Have you ever wondered how the space used for a Hoboken Grace church service transforms back into a school gymnasium? It’s all thanks to the First Impressions Team, which oversees the tear-down process once the last service wraps up on Sunday mornings.

Spencer and Christina, two members of First Impressions, recently shared how joining the Tear Down Team is a great opportunity to meet new people, feel connected to the community and even get in a work-out.

When and why did you get started helping with the Tear Down Team?

Spencer: I serve as a greeter for [or at] the 12:30 service and saw a need for help with tearing down. There are mostly women on the team, so I try to grab all the heavy stuff.

Christina: The cleanup for the third service Hospitality Team usually goes until 2:15-2:30 p.m., and then I stay to help with anything that’s left on Tear Down.

What does a typical Sunday look like, and how long does the tear-down process take?

Spencer: We typically start tearing down as soon as the majority of people are out of the gymnasium area. We fold and put away all the chairs, stack all the carpets, put away the signage and TVs, clean up and put away the coffee and doughnut tables, sort and put away all the cards and handouts, and all the other miscellaneous stuff that is put out for the service. We’re usually done by 3 p.m., so it takes roughly an hour and a half from start to finish.

Christina: As mentioned, I’m usually in the kitchen with the Hospitality Team after third service ends until about 2:30 p.m. During that time, I wash the dishes (including communion trays), dry dishes, put away all the dishes in the closet, sweep kitchen floors, Swiffer the kitchen floors, take out the trash, and once all that is done I’ll start the normal Tear Down responsibilities like stacking the carpets, collecting door stops and signs, and whatever else is needed.

What is the atmosphere like? Is it quiet and reflective or is there conversation and lively interaction?

Spencer: It’s a pretty lively atmosphere, with everyone working together to put everything away and clean up the space for the school.

Christina: It’s usually lively and there’s conversation, but it can be reflective.

Are there any memorable experiences that stick out or is there anything you enjoy most about being a part of the team?

Spencer: Not any particular experiences, but it’s a great workout! Also, it’s fun to be able to help contribute to the church services.

Christina: My favorite part about being on the team is the deeper sense of community and ownership of the church I feel. When I walk into Hoboken Grace I see so many familiar faces that I serve with and we truly are a team.

How has serving impacted your life since joining the team?

Spencer: I have met a ton of new people in the church and it has been a great way to get more plugged into the community.

Christina: My commitment to the church, God and reaching out to the community has increased vastly.

Interested in checking out the Tear Down Team? Email anthony@hobokengrace.com for more information.