
At the end of 2024, Justin and Fernanda had been planning to take a vacation in February. But one Sunday at church, they saw a table about upcoming mission trips. A few were happening that same month, and one in particular stood out—Sierra Leone. The dates lined up, and it also connected to something already meaningful to them. Since 2017, they had been sponsoring a young girl with Down syndrome there through Enable the Children.

They had never been on a mission trip before, so stepping into this was new and outside of their comfort zone. At the same time, there was an excitement in saying yes.

While they were there, they visited different villages and spent time with families alongside physical therapists who were working with children with disabilities. At the end of one visit, Fernanda was asked to pray for a family.

The reality of what they were witnessing, the challenges, isolation, and weight carried by these families, left her feeling unqualified to pray and questioning her purpose there.

But at that moment, she felt a clear reminder from the Holy Spirit. Their role was to be the feet of Jesus in Sierra Leone and to be His ambassador there. To love people. To help them feel seen. To be present with them.

That shifted her perspective for the rest of the trip.

They began to see how much it mattered simply to be present. Many of these families, especially those with children with disabilities, are often overlooked or isolated. Being with them, spending time with them, and showing love in simple ways carried deep significance.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/q_auto/f_auto/v1777657108/IMG_0307.jpg)

And that reflects the way Jesus lived. He saw people. He treated them with dignity and moved toward those who were often overlooked.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/q_auto/f_auto/v1777657058/30ddc590-1a02-4443-9607-f7ff10830827_1.jpg)

One of the most impactful moments came during what they called “Beach Day,” a day set aside to celebrate the families and their children.

They met a mother with a young son who had Down syndrome. As they talked, Fernanda shared that she also has a sister with Down syndrome. The mother’s first question was whether her sister could speak.

That question reflected a deeper reality, that many of the children there don’t have access to the support needed to develop speech. When the mother asked if her son would be able to speak, Fernanda told her that he could, even if it might take time. Looking back, she shared that that moment alone, being able to encourage her and offer hope, made the entire trip worth it.

Justin and Fernanda’s story is a reminder that you don’t have to feel ready to be used by God. You don’t have to have all the answers or know exactly what to say. Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is simply show up.

Because when you do, you begin to see that God is already at work and He’s inviting you to be part of it.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/q_auto/f_auto/v1777657108/IMG_0344.jpg)

To listen to Justin and Fernanda’s full story, [click here](https://youtu.be/sbf1IAOPbhQ).

To learn more about our mission trips at Hoboken Grace, [click here](https://hobokengrace.churchcenter.com/people/forms/15765).


When Showing Up Was Enough


**Story Team: What was the feeling like after you were baptized?**

**Tara:** After I got baptized, the joy was so pure it could only be from God. And I felt like the level of joy was an unexpected feeling for me. It was most certainly God saying, “this is what it’s like when you place your trust in me, I’ve got you!”

**Story Team: Who was up there with you?**

**Tara:** I started tearing up just writing this answer! I was overwhelmed by the love of my friends and family up at the baptismal with me, and still am. My parents were there, my two friends from childhood (one who was also baptized the same day!), my dinner group girls and leader, some girls from a bible study, and of course Pastor Chris who baptized me!

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/q_auto/v1777561198/55233427739_5d7d2c68e3_o.jpg)

**Story Team: For another Hoboken Grace community member who may be thinking about taking this step, what would you say to them?**

**Tara:** For another Hoboken Grace community member who may be thinking about taking this step, I would say to them that you never know what is on the other side of obedience. Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” I would also say that if you have accepted Jesus as the Lord of your life you are READY! Acts 2:41

**Story Team: What made you take the step of baptism?**

**Tara:** I decided to take the step of baptism after I had learned that it is biblical that we as Christians become baptized once we place all of our faith in Jesus Christ. I grew up Catholic and then started going to a non-denominational Christian church in Boston after college. There I had been encouraged to get baptized but had never heard it preached about in general, let alone with cited verses. The day my friend Dina got baptized at Hoboken Grace was the first time I had stood at a baptismal, and it happened to be the day Luiz preached the “steps that don’t make sense” sermon where he spoke on Baptism as a step of faith and obedience. I watched Pastor Anthony’s sermon “Top Questions About Baptism” that night and then I couldn’t think of one reason why I wouldn’t take this step! When I look back on times I've obeyed God, my life and my heart changed. Baptism is a no-brainer.


Celebrating Baptism: Tara’s Story of Faith and Joy


Silence and Solitude have been familiar companions in my life for almost as long as I can remember. I’m introverted by nature, and through both habit and nature, am very comfortable being left alone with my thoughts for long periods.

The first time I attended Axiom, it was in 2019, about a year after I moved to Hoboken, and before I had (mostly) adjusted to the level of noise and busyness of this area. I saw that Hoboken Grace offered a weekend retreat to teach silence and solitude as spiritual practices, and I jumped at the chance to attend.

I wanted to go, more because I missed nature and quietness than from feeling any particular need to grow in those areas. Truthfully, I didn’t expect to learn anything particularly new, as both silence and solitude were (I thought) daily fixtures in my life. What I expected and wanted was a quiet weekend in the woods somewhere, away from car horns and people rushing from one appointment to another- restful, a nice reset after a busy season. What I got WAS those things, but also so much more.

First and foremost, it was difficult.

I am comfortable being alone. I have accidentally gone days without actually talking to another person, I regularly spend hours by myself, daily and I get burnt out and exhausted when I don’t get that time alone. Even with all of that training on my side, it was hard to practice silence intentionally. I’ll be honest, the solitude part was still easy for me, but intentional silence, internal not external, was incredibly difficult. My mind is always going; telling stories, mulling over interesting or hurtful things, imaginary arguments, it’s a stream that never stops. Even my prayers are a running dialogue, and learning to quiet those thoughts and to just be present with God was one of the hardest things I’d ever done; frustrating and exhausting, like exercising a muscle I didn’t even know I had, let alone used.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/q_auto/f_auto/v1777060717/IMG_3717.jpg)

It was also frustrating because though I wrestled that whole weekend to quiet my thoughts so that I could hear from God, what I heard from Him was a whole lot of silence. This, too, is something I am not unfamiliar with, but to experience silence from Him on a weekend where I thought He was going to have something for me felt almost like a rejection, or like I hadn’t done enough. I expected to hear from Him in those moments of quiet, and it hurt when I didn’t.

Thankfully, the weekend did not end there, and while I did not hear something in the moments I was practicing silence, I heard from Him in the community of people on the retreat with me. I heard from Him in the beauty of the nature around me. I heard His words, written in the Bible. Not in a tailored message or any particular statement, just that He was there with me, and that even in the silence, I wasn’t alone. It was sweet, it was exhausting, and it planted seeds that I would carry with me into the next season of my life.

The community built there is not something I expected in the least, but it was one of the sweetest gifts, and a big reason why I’m drawn back again and again. For a retreat that is ostensibly about silence and solitude, there is also a deliberate building of community, and it is such a joy and so humbling to see people being able to lean into vulnerability and to share what they are going through and where they are in their relationship with God. It is beautiful to see how God speaks to us through the people around us, and this weekend is a clear picture of that for me.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/q_auto/f_auto/v1777060697/291b0b58-7de0-4dd7-a846-1e2d145d1fc1_1.jpg)

The second I attended Axiom Homecoming, in 2023, I was in a very different place mentally. I was in the middle—or the tail end, depending on how you look at it—of a very difficult season in my life. I was still processing everything that happened in 2020, as well as other earlier events (worsening anxiety, a pretty substantial chronic illness) in my life that had been exacerbated by the pandemic. I was looking forward to Axiom for the good parts of what I remembered from the first time, but I was also very anxious about the parts that had been hard. I was feeling a distance between myself and God, and desperately wanted to close it, but was worried that through this, the distance would be felt more acutely. I knew that the distance I was feeling was my own doing, and expected to feel a lot of guilt and shame and remorse over the weekend, because that had been my experience the last few years whenever I thought about my time with God. My wish was that this time, the guilt would be enough to pull me through and push me to do better in my walk with God. It’s been a few years now since that weekend, and my overwhelming memory from that time is love.

Instead of the guilt or shame I was dreading, it felt like from every corner and direction, from the friends around me, to the wind in the trees, a fox by the brook, and a surprisingly beautiful moth on a wall, God was reminding me how loved I was. How precious He found me, how His patience was infinite, and His grace was deeper than my guilt or my shame. Instead of doubling down and telling me to do better and be better, God responded by reminding me what He wanted was for me to just be with Him. I pray that these lessons stay with me my whole life, and I can’t wait to see what He has in store for this year’s Axiom.

To learn more about our upcoming Axiom Homecoming Retreat and to sign up, [click here](https://hobokengrace.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3061801).


Axiom Homecoming Retreat: The Gift of Unexpected Encounters

This Easter was one for the books! We welcomed in almost 3,000 people across 8 services, for our biggest Easter yet! We saw God move in powerful ways as we celebrated 12 baptisms, welcomed so many first-time guests, and watched people invite their family, friends, roommates, and neighbors to be part of it all.

From incredible worship from our band to kids learning about Jesus and having a blast in Grace Kids, to every team member who served to make the weekend possible, it was truly something special.

Plus, Pastor Chris led us in a powerful Easter message, reminding us that while God doesn’t promise a life without Fridays, He does promise Sundays- bringing hope, redemption, and new life through it all.

Check out some highlights from Easter Weekend.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/q_auto/f_auto/v1776366973/55194607718_359896cf40_o.jpg)

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/q_auto/f_auto/v1776367366/55195016577_1efea125ce_o.jpg)

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/q_auto/f_auto/v1776367161/55193576337_7c55f92dc8_o.jpg)

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/q_auto/f_auto/v1776367886/55194808472_1938d036d2_o.jpg)

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/q_auto/f_auto/v1776366925/55194606273_84b8e95300_o.jpg)

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/q_auto/f_auto/v1776366973/55195851583_93751613ee_o.jpg)

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/q_auto/f_auto/v1776366604/55194717964_8b0474e429_o.jpg)

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/q_auto/f_auto/v1776366926/55193573762_a6fcaf9568_o.jpg)

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/q_auto/f_auto/v1776367161/55193576337_7c55f92dc8_o.jpg)

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/q_auto/f_auto/v1776367328/55193643443_f6c42b7126_o.jpg)

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/q_auto/f_auto/v1776367706/55194867420_2b1937d4b2_o.jpg)

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/q_auto/f_auto/v1776367208/55192310871_8887e26463_o.jpg)

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/q_auto/f_auto/v1776367309/55191910104_73019a0f62_o.jpg)

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/q_auto/f_auto/v1776367037/55192565624_2ab4b1fdba_o.jpg)


An Easter Weekend to Remember

A few weeks back, I had the chance to see the brand new Ryan Gosling film, *Project Hail Mary*, in the theater not once, but twice. That’s right. I was so in awe of everything on screen that I went back two days later and saw it again. For those who haven’t seen it or read the book it’s based on, it follows a high school science teacher named Ryland Grace who’s recruited by government officials to embark on a mission into space to save our dying sun, and ultimately, life on Earth.

Yes, the special effects are incredible. Yes, it’s funny and surprisingly heartfelt. But that’s not what’s stayed with me. What I haven’t been able to shake is how the story portrays Grace as a reluctant hero. Someone who shows remarkable courage even while feeling completely unprepared, unqualified, and honestly, terrified. Even though he’s put in the work, done the research and laid the groundwork for their mission to be a success. His years of working to find a solution to Earth’s problem was preparing him to be the one who could one day save all of mankind, even if he didn’t see it at the moment.

I notice this happens to so many people when leadership comes knocking at their doorstep. There’s often an immediate instinct to shrink back. To question whether we’re ready. To assume someone else would be better suited, so we wait for that person to step up. We disqualify ourselves before we even take a step forward.

But consider this. Where in your life has God been preparing you for something greater? Maybe you’re a manager at your job and feel confident in that because of your many years of schooling and previous work experience, but when it comes to leading a Dinner Group that’s just too intimidating of a thought.

*“What if I say the wrong things?”*

*“What if I don’t know what to say?”*

*“What if I stutter during prayer and all that comes out is a word salad?”*

Trust me, I’ve been there. In some ways, I’m STILL there. In my time here at Hoboken Grace I’ve answered the call to be a leader in Grace Kids, for Dinner Groups and Events. Each one of those didn’t start with an enthusiastic yes, but a hesitant “I am the one to do this?”.

Getting to walk through the story of David together really painted a clear picture of all the ways God was preparing him to one day be Leader of Israel. In that, I was able to reflect on all the ways God has used the moments and people in my life to prepare me for leadership. The summers I spent as a camp counsellor trained me to be able to handle and work with kids. The handful of missions trips I went on in my youth prepared me for sharing my story with others who were figuring out how to craft their own, and my years of on-set production experience in the TV world showed me how I could put together live events when our church was ready to be a host to our city.

I’ve had conversation after conversation with people about stepping into leadership roles or even just teams for the first time, and usually they’ll respond with “I just don’t think I have it together enough for that,” or “I’m still learning.” Well, I have good news for you. Everyone is still learning and everyone is still developing. If you wait for the moment when you’re “ready,” then that moment could perpetually be at an arms length because fear is really what’s holding you back. Some of the most influential people in my life have been the ones that didn’t pretend to know all the solutions, but were willing to dive in together to find one.

And maybe that’s closer to what real courage looks like in our own lives. Not having it all together. Not feeling fully equipped. But being willing to step into what’s in front of us, trusting that we don’t have to have everything figured out to take the next step. 1 Thessalonians 5:24 tell us “the one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.”


Courage in the Face of Fear

I stepped into a relationship with God at the lowest point in life, and He began to show me that following Him would mean leaving my old self behind and becoming new in Christ. Before God, I was raised in a Christian household, but it felt forced upon which led to me rebelling and going my own way. I knew Jesus existed and I believed in Him, but I had no real relationship with Him. That gap lingered into my early 30s. I drifted in and out of church, but it still wasn’t personal or transformative. I knew there was something more to this life but I had not quite discovered what that looked like.

There were a few defining moments that started to change things. I was in a dating relationship and I sensed God drawing me closer, but a decisive moment came when we moved in together after about a year. Thirty days later my sister sent me a sermon about the wide road and the narrow road. It hit me hard. I was on the wide road, comfortable but heading away from Christ. The conviction was piercing, I realized there was no way forward apart from surrender to God.  It was the moment I finally chose to go all in with God. Where I thought surrendering to Him would put me in chains, it was quite the contrary.  I had been living in chains and Jesus broke them and gave me a new life in him which led to  an incredible sense of freedom and a heavy burden lifted.

I started serving, stepping fully into what it means to live for Him. After eight months I moved to a new apartment and started to get plugged in. I became hungry for God’s Word, and joining a bible study became a turning point, not just learning, but experiencing Scripture with others. Equip Bible Studies became one of the biggest ways I experienced Him, as the Holy Spirit used conversations, questions, and shared experiences to deepen my understanding and make Scripture come alive in community. Through these classes, I have been able to get to know Jesus better and understand what God wants for me.

Today, I am where I am by staying close to God and leaning into His Word. I’ve learned that life doesn’t pause for us to get our act together. There are good days, painful seasons, unexpected blessings, and overwhelming decisions, but following Jesus points me toward His Word, the place where I truly encounter Him. Being in community has been a game-changer. Bible studies aren’t just about reading, they’re about seeing how God is at work in real people’s lives. The Holy Spirit uses our conversations and shared experiences to deepen our understanding of God’s Word, and Scripture becomes real as we see God moving in each other’s stories. God is revealed within community as we were designed to walk alongside each other. 

If you’re looking for the same chance to grow in Scripture and community, Hoboken Grace offers Bible Studies every week, an open, welcoming space for anyone and everyone. If you’re curious about who God is, if you’ve never read the Bible, if you’re taking your first step in faith or you’ve been following Jesus for years, you are welcome to learn. Come as you are, bring your questions, and be part of a community where Scripture comes alive, where you’re encouraged, and where you’ll hear stories of God at work in real life. There’s a place for you and a story waiting to intersect with yours. Life is lived most fully when we walk with Jesus, soak in His Word, and share that journey with others.

To learn more about our current Equip studies, click [here](https://hobokengrace.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/category/100590).


Exploring Faith Through Equip Studies

Dina recently took the step of baptism and we had the chance to hear more about the journey that led her there and what the moment meant to her. She shared about the challenges she walked through, the people who encouraged her along the way, and why taking this step was such a meaningful part of her faith journey.

**Story Team: Tell us a little bit about yourself and what was happening in your life leading up to this decision?**  

**Dina:** 2025 dealt me many hardships, yet as I reflected on the year, I realized that even the times I felt like my anxiety was at its worst, God's protection and love was there. I grew so much in my faith despite trials that came my way and I wanted to celebrate that and take a step to honor God because He made that possible.

**Story Team: Who or what encouraged or inspired you most as you prepared for baptism?**  

**Dina**: My friends were such a support to me as I prepared to get baptized. One thing that stuck with me as I prepared was a conversation I had with a friend right before deciding to get baptized. Due to my schedule, the only date I could commit to was two weeks away and it felt VERY soon. While I was trying to make sure it wasn't “too soon” to take this step, they said to me, “can we ever be too quick with our decision, when that decision is to honor the Lord?” It really stuck with me as I prepared.

**Story Team: For another Hoboken Grace community member who may be thinking about taking this step, what would you say to them?**  

**Dina**: Don't lose sight of the “why” behind the moment. There are so many distractions and doubts that will cross your mind, but stand firm in your commitment to the Lord and don’t let the seeds of doubt cause you to retreat.

**Story Team: When you look back on your baptism day, what’s the one moment that stands out most to you? Did anything surprise you about the experience?**  

**Dina**: There was a blizzard the day of my baptism and the one thing that truly stood out to me was my community showing up for me on what I'm sure was a day everyone would have much rather stayed safe and warm inside. Truly amazing what God’s love can do through community. 

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1773415337/55111114229_49ff3c5879_o.jpg)

**Story Team: What do you hope this step means for your journey moving forward?**  

**Dina**: Being a VIBE leader has been such an important part of my faith journey the past few years. I am not only excited for my own growth as I have gotten to learn more about God through taking this step, but also being able to share my experience and insight with my VIBE girls if they ever have any questions about baptism. 

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1773415308/54154134878_6e04066543_o.jpg)


Taking the Step: My Journey to Baptism

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.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1772822627/49081824623_10f38908ef_o_zkxfrd.jpg)

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!

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1772045401/55107499084_6f8cf1010b_o_lll8wv.jpg)

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1772045394/55107240831_c16d55e322_o_dxqu7l.jpg)

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1772045322/55107444023_fbfcbc8548_o_heie1y.jpg)

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1772045321/55107443818_7199d5e934_o_fj0gv5.jpg)

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1772045376/55107620440_fb14058f16_o_qznyed.jpg)

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1772045263/55114185442_b68128c8f6_o_epnonb.jpg)

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1772045355/55106355737_36acb75eeb_o_brj4lq.jpg)

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1772045322/55107243531_21bc0ff5bd_o_zkhnzk.jpg)

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1772045262/55115065021_dcdc998686_o_daqlle.jpg)


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.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1771968339/55103274603_5ffa754864_o_w5snlo.jpg)

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.”

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1771968380/55103323559_e9860f3cfc_o_lkoc7h.jpg)

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.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1771968356/55103264208_bb05d6e9c4_o_tgvqae.jpg)

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.”

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1771969324/NTS_-_WALKINS-2_dua5sy.jpg)

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1771968284/55103265688_fa9b82a8a4_o_ealtpj.jpg)

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.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1771968232/55102176507_f410a57540_o_qbv4r6.jpg)

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.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1771968313/55102177772_e240808ce6_o_xva7co.jpg)

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.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1771968397/55103322239_07a24a68d8_o_zhxksr.jpg)


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.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1770997933/55082362557_3c4f50c97e_o_xpdckn.jpg)

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1770997915/55083626630_5a79a883fb_o_mz8em8.jpg)

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1770997898/55083260436_5a989f74e2_o_f4jzrv.jpg)

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1770997967/55083460753_6731538a32_o_hvtvlx.jpg)

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1770998137/55083461863_f70e2c336f_o_aknj6n.jpg)

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1770997244/55083260831_054f5912e1_o_bqpedh.jpg)

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1770998003/55083461618_2abdfbd1a2_o_c6iue9.jpg)

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1770997984/55083522059_f23a389bc9_o_uzvmty.jpg)

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1770997294/55083521399_c81d97dba8_o_y3fe81.jpg)

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1770997945/55083260071_3042f82817_o_qvsktm.jpg)

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.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1770414765/53766942314_54a7827250_o_tfx6pb.jpg)

**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.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1770156434/52748098350_c98eb6ed18_o_dvrg8v.jpg)

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.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1770156061/55036818861_6eefee43cb_o_wugiwq.jpg)

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

Blog

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.

https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/b_rgb:ffffff,c_lpad,h_720,w_1280/v1709609543/Web-Icon-01-favicon_da4fdo.png