Latest News

Dear First Church,

With a heavy heart, I share with you that Perry Neubauer died this afternoon, wrapped up in the love of his family and of God. Even in just three months, I have come to love Perry (and Susie!), and appreciate what a wonderful and important presence he was in the congregation. I know that those of you who have known and loved him much longer will even more dearly miss him.

Perry and Susie first came to First Church in 1962, and Perry shaped this congregation in important ways. As an architect and impromptu liturgical theologian, he designed the current configuration of our chancel area (cross, font, table) and laid out the plan for our organ. He served as a church leader in numerous ways and was a friend and confidant to several pastors. He sang in the choir until 6 weeks ago (bass section, bow tie), and wrote hundreds of heartfelt notes of care and support to so many of us as part of the Pastoral Care Team. Everything he did was filled with his giant personality, a tenderness just below (and sometimes right at) the surface, and a generosity of spirit that was inspiring to experience. Just two days ago, with Perry free of the ventilator he was on for several days, I started a sentence with the word “breathe,” and Perry turned that word into a song, Princeton-related, and the whole family joined in. Such was his spirit, even in his last hours. God bless him.

This Sunday, November 17, at 9:30 a.m. all are invited to gather in person in the Harter Room and via Zoom to share our grief and stories, remembering our beloved Perry.

There will be a time (probably a few months from now) to share much more about Perry as we celebrate his life. In the meantime, please offer a prayer of thanksgiving for Perry’s life, and prayers for God’s Spirit to be with Susie, their children Ben and Bethany, and so many others in Perry’s wide circle of love.

In Christ,
Pastor Mike