What happens when the Hoboken Grace and local community come together for a day full of community service projects? Local parks are cleaned, chipped fences are painted, and, at the Hoboken Shelter, food is organized and prepared. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. This year, 1Day Hoboken had over 300 volunteers working on 30 different projects across the city.    

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1Day is a lot of work, but it’s a lot of fun too. Luke Hoerle is a graduate student at Stevens University. He’s working towards his MBA and is a member of the Stevens wrestling team. Stevens wrestling has been participating in 1Day for several years, and, after volunteering last year, Luke was excited to spend the day with his teammates making a difference. 

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“I wanted to come back because last year we all had a great time cleaning up the beaches,” says Luke. The Ducks spent 1Day in north Hoboken pulling weeds, removing driftwood, and cleaning trash on the Hudson River waterfront. “It was a great way to bond with each other, but it also felt really good to help out the city and keep this place clean. And the after party is a lot of fun too. Overall, we really enjoy it, so we were excited to come back to help out.”

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While there are some projects that entail heavy lifting—these projects are perfect for a wrestling team—there are also plenty of 1Day projects available for families with young children. Sarah and Mike Bostwick signed up for 1Day with their three-year-old daughter, Caroline. 

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“It was really exciting to take Caroline with us,” says Sarah. The Bostwicks spent their day cleaning Hoboken’s Northwest Resiliency Park. In addition to Caroline, there was a whole group of kids helping sweep sand, rake wood chips, and pick up trash at a park they enjoy nearly every day. “We’ve been working to instill the idea of, ‘We don’t just live here, we love here,’ with her. That God loves us and cares for us. So we were excited to show her that we can love our city and care for our city the way God loves and cares for us.” 

 

It takes a lot of people to organize an event like 1Day. Hoboken Grace’s all-volunteer [Bridge Events](https://hobokengrace.com/blog/category/bridge-events/) team spends the months prior working with the city to find meaningful, needed projects. They also gather supplies, plan the after party, and organize volunteers. 

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“Bridge Events has granted me the opportunity to make an impact on the home I love so much, Hoboken!” says Jenna Pierro. Jenna’s been serving on the Bridge Events team for two years and says 1Day is among her favorite community events at Hoboken Grace. “Connecting with the community and meeting new faces allows us to introduce Hoboken Grace to new people in town. And it’s so rewarding to walk away from the project feeling like you made an impact and made Hoboken that much of a better place to live.”

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Don’t want to miss out on opportunities to serve the Hoboken community? Stay in the loop by downloading the Hoboken Grace app and checking out our ‘Events’ page.


1Day: A Day of Service to the Hoboken Community


We got to chat with George and Gaia, who both recently took the step of baptism, to hear what their experience was like!

_**Story Team: What was the feeling like after you were baptized?**_

**George:** I felt wet after being baptized! lol. No seriously though, I felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders and a sense of renewal.

_**Story Team: Who was up there with you?**_

**George:** My loving wife, Fran and my friends were up there with me.

_**Story Team: For another Hoboken Grace community member who may be thinking about taking this step, what would you say to them?**_

**George:** I would tell another Hoboken Grace member that’s contemplating getting baptized to just do it! It’s another step to get closer to the One that gave it all for us. I wish I had done it sooner!!

_**Story Team: What made you take the step of baptism?**_

**George:** My wife and I have been going back and forth whether or not I should get baptized again being that I’ve been baptized as a baby. She was saying that I should get baptized as an adult because as a baby we’re not able to understand sin nor Jesus. After some procrastination, I finally decided to take the leap.

Gaia got baptized last month with her husband and they both decided day of, to take that step!

_**Story Team: What was the feeling like after you were baptized?**_

**Gaia:** The feeling I had after being baptized – I was elated. I felt a curious mix of peace and exhilaration at the same time.

_**Story Team: Who was up there with you?**_

**Gaia:** My husband and I got baptized one after another so he and I supported each other. My dinner group came, even on late notice, and were there to deepen the experience with us. Hannah, Meghan, and Anthony joined us as well.

_**Story Team: For another Hoboken Grace community member who may be thinking about taking this step, what would you say to them?**_

**Gaia:** I would say listen for God calling out to you as He called for me. It’s okay if you don’t have everything figured out yet. It’s a moment to move forward in your faith and in your relationship with Jesus.

**Story Team: What made you take the step of baptism?**

**Gaia:** I felt called to take the step and for some reason couldn’t quite decide when the time was “right.” The conversation that week really spoke to me deeply and I felt connected and like I wanted to honor God with my commitment to Him, to pursue Him, and love Him as He has loved me.

_If you have any questions about taking the step of baptism join us for our next ‘[What is Baptism](https://hobokengrace.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2088084)‘ class coming up on June 2nd!_


Baptism: A Sense Of Renewal


We loved coming together to celebrate all our wonderful moms and mother figures this Sunday at Hoboken Grace! It was really special seeing so many people invite their moms and grandmothers to join them for service and to start off their Sunday with us!

We surprised our moms with a special gift, where they got to choose from a bracelet that said either “mama” or “grace.” We loved seeing the smiles on their faces as we were able to show our appreciation towards them!

In Grace Kids our teachers led their classes in some fun arts and crafts, where they made homemade cards for their moms!

We are so glad we got to bless our moms this Sunday! Check out some photos of the day below!

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Mother’s Day 2024


Over the past month, we have gotten to celebrate so many people take the step of baptism, not only on Easter weekend but there have been baptisms every Sunday since Easter which has been incredible to see! We have even seen a handful of people decide on the same day that they want to take that step. It has been such a joy being able to experience this together! We got to hear from Stephanie, who got baptized on Easter Sunday, to learn more about her experience and how God has been moving in her life!

**Story Team: What was the feeling like after you were baptized?**

**Stephanie:** After being baptized it felt like a physical load was taken off me. It felt like being hugged while also having this giant amount of hurting I’ve been holding on to for so long. I felt physically lighter but spiritually full and renewed.

**Story Team: Who was up there with you?**

**Stephanie:** I had my mom, my younger sister, my daughter, my husband, Megan of Grace Kids who is also my dinner group leader, Pastor Anthony, Wanda from my dinner group and Grace Kids, and John Milius.

**Story Team: For another Hoboken Grace community member who may be thinking about taking this step, what would you say to them?**

**Stephanie:** Take the next step! I always thought I had to be perfect and that I was too broken for this step of baptism. I also thought that I was far from being saved. I was originally baptized at 11 when I didn’t understand much and was running on fear of God rather than knowing of a loving God. Take that step. God has a purpose for us all and no matter where you are on your journey with God, this is a beautiful declaration of faith that will leave you feeling loved.

**Story Team: What made you take the step of baptism?**

**Stephanie:** I was originally baptized at 11 when I just thought it was right and didn’t understand much. I only knew how to fear God and never knew the relationship aspect; it was just religion to me. In the almost full year of coming back to God and finding a beautiful community in Hoboken Grace, I have healed from several past church hurt. I have also felt as though I’ve grown in my faith. From experiencing community in my dinner group with amazing women, to seeing my husband finally begin coming to church and slowly being more open to God, to my daughter being in Grace Kids and learning about God from such a young age where she has been loved and learned so much! We have presented her to raise her as God’s and more so have seen my family come to this beautiful community where we have been able to grow our faith and rebuild our relationship with God and get to know amazing people and community where we have always felt welcomed, supported, and loved!

If you have any questions on taking the step of baptism or just want to learn more, join us on Sunday, May 5th for our ‘[What Is Baptism](https://hobokengrace.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2088084)‘ class after each service.


Stephanie’s Baptism Story


We had such an incredible weekend celebrating our first Easter at our new space with seven services over Easter Weekend! We were able to welcome over 1,800 people into our space over the weekend, including so many people who were here for the first time.

One of our biggest celebrations was being able to watch 12 people take the step of baptism!! Pastor Chris let people know that if they felt moved at all over Easter weekend they could jump in and get baptized at any of our services and we had 2 people decide the same day to take that step! Being able to come together and cheer on these people taking this huge step in their faith never gets old!

If you weren’t able to be with us over Easter, be sure to check out Pastor Chris’ message [here](https://youtu.be/eMOVm5eXc0E)! Plus, join us this Sunday, April 7th as we start our new series, ‘[The Real Jesus](https://hobokengrace.com/the-real-jesus/).’

Check out some photos below from our Easter services!

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Celebrating Easter 2024


The rain couldn’t dampen the contagious joy that filled 409 14th St and the viaduct this Saturday. We had 48,000 Easter eggs, 200 volunteers, and over 3,300 people at this year’s Easter Egg Hunt which was our first ever at our new space! It was an incredible day as we were able to love our community in this really special way. We were able to stay dry under the viaduct and still keep our Easter egg hunt outside, while inside at 409 we had pictures with the Easter bunny, arts and crafts, games, and even Bluey playing in the theater!

We are so grateful to our Bridge Events team who worked so hard over the last several months to put this incredible day together. We also couldn’t have done it without all of our volunteers who came out on this rainy Saturday to make this such a seamless and special day for all of the families.

What an amazing way to kick off the Easter season and we can’t wait to keep the celebration going with our Easter services this weekend! For more information on our special service times for Good Friday and Easter services click [here](http://hobokengrace.com/easter).

Check out some photos of the day below!

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Easter Egg Hunt 2024

This week we have two of our teams out on our Mission Trips! One of our teams headed out to Mexico to work with one of our global partners, Casa Hogar Alegre, an orphanage whose mission is to provide love and care for the children of Chiapas who have been orphaned, abandoned, and abused. Their goal is to provide for the physical well-being of the children, as well as to encourage their spiritual and educational growth.

Our team has been having such a special time being able to care for and love these amazing children!

Our other team just arrived in Sierra Leone where they are working with Enable The Children, who provide physiotherapy and occupational therapy, care, and support services to children living with disabilities. This weekend, the team will be helping organize Enable the Children’s annual beach day celebration, where the families who are a part of their program will have the opportunity to meet one another. Our team will also be spending time supporting and caring for Enable the Children’s staff!

To learn more about Casa Hogar Alegre, Enable the Children, or any of our other global partners click [here](https://hobokengrace.com/global-partners/). Interested in finding out more about our mission trips here at Hoboken Grace? Click [here](https://hobokengrace.churchcenter.com/people/forms/15765?%5Fgl=1%2Arqoba5%2A%5Fga%2AMTc4OTMzNzk3MS4xNzAwMzYzODM0%2A%5Fga%5FN9P276JYHH%2AMTcwODYxMzkwNS4yODAuMS4xNzA4NjE1NTQ4LjYwLjAuMA..).

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Update From Our Mission Trip Teams!


What a night! 409 was filled with so much energy as we spent Ash Wednesday in a night of worship and celebration of the One who loves us most! Pastor Chris led us through a short message reminding us that one of the ways God loves to be loved is through praise and song! It was such a powerful and fun night coming together to be able to love Him in this way!

Check out a recap of the night below!

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Ash Wednesday Worship Night


This past Saturday, we had our first official Amplify Parenting, where we spent the day devoted to parenting here at 409! As people started to trickle in they got their name badges ready, some treats and coffee, and headed upstairs where the band kicked off the day in worship! Pastor Chris spoke and then everyone headed into their breakout sessions!

We had four different breakout classes- those preparing to become parents, parenting preschool, parenting elementary, and parenting older children. After the initial breakout sessions concluded it was time for lunch followed by a Q&A and a closing session! It was an awesome day being able to come together to learn and grow as parents!

Check out the photos below of the day!

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Amplify Parenting 2024


2023 has been quite a year! We have seen God move in incredible ways over the last year and have seen lives impacted in countless ways. There were a lot of firsts for our church family this year as we moved into our new home and we have seen God’s faithfulness throughout it all. It was a tremendous year, and this is just the beginning!

To celebrate, we’re taking a look back at some of our favorite moments from 2023!

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We were able to host so many great connection events this year- 101 to be exact! From coffee crawls to improv nights, we experienced so many fun events throughout the year! It’s been so special to bring so many people together outside of Sundays!

Since moving into our new space, we’ve also been hosting free weekly events such as story time, movie nights, and workout classes! Being able to welcome familiar and new faces into our space throughout these events has been so special!

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Baptism Sundays always hold a very special place in our hearts, as we get to stand alongside and celebrate those who take this monumental step in their faith! This year we had 44 people take the step of baptism!!

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This year, we celebrated a big milestone- our 15th birthday! We got to hear from Pastor Chris and his wife Ana about their journey of planting Hoboken Grace and all that God has done over these 15 years!

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We had 6 services over Easter weekend- it was so exciting welcoming in so many people! Plus, we got to celebrate NINE baptisms! The band prepared an awesome cover of the song Anti-Hero!

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It was a bittersweet moment as we said goodbye to 301 Garden St. — our home for over 10 years. We are so grateful for all that happened in that space!

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Dinner groups have always been at the core of what we do here at Hoboken Grace. It has been amazing to hear so many stories over the past year of God moving in the lives of those who were part of a Dinner Group. This year, we had almost 200 people attend a group for the first time!

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We walked through so many impactful conversations over the last year! Pause, Dating Apps, Habit Forming, and Adulting were just a few of the series we went through in 2023!

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In July, we had our first Sunday services at 409! Plus, we also got to celebrate the ribbon-cutting of our new space!

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In September, we celebrated the official grand opening of our new home! The space was buzzing with so much energy and excitement as we welcomed in so many people for a truly memorable day!

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This year’s 1Day Hoboken looked a little different due to the rainy weather, but we were still able to come together to love and serve our city in the best way possible! Some of our projects got canceled due to the weather, but we were still able to help out at places like Lunchtime Ministries, the Hoboken Shelter, as well as outdoor projects around Hoboken!

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We had our first-ever Worship Night at 409 this year and it was an epic night! Our band led us in worship as we spent the night celebrating God and spending time with Him!

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Our Grace Kids Mega Awesome Costume Party is always such a fun day for the kids as they come dressed in their favorite costumes!

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At this year’s annual Christmas Exchange, we were able to provide gifts for 1,213 children around our city. 367 people came to volunteer throughout the week and we had 473 people donate gifts! It was incredible seeing so many people be a part of this and being able to bring joy to so many families during the Christmas season!

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Our annual Grace Kids Christmas Concert is always one of the cutest Sundays of the year, as Grace Kids, from toddlers up to fifth grade, are up on stage singing Christmas songs!

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We had so much fun celebrating Christmas together at our Christmas Eve Services! We wrapped up our ‘What Keeps Us From Christmas’ conversation, there were 8 baptisms, our space was beautifully decorated for Christmas, and we can’t forget the snow!

_To check out the full 2023 Impact Report, click [here](https://www.flipsnack.com/hobokengrace/annual-report-2023/full-view.html)._


Looking Back at 2023


What an amazing week at our 9th annual Christmas Exchange!! There was so much joy filling 409, from our donors dropping off their gifts to our volunteers to the families eagerly picking up their presents! It is so special being able to come together as a church family to love our community in this way, bringing joy to so many families during the Christmas season!

We had 367 volunteers throughout the week come and help, which was incredible to see! You could feel the excitement and eagerness of everyone who was there serving!

There were 473 donors and 1,213 children who received gifts!!

Check out some photos below from this year’s Christmas Exchange!

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Our Bridge Events Team worked tirelessly over the last 10 weeks in making this whole event possible and they did an amazing job!! 400 bows and 18 google sheets later- and that’s a wrap on our 2023 Hoboken Grace Christmas Exchange!


The 2023 Hoboken Grace Christmas Exchange


This past Sunday, we kicked off December and the Christmas season with our Grace Kids Christmas Concert! It is one of the cutest Sundays of the year as we see our kids, from toddlers up to fifth grade, up on stage singing Christmas songs they have been working on over the last month! Check out some photos below from this special day!

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To learn more about Grace Kids, click [here](https://hobokengrace.com/kids/).

Interested in joining the Grace Kids team? Click [here](https://hobokengrace.churchcenter.com/people/forms/654234).


Grace Kids Christmas Concert 2023


This past Sunday, we got to celebrate four people who took the step of baptism!! We got to chat with Alyssa, who got baptized on Sunday to learn more about her experience!

_**Story Team**: What was the feeling like after you were baptized?_

**Alyssa:** I felt incredibly loved and comforted by God and everyone in Hoboken Grace!

**_Story Team_**: _Who was up there with you?_

**_Alyssa_:** Individuals who were a part of my spiritual journey and who I consider my brothers and sisters in Christ.

_**Story Team**: For another Hoboken Grace community member who may be thinking about taking this step, what would you say to them?_

**Alyssa:** Ask God to search your heart and unveil your hesitations and/or questions. Ask God for discernment and confirmation that you should be taking this next step. I would also recommend seeking wise counsel from trusted individuals who are also walking with Christ.

_**Story Team**: What made you take the step of baptism?_

**Alyssa:** I kept telling myself I didn’t need to get baptized since it had already been done to me when I was a baby. However, the idea kept coming to mind and I asked God to search my heart and make it clear if He wanted me to take that next step. Simultaneously, I felt the nudge to read the Book of Acts in the Bible which talked about the Great Commission. Without knowing what that was, I did some research and found the verse below from Matthew 28:16-20\. It was then confirmed to me that I was called to be baptized as an act of obedience and love to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

If you have any questions on taking the step of baptism or just want to learn more, join us this Sunday, November 5th for our ‘_[What Is Baptism](https://hobokengrace.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1277127?%5Fgl=1%2Aca6e1d%2A%5Fga%2AMTAxNDk2MjQ5OS4xNjk1OTI3ODgx%2A%5Fga%5FN9P276JYHH%2AMTY5OTAyMzY2Ny4xMDQuMS4xNjk5MDIzNzE1LjEyLjAuMA..)‘_ class after each service!


Baptism Sunday: Sitting Down With Alyssa


Friday was an epic moment in the history and life of our church as we celebrated our first Worship Night at 409! It was truly an incredible night as we came together to celebrate God! The band led us in worship as we were encouraged to spend the night with God in whatever way that looked like- whether it was standing and praising God through our song, sitting and praying, reflecting, taking communion, jumping as we danced along to the music!

It was amazing seeing how God worked and moved throughout the evening! Check out some of our photos below from the night!

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Worship Night 2023


This past Saturday, we had our annual 1Day Hoboken 2023! Things looked a little different this year, due to the rain and flooding in Hoboken, but we were still able to come together and impact our city! Check out some of our photos below from this year’s 1Day!

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Going over projects for the day as we head out around Hoboken!

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Some of our outdoor cleaning crew all ready to go!

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Our team getting ready for their morning at the Hoboken Shelter!

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All smiles over at Lunchtime Ministries!

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Cleaning up at the waterfront!

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Helping out at Symposia Community Bookstore!

Although some of our projects got canceled due to the weather, we’re so grateful for everyone who signed up to help us in loving our city, whether you were able to be a part of 1Day or not! A big thanks to our Bridge Team who works so hard to make this day possible!

We can’t wait to see you at the next Bridge Event- our annual [Christmas Exchange](https://hobokengrace.com/christmas/)!


1Day Hoboken 2023 Recap


What an incredible Sunday!! It was so special being able to come together and celebrate the official grand opening of our new home at 409 14th Street! It’s truly amazing to think that what started as a prayer of finding a space that we could call home; a place that could impact our city, to it now being a reality! We are filled with so much gratitude for all that God has been doing over these last couple of years and are so excited for what’s to come!

Check out some photos below from our Grand Opening!

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The space was filled with so much excitement and energy as we welcomed in so many new and familiar faces!

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All of our teams gathered in for our morning huddle before they got ready to serve!

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One of our worship singers, Hannah, led us in a beautiful new song, called “Pride of a Father.”

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Pastor Chris led us in a brand new and very timely conversation, “A New Home,” as we started to explore how God is pursuing a family and creating home. We’ll be continuing this conversation over the course of the next several weeks!

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We ended the service with a surprise balloon drop during our last worship song!

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Grace Kids were having their own fun downstairs with lots of balloons, bubbles, exciting crafts, and of course the beloved Ollie!

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It was so wonderful seeing everyone connecting and enjoying the new space! We are so excited to be able to love and impact our city through our new home and we can’t wait for all that God has in store!

If you missed being here for Sunday’s Grand Opening, catch up [here](https://youtu.be/GVP4bttJ3kg)!


Grand Opening Recap!

We know it can be a little scary to join a group for the first time, and we know how easy it is to find an excuse to miss out on this, but there’s too much to gain! Check out 5 reasons why you don’t want the excuses or the fear to win out on this one.

#### **1\. We meet where you are**

We have groups that meet online and in-person. The great news about that is no matter where you are, no matter what state – physically, mentally, or emotionally we want to meet you where you are. 

#### **2\. No long-term commitment needed**

The majority of our [Dinner Groups](http://dinnergroups.com) run all year long. This is a perfect time a year to join because we have new groups that just launched recently. This is a great opportunity to form new relationships with others who are also trying this out for the first time. Be assured, you are not the only one who is new.

#### **3\. Consistent encouragement**

Whether it’s spending daily time with God, serving the community, being baptized, or another milestone, Dinner Group members support each other to take that next step. We are all at different points in our journey. Taking a step of faith can be intimidating, but you don’t have to take that step alone. You will have people rooting for you as you move forward and people who have your back when you fear you might fail. Dinner Group gives you a front-row seat to watch the faith of others in action. Your faith will grow as you see Him at work in the group.

#### **4\. It is a chance to be real for once**

We are always going through life trying to fit in. A lot of the time that means we have to “fake it ’til we make it.” Dinner Groups are a place where you can let your guard down and be authentic. It helps to know that others are facing the same difficulties, or have already walked through them.

#### **5\. Find community in Hoboken**

People have traveled from near and far to call Hoboken home. As a result, Hoboken Grace is made up of people from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life. It’s in these groups that you will establish and deepen relationships with people God has uniquely made and placed in your life. Your group will grow together — enduring trials and making memories, just like a community.

We saved you a seat. [Will you join us?](http://hobokengrace.com/dinnergroups/)


5 Reasons We Think Dinner Groups are Worth It

At Hoboken Grace, we truly believe we are better together. This is why we strongly encourage the people in our community to get involved, serve on a team, and grow together in a weekly dinner group.

Hoboken has always been a transient community with an influx of people arriving. People move to this region from all over the world for unique opportunities and the pursuit of career goals, all while leaving loved ones and community support systems behind. Since the start of 2022, our church has witnessed nearly 500 new people walk through the front doors for the first time on a Sunday morning. Most of them share the same desire – to find a community of faith and a church family they can rely on, and share life with. 

We’ve never seen our church community hungrier for the kind of meaningful community that is created inside our Dinner Groups. That desire is awesome to see, but there are several challenges that come with that higher demand. Rising to the occasion requires more people within our church to be willing to let God use them to help create the kind of community people are longing for.

So what makes a great group leader? Over the years, we’ve identified some common misconceptions about what a group leader is, and can spot the lies that creep in that try to disqualify potential leaders from experiencing the incredible things God can do when they take a step of faith and say _yes_ to leading a group. Here they are:

#### **Group leaders are real, not perfect.**

People want to follow a leader who is real, over one who is always right. As less-than-perfect humans, we are drawn to people who can be transparent about the challenges they are experiencing and have the humility to share how God is working in their lives.

#### **Group leaders are encouragers, not do-it-alls.**

Our most successful leaders are the ones who have the ability to encourage others. Every group member is responsible for their own growth. You can’t take the next step on their journey for them, but you can model and encourage your group members as they pursue it. Great leaders also promote participation by sharing group responsibilities. They are not responsible for every group task.

#### **Group leaders are guides, not biblical scholars.**

Great leaders guide their group and support them as they grow. Effective leaders don’t have to be biblical scholars with an answer to every question. While extensive biblical knowledge is valuable, it’s not an absolute must-have to start leading. What is most important is knowing how to love and lead people well. The team will gladly provide you with the resources and support for you to grow as a guide. 

#### **Group leaders are supported, not left alone.**

Our role is to partner with group leaders to equip them with all they need to thrive. We provide each new leader with a plan to execute so they can focus on their group members, instead of finding or creating their own material. There are monthly group leadership development opportunities for leaders to share their celebrations, and challenges and to learn from others who are also leading groups. We also have staff coaches who help walk leaders through any issue that is bigger than they can handle on their own.

#### **Will you join us in making more room for people to get connected in community this fall?**

If you’re interested, [fill out this form](https://hobokengrace.churchcenter.com/people/forms/57326), and let’s talk about what it could look like for you to lead a group. We’re excited to see who God calls to love and lead people in this way!


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