When my wife and I left Chicago, I told everyone it was for work. It was simple, practical, and true — at least on the surface. But once we settled into Hoboken and joined a dinner group, I realized something deeper was happening. Something I didn’t even know I needed.

I was rediscovering community.

Growing up, community was built into my life. Big family. Same neighborhood. Same familiar rhythms. I never had to search for it or build it. It was just there. But in a new city, surrounded by new faces, I felt the absence of it in a way I hadn’t expected. And I realized how much I needed people — real people — walking with me.

By the time we arrived in Hoboken, my faith felt thin. I had been baptized at 24 and jumped into serving with everything I had. But over time, life took its toll. A church split. Losing both of my parents. Struggles in my career and marriage. My relationship with Jesus felt unsteady.

My wife continued serving faithfully, but I felt lost. I was wrestling with addictions, spiritually drained, and unsure where I fit. I knew the truth of what Jesus had done for me, but I still felt broken.

The move gave us a reset — one I didn’t see coming. It drew my wife and me closer, and it slowly pulled me back toward Jesus.

One night in dinner group, we used story cards. I picked one with a cracked flower pot that was still being used. I stared at it longer than I expected. It felt like a picture of my life — cracked, imperfect, but somehow still held together. Still useful in God’s hands.

It was the first time in a long time I felt seen.

Every Sunday, I kept hearing the same message:

It doesn’t matter who you are, where you’ve been, or what you’ve done — God is pursuing you.

People encouraged me to attend Team Link. So I did. I visited every team. I listened. I observed. And still, I felt no clear direction. I didn’t feel talented enough or qualified enough to serve anywhere.

One night in dinner group, someone mentioned that everyone in the group was serving. I had to admit — quietly — that I wasn’t.

“I thought you went to Team Link,” he said.

“I did,” I replied. “I just didn’t pick a team.”

Another year passed. Another Team Link. Still no clarity.

Eventually, after exploring every team and feeling like I had nothing to offer, I chose First Impressions. My thought was simple: If nothing else, I can open a door.

It took me two years to choose a team. Now, more than six years later, I’m still on First Impressions. And I wouldn’t trade it.

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I’ve had the privilege of opening doors, yes — but also encouraging people into worship, helping them join teams, connecting them to dinner groups, celebrating baptisms, and watching people I invited to serve grow into leaders and even staff.

I’ve seen so much fruit. And I know there’s even more I’ll never see this side of heaven.

Serving didn’t just give me a role. It gave me a place to belong. It reminded me that God uses cracked vessels — not despite the cracks, but often through them.

I’m humbled that God would use someone with my story, my flaws, and my failures to help others find their way back to Him.

My hope is simple:

That every person who walks through our doors feels welcomed, expected, and loved.

If you feel broken, you are not alone. If you’re reading this and you feel cracked, unsure, or like you don’t have much to offer, I want you to know this:

God can use you — right where you are.

First Impressions was the place where God rebuilt me piece by piece. It was where I learned that showing up matters, even when you don’t feel qualified.

So if you’re wondering where to start, or if you’re afraid you don’t have anything to give, I’d encourage you to try First Impressions. Come stand with us. Come open a door. Come help create the kind of welcome that might change someone’s life.

It changed mine.


God Can Use You Right Where You Are

Last week, we came together for Ash Wednesday Worship Night, taking time to intentionally pause, reflect, and connect with God. The evening gave us a chance to lay down whatever we’ve been carrying and let worship renew our hearts as we kicked off the Easter season together.

For the first time, our middle and high school students in the Vibe Band led us in worship, and seeing them in action was such a special moment!

There was something powerful about filling the room with our voices in worship, celebrating God together, and starting this season with Him at the center.

Check out some photos of the night!

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Ash Wednesday Worship Night

Last Friday, we hosted our very first Night to Shine right here in our space and it was truly an unforgettable night. 

Night to Shine is a worldwide prom celebration, launched by the Tim Tebow Foundation, created to honor individuals with special needs and give them a night where they are seen, celebrated, and treated like royalty.

We welcomed over 70 incredible guests and had more than 160 volunteers who came together to create a night filled with joy, honor, and unforgettable celebration.

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When asked why Night to Shine is so meaningful, Ana High, our Equip Director shared:

“When we first found out our son had Down syndrome, I never once felt alone. We’ve always been surrounded by a loving family and a community that embraced and loved Cael from day one.

Being able to host an event like Night to Shine through Hoboken Grace Community Church and introduce the special needs community to our church family has meant even more than I ever imagined. While we were fortunate not to feel lonely, that’s not everyone’s story in the special needs community. At Night to Shine, guests were welcomed, loved, thoughtfully planned for, and truly celebrated. Those are not things that are always a given for individuals with special needs, which is exactly why this night matters so much.”

And her prayer going into the night?

“My heart and prayer for the night was that every guest would feel truly loved. Loved enough that when they heard they were wonderfully and fearfully made, they would believe it. Loved enough that when they heard that Jesus loves them and that their lives have purpose, those words would settle deep into their hearts and stay with them long after the night was over.”

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It truly was all hands on deck from early planning, to setup, to the night itself. Every team played a role, from building the registration website and creating signage and décor, to designing a high-energy dance floor experience. Dinner Groups handmade paparazzi signs and even dedicated their group times to helping prepare the space. One of our staff members, Sarah, spent nearly 12 hours creating balloon installations that completely transformed the space.

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From the moment guests arrived, they were treated like royalty.

Their names were announced one by one as they walked the red carpet. Crowds cheered. Cameras flashed. Handmade signs read “You Shine” to “You are a Rockstar.”

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The red carpet crowd brought together students from local high schools and colleges, 20 police officers, Hoboken Grace attendees, and community members from all walks of life - people of every age and background united to celebrate and honor our guests!

One by one, individuals were cheered for who are often overlooked. 

One beautiful moment captured the spirit of the night: a guest arrived with his tie untied, and a police officer jumped in to help tie it for him before he stepped onto the red carpet.

It was a picture of what the night was all about - dignity, care, and going the extra mile.

James, our Equip Assistant, shared what it was like to see so many people serve:

“Seeing 165 people say ‘yes’ to serving was nothing short of powerful. It was a true picture of the body of Christ coming together, with everyone playing a part. Some held cameras, some opened doors, some danced, and some helped with crowns and tiaras.

Every volunteer, from every walk of life, stepped in wherever they were needed. With that many hands and hearts, we were able to love our guests even better than we could have imagined.”

The entire evening was filled with intentional moments, each one designed to make every guest feel truly seen and celebrated. Each of our guests got a tiara or crown and our volunteers didn’t simply hand guests their crowns, they carefully placed each one on their heads. A small gesture, but one that said: You are seen. You are valued. You are royalty.

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One moving moment of the night came when a parent shared that this was the first time their son had ever been invited to something on his own, not just along with his parents. Being able to welcome him into a space where he could be fully included, celebrated, and part of the special needs community was a powerful reminder of why this night matters.

Another special part of the night was watching guests connect and make new friends, allowing them to feel a sense of belonging and community.

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At the end of the night, Pastor Chris shared the truth about God's love with everyone, reminding each guest that they are royalty in God’s eyes - deeply loved, seen, and valued. For many, it was the first time hearing that truth, a powerful way to close an unforgettable evening.

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A Night of Love, Joy, and Celebration for Our Special Needs Community

A few weeks ago, over 200 of our team members gathered here at our space for our annual Team Gala, and it was such an incredible night!

From the moment the doors opened, our space was filled with laughter, conversation, and the kind of connection that reminds us why we love serving together. Team members reconnected over great food, met new friends, shared stories from the past year, and of course… hit the dance floor.

The night was a celebration in every sense - celebrating what God has done this past year, celebrating the lives impacted, and celebrating each of you who serve so faithfully.

Thank you for serving alongside us. We truly couldn’t do this without you.

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If you’re interested in learning more about the different opportunities we have to jump in and serve on a team, [click here](https://www.hobokengrace.com/#teams). 


A Night Celebrating Our Team

NEXT is a 10-minute introduction to Hoboken Grace where you can explore who we are and find out what your next step should be. It takes place after every service on Saturdays and Sundays in our 'Connect Room' on the 1st floor.

To learn more about NEXT, we sat down with Rebecca to hear how it impacted her life and led to some amazing steps!

**What led you to find NEXT after service one day?**

It’s funny, because months previous to attending the service and stopping by NEXT, I had emailed Hoboken Grace a pretty lengthy message with a series of questions about the church, it’s theology, etc etc. At the time, I was “church shopping” as my then boyfriend (now husband) and I felt it was time to make our way back to our faith. I had fired off similar emails to a few different churches in the area. What really struck me was Anthony’s comically short response to my drawn out email. Ha! He explained how he thought that God was giving me “little nudges”, and that I should simply pop by on Sunday and see what they were all about.

**What was your experience at NEXT like?**

At the time, I considered talking to “church people” an intimidating experience, so I was bracing myself for an awkward conversation when I walked in and saw Pastor Anthony sitting there. It was nothing of the sort. It was a quick, disarming conversation, and I left feeling validated. Anthony gave me a really awesome book to take home, and encouraged me to keep coming on Sundays. My husband and I poured over the book together over the next few weeks, and it was an amazing turning point for us.

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**Were your questions and concerns answered?**

Yes! NEXT put me at ease, and it was one tiny step out of my comfort zone. Leaving NEXT, I had a moment of clarity. I realized only God had the answers I was looking for, not people, and so I felt motivated to dive deeper.

**How have you found community or become more connected after NEXT?**

NEXT was really the jump off for me feeling safe and ready to become more involved with Hoboken Grace. Shortly after that, we started attending Sundays regularly. From there, I felt an itch to serve, so I began looking for ways to get involved. Around that same time, I met a friend who invited me to be in their dinner group. Finally, the opportunity to serve on Sundays fell into my lap. Eventually, I stepped into the role of Family Support Leader for the Grace Kids program, and it was a wonderfully fulfilling adventure.

**What would you say to someone who is considering NEXT?**

Just go. No one bites, and we literally pray for you and this moment to happen! I think everyone at Hoboken Grace is genuinely eager and ready to meet you where you’re at. Just be yourself, and give yourself the chance you deserve to deepen (or start) a relationship with Jesus.

*To join us for NEXT, head to the glass Connect Room in our first-floor lobby after any service on Saturdays or Sundays. Just look for the NEXT sign or stop by one of our welcome desks, our team would be happy to point you in the right direction.*


So, what is NEXT?

Sometimes God grows our faith through big moments.

And sometimes, it happens in smaller moments, like showing up, saying yes, and learning to walk out our faith alongside others.

For Matt and Linnea, it began simply by coming to church together. About a year later, they heard a message about moving from being an observer to a participant and they decided to take that step. Right there on their phones, they signed up for a dinner group. After service, they connected with our teams and chose to start serving together in Grace Kids.

They didn’t know it at the time, but those small choices would go on to shape their relationship, their faith, and eventually their family.

Serving together became a turning point. It deepened their walk with God and strengthened their relationship with each other. Sharing a purpose, learning how to support one another, celebrating wins, and growing through challenges side by side created something special. Linnea describes it as rocket fuel for their relationship.

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As their lives unfolded, their “yes” continued, just in new ways. Dating turned into engagement, and engagement into marriage. After their first son was born, Linnea decided to step into leading a dinner group, staying connected to community through a new season of life. Through every chapter, God continued to stretch them, reminding them that faith isn’t static, it grows as we do.

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Now, with two little ones at home, Matt and Linnea have found that walking alongside others who are raising their families with faith at the center has been one of the greatest gifts. So when it came time to bring Axel to Grace Kids, it felt like a natural next step, trusting their son to the same community they had once poured into.

Becoming parents gave them a whole new perspective. Back when they were serving, there were Sundays when they wondered what kids really carried with them into the week. Now they’re seeing the answer firsthand.

Their son comes home singing worship songs. He knows Bible stories. In those moments, Matt and Linnea are reminded that the seeds being planted during Grace Kids are taking root in real life.

And in a beautiful full-circle moment, some of Axel’s teachers are kids Matt and Linnea once served themselves in Grace Kids. Now they’re watching the next generation teach their son about Jesus.

You may not always see the impact right away, but God is always at work, weaving together moments, people, and seasons in ways that last far beyond what we can see.

To watch Matt and Linnea’s story click [here](https://youtu.be/nnCZlfzRlHE).


Full Circle Faith

If you live in Hoboken you know the rhythm.

People are busy, thoughtful and often skeptical. Many are building careers, relationships or raising young families, often carrying more than they let on. I see it in the way people pause before opening the door. In the deep breath they take. In the way they scan the room, just trying to figure out if they can exhale.

Some Sundays, I recognize myself in them.

I remember seasons in my own life when walking into a church felt heavy. When faith felt complicated. When I wasn’t sure what I believed, only that I needed something to be steady. That’s part of why standing at the door matters to me because I know what it feels like to walk in hoping you won’t be judged, fixed or pressured.

Most of the time, the moment is simple. A hello. A smile. Eye contact that lasts just a little longer than usual. I tell people, “You’re genuinely welcome here and there’s no pressure to do anything but be yourself.” And sometimes, almost as an aside, I add, “You can grab donuts too. They’re actually really good.”

It sounds small. It is small. But I’ve watched shoulders drop in that moment. I’ve seen people soften. I’ve seen relief wash over faces that looked tired before they ever stepped inside.

One of the things people love most about Hoboken Grace is the community, and I’ve had a front row seat to what that really looks like.

Late last year, I met a young woman who was visiting for the first time. She was a nurse, coming off long shifts and she arrived quietly, almost apologetically, just trying to make it in the door. I remember thinking how much courage it takes to show up when you’re already exhausted.

Over time, I watched something shift. She kept coming back. She found people who knew her name. She joined a women’s group. She started serving. And not long ago she showed up with a friend.

There was no pressure. No big moment. Just community doing what community does best, creating a place where someone can belong, heal and grow at their own pace.

Because people feel like they belong here.

We don’t do sermons here. We share messages. Conversations meant to meet people where they are, not tell them where they should be. And what I’ve learned is that belonging often comes before believing.

I believe we have a living God who is always moving even when we don’t see it. Especially when we don’t see it. And I believe He often works through moments that don’t look spiritual at all. A calm welcome. A kind word. Someone noticing you before you disappear into the crowd.

When new people join the 1st Impressions team, I tell them I have the easiest role in the church. All you really need to do is smile and help people feel like they belong here. God takes care of the rest.

In a city like Hoboken, where so much of life is measured by performance and appearance, offering a place where people can simply be human matters.

So if you’re new, unsure, skeptical or carrying something heavy, you’re welcome here.

You don’t need answers. You don’t need to rush anything. You don’t need to pretend.

Just come as you are.

And if you ever find yourself wanting to be part of creating that kind of space for someone else, 1st Impressions is a beautiful place to start. It usually begins with a simple moment.


A Welcome Without Pressure

I’ve always been a natural host. Especially for those seeking a new, strong community. Early on in life, I realized that you don’t need the perfect event to pull that off. You just need someone to go first. In college, my dorm room would be the main hub where our friends would watch weekend movies or play quick rounds of Mario Kart between classes. Was my room the cleanest on campus? Not by a longshot. Did my room have anything special that other students didn’t have? Not really. Throw a rock, and you’d find hundreds of other students with a Nintendo Wii or a binder full of DVDs. Nothing about my space was unique at the end of the day. So why was it the spot other students in my orbit gravitated towards? Because I put out the invite that others were hesitant to. 

I’ve learned that creating community usually starts with someone opening the door first. Fast forward to my apartment in Jersey City Heights. It was around the holiday marathon season. You know the time I’m talking about. Halloween happens, and then you blink and it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years in what feels like one very long week of one event after another. My roommates and I had zero intention on hosting a Halloween party, a friendsgiving, or a New Years Eve party that year, but even still, we received text after text of friends asking us “are you guys doing anything for New Years?” or “do you know of any parties happening?” We did not know of anything that year, and it felt like nobody else did either. So, we stepped up and hosted ourselves!

We went from a Barbie and Ken themed Halloween party with everyone dressed in pink, to Friendsgiving where everyone wore sweaters, slacks and brought their own delicious dishes, to New Years Eve where we decided it was going to be a low-key night where people are encouraged to wear pajamas and bring blankets. Three different events, all looked totally different from the last. 

Reflecting on that season brought back memories to me in college hosting little get-togethers in my dorm room. Even as guys in our 30’s, the apartment we lived in was nothing special. We had a banister held together with duct tape, and even ran out of metal forks so we had to run out and buy plastic ones at the corner store. Did anyone care? Not even a little. People just wanted a warm, invited space to connect and have fun. 

Connection Events are a perfect example of that truth. Countless times, events that were supposed to be outdoors, but got rained out, still saw large numbers of people show up when we had to pivot to an indoor location. 

I’ll never forget a Coffee Crawl we were on the verge of canceling because of the weather. Instead of just outright calling it off, we decided to host it in a different coffee shop with a larger space and if people still wanted to come hangout they could. That event saw around 30-35 people attend. Some of which were brand new folks that still serve on teams to this day. It didn’t matter what the event was, but what did matter was the space we created for people to gather. 

I encounter people on a daily basis who tell me they’re craving community, or looking for a circle of closer friends, and my advice to them is sometimes uncomfortable to hear. “Well, what are you doing to create that community for yourself?” Being invited into someone’s group or someone’s event is a great feeling I’m sure we all love. But you know what’s even better? Being the one to create the space people can find a home in. Even if you just text three friends and invite them over, that can make a huge difference for everyone.

You don’t need the biggest living room, the most comfortable furniture or the clearest TV. Some of my most memorable moments with friends have been sitting on the ground, eating pizza, and playing Catan. Okay, that might not be for everyone, but you could also host a simple dinner party with a couple friends if you’re looking to make those connections or text a small group you’ve been dying to get to know better to get coffee on a Saturday morning. Maybe that looks like hosting a dinner group at your home. 

If you take anything from this, here it is. You don’t need perfection to create space for community. You just need an open heart and a willingness to let people in. Take a look at your own life and ask “who could I invite over for a game night this weekend?” or “who can I take a walk along the waterfront with tomorrow morning?” More people than you think are searching for community. Be that for them, and in return, you’ll create your own community.


Create the Space

My wife and I purchased our first home in the Spring of 2024.  It was been something we have been preparing for for several years up to that point.  Our goal was always to find a good home in a good neighborhood where our kids could flourish. As we settled in, God laid it on my wife’s heart to open our space more, especially to those in our church.   

My wife suggested that we open our home to host and lead a dinner group to welcome and bless other people.  My immediate response was that I didn’t think we were ready.  Or at least I didn’t feel ready.  I was concerned about the commitment and some other matters.  Despite these reservations, and after prayer and discussion with others, we finally decided to take the step to lead and host a couples dinner group starting in September 2025.  Below is a summary of my experience that I hope you find helpful and encouraging:

**We have made the group into our own**

My wife and I had been in several dinner groups before, as well as some small groups at another church prior to joining Hoboken Grace.  We took the best of our collective experiences to shape our dinner group.  While we followed the guidance of the church, we also really made it our own.  The structure we have been using is to start with a song that includes the children, then open in prayer, then read a portion of scripture, then dive into the discussion questions, and then finally close in prayer.  And within this structure, we devote a good portion to scripture reading, some questions, and prayer time, where we collect prayer requests and praises and pray during the group.  Our connection has been rooted in these activities, along with the occasional Trader Joe’s snack!   

**We are a diverse group and that is a good thing**

Years ago, I thought a good small group was one where everyone was of similar age, profession, and overall stage in life.  I was a part of many groups over the years, but the one that was most meaningful to me was a small group at my old church that was really the opposite of my “ideal” group – and it was wonderful.  Fast forward to this dinner group – we are diverse in age, cultural backgrounds, professions, and some of us have kids (one married couple has a baby and another married couple has adult children).  And again, it is wonderful.  Why?  Because I find it edifying to be around fellow Christians who have gone ahead of us and to also support younger couples.  There is wisdom to be both gained and given.   

Ultimately, God sees and loves the diverse body. Revelation 7:9 says: “After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.”

**Most importantly, we are living out Psalm 40, together**

Psalm 40:1-3, of David, says: 

“I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.  He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.  Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him.”  

There are several people in our group, myself included, who are going through trials of many kinds in this season of life.  We are in the king’s pit so to speak.  We are crying out to God and imploring God for rescue.  We are waiting patiently on God (on the good days, at least) to bring us out of our troubles into safety.  We yearn for when God will give us a new song to sing.  And finally, we eagerly anticipate when we can share our story with others so that they see His goodness and trust in Him themselves.  

It would be understandable, that since this is a new group, to be hesitant in sharing the things that bring us to our knees, and instead share “safer” prayer requests about a friend or family member (which of course is fine by the way!).  However, verse 3 is a wonderful forward looking statement: “many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him.”  The deeper the pit we find ourselves in can and will lead to a more powerful story of rescue that we can later share.  God will use our pain and suffering to positively shape a Christian’s faith and also the faith of those who do not yet know Him.  This is amazing to me.  

This dinner group is showing me that we can and should live out our faith together, especially during the dry, painful seasons of life.  We can and should be open and vulnerable in our groups because we are not there solely for ourselves, but for the benefit of others.  And finally, we can and should patiently wait on God together, who will deliver us and give us a new song, a wonderful song to share.  I look forward to this day. 


What Hosting a Dinner Group Taught Me About Faith

As we step into a new year, many of us feel the desire to slow down, reflect, and be more intentional about where we’re headed. One helpful resource we offer at Hoboken Grace is our Life Plan. It helps you identify what’s most important and build a practical path toward becoming who God created you to be. 

At Hoboken Grace, we believe that becoming more like Him doesn’t happen by accident. It grows through rhythms: small, daily practices that draw us back to God’s presence and help us build the kind of life we were created for.

By slowing down long enough to assess where we are and where God is leading, we give ourselves the space to grow with purpose.

A Life Plan is not about perfection, it’s about direction. It helps you build a life rooted in purpose, guided by Scripture, and shaped by intentional practices. As you enter a new year, this resource can help you step forward with clarity, confidence, and a clearer sense of purpose.

### What Is Life Planning?

Life planning is more than setting goals. It’s an intentional rhythm of stepping back, paying attention to your life, and partnering with God to become the person He created you to be. It’s about identifying what truly matters, clarifying a vision for who you want to become, and taking small, trackable steps forward. 

This guide walks you through that journey—taking time to reflect, pray, plan, and map out personal action steps for the year ahead.

Think of this as a personal planning retreat. We encourage you to set aside a full day with your Bible, this guide, and a notebook. Give yourself space to think deeply, dream boldly, and listen intentionally.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1767202750/1766594428890-fc375f6b-9fb3-4a12-984f-8261be19dff05_1_-part-2_1_fg2pea.jpg)

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1767202750/1766594428890-fc375f6b-9fb3-4a12-984f-8261be19dff05_1_-part-2_2_qxadbp.jpg)

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1767202750/1766594428890-fc375f6b-9fb3-4a12-984f-8261be19dff05_1_-part-2_3_orgdhv.jpg)

As you take time to slow down and plan with intention, our hope is that this resource helps you recognize where He’s leading and take faithful steps forward. We can’t wait to see all that God does through this in the year ahead.


Start the New Year with Intention: A Simple Guide to Life Planning

As we wrap up the final weeks of 2025, we want to take a moment to reflect on all that God has done over the last year and we invite you to do the same in your own life. It’s a chance to pause, remember His faithfulness, and give thanks for the ways He’s been at work, both seen and unseen.

Check out our End of Year video below, highlighting some special moments from 2025 and join us in celebrating all that God has done - from baptisms, to first-time guests, to our bridge events, captured stories, and more!

[![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1766597639/Untitled_design_2_lhg0bu.png)](https://youtu.be/PanWQ0QVNlo)


2025: A Year of Stories, Growth, and God at Work

Every year, one of our favorite traditions here at Hoboken Grace is our annual Christmas Exchange and this year marked our 11th year of coming together to love our city and spread joy this Christmas season. 

We sat down with Danielle, our Associate Director of Engagement, to reflect on this year’s event, what it takes to pull it off, and how she’s seen God at work through it all.

### The Impact at a Glance

Our goal every year is to make sure no child in our city goes without a gift at Christmas and to help every family experience the joy of the season.

Our Christmas Exchange is truly a community-wide effort:

*   **580 people donated gifts**



*   **164 volunteers** served throughout the week



*   **Almost 400 families** received gifts



*   **Nearly 1,200 children** were impacted



*   Plus: **20 gallons of hot chocolate**, **600 gift bags**, and **600 bows** to make every detail feel special

### What Goes Into Making It All Happen

While the Christmas Exchange takes place over just a few days, planning begins much earlier. Our Bridge Events team starts preparing in early September, and the process is far more personal than many people might realize.

Every single family application and wishlist is reviewed individually. Each donor receives a specific wishlist for a specific child, so every gift is chosen with that child in mind.

Pulling off something this big takes an incredible amount of teamwork, from donors and volunteers and behind-the-scenes leaders. “We couldn’t do this without so many groups coming together,” Danielle said. “The generosity, the communication, and the helping hands leading up to this day and during the week itself are what make it possible.”

### Behind the Scenes: A Team Effort 

Donor drop-off and pick-up days are full of energy and a lot of attention to detail. Nearly 600 individual gift bags need to be labeled, tracked, and handed to the right families.

“We have organized systems, trained volunteers, and lots of care,” Danielle shared. 

From volunteers verifying gifts, to elves bagging presents, wrapping extra gifts, making bows, serving hot chocolate, greeting families, and carrying heavy bags outside, it truly takes everyone playing a role.

### Seeing God at Work

One of the biggest ways Danielle sees God at work each year is through the generosity of the broader community.

“It’s not just generosity with gifts, but with time,” she said. “So many people want to help in any way they can and it goes far beyond just our Hoboken Grace community. For many people in the city, this has become a staple of their holiday season.”

Some of Danielle’s favorite moments happen during gift pick-up, when families arrive. “When kids see us carrying the bags toward them, their faces just light up. That excitement and surprise never gets old. Being able to witness that joy along with the deep gratitude expressed by families walking through difficult seasons is incredibly meaningful.”

This year marked Danielle’s second time coordinating the event, and she shared how meaningful it’s been to build relationships with families year after year as she learns their stories, offers prayer and comfort, and begins to recognize familiar faces as they return. Those moments, she said, help deepen connection and remind us that this isn’t just an event, but a way to keep our community truly connected.

### A Favorite Moment—and What Comes After

When asked about her favorite part of the Exchange, Danielle admitted it’s hard to choose just one.

“Seeing the space slowly fill up with presents throughout the week is powerful,” she said. “You hear ‘1,000 kids,’ but when you actually see presents for 1,000 kids, it becomes tangible. It’s a physical representation of the generosity of our community.”

And after the final pick-up day? Danielle is filled with awe and gratitude. “So many people come through our space that week. It’s a really cool opportunity to share what we’re doing here even outside of the Christmas Exchange and my prayer is always that some of those people continue to connect with Hoboken Grace and, ultimately, with God. That’s our bigger mission.”

We’re so grateful for Danielle, her team, and every volunteer and donor, who made this year’s Christmas Exchange possible. Together, we were able to bring the joy of Christmas to thousands of children and we can’t wait to see how God continues to work through it in the years to come.

If you're interested in learning more about joining the Bridge Events team, email [danielle.padua@hobokengrace.com](danielle.padua@hobokengrace.com)

Bringing the Joy of Christmas to Our City

Towards the end of last year, I put together a life plan. I had done one before on a smaller scale, but this one was put together with a trained facilitator and over the course of two days, mapping out what I’d like to accomplish and how to get there. It really helped me to gain some incredible insight into my life —where I was going, where God had taken me.

One important part of this plan is called the “replenishment cycle” —it helped me to find the things in my life that not only bring me joy but help to replenish me. Often you can work and work and work and feel drained. The replenishment cycle helps to fill up your proverbial gas tank. These are things that help you feel both renewed and refreshed. For me, that includes going to shows or going for a run. Another thing that helps we called “exploring,” which is basically just that—exploring a new place.

Before I came on board at Hoboken Grace, I traveled extensively with my old job. One of the things I loved about it was going to a place I had never been before. When I arrived, if I didn’t have to go straight to work, I used to love to go to the hotel and check in. Then I’d drop my bags off and explore the neighborhood. I would look for good restaurants, fun stores, maybe even some not-to-miss sights in the area. I loved it and I still love doing that today. Why? Well for one, it’s fun for me to see and experience new things. But the other reason, I believe, is because it helps me to build a relationship with the place I’m getting to know. If I’m going to be there for a few days, I want to get to know it. I want to learn about it. I want to see what it can teach me all the while getting to enjoy it.

It’s a lot like our relationship with God. Before I became a believer, I thought of God as just this Guy-in-the-Sky. Unknowable and always watching. But since walking into this relationship with Him, I realize He’s completely knowable. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, prays that we, “may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” All too often we want to comprehend something without taking the time to experience it. Much like when I was traveling to a new town or place, I was never able to fully appreciate it until I experienced it.

All too often, we want to comprehend the inner workings of something before we experience it. Yet, when we meet someone during our day, we begin immediately engaging them in conversation, even though we don’t know the intricacies of their motivations. We begin finding these things out when we get to know the individual better, but only after a relationship has started. In the same way, we must explore and engage God relationally before we can truly begin to appreciate the depths of His character.

I spent several years trying to comprehend God without knowing Him, and what did it lead to? Never being able to fully enjoy Him. It wasn’t until I began exploring with Him, spending time with Him and engaging with Him that I was able to build a deeper relationship with Him. If I wanted to comprehend and experience a new place when I was traveling, I had to spend time there. Now, was it possible for me to see everything a town has to offer? Well, I’ve been living in the New York/New Jersey area for 20 years now and I still haven’t seen everything it has to offer. Does that mean I should just stop exploring? Of course not. It’s the same thing with God. Paul would continue to say, “May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully.” Just because you’ll never understand it fully doesn’t mean you can’t continue to grow to love it and peel away the layers to experience Him more and more.

There’s a reason exploring is part of my replenishment cycle. It does replenish and refresh me. I would venture to say that if you’re feeling like your tank is running on empty, maybe you could spend a little more time today exploring and engaging with Him to allow it to be filled once again.


Replenishment

As we head into the holiday season, life can quickly fill up with to-do lists, gatherings, and endless activity. It can be hard to focus on slowing down, staying connected to God, and finding peace in the middle of all the busyness. We asked a few of our staff members to share how they stay grounded during this busy time of year.

**Danielle P.**

Something that my husband, Blake, and I have been practicing each month is a monthly Sabbath. It’s a day we set aside to disconnect from the noise, slow down, and get grounded. We use that time to rest, reflect, and reconnect — with God and with each other — before stepping back into the rhythm of everyday life.

I also really cherish my morning time – I like to do my quiet time at a coffee shop in town, so I can be focused in on the Word (plus have a cozy cup of coffee!) and not be distracted by my surroundings. 

**Meghan H.**

One way I try and slow down during the holidays is to start early. It’s a running joke that I love Christmas so much that I start celebrating in July, and I DO love the holidays (especially Christmas) but honestly the choice to start early is a deliberate one. I noticed that I was rushing through the things I loved, trying to cram everything into two weeks, and it was just stressing me out and leaving me feeling exhausted and empty.

So instead, I go slow. I decorate early so I’m not rushing to do it later. Instead of trying to do everything, I pick the things that are important to me, and focus on quality over quantity. I try and stay present in the moment; work and social life can be hectic during these weeks, so I put a lot of effort into setting aside time to be quiet, and when unexpected slow moments appear I try to lean in, instead of rushing to fill it with a to-do list. (This is easier said than done, but any amount of slowness, however small, during this season is a victory)

**Alex M.**

This might sound a bit cliché for the season, but I find that practicing gratitude helps me stay grounded and present, especially when everything around me is pulling me toward wanting and wishing for more.

**James G.**

One of my favorite traditions during the holiday season is spending time reflecting on the themes of Advent. Each week, I focus on one of the key words of the season—hope, peace, love, and joy—and intentionally pray through that theme. Throughout the week, I look for ways to experience and recognize God’s presence through that particular word. For instance, during the week of hope, I might reflect on promises fulfilled and look for moments where hope shows up in unexpected places. It’s a simple but meaningful practice that helps me stay grounded in the true spirit of the season and deepens my connection with God in a busy time of year.

---

Something we do every month here at Hoboken Grace is our Monthly Rhythms, a simple yet powerful way to deepen your walk with Christ. By heading to the Rhythms section in our app, you can engage with our monthly memory verse, meditation passage, and reflective prompts designed to guide you in a day of solitude. Each month also includes communion and fasting practices that connect to the verse we’re walking through, to help build intentional spiritual rhythms that renew your heart and focus. We invite you to join us through these rhythms as a meaningful way to stay connected to God’s presence and to help intentionally schedule times throughout your day to reignite your conversation with Him.

Staying Grounded During The Holidays

If you’re new here, hi! My name is Dana, and I am the Band Director here at Hoboken Grace. I oversee our band and production teams, and you’ll often find me leading worship on Saturdays or Sundays. I’ve been in this role for over 10 years and have been serving in various capacities for years before that.

I remember early in my time at Hoboken Grace, I was serving in the band as a vocalist, while working multiple jobs in the city. I should take a moment to explain that this looked totally different than what you see now at Hoboken Grace. We had music stands, our mics had obnoxious cables attached that I tripped over, there were no fancy lights or curtains on the stage, and the lyrics were just projected onto the back wall of the stage with a projector that sat on a table on the stage. It was something! But it got the job done.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2023/03/8574989830_f804769a32_c-1.jpg)

At the time, Pastor Chris decided to take our leaders to a conference in California called Catalyst. I didn’t really know what I was getting into, but I was invited. I wasn’t totally sure why they felt I should go, I was just a singer.

At the conference, the music was amazing. I mean, it opened with a beatboxing cellist, who you may be familiar with from the now famous Pentatonix. We were led in worship by some absolute legends, including Joel Houston, Israel Houghton and Darlene Zschech. At the time I had a faint idea who these people were, but was not super familiar with this kind of worship experience. I had had some similar experiences at college but nothing at this level of excellence or production value.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2023/03/575529_401957986494933_742211303_n.jpg)

Night one, Joel was leading us through the song With Everything. Thousands of people were singing their heart out to God, and raising their hands. I remember having no problem singing loud with everyone, but for some reason I could not find the courage to lift my hands.

Why was that so ridiculously intimidating?

Let’s unpack this for a minute, and maybe this will resonate with you.

1.  **I was making it about everyone BUT God**. In that moment I was feeling tension with raising my hands because I wasn’t totally sure why I wanted to raise them. I hadn’t worshiped physically like this before so this was new. I could feel a pull in the pit of my stomach to just do it. And yet I couldn’t. I was uncomfortable because I hadn’t ventured there with God before and was more worried about what other people would think of me raising my hands than I was about what God would think about it.
2.  **I was letting the enemy mess with my head**. There’s nothing the enemy would want more than for you to be in a room full of people worshipping his arch nemesis and for you to freeze. That would mean he’s winning. And in that moment in that room, for a minute, he was fighting hard to win. He was convincing me that what was more important was for me to stay comfortable and keep my hands folded together than it was for me to let go and worship Jesus. 1 Peter 5:8 says that the enemy, “…prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” Isn’t it sad how the enemy can take such a small moment and make it so big in our heads? That small moment turned into an absolute battle for my mind and heart.

As the song went on (and it was a long one) something different started to happen. As I sat in the tension of whether to raise my hands, God began to just quietly soften my heart as I sang. With each refrain I felt more and more how very present God was with me, even in this small moment of internal struggle. And I felt how much He just wanted to spend this time WITH me. That closeness and gentleness slowly put me more and more at ease.

And then, in the darkness and loudness of that room of thousands of people, I raised my hands.

I mean, my arms were basically just bent with my hands barely at shoulder level, but they were up! Was I completely comfortable right away? No. I was totally muscling through and even hoping the song was over soon (and it wasn’t, that song is like really long when they do it live). But was I more truthfully worshipping Jesus the way He was nudging me to? Yes! I raised my hands to make it about HIM and not about me or anyone else.

If you see me on Saturday or Sunday now, you may question if I’m the same person I described in this story. My hands are up all the time. And that’s because it’s a constant reminder to me that He is in control, that He is faithful, that He is the Lord of my life in all things, and that HE is who we are singing to. Even when I don’t feel those things, raising my hands helps put God in an elevated place in my heart and life. It’s a trigger that tells the rest of me – my heart, soul and mind – that I am here to worship Him.

Next time you’re at church and you feel that nudge or that pull to do something outside your comfort zone in worship, take the leap! It can be clunky. It can be awkward. But eventually it will just be familiar, like coming home.

Not ready for that yet? I get it. Try spending time in worship on your own first. In the car. While making dinner. Maybe in the shower (I mean, the acoustics are great in there!). If you need a starting place, grab the [Hoboken Grace Playlist](https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5Flm1wCBrEzo1guCwzm2n7?si=f3ac82ac66224d8a\&nd=1), find a song you resonate with and start there. Just you and Jesus. Enjoy where He leads you.


“I Throw My Hands Up In The Air Sometimes…”

This past week, our 1st Impressions team had their Friendsgiving huddle. Every huddle we like to have a theme, something that you can take away and sit with. In light of Thanksgiving coming up, Annah, our 1st Impressions Director, wanted to lean into gratitude. 

*“Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.*

*See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.*

*Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:14-18 *

Gratitude is not just a feeling but a heart posture that helps us see God in every moment. Both moments that are big and moments that are small. 

Gratitude reminds us that we don't just serve by completing tasks but *we serve people*. 

The team was encouraged to approach serving with thankful hearts because when we do that, we reflect God’s love by making space for Him to flow through us. 

Annah reminded her team that we see moments of gratitude all the time on our teams - we may just not realize it!

*When the set up team sets up 400 chairs each week to allow for over 1,000 guests to have a seat on Saturday or Sunday to experience God or even putting out the signage around our building so someone can seamlessly find our building.*

*When the tear down team breaks down 400 chairs to make this space usable during the week, allowing 90 VIBE students to be able to have     worship and small groups in here!*

*When the connection points team has talked to and checked in over 650 First-Time Guests this year.*

*When hospitality has to sort through over 2,000 munchkins a week because sometimes that's someone's breakfast for that day.*

*The greeters when they take the extra second to say hi and get to know someone by name to make them feel at home.*

These are moments of gratitude in motion! We serve not out of obligation but out of overflow! 

I want to take a second for you to think about what you're grateful for - maybe in your faith, in your day-to-day life, in the service of others.

What has God done lately that maybe you haven't slowed down to thank Him for yet? 

Maybe it's something as small as having a good meal or moving your body. Maybe a moment of peace in the middle of chaos, or something as large as playing a part in someone's first encounter with Jesus! 

I encourage you to sit with these praises as we gear up for the holidays! 


1st Impressions Friendsgiving: Seeing God in Every Moment

We live in a time where we can listen to five sermons, three podcasts, and scroll through endless “faith” content before lunch — but still miss actually hearing from God. 

This past weekend, we kicked off a brand new conversation called *Consumer Christianity*, where we talked about how, in an age of endless information and constant access to content, God calls us out of storing information and into living out His Word. 

One of my favorite ways we get to live out His love is through community. It’s no secret that Monday nights at 8 p.m. let me and my girls do exactly that. Dinner Group for us is a space where we get to dig deeper and apply the weekend’s conversation, but it’s also a place to bring our questions and talk through confusion about what we’re hearing or experiencing. Some of our best discussions start when someone simply says, “I need more help understanding that!” 

That’s how our group kicked off this past Monday night. We were talking about how the overconsumption of content can actually cause more harm than good if we aren’t actively applying what we’re learning. As we worked through that, a simple but profound idea came to mind — one that might seem obvious, but for me, it was the clearest way to explain why it’s so important not just to learn *about* God, but to actually spend time *with* Him — through His Word and His presence. 

I’ll use my own dad as an example, but this could really apply to anyone. Say I wanted to know more about my father — what he enjoys, his personality, what bothers him, or the little things that bring him joy. I could call up his friends, and they could tell me stories from college or share what makes him laugh. His parents could tell me about moments that made him cry. I could look through his favorite things — his playlists, his recently watched Netflix shows — to see what helps him unwind after a long day. I could even ask my mom for all the tips and tricks on how to navigate his brain best. Or I could pull out an old photo album to see what kind of questionable hairstyles he rocked in the 80s. 

None of those are bad ways to get to know someone. They give you context, and they can absolutely help paint a fuller picture of who that person is. But when I think about the *best* way to truly know my dad’s heart, one thing stands above the rest — *him.* Sitting with my dad. Being in his presence. Observing his heart. It’s one thing to hear stories about how my dad treats people — it’s another to sit across from him at the kitchen table and see the way he listens. That’s where I really get to know who he is and what he loves. 

And that’s exactly what our Father in Heaven invites us to do. 

Think of it this way: listening to a Christian podcast is like overhearing someone else’s phone call with your dad. You can catch parts of it, and maybe even learn something, but it’s not the same as having your own conversation. 

The good news is, you can. God calls us to spend time with Him directly because that’s where we experience Him best — through prayer, through quiet moments in His presence, and through His Word, which is His voice to us. He’s given us full access to know Him personally, not just secondhand. And the best part? He *loves* that time with us. He delights in revealing who He is. 

“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” — *James 4:8 *

Podcasts, books, shows, and blogs are wonderful supplements. They help us hear about what God is doing and how He’s moving in others’ lives. But they were never meant to replace personal time with Him. 

So as you move forward this week, don’t just *consume* content about God. Spend time *with* God — the One who loves you most, who gave His life so that you could have yours, and who’s inviting you not just to know *about* Him, but to *know Him. *

What would it look like this week to close the app, open His Word, and let your Father speak directly to you? 


From Knowing About Him to Knowing Him

“Even now, declares the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning” Joel 2:12

       Fasting is mentioned over 70 times throughout Scripture. There are countless stories of fasts taking place, from Moses in Old Testament times, to Paul in the New Testament, and even Jesus Himself who fasted 40 days and 40 nights in the wilderness. I remember reading about these fasts and wondering two things: 1. Was fasting just a practice meant for biblical times? 2. What exactly would fasting look like in my own walk? 

       My questions surrounding the practice of fasting left me intimidated and unsure of where to begin. However, I felt myself increasingly more convicted to step into this practice. And so I began in the only place where I knew I’d find answers apart from God Himself- my Hoboken Grace community. I reached out to the Godly women I was surrounded by and I asked them to walk alongside me during my first biblical fast. The morning of our fast, we gathered together in prayer and set intentions with God for our day. I then set off on my own to spend time with Him, doing my best to unplug from the outside world. I spent that day communing with God and dwelling in His presence through prayer, silence, worship and Scripture. We ended the day back together again, sharing our experiences with the Lord and breaking our fast with the body and blood of Christ. I have since done several fasts, each looking different than the next but here is a takeaway of what I’ve learned along the way.

1.  I was initially so caught up in fasting as a call to give up food, that I lost the reason behind the call to practice it. I think, above all else, fasting is a way to diminish the noise of this world and simply spend more time in the presence of our Lord. We deny our flesh and we place God at the forefront. We remove food and our phones and we create an environment where we are more inclined to hear the gentle whisper of God. 

2.  I surrendered the misconception that a fast had to result in a big revelation from God. I had to check my heart posture and ensure I wasn’t stepping into fasting with the intention of what I could get out of it. Of course, our God is a good and loving Father, and He always finds a way to communicate to us if we choose to listen but remember this- even if it feels like God doesn’t speak to you in a big way during your fast, know that you spent the day drawing closer to Him. And in doing that, your heart was molded regardless of if you felt the effect or not. You made the decision to put God first in everything that day and your muscle of obedience was strengthened. Don’t diminish the way God works behind the scenes. It may seem like you just spent the day hungry, doing your best to deny yourself some breakfast, but so much more was being shaped within you in the process. Simply saying no to a meal now, most likely helped contribute to a more confident no when faced with a future temptation. 

3.  Fasting in community was a game changer. God blessed us all when He built this HG community and I’m willing to bet He wishes for us to utilize it to its fullest. Lean on each other. Walk through the hard things as one. Share in each others struggles and relish in each others wins. I can’t tell you how many blessings in my life are the result of my faithful and prayerful community around me.

So I leave you with a final thought, in the words of our wise Pastor Anthony, “We are in a constant battle of flesh vs. spirit…the one we feed, is the one that will win”


What I Learned About God (and Community) Through Fasting

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A Diverse, Growing, Contemporary, Community Church in Hoboken

Everything we do revolves around our mission of helping people find their way back to God. Our goal is to demonstrate who God really is and to let others know that God wants a relationship with each and every one of us.

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