The Hoboken Christmas Exchange started with a simple desire to give.

Kara had been looking to donate some baby items, but she was unsure how to get them into the hands of a family in need. Her search led her to not one, but several families that fit the description. They needed other basic items as well: sheets, kitchenware, pajamas, shoes.

“I thought, if I have the desire to give, I bet other people do, too, and I bet there’s some way I can help match those people,” she said.

Her husband’s company liked the idea and offered to support the project. So Kara began working with local organizations to collect holiday wish lists. Her husband’s company fulfilled dozens of gift requests, and Kara’s co-workers and Hoboken Grace members also adopted families.

That Christmas Eve, Kara loaded a U-Haul with her husband and in-laws and distributed the gifts to about two dozen families. She remembers their smiles, their tears and their disbelief that a stranger would buy them something.

One woman, Kara remembers, needed a pair of dress boots for job interviews. The woman had been shy about asking for the shoes and didn’t expect anyone to buy them. When Kara delivered the gift, bought by one of her co-workers, the woman was brought to tears.

“When she saw that she got them, she cried, and she hugged me,” Kara said. “She said, ‘This person doesn’t even know me.’ ”

Another woman, a mother of four kids, asked for a microwave. “To some people, it may seem kind of extravagant, but if you’re a mom, you need to heat up food sometimes,” Kara said. “So we made sure she got her microwave.”

\[vc\_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-HhH7b2RGA”\]

That was four years ago, and the Christmas Exchange has grown every year since. The event is organized by Hoboken Grace (with Kara’s help) and last year, the event involved more than 1,300 people, including nearly 800 children and family members who received gifts. That was thanks to more than 350 people who adopted individuals or families, and over 100 volunteers who worked in various roles throughout the day.

This year’s event, on Saturday, Dec. 9, is on track to be just as big. And the growth of the event has multiplied the ways to get involved. You can sign up to [“adopt” an individual or a family](http://hobokengrace.com/christmas/), or you can help as an “elf” and volunteer at the event itself.

In many cases, the gifts on families’ wish lists include ordinary items such as clothes, household items – even diapers. But there are also requests for toys, helping ensure that no child in our city goes without a gift.

“These are people that are part of the same community I live in,” said Kara. “To give tangibly to someone who you know is your neighbor and whom you know is in need is incredibly meaningful. … It is a beautiful and tangible way to love.”

_For more information on the Hoboken Christmas Exchange and how to adopt an individual or family, visit [HobokenChristmas.com](http://hobokenchristmas.com/)._

\[vc\_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DT0BCLMe7M”\]


How a Gift Exchange Grew From One Person to 1,300

Walk around 301 Garden this Sunday and you’ll likely see some new faces — Wonder Woman, storm troopers, Moana. They’ll carry clinking lightsabers and twinkling tiaras.

And while these little ones have waited weeks for Grace Kids’ Costume Party, their teachers are just as excited. They, too, have spent weeks thinking about their costume.

Take the 3- and 4-year-old classroom teachers, for example. This year, they thought it’d be fun if they all dressed as sheep. So several weeks ago, they got together at one teacher’s apartment for some crafting and brunch. Sitting across the living room floor, they planned out what the costumes would look like, snipping white T-shirts, spraying on adhesive and attaching clumps of cotton stuffing.

“We had a lot of fun being silly and throwing around the fluff material we used,” said Breann.

[![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2017/10/IMG_3169-1024x768.jpg)](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2017/10/IMG%5F3169.jpg)

The Grace Kids Costume Party is a tradition that dates to around 2010\. But more recent is the tradition of Grace Kids teachers making their costumes. On the one hand, it’s an opportunity for the teachers to get together outside the classroom. But it’s also an opportunity to make the kids laugh and, in some cases, feel less shy – especially if the teachers dress as something they can relate to. In the past, some teachers have taken that to heart, dressing up as familiar items such as Play-Doh and Goldfish crackers.

“We can laugh at their costumes, but most of the time, at that age, they don’t really understand,” Courtney, one of the teachers in Grace Kids,[ said in a blog post last year](http://hobokengrace.com/blog/so-fitting/). “Unless you’re Elsa, they don’t know who you are. And they don’t really care. But if you’re a Goldfish, or if you’re Play-Doh or something that they recognize, I think it makes the situation even more fun.”

[![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2017/10/DSC_7871-1024x678.jpg)](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2017/10/DSC%5F7871.jpg)

As for the teachers in the 3- and 4-year-old classrooms, they can’t wait to see what the kids think of their sheep costumes.

“I don’t think they expect us to come in really dressed up,” said Kasey. “I think they’re going to be really excited to see us go all out.”

And of course, the teachers can’t wait to see the kids’ costumes as well.

“They get so excited to dress up and tell us who they are,” said Breann.

_The Grace Kids Costume Party will take place during first and second service on Sunday, Oct. 29\. All kids are invited to come in costume!_

_Are you interested in checking out Grace Kids? Sign up for a tour [here](http://hobokengrace.com/kids/)._


An October Tradition

We want to live lives that leave the world a better place, but then we go to work. We sit at a desk and wonder if we’re accomplishing anything of lasting significance at all. What do we do with work? It’s time to get unstuck. Join us for a powerful two-week series beginning Oct. 29th.

\[vc\_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2UOM9pUkZo”\]


Stuck at Work: New Series Starts This Sunday

Monica has had a heart for the special-needs community ever since she was a teenager. She even once envisioned pouring that passion into a career.

She also loves kids, and for years served in the children’s ministry at her previous church. But when she began attending Hoboken Grace, she didn’t join Grace Kids right away. She decided to wait on God to direct her to what He had in mind for her.

So when she heard Pastor Chris mention one Sunday that there was a growing number of children with special needs in Grace Kids — and a need for a program just for them — something ignited within her.

“My heart leapt,” said Monica. It was the call she’d been waiting for.

After emailing Pastor Chris, Monica became the first “Buddy” in Grace Kids’ Buddy Program. Each Buddy is paired with a special-needs child, helping them get the specialized care they need. Each Sunday, they ensure that the child is engaging and understands the lesson in a way that reaches them, said Rachel, the director of Grace Kids. It’s another way the kids ministry can make sure each child is well loved and cared for.

When Monica became a Buddy to Rory, who has autism, she began building a relationship with both her and her parents. Each week is different and a lot depends on what kind of a week she’s had, said Monica. That’s why communication with her parents is key.

In Grace Kids, Monica and Rory participate together in the group activities each Sunday. But when it comes to learning that day’s lesson, sometimes they find their own way.

“At the end of the day, it isn’t about me getting her to do every task,” said Monica. “It is about loving her and helping her to learn about Christ in a way that makes sense to her.”

Rory’s mom, Megan, says having a Buddy has allowed Rory to feel God’s love even more. She’s able to get the most out of her time with her teachers and other children, said Megan.

The program has been a blessing to Monica as well. It’s an opportunity to serve the special-needs community again – a passion she dreamed of turning into a career years ago.

“I made decisions that led me away from what was in my heart, but God is so amazing,” she said.

Serving in the Buddy Program doesn’t require prior experience working with children with special needs. You just need to love kids and be consistent, which is true of every member of Grace Kids, said Rachel. “That is what helps us make sure we are loving all of our kids in the best way possible.”

Monica is very consistent and that is key, she added.

That consistency has impacted not just Rory, but also the rest of her family.

“Seeing her heart towards Rory and our family fills me with such joy and helps me to remember that when I’m struggling I am supported and God is there,” Megan said. “He is always looking out for us by putting the right people in the right places at the right times.”

_Interested in learning more about Hoboken Grace’s Buddy Program? Email Kids@hobokengrace.com._


A Buddy in Grace Kids

_First published October 2017._

When Nate and Natalia moved to Hoboken in May, one of their biggest prayers was that they’d find a church where they felt comfortable attending service while their two young children attended Sunday School on their own.

Back in Chicago, they would take turns at church caring for Max, then 2, and Theo, 14 months. And with both of their parents nearby, Nate and Natalia had never had to leave their children with someone new. The idea of doing that now, in a new city, felt completely nerve-wracking. But they also wanted to put God first, and experience Him while being fully present at church.

Nate and Natalia decided to give Grace Kids a try during their first visit to Hoboken Grace. They planned to see how Max did, then Theo the week after. But even though they were easing into it, Natalia says she still felt the the guilt and anxiety that comes with leaving your child for the first time.

“I was super anxious,” she said. Max was also nervous about a classroom of kids he didn’t know.

As Natalia and the rest of the family entered 301 Garden, they met James, who was serving that day. They told him it was their first time, and how hard it was to leave Max. James led Max and Nate upstairs, giving them a tour of Grace Kids. Natalia, meanwhile, headed to the Parents Area with Theo.

As soon as service ended, she went upstairs to get Max. Not only was he fine, he was also with James.

“That meant so much to me,” Natalia said. “I can’t even describe the feeling that I felt. That someone took the time to make sure my child was happy, for someone who’d never left their kid, that was so encouraging.”

The next week, Max headed upstairs without hesitation. It was also Theo’s turn to try Grace Kids, and while he cried a bit, it didn’t take long for him to get adjusted.

Weeks passed, and each Sunday Max and Theo were greeted by the same smiling teachers who not only remembered their names, but also their preferences. The consistency helped put the entire family at ease.

“I really feel like they love my kids,” said Natalia. “They don’t even know how amazing it is for us parents to trust in that and experience that. I’m home with my kids all week, and I have that to look forward to, that I’ll have time with God, and that my kids will be safe.”

Without worrying about Max and Theo, Nate and Natalia were able to focus more intently at church. Attending service without their kids has allowed them not only to put God first, but also demonstrates to their children how they prioritize their relationship with Him, said Natalia.

“We’re supposed to put God first, then our spouses and children. As moms, it’s easy to fall into the trap of doing everything for your kids, but it’s important to step back,” said Natalia. “And this whole experience has taught me that. It’s been incredible for my marriage, and for my children to see that God really does come first.”

Toward the end of the summer, Nate and Natalia would face another decision asking them to choose between putting God or their family first. Between finding childcare and traveling for work, they’d struggled to make dinner group during the week. So Natalia had begun thinking about starting a group of their own – one that would be more kid-friendly and might work better for other families’ schedules. At the same time, they were still adjusting to a new city. They wondered if they should be focusing on their family instead.

But as they prayed through it, Nate and Natalia grew convinced that God was calling them to start a dinner group. And while there were several logistics to work out – where they would host other families, where the kids would hang out – everything came together.

The couple now lead a group of five families who meet on Saturday evenings, in the communal space in Nate and Natalia’s apartment building. Everyone eats together, then the nine kids play in another room down the hall. Natalia watches them, but the group is praying for a sitter, especially now that she and Nate are more comfortable leaving their kids with someone new.

They say they have Grace Kids to thank for that — for putting their minds at ease each Sunday and showing them all that can happen when they put God first.

“It’s really brought us together as a family,” says Natalia. “God is our foundation, and we’re applying that to our parenting now, and not just living in fear.”

_Interested in checking out Grace Kids? You can sign up for a tour_ [_here_](http://hobokengrace.com/kids/)_._


Putting God First

It’s a conversation I’ll never forget. It was meaningless until it completely changed my life.

My friend and I were going back and forth about a football team. The argument was pointless and had very little if any actual merit from either side, but I loved to argue. I was presenting my position passionately and with precision when he interrupted me.

“You’re so passionate. Whether it’s football, food, music, or your God thing, you’re always so passionate!”

As I heard his words a pit began to develop in my stomach. Suddenly I began to see something I’d never seen before.

The passion with which I argued for meaningless things was actually detracting from the passion with which I shared Christ. It wasn’t that I shared Christ without passion, but when you share Christ with the same passion you use for a football team it negates itself.

I was destroying my witness by giving passion to things that didn’t deserve it.

I realized that I’d been doing this my entire life. I realized that honor is not just communicated through what is given to someone but also communicated in what is never given to someone or something else.

It’s something we understand in relationships. A kiss is only as valuable as its exclusivity. The love communicated through it is not found simply in that it’s given to you. It’s found in the reality that it’s not given to anyone else.

I was giving to meaningless things what should only be given to that which is most important.

It changed everything for me. I have to remind myself of it over and over. I don’t want anything to receive the passion I reserve only for my Father.

I was reminded of that this week. I was reminded because I see many followers of Christ speaking more passionately about an election than I’ve ever heard them speak of Christ. It should make us pause.

Why would we ever be more passionate about something that is so eternally insignificant than we are of the most eternally significant one there is?

Our hope is not found in an election, a president, a political agenda.

Our hope is found in Christ. Our hope is found in the King of Kings, not in any authority that may exist under Him.

We betray our hope when we are more passionate about an election than we are about Him. We hurt our witness when we give our passion to the insignificant over the significant. We communicate to the world that we have no more hope than they do.

Leave behind the fear. You have been adopted into the family of the Most High. Give to Him your passion and communicate ONLY Him with the passion that He deserves!


A Passionate Debate

I’m ~~Perfect.~~ Imperfect.

Since childhood, I have believed three things about myself:

1\. If I am imperfect, I have failed.  
2\. If I am disappointed, I have an ungrateful heart.  
3\. If I expose my feelings, I am damaged and self-centered.

My best friends tease me that I can spin anything into a positive. Of course, I don’t always see the glass half full, but I do tend to find a silver lining in every situation. It feels good to be known as an optimist! It drowns out all of the pains of the past, the struggles of the day, and the anxieties of the future. And without those, life is flawless! So, over the years, I started to accept this starry-eyed attribute as a compliment and made it my personal mission to do it all, to be it all, and to make it all look effortless. It turned heads; it inspired others; it felt well intentioned. The more people noticed, the more I identified with the label of perfectionism, until I let it define me.

Let me paint a picture of this unreasonableness. I am a mommy to three children. The first two are boys, about a year and a half apart, ages five and six, and our daughter is afresh “terrific two.” I am also the co-founder and CEO of a business with three locations in Hoboken, a staff of 60, and the prospect of a national franchise. We open at 5:30 a.m., we close at 9:30 p.m., and we work after close, weekends and holidays. The other co-founder is my husband. We juggle the craziness of home and work together; we do it with a total of six hours of childcare most weeks; and we make it look easy.

Often it isn’t \[duh\]. However, with all of life’s blessings, it feels ungracious to admit any moments of unhappiness or disappointment. I hold most of my struggles close to my heart. I don’t share my troubles with anyone but my most intimate relationships, and even then I feel guilty, and I want to withdraw immediately in fear. I’m selfish — burdening a friend who has her own, more important cares. I dismiss my worries as insignificant to others and myself. I’m a strong woman who should not require the help of anyone else. Maybe if I keep my battles from everyone, I can turn them off, so I don’t have to hold myself accountable to my own feelings. Instead I carry all of the hurt, the weight, the anxiety myself. The load feels heavy, but I can keep myself afloat, even soar, most of the time. I use my feelings of accomplishment to trump my brokenness. When I eventually crash (in solitude, of course), I dump all of that onto my husband. You’re welcome.

When I finally realized the injustice in that, I started to see a therapist weekly. He helped sort through many of my thoughts and feelings, but the restlessness was still there — until I found my way back to God. I started paying attention to His people, spending time in His words and listening to who He is calling me to be.

Isaiah 45:7  
_I form light and create darkness;_  
 _I make well-being and create calamity;_  
 _I am the Lord, who does all these things._

Romans 3:23  
_For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;_

As it turns out, I am imperfect, ungrateful and selfish. I am incomplete. God knows this about me and still he loves me unconditionally. He knows there is room to grow in each one of His children’s lives but He loves us just the same. He is excited for me to grow — and I should be too!

He calls us to embrace the spaces of our hearts and minds where we are still growing. I can choose to see the good in the world and celebrate His victories and still experience disappointments. I can be fragile and raw and vulnerable and still encourage others. I can love people — and myself — by reaching out to the people God has put in my life when I need comfort and by graciously accepting their love when I need it. I can fall down and inspire others with my bravery to stand back up, to forgive myself, and to grow from my mistakes. I can continue to inspire, but only when I show up live in all of my imperfection, in spite of my weaknesses, ready to demonstrate how God has bestowed His eternal grace upon me.


Imperfect.

While most of us may fuss over getting just the right gifts for our loved ones this time of year, some families need a little helping hand to bring the excitement of Christmas into their homes. Three years ago, Kara had an idea that brought the spirit of giving to dozens of people and provided gifts to about 25 families in Hoboken. Now with the help of Hoboken Grace, that idea has grown into an annual event that touches more and more lives every year.

When asked how she felt about Hoboken Grace’s involvement and how much bigger the event has become, Kara beamed, “It’s fantastic. It’s their event now, and I’m just happy to be a part of it!”

The Hoboken Christmas Exchange is about more than just presents. It is a family experience for everyone involved. The Hoboken Grace family gets to serve in fellowship, and local families get to spend time together and go home with more than just gifts and a family portrait. They leave with a greater sense of community.

Margarita, a single mother of four, has participated in the event for the past two years. She said she still has moments of awe and disbelief when she stops to think about it.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2016/11/HG-Christmas-Giveaway-Averill-0915-e1478790244646.jpg)“I was born and raised in Hoboken. I’ve lived here my whole life. I’ve never seen anything like this,” she said. “It’s amazing! We get to spend some time together as a family surrounded by so much love, and it teaches the kids a beautiful lesson, too.”

This time of year can be very stressful, but Margarita said the whole experience is such a blessing for her and the children, and it makes this time of year a little easier. Families are even able to enjoy some cookies and hot chocolate while they wait to get family portraits taken.

“These are people that are part of the same community I live in. To give tangibly to someone who you know is your neighbor and whom you know is in need is incredibly meaningful,” said Kara. “If you are someone that is able to help that day in any way, whether it is giving some time, buying a gift, helping to wrap gifts, helping to organize and give out the presents, etc., it is a beautiful and tangible way to love, and we are designed to love.”

The growth of the event has multiplied the ways to become involved. You can [sign up to “adopt” a child or a family](http://hobokengrace.com/christmas/), or you can [sign up to be an “elf”](https://hobokengrace.churchcenteronline.com/registrations/events/43975/session/new) and volunteer at the event itself. When you adopt, you will be paired up with a family or child in need and are provided the gender(s) and wish list of the individual(s) you’ve adopted.

For some, adopting a child or family is a way to teach a valuable lesson to their kids. The children are involved in the process of picking out the gifts and even wrapping them. Knowing that their gifts will be going to someone who may have little or nothing else under the tree Christmas morning, makes them appreciate what they receive that much more. Going to drop off the gifts, or being part of delivery day and seeing the happiness that receiving the gifts brings to families, is a great way to teach kids generosity and show how they are a part of something wonderful in their community.

Anthony, the impact director at Hoboken Grace, recalls a story of someone who decided to adopt a child and was matched with a little boy who wanted a bike. The young woman gifted the bike and recognized it one day when she was walking in Hoboken and saw the little boy riding it having a great time. The child of course had no idea, but in that moment she fully experienced his excitement and joy in the gift.

For those who may not be in a financial position to help, your time is very valuable as well. [Volunteer as an “elf”](https://hobokengrace.churchcenteronline.com/registrations/events/43975/session/new) on the day of the event and help us pull the whole thing off. The more, the merrier!

_For more information on the Hoboken Christmas Exchange and how to adopt a family or be a volunteer, visit [HobokenChristmas.com](http://hobokenchristmas.com)._


Lasting Memories


One of the most uncomfortable moments in my life was showing up to a brunch that I thought I was invited to and yet no one was expecting me. They must’ve accidentally sent the invitation to my inbox. I showed up at an intimate table of six people — one of them I knew — and noticed there wasn’t room for seven. Everyone said “Hi,” the person I knew introduced me to the group, and it was almost as if everyone was waiting for me to go away at one point. They must’ve thought I was simply coming over to say hello and then go meet my party or have brunch in another area of the restaurant. It was uncomfortable, it was embarrassing and I felt extremely awkward. So what did I do? I left. I turned right around and walked out the door. Why? They weren’t expecting me. They weren’t ready for me.

I think about that feeling a lot when I’m at Hoboken Grace on Sunday mornings. I think to myself, “I never want anyone to feel like we weren’t anticipating their arrival.” I think about it in terms of my dinner group as well. I remember my first dinner group at Hoboken Grace. I was nervous showing up at the house of a person I had never met to share a meal with people I’d never met. I even circled around the block a couple times to psych myself up before walking in there. You know what the biggest difference was between my first dinner group experience and that horrific brunch experience? They were EXPECTING me! They had set a place at the table for me. They made enough food for me! Which is something that brought a tear to my eye, because I like to eat! I felt welcomed and I instantly was put at ease.

![DSC_7356](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2016/11/DSC_7356.jpg)

We strive to do that same thing on Sunday mornings. Think about the first time you walked into Hoboken Grace. Did you feel like we were anticipating your arrival? That we were ready to receive guests? I sure hope so. I also don’t want it to be just the job of the First Impressions Team. I would love it if as a family we were sensitive to the new people walking through our doors and how we all can make them feel comfortable.

How can we do that? Here are some practical ways we can all make people feel welcomed:

— If you drive on Sundays, don’t park right in front of the building — I know, parking in Hoboken is a premium. But what if you thought about that spot that may open up in front of the building as a spot for a first-time guest?

— Make it a point to use the phrase “Hey, I don’t think we’ve met before,” rather than, “Is this your first time here?” This makes people feel less isolated and picked out if they are indeed here for the first time.

— Move to the center of your row of chairs. This may seem trivial, but first-time guests aren’t as comfortable asking people to move. If you leave aisle seats open for our guests, it can help put them at ease!

These are just some things that would help put me at ease, but I’m sure you can think of more! One of my favorite verses about welcoming people just came up in our Bible reading plan. It’s found in Hebrews 13:2 and it says, “Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!” What a great thought. That person you greeted, those people you made feel welcome — who knows, you may have been entertaining an angel!


Welcome: We’ve Been Expecting You

“I never thought in a million years I’d be a runner,” says Anthony. “In fact, I used to joke that if you saw me running, you’d better call the cops, because something’s really wrong!” Yet he tells me this several days after he’s finished his second half marathon, and started researching training for a full. Yes, a full marathon — 26.2 miles.

Anthony’s running, and he’s not the only one. Countless people who attend Hoboken Grace have spent the past year training for marathons, 5Ks and their own personal fitness goals. And while most of them likely got started for the health benefits, many say running’s also had an impact on their faith. It’s offered lessons about the importance of getting started, building endurance and even developing community.

Running, it turns out, can be a gift for both your body and your faith. Here’s what that can look like, as told by some of the many runners at Hoboken Grace.

 **1). Getting Started**

“People told me I just had to get started,” Dana H. says about running. “But it felt hard to get into it. I had all these hang-ups about it.”

The struggle to get started running paralleled struggles she had experienced in her walk with God. “I felt I had to be right with God before I could get close to God,” says Dana. Similarly, “I felt like I had to be at a certain level of fitness in order to start running. It’s kind of like the devil playing with my mind, telling me, ‘You’re not good enough yet. You’re not fit enough yet.’ ”

Dana decided she wanted to break out of that type of thinking. Friends encouraged her to just run, so she finally did. She took the first step, ran her first mile and celebrated that achievement. “I had to understand that sometimes, faith is just taking that action even when you don’t fully believe you can do it,” says Dana. “Then you get closer. You get there.” She partly ran, partly walked the first time she went outside, but she finished what she started. Then she went outside again, and again, and kept pushing forward, even starting a training plan.

A few months later, Dana finished a half marathon.

2). **Running the Race**

“When you’re in full-time ministry, you can get burned out,” says Anthony. “Sometimes there are lies in my life, like that I need to be ‘on’ all the time. Then I get fatigued in life; I get fatigued in ministry.”

During his last half marathon, he started to feel that way, too. Anthony had trained for the race, and knew that physically he should be fine. “But I got to about mile 9 or 10, and started to feel that fatigue.” He listens to music while he runs, and right around that point in the race, an old worship song came on — “Blessed Be Your Name.”

“For some reason, that got me jazzed,” says Anthony. “God came into that situation and pushed me through, and got me through the fatigue. It’s a reminder that He gets me through those down times. It’s a perfect analogy for living by faith.”

Running is also an excellent way to simply spend time with God. “I have some of my best conversations with God when I run,” says Christina, who’s been running since high school. “It’s a lot easier to spend time with Him during a run than, say, in stop-and-go traffic during my commute.”

3). **Developing Community** 

“A lot of the challenge of running is actually mental,” says Christina. She runs frequently on her own, but she discovered that having supportive relationships made a tremendous difference in overcoming the mental hurdles to get out there and keep going. “It’s definitely the people,” she says. “It’s really important to have community. The people in my racing group have pushed me to believe in myself, to believe I can go faster than I thought I could.”

She compares the running community to dinner groups — “there are so many parallels.” In both groups, she’s found a source of support to tackle her biggest challenges. In both, she’s developed very personal relationships, and she prays the most for the people in these groups.

Christina is running the New York City Marathon this Sunday, and she credits the community she’s developed with finding a way to serve others through running. She’ll be supporting the charity [Back on My Feet](http://www.backonmyfeet.org/), which aims to impact the lives of homeless people by introducing them to a running routine. With the help of friends and family, she met her goal of raising $3,000!


The Gift of Running

This city is going to be packed with leaders!

That’s what I thought when we first began to plant Hoboken Grace. Almost every person I encountered was in some type of leadership position in their career.

This is going to be incredible. Our church is never going to lack leaders!

I could not have been more mistaken. To this day I continue to be amazed at the lack of leadership in leadership positions within corporate America. I meet people in high-level leadership positions who have absolutely no leadership ability. It’s astounding.

Beyond that, I almost never hear of leadership training within the workplace.

I hear of industry training. But I never hear of leadership training. I hear of skill training and systems training, but never leadership training.

How can this happen? How can you make sure it doesn’t happen within your workplace?

When I talk to people about this they get really overwhelmed. You don’t need to. It’s not really complicated, and the great news is that your people have probably never been trained in leadership, so you don’t have to be an expert trainer to blow them away. You just have to start.

Ask yourself:

1).When was the last time I trained my leaders in the responsibilities of a leader?

— Communicating vision

— Relationship management

— Managing morale

— Evaluation

— Innovation

— Training

— Recruitment

Are you actually training them to lead or are you just training them to do a job that you call a “leader”?

2). Where can I find one hour a month to sit them down and train them in one of those things?

You don’t need to do this every week. You don’t have time to do this every week. You do have time to do this monthly. Put this in place, and you’ll find that it will become one of their favorite meetings of the month.

3). Who needs to be there?

Invite your leaders, but also invite anyone you think might be a leader in the future. One of your jobs, as a leader, is recruitment. This is a benefit you can use to recruit people into leadership within your organization.

“I see you stepping up. I’m not sure if you know, but we have a leadership development meeting once a month. I’d love to have you join us.”

4). What will I cover?

Build your training around those eight responsibilities. If you feel you’ve developed in those areas, teach them what you’ve learned. If you feel you haven’t, pick up a leadership book and begin to teach them one chapter a month.

Here are some great ones to begin with:

_— 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership_

_— Good to Great_

_— 7 Habits of Highly Effective People_

_— Strengths-Based Leadership_

These are all written in a format that allows you to teach individual chapters.

5). When should I start?

Now! Put a time on the calendar and let your team know that you’re going to try something this month and see how it goes. (Always tell your team you’re trying something instead of changing something. I’ll talk about this in another post.) Choose one topic and get started. You need leaders. They rarely drop into your lap. You have to develop them. Go.


Develop Them

I looked up at the sky a lot when I was little. For years whenever I was allowed to go outside and play, I always looked up at the sky and asked God to please let me go live with my mom. I missed her desperately. For six years I asked God that question, until finally, when I was in fifth grade, my mom drove up in a pick-up truck to take my sister and me home. It was the best day of my life. I remember looking out the back window as we drove away and thanking God for answering my prayer.

Like many people, my parents divorced when I was young, and it was not pretty. There was a custody battle that lasted several years, and my sister and I were shuffled around between family, stepparents and friends. It was a scary and uncertain time, but the consistent influences of my pre-school and my grandmother gave me something firm to hold onto.

It was through my pre-school and my grandmother that I first heard about God’s love for me. My pre-school was a safe place. I remember always feeling comfortable there and enjoying my time. It wasn’t a Christian pre-school, but the owners were Christians, and I felt something special in the way they took care of me during an unstable time in my life.

I always knew my grandmother loved God. She talked to me about Him all the time and although at the time it didn’t click for me, and I didn’t fully understand it, I remembered enough to pray to God for help. It comforted me. Looking back, I know that it was Him who comforted and stayed right beside me.

I was angry about my childhood for a long time. I needed healthy parents. I needed a safe place to live where I was loved. I needed to be encouraged and sustained. I needed to be with my mom. But that was not my story. That is not the family my parents created. And I had to decide how I was going to move through life. The good thing is that I came to realize that I didn’t have to do that alone.

Romans 8:28 reads, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” I know with all my heart that God. Uses. Everything. Every single thing I go through, God will use it in some way. No pain in my life has ever been wasted. And He used my childhood pain to spark in me a passion for sharing God’s love and comfort with kids who might otherwise feel alone.

Serving in Grace Kids brings me deep joy. There are Sundays when I wonder how I will possibly manage leading even one more week — a team of 40 volunteers serving more than 100 children each week. It’s bigger than me. It’s beyond me. But I want so desperately for kids to have a fun, consistent and safe place to come to each week, because sometimes home isn’t so great. I want so desperately for someone to gently whisper to them, “you aren’t alone. You can talk to Jesus about anything and everything because He MADE you, and He LOVES you and wants to be your best friend.” Someone took time to tell me those things as a child and it helped! I know what it feels like to have a broken family and to not have a stable home. But looking back I know God was with me. And I know He comforted me in my time of need.

God didn’t waste those childhood hurts. He knew all along that He would use them for good in my life and in the lives of the people around me. My decision to say yes to God and serve in Grace Kids has given Him a place to redeem my childhood hurts. God heals my heart every time a child says their memory verse, every time a child runs to give their teacher a hug as they arrive, and every time I hear them sing songs about Jesus. God uses everything.

Are you interested in checking out Grace Kids? Email rachel@hobokengrace.com.


God Uses Everything!

For Janet and other members of Hoboken Grace’s Collection Tables Team, it took a cold winter day to put their support of The Hoboken Shelter in perspective.

A storm had postponed their monthly food drive, but not long after, Janet and others on the team resumed their post at a table outside ACME. It seemed the cold weather brought out warmer hearts, as they watched the collection grow into one of their biggest hauls ever.

“It was cold, but we were even more motivated to keep at it seeing how much people were donating that day,” Janet said.

When they arrived at the shelter to drop off the donations, Janet was taken back to where the refrigerated items are kept. There was only one thing left: a single bottle of Vitamin Water.

The truck scheduled to deliver supplies hadn’t made it because of the snowstorm. The relieved look on the chef’s face and the tears creeping into the corners of everyone’s eyes brought the realization of just how big a blessing their huge haul was.

“What we collected that day was going to be immediately used that night,” Janet said.

The monthly food collection is just one of the ways Hoboken Grace supports [The Hoboken Shelter](http://www.hobokenshelter.org), which hosts 1,000 showers weekly, serves 500 meals daily and houses 50 people nightly on the corner of 3rd and Bloomfield. In addition to the food drive at ACME on the fourth Saturday of each month, a separate team from Hoboken Grace helps prepare meals on the first Friday of every month. You don’t have to be a chef to help. You just need to donate some of your time and be a part of the team that provides what is sometimes the only meal a person may have that day.

[![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2016/10/IMG_4873-e1477498135214.jpg)](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2016/10/IMG%5F4873-e1477498135214.jpg)

An event announcement on Hoboken Grace’s Facebook page was enough to capture Julia’s attention. She’s enjoyed cooking at the shelter so much that she decided to put in some additional time on her own.

“There is such a caring nature to everyone that is there,” she said. “I went to help prepare meals and found out that there are so many other ways to help. I figured you could donate clothing, but it isn’t just adult clothing. There are some women with children who can also benefit from clothing donations. You forget that kids are impacted as well.”

Julia sometimes also works the food collection table and brings her daughter on occasion.

Collecting donations is simple – team members sign up to spend one hour, once a month at a table in front of ACME. They hand out a list of the shelter’s most needed items to people entering the store. Shoppers then drop off those items on their way out.

The first time Janet served at the collection table, she was taken aback by the generosity of the people in Hoboken. She initially thought most people were going to just walk by, but instead she found people stopping and saying, “How can we help?”

Janet says she often meets people who want to give back but are limited in time or don’t know how to help. Handing them a card with a list of most-needed items makes it much easier.

“There were even some people that walked into the supermarket and didn’t walk out with anything for themselves,” Janet said. “They just had bags filled with items they wanted to donate. They either heard about the collection drive or didn’t see what they were originally looking for, but they wanted to provide for someone else. It was very heartwarming.”

Although she has had to put her volunteer time at the table on hold since the birth of her son, Janet is looking forward to getting back to it once he is a little older. She says it’s a real treat to see volunteers bring their kids along to help out. It guarantees an instant smile when a little hand reaches up to give you a flyer. Janet says she loves that this type of serving provides such a tangible and immediate positive result with such an easy, one-hour commitment.

[![img_0317](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2016/10/IMG_0317.jpg)](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2016/10/IMG%5F0317.jpg)

Keith, the shelter and programs manager, says the support means a lot. “Guests appreciate the volunteers because it shows that people outside of the staff care,” he said. “They really enjoy seeing familiar faces; it helps with morale. Lots of guests feel invisible or looked down upon. Here they get friendly service with a smile. People don’t realize how difficult it is for anyone to do anything, especially go to work or appointments, when they haven’t eaten.”

The shelter is grateful for any help. Everything donated helps save money that can be allocated to additional resources. And the shelter functions as more than just a place for food and shelter. It serve as a community outreach location connecting people with resources. Not only can someone come to take a shower, they can also get help with vocational counseling, computer literacy programs, financial literacy workshops, housing counseling and so much more.

Volunteers with experience in any areas are welcome and there is no need to call in advance. Just show up anytime Monday through Friday between 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. or any day of the week from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Feel free to contact Keith at Keith.Jackson@hobokenshelter.org if you have any questions.

_For more information on how you can join the Collection Tables Team or serve at the shelter with Hoboken Grace, email Anthony at_ [_anthony@hobokengrace.com_](mailto:anthony@hobokengrace.com)_._


A Slice of Serving at the Shelter

By 1 p.m. last Sunday, craft time was over in Grace Kids. The Play-Doh, crayons and construction paper had been packed up. But in an apartment just a few blocks away, craft time was just beginning for the Little Steps teachers.

“Where will the arm hole go?” one questioned, wearing an old tablecloth like a toga.

“Is this tail big enough?”

Amid yards of yellow fabric, several bags of filling and a rainbow of scissors, they spent hours sitting on the living room floor. They measured, traced, snipped and glued, making eight costumes to wear at next Sunday’s Grace Kids Costume Party.

[![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2016/10/DSCF2503-e1476972652578.jpg)](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2016/10/DSCF2503-e1476972652578.jpg)The event has taken place each year since around 2010\. But becoming just as much of a tradition is the Little Steps teachers’ costume-making party. In years past, they coordinated group outfits. Then last year, they got together[ to make Play-Doh costumes](http://hobokengrace.com/blog/teams-crafting-fun-with-the-little-steps-teachers/). And on Sunday, six of the Little Steps teachers spent hours preparing for this year’s party. They’re going as Goldfish — as in the snack.

“I think we all appreciate how funny this is, because we’ve given the kids Goldfish every Sunday for seven years,” said Stephanie, who has served in Grace Kids nearly since the kids ministry began.

Courtney, another teacher, said they wanted to wear costumes that would be both familiar and welcoming to the Little Steps kids, who, at 18 months to 3 years old, are sometimes shy when they first enter the classroom. And in addition, she said, they wanted them to laugh.

“We can laugh at their costumes, but most of the time, at that age, they don’t really understand,” she said. “Unless you’re Elsa, they don’t know who you are. And they don’t really care. But if you’re a Goldfish, or if you’re Play-Doh or something that they recognize, I think it makes the situation even more fun.”

Sheena, who leads the team, says the costume party has been a great way to bond with the kids year after year. It’s an opportunity to giggle with them, and to connect with them on their level.

But it’s also become a bonding experience for the teachers, some of whom might not know each other well because they serve during different services. This year they made not only costumes together, but also eggs, bacon and hash browns. They gathered around a table to share brunch, as well as old and new memories of serving in Grace Kids.

[![dscf0190](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2016/10/DSCF0190.jpg)](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2016/10/DSCF0190.jpg)

“It gives us an opportunity to be even more of a team,” Sheena said.

Next Sunday they’ll come together as a team once again, wearing Goldfish costumes as they welcome kids into class. The costumes — mostly yellow fabric and lots of filling — are held together with hem tape and fabric glue instead of sewn. It was easier that way, Sheena says.

But the fact that they used hem tape and fabric glue is somewhat fitting, too. Their bond with each other and with their kids is already built on those sticky moments of childhood — gluey fingers, juice box goo. The connection might start out fluid, but it grows stronger and solidifies with each smile and giggle. And there will be plenty of those next Sunday.

_The Grace Kids Costume Party will take place during first and second service on Sunday, Oct. 30\. All kids are invited to come in costume!_

_Are you interested in checking out Grace Kids? Email rachel@hobokengrace.com._


So Fitting


Hoboken Grace’s one-day growth conference is designed to give you a jolt in a specific area of your relationship with God. That might mean developing stronger spiritual habits, exploring your gifts and talents, gaining confidence in telling your story or learning new ways to read different books of the Bible.

For our sixth Amplify conference, we’re bringing back all your favorite parts! This fall marks the return of the popular Marriage class, as well as some of your favorite book studies. Child care is once again available, and the worship band will be in full force. We even extended lunch! (Yes, Chick-fil-A is back, too.)

Here are the top five reasons you’ll want to spend Saturday, Oct. 22 at 301 Garden:

**1). The opportunity to grow**

Learn new ways to engage with God and boost your faith with Amplify’s eight growth tracks:

— Develop [consistency in your relationship with God](http://hobokengrace.com/blog/running-the-race/) through prayer, scripture and other spiritual habits in Foundations.

— Discover [clarity](http://hobokengrace.com/blog/share-his-story/) and [confidence](http://hobokengrace.com/blog/your-story-matters/) in telling your Story.

— Evaluate how you can use your [gifts and talent](http://hobokengrace.com/blog/discover-gifts-use/)s in Empower.

— Explore the messages of Luke, Ecclesiastes, 1 Corinthians and 1 Samuel with our four book studies.

— And learn more about God’s vision for Marriage.

So pick an area you want to focus on and [register today](http://hobokengrace.com/blog/five-reasons-you-dont-want-to-miss-amplify/amplify). Through presentations, group discussions and an interactive workbook, each class is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools to help you move forward in your daily walk with God.

**2). Connection**

Amplify might be a personal-growth event, but it’s also an opportunity to grow closer to our church family. Together, we get to know the God that pursues all of us. So come learn from, and share with, the people who are walking alongside you on this journey.

[![dscf0094](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2016/10/DSCF0094-1-1024x682.jpg)](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2016/10/DSCF0094-1.jpg)

**3). Time to worship together**

There will also be plenty of time to respond to what God is doing throughout the day. Hoboken Grace’s Worship Team is joining forces with [Downtown Community Church](http://www.downtownjc.church/) in Jersey City, and members from both bands will serve together on stage.

**4). You’ll love lunch**

Meet new friends and enjoy some Chick-fil-A during an extended lunch period!

**5). We’ve got child care covered**

A fun-filled day is being planned for your child at Step by Step Early Childhood Center. The staff are experienced, caring individuals who are certified in first aid and CPR. Childcare is available for children up to 12 years old and there is a $20 registration fee per child.

Step by Step is located at 720 Monroe St., Suite C-107\. Registration starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday and pick-up is from 3:45 p.m. to 4 p.m. A child registration form will be sent to each parent for medical and contact information prior to the day of the event.

Lunch, snacks and naps will be provided.

_[Click here](http://hobokengrace.com/amplify/) to register for Amplify today. Contact Sarah at [sarah@hobokengrace.com](mailto:sarah@hobokengrace.com) with any questions._


Why You Won’t Want to Miss Amplify

Have you ever sat down to read the Bible and felt intimidated? Have you ever wondered, “Where do I start?” Have you ever felt you had no idea how to understand what you just read? You’re not alone, and it doesn’t have to be like that.

For the next four weeks we’re going to continue reading through the book of Acts together. We’re going to talk about how you can begin to interact with the Bible as it was intended. We’re going to work through how you can begin to understand it in a way you never have before. Join us and begin a journey that will change the way you interact with this incredible, powerful, crazy book!


Starting This Sunday

Something happened to Stephanie when she stepped on stage Easter morning. After eight years at Hoboken Grace, she stood under the stage lights for the first time and looked out across a room packed with people responding to God’s love.

“It’s different from up there,” Stephanie explained. “You see Sunday morning differently. It’s powerful to be part of the congregation worshiping, but it’s also powerful to be up there and see a room of 500 people with their hands lifted, praising God together.”

Stephanie was on stage with the Hoboken Grace choir and vividly remembers just how close the Holy Spirit felt as she sang that morning.

“There’s this part in the song where just the drums are playing, and we’re all singing — ‘Praise the King. He is risen. Praise the King. He’s alive. Praise the King, death’s defeated. Hallelujah! He’s alive.’ ”

And as she sang those words, Stephanie felt surrounded by God’s love and connected in a way she hadn’t known before.

“I wasn’t expecting to feel anything,” said Stephanie. “I was just up there because I love to sing. But something happened up there. And it wasn’t about anyone hearing me sing. It was about God and encouraging people to worship.”

That Easter morning was Stephanie’s first time singing with the Hoboken Grace choir, and she’s stayed involved ever since. Now she is looking forward to singing in her first Christmas choir this December.

**The Worship Team — Production**

**Mission:** The Worship Team is part of the Arts department. We lead the church in worship each week through song and by creating intimate and exciting environments through production. We provide the model for what worship looks like and use sound, lights and media to allow for the clear and beautiful communication of the message of Christ.

**The commitment:** Serves on Sunday mornings and attends weekly rehearsals.

**How you can join or find out more information:** Email dana@hobokengrace.com, or stop by the production booth any Sunday to meet the team and ask questions.

[![img_7742](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2016/10/IMG_7742.jpg)](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2016/10/IMG%5F7742.jpg)


Something Changed on Stage

If you visit ShopRite to buy groceries, chances are you’ve seen Hoboken Grace there at some point accepting donations for In Jesus Name Charities. Through blistering summers and chilly winters, a team from Hoboken Grace helps keep [In Jesus Name](http://injesusnamecharities.org) stocked by asking shoppers to donate items for local families in need. It’s just one of the ways the church tries to support one of Hoboken’s oldest charities.

“Your community has been a great blessing to In Jesus Name,” said April Harris, founder of the charity and its leader for the past 35 years. “It was an easy fit for Hoboken Grace because of the fact of their philosophy of Christianity in action. They look for opportunities for the church to help out the community.”

In Jesus Name traces its beginnings back to 1981, when the Regan administration announced cuts to food stamps. April was attending Episcopal Church of the Holy Innocents and grew concerned about how the cuts would affect people in Hoboken. At the time, 20 percent of the city’s residents lived in poverty.

“I knew there were people going hungry at the end of the month no matter what they were doing to budget,” she said.

In response, she set up donations at her church and asked if people would contribute food. This soon caught the attention of the rector, who asked if she could use clothing as well. April naturally agreed, and the rector placed an announcement for donations in the church newsletter.

No sooner did this happen, however, that another fire hit Hoboken. Long before the city became a target for luxury apartments, arson was a frequent problem. Following a candlelight vigil for two children who had died in the fire, the Hoboken Clergy Coalition, composed of a variety of faith traditions, formed In Jesus Name as a way to respond to the fire victims and poverty being witnessed in the community. April Harris has lead the charity ever since, and is grateful for the opportunities it has given her to serve Christ.

“To me it’s an honor and privilege just to do this with my life. I wouldn’t have it any other way,” she said.

[![img_4873](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2016/10/IMG_4873-e1476369521880.jpg)](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2016/10/IMG%5F4873.jpg)

In Jesus Name wouldn’t exist without volunteer labor. Nobody is salaried, including April, who has a commitment to voluntary poverty as a Secular Franciscan. As such, the help the ministry offers is highly tailored to the needs of individual members of the community. April fields calls for donations and pickup appointments on a full-time basis, and the pantry itself is open every other day, aided by a rotating staff of volunteers.

“You have to be very creative so that you can meet all the diversity of kindness,” said April. “You need to make the ministry available in the evening for volunteers and donors, the weekends or during the day. That’s why the hours fluctuate.”

The all-volunteer staff also means that their overhead is almost non-existent, with all donations going straight to families in need. As such, April ensures all of the donations that come in are used for a specific purpose, whether that be to feed a family in need, or to provide diapers to a family with a new baby. Each of the 800 individuals who receive assistance are registered with the charity, although most do not require help every month and come only when they have a specific need. The charity is also working on finding volunteers to provide nutritious meals for the sick and elderly — people who need healthy food most but are usually unable to afford it.

“That’s terrible,” April said. “To be poor, to be hungry, to be sick, and then to not be able to eat right on top of it.”

April says Hoboken Grace has been a tremendous help to the organization not only because it actively seek ways to help the community, but because the monthly collection table allows the charity to regularly collect food.

“That’s actually one of the most stable collections, because it’s repetitive on a monthly basis,” she said.

Staffing the food pantry and the donation table is just one way volunteers can help, however.

“This is a service to God that any Christian who wants to find a way to serve Christ can find something to do,” April said. “And I can let them know of other needs of their poorer neighbors.”

If you’re interested in joining the Collection Table Team at Hoboken Grace or interested in more ways you can volunteer and support In Jesus Name Charities, email Anthony at [anthony@hobokengrace.com](mailto:anthony@hobokengrace.com). To contact In Jesus Name Charities, located in the basement of the Our Lady of Grace parish center at 411 Clinton St., email [InJesusNameCharities@gmail.com](mailto:InJesusNameCharities@gmail.com) or call 201-792-2112.


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