the sons). For those who have been approved, that means they now have legal status to live and work in the United States – and may eventually apply for permanent residency and citizenship.
As asylees, the family can also seek approval to visit the father in Dubai, where he is stranded. He has applied for humanitarian parole status and is also applying under other programs for the right to join his family here, including through his wife’s new status. All of these options have significant wait times.
There is also progress on the housing front. We are glad to report that the Hashimi family has moved out of the temporary housing that had been provided through Princeton Seminary and are now in their own housing at Princeton Community Village.
Another key priority had been their education, and they are making progress on that as well. One of the older sisters is working hard to earn a high school equivalency degree. She had been on the verge of finishing high school when they had to leave Kabul, and her credits could not be transferred. We are excited that she recently passed the social studies section of the GED and continues to work on the rest.
All of this progress was aided by volunteers from Nassau, including many of you here this morning. So, on behalf of the Refugee Coordinating Team, our thanks to you and all others who have given of your time and resources as part of Nassau’s commitment to support refugees. We are truly grateful for your support and ask for your continued prayers for the family, and particularly for their reunification with the father. Thank you.
Members of Nassau, Witherspoon and Westminster Presbyterian Churches are creating a coalition of faith groups in Central NJ who are deeply concerned about an exception that was written into the 13th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution (in 1874).
The 13th Amendment abolished slavery and involuntary servitude except for those convicted of a crime. We view this exception as morally wrong. It perpetuates the legacy of slavery itself in the form of demeaning involuntary servitude in our prisons. In the long term, it is socially destructive, since the formerly incarcerated are returned to society impoverished and demoralized rather than rehabilitated.
A number of states copied the language of the U.S. 13th Amendment and its inhuman “exception” into their state constitutions. New Jersey does not have such language in its constitution. Nonetheless, our prison system takes advantage of that exception in its use of involuntary servitude.
A diverse group of seven states have now voted to remove that exception through citizen referendums. Rhode Island recently set an example in 2022 by adding this language to its state constitution:
Slavery shall not be permitted in this state.
The New Jersey bills (download and read them below) are similarly worded.
We are calling on the NJ State Legislature to quickly pass Senate Bill SCR135 and Assembly Bill ACR125 which would put a constitutional amendment before NJ voters in November 2024. This bill would explicitly forbid slavery or involuntary servitude in the state, including for conviction of a crime.
“Plan of Princeton” an 1875 map of Princeton, New Jersey, drawn by C.L. Fulton from Lewis Library – Map Collection, Princeton University.
This summer, join us in looking back at the fall session of the Supreme Court. Congregational favorite Larry Stratton returns on July 9 at 9:00 am to guide us through the key rulings that took place.
On the following three Sundays, Nassau members will lead tours of the Princeton area – Princeton Cemetery, local landmarks, and the remarkable sculpture collection that resides on Princeton University’s campus. Each tour begins in the Assembly Room, at 11:15 am. Water bottles and granola bars will be available for all participants.
Adult Education classes will take a summer sabbatical in August and return in the fall on September 10.
Audio recordings will be posted below each class description.
July 9 | 9:00 a.m., Assembly Room
Summary and Reflections on the U.S. Supreme Court’s October 2022 Term
This session will summarize the U.S. Supreme Court’s major rulings from the October 2022 term regarding student loan debt forgiveness, environmental regulation, affirmative action in college admissions, public accommodations and free speech, religious accommodations, copyright laws and artwork, tax debts and public takings, union strikes and property, and other critical topics. The discussion will not only report on the holdings and arguments of the majority and dissenting opinions, but also explore analytical and interpretive themes from the decisions. Moreover, the class will discuss the role of the judiciary in the constitutional order.
Lawrence M. Stratton is Professor of Ethics and Constitutional Law and Director of the Stover Center for Constitutional Studies and Moral Leadership at Waynesburg University in Pennsylvania. He received his Ph.D. in Christian Social Ethics and M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary, his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center, and his B.S. in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. As a Field Education Intern at Nassau Presbyterian Church during his M.Div. studies, he deepened his exploration of American Constitutional Law in relation to insights from the Christian Faith.
A Tour of some Meaningful Places in our Church Neighborhood
A walk of about 2 miles to locations associated with memories of indigenous people, slaves, some 18th and 19th century Presbyterian presidents/pastors, and other notable people, including Betsy Stockton, Paul Robeson, and Albert Einstein.
Gordon Thomas is an Emeritus Professor of Physics at NJIT, retired physicist at Bell Laboratories, hiker, swimmer, and runner, as well as a 37-year member of our church, where he is a pre-K teacher and recently a tenor. He has led informal walking tours of our area several times, inspired by our Men’s Bible Study group and by our group that works with the Witherspoon Presbyterian Church to bend the moral arc of justice.
Explore the backyard of Nassau Church, home to one of the country’s most significant collections of 20th and 21st century sculpture. Join Elizabeth Steel, Princeton Seminary doctoral student studying art and theology, for a tour of sculpture on the campus of Princeton University. During an easy, one-mile stroll, we’ll view several pieces, consider how each work interacts with scripture, and reflect on what that may mean for our own faith.
Elizabeth Steel is continuing her studies at Princeton Theological Seminary as a PhD student after earning an MDiv and an MA in Christian Education and Formation in 2022. With a BA in art history from the University of Virginia, she is currently exploring the capacity art holds for theology reflection and formation. She grew up in McLean, VA and didn’t anyone could be anything other than Presbyterian until high school.
Princeton Cemetery – 266 Years of Princeton History
Princeton Cemetery was established in 1757 and has been in active use as a community burial ground ever since. We will tour the older part of the cemetery and learn a bit of Princeton History. Join us to hear about notable residents, observe the evolving ways Princetonians have been memorialized and learn some bits of cemetery trivia.
Linda Gilmore
Linda Gilmoreis the business administrator of Nassau Presbyterian Church. She joined the staff in 2002 and added the administration of the cemetery to her duties more recently. She has enjoyed learning more about the non-business side of the cemetery and looks forward to sharing this with others.
Trenton students head back to school – help us provide the supplies they need for success.
Every September the new school year brings excitement and lots of new goodies. This year students will be returning from virtual or hybrid learning during the pandemic to the more familiar routines of the schoolhouse. In any event, the supplies add up. In 2022 the average family spent over $270 per student, just too much for many families in our area.
We are joining with Westminster Presbyterian Church (WPC), our partner church in Trenton, to provide 150 backpacks filled with essentials for local kids. WPC will distribute the school supplies in partnership with Trenton Music Makers, the Apostalic Church, LALDEF, and Sprout University of the Arts.
Donations will be accepted through Sunday, August 11.
Please bring new backpacks to worship on Sunday mornings and place them in the marked basket in the narthex.
To fill the backpacks, we have found that monetary donations go the farthest so that Nassau can purchase grade-specific school supply packs in bulk. Thank you for giving as you are able to help make sure students in Trenton are better prepared for the academic year ahead.
School supply bundles:
Elementary Pack, $30
Middle School Pack, $40
High School Pack, $55
Monetary donations can be made by check or online. Make checks out to Nassau Presbyterian Church, noting “School Supplies” in the memo line and drop in the collection plate or mail to the church office. Use the button below to donate online, choose “School Supplies” from the drop-down Funds box.
Every gift helps better prepare children for the year ahead with needed school supplies and with the knowledge that the wider community is cheering them on. Thank you!
Our upcoming congregational day of service at Loaves and Fishes at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Trenton, will take place on Saturday, August 19.
Volunteering for Loaves and Fishes, whether it’s donating food, personal care items, money, or time, is an opportunity to be fed and to join our community of faith in action. We do what our Lord asks of us.
As we prepare meals, serve, and clean up, we are serving our most vulnerable neighbors, and if you can take a moment to breathe on that busy day, you’ll find that you are being filled and sustained, too.
Our initial plans this year are to provide 200 hot meals to our dinner guests. As they leave that day, each guest will each receive a bag with another dinner meal, a bag lunch as well as personal care items. Please consider serving those who need a little extra assistance.
Take this opportunity to serve God and enjoy the community of Nassau Church.
Bending the Moral Arc Toward Justice in the Season of Juneteenth
In our second Juneteenth series, formerly incarcerated persons will share the paths they have followed after incarceration, and we will learn about programs that support returning citizens as entrepreneurs, job trainers, educators and advocates.
Audio recordings will be posted below each class description.
June 4
Witnessing God’s Transforming Love in our Local Economy
Come learn about the Trenton Microloan Collaborative (TMC), a partnership between Nassau Presbyterian Church and Westminster Presbyterian Church, Trenton. The mission of the TMC is to support formerly incarcerated entrepreneurs in the Trenton area. TMC offers support through zero interest loans and pro bono accounting services to entrepreneurs who have been in business for at least 2 years. The TMC seeks to be a witness to God’s transforming love in our local neighborhoods, in our local economy.
(we join the class in progress)
Jeffrey Augustinis the owner of Dealz Dealz Dealz, a retail store at 103 E. State Street in Trenton. He is the first recipient of business support from the Trenton Microloan Collaborative.
Jacque Howard is an elder at Westminster Presbyterian Church and the owner of the Trenton 365 Show which conducts interviews with people involved in bettering community life in Trenton. He is a founding member of the Trenton Microloan Collaborative.
Jonathan Shenk is a small business entrepreneur and a Presbyterian minister. He is the owner of Greenleaf Painters LLC, based in Lawrenceville. He attends Nassau and Westminster Presbyterian churches. He is
also a founding member of the Trenton Microloan Collaborative.
Breaking the Chains of Poverty Through Training and Education
Come hear the life story of Andre Thomas, an award winning professional educator who teaches former carceral citizens, among others, to practice trades that provide sustaining income. A 22-year employee of the nonprofit community builder Isles in Trenton, Thomas provides a compelling testimony of what bending the moral arc toward justice looks like on a daily basis.
Andre Thomasbegan working at the Isles Youth Institute in 2001 as the Operations Manager. He is currently the Senior Training Manager at Isles, where he trains contractors in leadsafe renovations and energy efficient practices. He and his father, Calvin Thomas, manage a youth leadership program called Healthy Relationship Healthy Choices in partnership with The Father Center of NJ. He is also the Life Skills Coach at the Trenton Circus. Andre takes advantage of every opportunity to use his skills and networks to assist people in his community and beyond.
Ministry of Presence: Educating Vulnerable Populations in the Age of Technology
Technology has transformed the way we live, work, and learn. For vulnerable populations, access to technology and quality education remains a challenge. The Ministry of Presence emphasizes the importance of physical presence and human connection in education, aiming to create a more inclusive and equitable education system that empowers all students to reach their full potential.
Nafeesah Ali Goldsmithis cofounder and COO of YFOF (Youth Function Over Form) a youth justice organization focused on creating prison-free furniture. She is also founder and CEO of RISE (Real Intervention Supports Excellence) a mission based sustainability initiative that supports at-risk communities. She holds an MA in Criminal Justice from Monmouth University, along with a BA in Sociology from Rutgers the State University of NJ. Nafeesah began her college career while serving a 15 yr prison sentence at EMCFW (Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women) in Union Township, NJ. Nafeesah’s vision is to connect to the youth and global community by educating on the topic of prison abolition.
Westminster Conservatory at Nassau presents flutist John Lane and pianist Kathy Shanklin performing music by Gabriel Fauré and Joaquín Rodrigo. This final recital of the season is open to the public free of charge.
Every September the new school year brings excitement and lots of new goodies. This year students will be returning from virtual or hybrid learning during the pandemic to the more familiar routines of the schoolhouse. In any event, the supplies add up. In 2022 the average family spent over $270 per student, just too much for many families in our area.
