In the next two weeks we have 88 dinner groups starting throughout our community. 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. Dinner is planned

With summer coming to an end and a new season beginning, it is nice to know that you have one less dinner to plan each week. Dinner Groups meet weekly, share a meal together and open conversations that lead to spiritual growth. Each group does dinner in their own way. Some groups order in, some take turns cooking, others do potlucks or go out. When you sign up, the leader will let you know how they organize dinner.

2. No long-term commitment needed

The majority of our Dinner Groups run all year long. This fall is a perfect time to try out a new group because it’s only 7 weeks long! 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. And in this upcoming series, we are walking through the questions that are at the heart of every one of us — what is my purpose? Was I made for more? Do I matter? These are questions that we all ask ourselves, and being a part of a dinner group shows us that we are all dealing with similar struggles and similar questions. It helps to know that others are facing the same difficulties, or have already walked through them.

5. Find family in Hoboken

The strongest families are forged by sharing a meal around a table. 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 around these tables that you will establish and deepen relationships with people God has uniquely made and placed in your life. Your Dinner Group will grow together — enduring trials and making memories, just like a family.

We saved you a seat. Will you join us this fall?

To learn more about starting or joining a group, visit here.