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Posted December 25, 2017 by WRITING TEAM | Uncategorized

The Top 10 Blog Posts of 2017

These are the blog stories that resonated most with readers this year. They're stories about the unexpected unfolding, and the moments that exceed our expectations. They're stories about shedding assumptions, and gaining perspective. They're stories about searching — for identity, or for meaning in grief. And they're stories about finding — hope, community, purpose. Of the more than 100 blog posts published this year, these were the 10 most read stories:

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Posted December 21, 2017 by WRITING TEAM | Baptism, Events, Impact Teams, Mission Trip, Sunday

The Story He Told

This year, we partnered with God in loving our city better, building relationships, and serving locally and around the world. As we look back on 2017, it’s overwhelming to see all that He has done. As a church community, we were able to reach more people than ever before, grow more settled in our city and take countless steps in growing closer to Him. The story He’s writing in our city is impossible to capture in a single blog post, but here are just a few of the highlights from the past year

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Posted December 13, 2017 by WRITING TEAM | Impact Teams

Getting Personal

Since joining the Concierge Team a year ago, Elyse has sent hundreds of messages to both newcomers and regular attenders. Emailed to anyone who has filled out a Connection Card, they include personalized birthday wishes, anniversary congratulations and notes to first-time guests. It’s a small gesture that can have the same effect as a smile at the front door.

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Posted December 7, 2017 by WRITING TEAM | Mission Trip

Why She Keeps Coming Back

Sarah had forgotten about the apple. She’d packed it for a snack on her way to Bukura, Kenya, where Rehema Home had recently opened its second orphanage location, but had forgotten to eat it on the way there. She pulled it out now and took a bite. As she began to eat, she realized that Brian, one of the kids sitting with her, was watching her with huge eyes.

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Posted November 29, 2017 by Grace Kids | Grace Kids, Parenting

Leading The Way

As a mom of two kids with special needs, I was at first hesitant to serve every week. Making that commitment would change what Sundays looked like for my entire family, and I worried I wouldn't be able to fit it around my schedule. After praying about it, though, I realized I'd been looking at serving all wrong.

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Posted November 22, 2017 by rachel | Uncategorized

A Different Season

Typically, when I think of Thanksgiving I think about mouth-watering food spreads, board games with friends and family, children on sugar highs and long naps on a comfy big couch. But this year, my thoughts and feelings have been different. My Thanksgiving (and my family’s) will look different this year. This will be our first Thanksgiving without my mom. She […]

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Posted November 22, 2017 by dana | Impact Teams

What’s the Deal Here?

All too often, we hear questions like this: Isn’t the production booth only for professional lighting and sound designers? Isn’t the band closed since they have so many people? Today, we take a look at three common myths or misunderstandings surrounding the Worship Team.

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Posted November 15, 2017 by WRITING TEAM | Impact Teams

The Team That Struck a Chord

Chris joined the band in February, after attending Hoboken Grace for a few months. He'd recently moved across the U.S. and was looking for a way to get involved. Joining the band offered an outlet to meet new people while doing something he loves: playing the guitar.

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Posted November 9, 2017 by WRITING TEAM | Events

The Gifts That Keep Giving

It was a birthday with special significance, and not just because Raakhee’s daughter was turning 1. Before reaching that 12-month milestone, Satya had already survived cancer. So when her parents began thinking about her first birthday, they told friends and family they didn’t want gifts — only things they could donate. Little did they know, that party would be the start of a years-long tradition that has impacted hundreds of people throughout New Jersey.

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Posted November 5, 2017 by WRITING TEAM | Events

Mind, Body, Spirit

The words “Mind, Body, Spirit” are vividly displayed at the end of the Hoboken YMCA pool. The lettering first made an impression on me years ago when I swam laps there once a week. One moment I’d be surrounded by the blurry water below, then my head would break the water’s surface in a traditional butterfly stroke. As I inhaled, I would look for the clear large words beautifully tiled into the far end wall of the pool area, and swim toward them. “Mind, Body, Spirit” – the YMCA motto.

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Posted November 2, 2017 by WRITING TEAM | Events

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

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.

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Posted October 26, 2017 by WRITING TEAM | Grace Kids

An October Tradition

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.

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Posted October 22, 2017 by Pastor Chris | Sunday

New Series Starts This Sunday

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.

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Posted October 19, 2017 by WRITING TEAM | Grace Kids

A Buddy in Grace Kids

When Monica began attending Hoboken Grace, she didn’t join a team right away. She decided to wait on God to direct her to what He had in mind. Months later, she heard Pastor Chris mention there was a growing number of children with special needs in Grace Kids — and a need for a program just for them. “My heart leapt,” said Monica. It was the call she’d been waiting for.

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Posted October 12, 2017 by WRITING TEAM | Grace Kids, Parenting

Putting God First

When Nate and Natalia moved to Hoboken, one of their biggest prayers was that they’d find a church where they felt comfortable going to service while their two young children attended Sunday School on their own. But the idea of leaving their kids with someone they didn't know felt completely nerve-wracking.

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