Home › View all posts by npc-laureny › Page 8

Author: npc-laureny

Refugee Asylum Petitions

Posted on by

Request from Nassau’s Refugee Coordinating Team:

Please consider signing two petitions in support of the Hashimi family’s immigration applications.

The first petition is for Soraya’s Asylum application. The second petition is for the Humanitarian Parole application by Ahmad, Soraya’s husband, who is currently stranded in Dubai, now separated from his family for more than a year-and-a-half. Both applications were submitted to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services office last Fall with little apparent progress made to date on either one.

The family did not come to the United States with the refugee documentation that our previous families have had because of the sudden and chaotic evacuation from Kabul. With that in mind, Nassau retained an immigration attorney now working with the family on the application processes. In consultation with the attorney, the Refugee Coordinating Team with support from the Mission & Outreach Committee ask for your help in petitioning for the reunification of the Hashimi family.

The petitions can be signed at a table in the conference room during Fellowship between services, or in the office hallway after the 11:00 a.m. service on either March 26th or April 2nd.

Let us together support the immigration applications of this long-separated family and honor their life-changing role as American partners and allies.

Contact Tom Charles (email)

Galatians – In-depth Bible Study

Posted on by

Sundays, 3:30 – 5:00 PM, Room 301, beginning March 26

George Hunsinger continues the adult Bibe study with a verse-by verse examination of Paul’s Letter to the Galatians. In this epistle, the Galatian congregation wrestles with salvation by grace through faith — as opposed to “works of the Law.” . As usual, Paul offers compelling good news in his understanding of the cross, the resurrection, worship, and Christian hope.

George Hunsinger is Professor of Systematic Theology at Princeton Theological Seminary. He is the founder of the National Religious Campaign Against Torture. This is his 24th year of leading this in-depth Bible study at Nassau! New participants are warmly welcome.

Camp Johnsonburg: Marked for the Future

Posted on by

Where all may gather, where all are welcomed, and where all are invited to share: gracious hospitality, joyful Christian community, and the wonder of God’s creation.

Nassau’s Mission & Outreach Committee invites you to join in Johnsonburg Camp & Retreat Center’s Marked for the Future Campaign! The Committee has provided a $10,000 seed grant to support the capital campaign, and we are asking you to help that seed take root and grow. Find a letter from Mission & Outreach Committee member and past Johnsonburg Board member, Penn Bowditch, below and be sure to read more about the bold vision and needed updates that have informed Johnsonburg’s capital campaign on its website.

Please make gifts directly through Johnsonburg’s website and note Nassau Church in the memo. Thank you for giving generously as you are able to ensure Johnsonburg continues to provide a sacred place and an open space for generations to come!

Johnsonburg (link)

“After many years as a high school teacher and administrator, I believe that every young person has the potential to learn, empathize, create, befriend, and make the world better for the next generation. Opportunities to challenge our assumptions about ourselves, about others, and about the world are what truly expand our imaginations and shape our abilities to love our neighbors. For most of us, this exploration starts during our first year in college. For a fortunate few, it begins by living, working, playing, and sharing experiences with strangers at a summer sleep-away camp.”


“Johnsonburg Camp and Retreat Center in Warren County, New Jersey is a place that changes lives.
The Presbyterian Church in New Jersey established Johnsonburg over 60 years ago to support experiential Christian education. It continues to bring together children, high school students, and adults of different ethnic and economic backgrounds, in summer camp and throughout the year in retreats such as last year’s first Social Justice Summit for Teens.
Over the years, many of Nassau Church’s children have attended Camp J-burg, as it is affectionately known. You will hear from a current camper in worship on April 16.”

Another camp alum, Josh Wood, wrote some memories of camp in the ’80s for the 50th anniversary celebration:

  • greased watermelons at the bottom of the pool
  • “I love you honey, but I just can’t smile”
  • watching the European counselors play soccer better than I’d ever seen in person
  • pick up day, the fields swarming with campers, watching as one by one my friends were claimed; and the way my heart jumped to my throat to see Mom and Dad
  • dreading FOB (feet on bunk) as a camper; craving it as a CIT (counselor in training)
  • learning to start a fire in the rain, learning to turn troublemaker campers into leaders, learning to sneak out the wet sleeping bags before dawn for a quick wash-and-return, learning to be in charge of small people who love and trust you more than they should
  • sitting around the fire at the end of CIT training as the counselors moved slowly around the circle on their knees, tenderly washing our feet–as Jesus did his disciples’–and how one-by-one we each burst into tears

“Due to the explosion of summer sports training clinics and leagues, traditional outdoor sleepaway camps are struggling and many are closing.  However, Johnsonburg welcomed more than 500 summer campers in 2022, who explored God’s message surrounded by gifts of nature and a caring community. You can make sure Johnsonburg continues to flourish by spreading the word about their ministry and joining Maria and me in making a donation to their capital campaign.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you would like more information.  I’m Penn Bowditch, the tall bowtie guy.”

Learn more and donate:

Johnsonburg (link)

Visit to The Smithsonian National Museum of African American Culture and History

Posted on by

“A Peoples’ Journey, A Nation’s Story”

Saturday, April 22, 2023, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Join friends from Witherspoon Street Presbyterian Church and Princeton Presbyterians, a campus ministry for undergraduate and graduate students, on a day trip to Washington, DC. Families are welcome to attend! The trip is supported by Witherspoon Street and Nassau Bending the Moral Arc team. Seats are limited.
Learn more about the museum: https://nmaahc.si.edu/

Deadline: Saturday, April 1

Questions: Len Scales (email)


Sign Up (link)

Summer Youth Trips: Paris & Taizé Community

Posted on by

Items to handle before Sunday, March 26 (Forms Day)

The chaperones are ticketed on these flights and we would prefer the entire group travel together; before you choose a different flight schedule contact Mark Edwards:

July 19, 2023: Newark Airport to Paris (Orly), French Bee #721 departs 10:55pm, arrives 12:10pm (+1 day)

July 31, 2023: Paris (Orly) to Newark Airport, French Bee #720 departs 6:50pm, arrives 9:00pm

  • Determine if you need additional trip insurance.
    • Nassau uses Faith Ventures to insure trips, you can compare their benefits and rates online here: https://www.faithventures.com/compare-plans/
    • Standard coverage is $30 per person, this fee is already calculated into the trip fee.
    • Trip cancellation/interruption insurance must be purchased at least 21 days prior to departure and is an additional 5% of the total trip cost as reported by you. Contact Lauren Yeh if you are interested in purchasing this insurance.

What to bring with you to Forms Day:

Students (15-20)

  1. Taizé Community Registration Form
  2. NPC Assumption of Risk & Release from Liability (Notarized)
  3. Taizé Community Parental Agreement (pdf)
  4. Parental Consent to Travel Internationally: NPC Travel Permission (pdf) (Notarized)
  5. Flight Itinerary including booking number.
  6. Passport valid through January 2024 (we will make a copy of the photo/signature pages)
  7. Final Payment (contact Lauren Yeh if you are unsure of the amount due)

Adults (21+)

  1. Taizé Community Registration Form
  2. NPC Assumption of Risk & Release from Liability (Notarized)
  3. Flight Itinerary including booking number.
  4. Passport valid through October 2023 (we will make a copy of the photo/signature pages)
  5. Final Payment (contact Lauren Yeh if you are unsure of the amount due)

Summer Youth Trips: Appalachia Service Project

Posted on by

Warmer. Safer. Drier.

Home repair in central Appalachia has repeatedly opened our eyes, expanded our skills, helped others and done some work on us too.  Come along as God does a little fixing on us all.

return to Summer Trips

Required Forms

Student

Adults
Youth Deposit Form (pdf) due 2/23/25 Adult Deposit Form (21+) (pdf) due 2/23/25
Youth Permission Form (pdf) due 4/27/25 Adult Permission Form (pdf) due 4/27/25

Required for each participant:

  • Trip Agreement and Medical Form (pdf) – online registration is required, see below for instructions. If you fill out this form, you will have all the information required to complete the online registration.

Also due on April 27, 2025 (Forms Day) from each participant:

  • Copy (front & back) of your medical insurance card
  • Final Payment

Questions about forms and due dates to Lauren Yeh.

Schedule and Packing List

ASP Online Volunteer Registration, due April 27, 2025:

  1. Go to: http://www.servicenetwork.com/reg/APPSERV/Join.asp
  2. Our Group Number is: 15916 (changes each year)
  3. ASP Online Registration Instructions (pdf)

ASP Covenant Text:

Each participant will sign the same document on or before departing on the trip.

As a Volunteer with Appalachia Service Project, I agree:

  • To familiarize myself with and abide by ASP’s Expectations, Rules and Regulations, Anti-Harassment Policy, and dress code. Required Reading (pdf)
  • To work safely and report to the staff any behavior or situation that I deem unsafe.
  • To be open-minded and work to build meaningful relationships with the homeowners I serve and interact appropriately with community members and other groups at my center.
  • To utilize resources in a stewardly fashion.
  • To maintain a clean facility by completing the chores assigned to my group.

As an Adult Group Leader, I further agree:

  • To be responsible for the whereabouts and well-being of my youth volunteers and to help enforce the expectations and rules set by ASP and the Staff, including quiet time and lights out.
  • To ensure that all volunteers are present for Morning Devotions, Evening Gatherings, and all other scheduled events.
  • To work with the Staff to complete the project specifically designated to my group.
  • To communicate promptly and respectfully any concerns or praises I have about our volunteer experience.

Organizational Meeting

We are planning a brief organizational meeting in Niles Chapel on Sunday, April 27, 12:15-1:30 pm.  Gather with your work team, learn about the project you’ll be working on, talk about what to pack, what to expect – get to know the other members of this year’s ASP Trip!

If you cannot make this meeting, please contact Mark Edwards (, 609-933-7599).

return to Summer Trips

Summer Youth Trips: Splash Camp

Posted on by

Cool kids on a ’chool bus hitting up the coolest splash spots in NJ and PA.

return to Summer Trips

When: Monday-Thursday, June 30-July 3, 2025, 9am – 3:30pm
Drop-off/Pick-up: Nassau Church, except on Pool Party day.
Last Year’s Schedule:

  • Day 1: NJ Shore
  • Day 2: Hopewell Quarry (swim test required)
  • Day 3: Tohickon Creek, Bucks County, PA
  • Day 4: Backyard Pool Party

Weather: We will do our best to accommodate light rain and fluctuating weather. However, as indoor activities are not an alternative, in the event of severe storms a day’s events may have to be curtailed or canceled.
Parents: Want to drive yourself or tag along one day? You are welcome.

Questions about the Camp to Mark Edwards.

Required Forms

Student

Chaperone
Youth Deposit Form (pdf) due ASAP Chaperone Deposit Form (21+) (pdf) due ASAP
Information, Release and Waiver – Youth (Splash) (pdf) due 6/1/25 Information, Release and Waiver – Adults 21+ (Splash) (pdf) due 6/1/25
Hopewell Quarry Swim Club, Rules and Waiver (pdf) due 6/1/25 Hopewell Quarry Swim Club, Rules and Waiver (pdf) due 6/1/25

Also due on Sunday, June 1 from each participant:

  • Copy (front & back) of your medical insurance card
  • Final Payment

Questions about forms, balance due, and due dates to Lauren Yeh. While you are welcome to bring your forms and payments to our Forms Day on Sunday, April 27, this is not required.

Schedule and Packing List

Will be distributed to registered families in early June. Last’s years information is posted below.

Parables: Stories Jesus Told

Posted on by

February 26 – April 2, 2023

9:30 a.m. | Assembly Room

Readable, accessible, and perpetually relevant, we never tire of hearing a parable. Like every well-told story, repeat readings bring fresh insights and deeper appreciation. This Lent, come sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to his stories one more time. Some are familiar and could be recited from memory. Others may be heard for the first time. Each brings a word of comfort and a word of challenge.
This Lenten Linked-in Learning theme emphasizes the accessibility of the parables, and classes will be led by laity, the people in the pews. Jesus shared simple, relatable stories to communicate complex themes, and these leaders will bring their own story, perspective, areas of experience to these Sunday morning sessions.

Audio recordings will be posted below each class description.

February 26

What is a Parable?

Dale Allison is Professor of New Testament at Princeton Theological Seminary. His academic research and publications include the historical Jesus, the Gospel of Matthew, Second Temple Judaism, and the history of the interpretation and application of biblical texts. He is the author of two dozen books. These include, on a popular level, books on George Harrison, religious experience, and death and what might lie beyond.

 

return to top

March 5

Parable of the Friend at Midnight
(Luke 11:5-19)

Bill Creager is a member of Nassau Presbyterian Church and has been a deacon, elder, and high school Sunday School teacher. He serves on the Mission & Outreach Committee and with the team that is sponsoring and supporting a family from Afghanistan as they resettle in Princeton. By profession, he is a physicist and data scientist, and worked as a science teacher in the Peace Corps. He lives in Princeton with his wife Angela and is the father of three grown children.

return to top

March 12

Parable of the Lost Sheep
(Luke 15:3-7)

Jade Hage has attended Nassau Church since 2017, joining a year later. Hailing from Monterey, California, Jade moved to Princeton to teach high school English. Jade is also a student at Princeton Seminary where she is in her third year as an MDiv student and currently serves as a field education student with Princeton Presbyterians.

return to top

March 19

Parable of the Sower
(Matthew 13:1-30)

Keith Mertz is a Nassau Presbyterian member since 2000. He sings bass in the choir and is currently on Session. He’s led small groups and been involved in other activities. Keith grew up at First Memorial Presbyterian in Dover, NJ. He is the son of Elders, Deacons, the Church Secretary, Sunday School teachers, the Youth Ed Director, counters, Communion preparers, Scout Leaders, cooks, snow shovelers, and table and chair arrangers.

return to top

March 26

Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard
(Matthew 20:1-15)

Thais Carter serves as the Director for Strategic Initiatives at Princeton Theological Seminary, guiding initiatives that extend the Seminary’s reach and engagement with a broader public. She also directs Iron Sharpening Iron, an executive education program for women clergy. She’s been a member at Nassau since March 2020 and is currently serving on Session. More often than not, you’ll find her with her nose in a book, around a table with friends, or watching something Marvel-related with her family, which includes her husband, Heath; four sons—Isaiah, Bree, Sam, and James—and their Golden Retriever, Douglass.

return to top

April 2

Parable of the Tenant Farmers
(Matthew 21:33-46)

Corrie Berg Corrie Berg has been blessed to serve as the Director of Children’s and Family Ministry and then Director of Educational Ministries at Nassau Presbyterian Church for the past 12 years. She delights in telling the stories of our faith, even the tough ones, to the children and grown-ups of our church and community. She has one husband, three sons, one soon-to-be daughter-in-law, and one bearded dragon.

return to top

Westminster Conservatory Recital – March 16, 2023

Posted on by

Westminster Conservatory Noontime Recitals
Present Music for Oboe, Horn, and Piano on March 16

On Thursday, March 16 at 12:00 p.m. Westminster Conservatory at Nassau will present a recital performed by Conservatory faculty members Melissa Bohl, oboe; Craig Levesque, horn; and Phyllis Lehrer, piano. Atypically, the recital will take place in the church sanctuary and will begin at noon, fifteen minutes earlier than the regular time. The recital is open to the public free of charge; masking is optional.

The program on March 16 comprises Incantation and Dance for oboe and piano by William Grant Still, the Trio, opus 88 by Carl Reinecke, and a new work by Dr. Levesque.

Westminster Conservatory at Nassau recitals will continue on April 20 with a recital for solo piano by Clipper Erickson.

Lent 2023 Small Groups

Posted on by

If you have never been part of a Small Group, why not try it out? If you are a perennial participant, welcome back! Space may be limited for many groups, so sign up soon! Whether you opt for in-person or virtual groups, the promise that the Holy Spirit is present when two or more are gathered in God’s name remains a constant.

Click on the Small Group Name to read more.

Start
Time

SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU
12 p.m. Parables
1:30 p.m. Parables
4 p.m. Parables
(gr. 4-8)
6 p.m. Parables
7 p.m.  Movies Art of
Faithfulness:
CreatioDivina		 Parables
7:30 p.m. Adventures
in Barth		 Art of
Faithfulness:
Photography
8 p.m. Immigrant
Experience
on Film

Parables: Stories Jesus Told

Linked In Learning Series

Readable, accessible, and perpetually relevant, we never tire of hearing a parable. Like every well-told story, repeat readings bring fresh insights and deeper appreciation. This Lent, come sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to his stories one more time. Some are familiar and could be recited from memory. Others may be heard for the first time. Each brings a word of comfort and a word of challenge. Read together, they teach, through concrete examples, about forgiveness, redemption, sacrifice, and faith.

This Lenten Linked-in Learning theme emphasizes the accessibility of the parables, and most Adult Education classes will be led by laity, the people in the pews. Jesus shared simple, relatable stories to communicate complex themes, and these leaders will bring their own story, perspective, areas of experience to these Sunday morning sessions. Small Groups will join in the theme. All are invited to add their own story and perspective to the discussions. Finally, Sunday sermons in Lent, including Youth Sunday will also focus on parables.

Sundays, February 19 – March 26, 6:00-7:00 PM
Virtual on Zoom

Register Here

Mani Pulimood has been worshiping at NPC for a long time, with his wife, Monisha, and two sons, Nikhil and Philip. He enjoys participating in and leading small groups at Nassau. He is also the author of the book, Spiritual Dimensions – Musings on Life and Faith. One of his favorite ministries is online evangelism (https://twitter.com/ManiPulimood). He also enjoys biking and hiking.

return to top

Mondays, February 20 – March 27, 12:00-1:30 PM
In-person at the home of Corrie Berg in Princeton, NJ.

light lunch (soup & bread) provided
This group is full

Corrie Berg, is the Director of Educational Ministries and always delighted to talk about Bible stories, whether it’s with grown ups or with children. She finds that she often learns the most by discussing the stories of our faith with the people of our church.

return to top

Mondays, February 20 – March 27, 1:30-3:00 PM
In-person at the home of Carol Wehrheim in Skillman, NJ

This group is full

Carol Wehrheim, a writer and Christian Education consultant, finds that Lenten small groups deepen her own prayer life and her connection to her church community.

return to top

Parables – just for Kids (4th-8th graders)

Mondays, February 20 – March 27, 4:00-5:00 PM
In-person at the home of Corrie Berg in Princeton, NJ

Register Here
Corrie Berg is the Director of Educational Ministries and always delighted to talk about Bible stories, whether it’s with grown ups or with children. She finds that she often learns the most by discussing the stories of our faith with the people of our church.

return to top

Tuesdays, February 21 – March 28, 7:00-8:30 PM
In-person or on Zoom?

Register Here
John Parker appreciates the fellowship and faith development that takes place in Nassau’s Small Groups. He is thankful for the witness of the wonderful people he has met through past small groups. John looks forward to meeting new participants — and hopefully deepening some existing relationships too — as we read the parables of Jesus together.

return to top

Additional Small Group Options

Movies About Making Movies and Those Movies

Sundays, February 26 – April 2, 7:00-8:00 PM
Virtual on Zoom

This group is full

Making films and distributing them is challenging. A few get mired in legendary pitfalls and sometimes waterfalls. It may be years before their creators complete them and find an audience. We will look at three documentary films about the making of a specific movie. We will also watch the movie the documentary covers. Inspired by books including The Reel Truth by Reed Martin and A Guide for the Perplexed by Werner Herzog, participants in this series will discuss movie making obstacles and learn about the Herculean and even Sisyphean efforts it takes to achieve an artist’s vision. Movies: Lost in Lamancha; The Man Who Killed Don Quixote; Man on the Moon; Jim and Andy: The Great Beyond; Burden of Dreams; Fitzcarraldo

Marshall McKnight, a lifelong movie buff, has been a Nassau Church member since 2011. He is a deacon and is active on the Mass Incarceration Task Force. He also serves on the Adult Education and Membership Committees. He was a journalist for seven years and for the last 19 has worked for the State of New Jersey.

return to top

Adventures in Barth, season 7

Mondays, March 6 – 27, 7:30-9:00 PM
Virtual on Zoom

This group is full

Get “Barth Smart” as we continue to dive into Barth’s dramatic treatment of justification and our total acquittal in Christ. First-timers and experts are welcome as we gather around this rigorous challenge to church and world. Reading is ~30 pages/week.

Mark Edwards joined Nassau as Director of Youth Ministries in September of 2013. He is a lifelong Presbyterian and holds a PhD in Philosophy and Theology from Princeton Theological Seminary. He has taught at Princeton University, The College of New Jersey, and Princeton Theological Seminary. His Christ is Time: The Gospel according to Karl Barth is forthcoming in ‘22. Mark is married to Janine, and they have two great kids, a dog, a cat, seven chickens, and a bunch of bikes.

return to top

The Art of Faithfulness: CreatioDivina

Mondays, February 27 – March 27, 7:00-8:30 PM
Assembly Room, Nassau Presbyterian Church or on Zoom

Register Here

CreatioDivina, hosted by BeauFolio Studio, incorporates the spiritual practice of Lectio Divina alongside a guided practice of sacred art-making with the benefit of fostering ideation, collaboration, and courageous conversations. During this 5-week journey, we will utilize creativity to explore the question, “what were we created to create?” Painting is the medium, but no prior expertise is required. Supplies will be provided and will include oil pastels and cambric cloth. CreatioDivina kits for virtual participants will be made available for pick up at church prior to the series. The sessions will include reflection on our own histories, images of Jesus, community, and prayer, using the process of painting as a pathway towards a deeper connection with God and each other.

Carmelle Beaugelin (www.carmellebeaugelin.com ) is a Haitian-American visual artist based in Princeton, NJ. Her creative focus includes paintings inspired by Afro-Latin Caribbean art styles and Christian spirituality. She is the Founder and Lead Curating Artist at BeauFolio Studio. Carmelle received her Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary.

return to top

The Immigrant Experience on Film

Wednesdays, March 1 – April 5, 8:00-9:00 p.m.
Virtual on Zoom

Register Here
We will view and discuss films made between 1950-2015 with a focus on the immigrant experience. Why do people leave their homelands? What challenges do they face in their new country? How has this experience changed over the years? We will also discuss the different approaches the filmmakers haven taken to the subject, and how their vision is influenced by their own historical and political times. Movies: Stromboli (1950), America, America (1963), The Godfather: Part II (1972), Moscow on the Hudson (1984), In America (2002), and Brooklyn (2015).

Liz Beasley, an ordained elder and deacon at Nassau Church, is active on the Mass Incarceration Task Force, volunteers with Villages in Partnership, and coordinates activities for the Present Day Club. She retired from Rutgers University-New Brunswick in 2019, and is a lifelong devotee of fiction, theater, and film.

Aruna Bhargava is a former college professor and author of 8 books – fantasy/adventure for children and entrepreneurship/entrepreneur stories for adults. Aruna and her husband run a nonprofit to help unemployed youth and underprivileged women in India to become entrepreneurs. Her passion is to help seniors maintain optimum mental and physical health and a joyful well-being.

Lina Genovesi, a member of Nassau Church for over 5 years, is active in the Mission and Outreach Committee, serves as a Commissioner with the Civil Rights Commission in Princeton, and advocates for peace and justice in the Middle East with Churches for Middle East Peace. She is a practicing attorney with a New Jersey law firm and resides in Princeton with her husband and two cats.

return to top

Art of Faithfulness: Photographing Parables

A man scattering seed on the ground. The bandaging of a victim’s wounds. A son so impoverished he is tempted to eat what pigs eat.  A silver coin, one among ten, lost and then found. Parables aren’t just words. They are visual and meant to be seen as much as heard. Sacred Art of Photography returns during Lent with a focus on the parables. Over six weeks we will give ourselves the gift of taking a good look around and seeing parables present in our world. No technical skill or experience in photography is required, just your imagination and the means to take a digital photograph. 

Thursdays, February 23 – March 30, 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Virtual on Zoom

This group is full

Ned Walthall is a photographer based in Lawrenceville, 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.

Tim Brown has led and participated in numerous small groups. He has been an amateur photographer going back to when cameras used film and lenses had to be focused by hand. For over fifty years he has been on a photographer’s journey of discovery; reveling in the light of the world.

return to top