As we head into the holiday season, life can quickly fill up with to-do lists, gatherings, and endless activity. It can be hard to focus on slowing down, staying connected to God, and finding peace in the middle of all the busyness. We asked a few of our staff members to share how they stay grounded during this busy time of year.

**Danielle P.**

Something that my husband, Blake, and I have been practicing each month is a monthly Sabbath. It’s a day we set aside to disconnect from the noise, slow down, and get grounded. We use that time to rest, reflect, and reconnect — with God and with each other — before stepping back into the rhythm of everyday life.

I also really cherish my morning time – I like to do my quiet time at a coffee shop in town, so I can be focused in on the Word (plus have a cozy cup of coffee!) and not be distracted by my surroundings. 

**Meghan H.**

One way I try and slow down during the holidays is to start early. It’s a running joke that I love Christmas so much that I start celebrating in July, and I DO love the holidays (especially Christmas) but honestly the choice to start early is a deliberate one. I noticed that I was rushing through the things I loved, trying to cram everything into two weeks, and it was just stressing me out and leaving me feeling exhausted and empty.

So instead, I go slow. I decorate early so I’m not rushing to do it later. Instead of trying to do everything, I pick the things that are important to me, and focus on quality over quantity. I try and stay present in the moment; work and social life can be hectic during these weeks, so I put a lot of effort into setting aside time to be quiet, and when unexpected slow moments appear I try to lean in, instead of rushing to fill it with a to-do list. (This is easier said than done, but any amount of slowness, however small, during this season is a victory)

**Alex M.**

This might sound a bit cliché for the season, but I find that practicing gratitude helps me stay grounded and present, especially when everything around me is pulling me toward wanting and wishing for more.

**James G.**

One of my favorite traditions during the holiday season is spending time reflecting on the themes of Advent. Each week, I focus on one of the key words of the season—hope, peace, love, and joy—and intentionally pray through that theme. Throughout the week, I look for ways to experience and recognize God’s presence through that particular word. For instance, during the week of hope, I might reflect on promises fulfilled and look for moments where hope shows up in unexpected places. It’s a simple but meaningful practice that helps me stay grounded in the true spirit of the season and deepens my connection with God in a busy time of year.

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Something we do every month here at Hoboken Grace is our Monthly Rhythms, a simple yet powerful way to deepen your walk with Christ. By heading to the Rhythms section in our app, you can engage with our monthly memory verse, meditation passage, and reflective prompts designed to guide you in a day of solitude. Each month also includes communion and fasting practices that connect to the verse we’re walking through, to help build intentional spiritual rhythms that renew your heart and focus. We invite you to join us through these rhythms as a meaningful way to stay connected to God’s presence and to help intentionally schedule times throughout your day to reignite your conversation with Him.

Staying Grounded During The Holidays

If you’re new here, hi! My name is Dana, and I am the Band Director here at Hoboken Grace. I oversee our band and production teams, and you’ll often find me leading worship on Saturdays or Sundays. I’ve been in this role for over 10 years and have been serving in various capacities for years before that.

I remember early in my time at Hoboken Grace, I was serving in the band as a vocalist, while working multiple jobs in the city. I should take a moment to explain that this looked totally different than what you see now at Hoboken Grace. We had music stands, our mics had obnoxious cables attached that I tripped over, there were no fancy lights or curtains on the stage, and the lyrics were just projected onto the back wall of the stage with a projector that sat on a table on the stage. It was something! But it got the job done.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2023/03/8574989830_f804769a32_c-1.jpg)

At the time, Pastor Chris decided to take our leaders to a conference in California called Catalyst. I didn’t really know what I was getting into, but I was invited. I wasn’t totally sure why they felt I should go, I was just a singer.

At the conference, the music was amazing. I mean, it opened with a beatboxing cellist, who you may be familiar with from the now famous Pentatonix. We were led in worship by some absolute legends, including Joel Houston, Israel Houghton and Darlene Zschech. At the time I had a faint idea who these people were, but was not super familiar with this kind of worship experience. I had had some similar experiences at college but nothing at this level of excellence or production value.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2023/03/575529_401957986494933_742211303_n.jpg)

Night one, Joel was leading us through the song With Everything. Thousands of people were singing their heart out to God, and raising their hands. I remember having no problem singing loud with everyone, but for some reason I could not find the courage to lift my hands.

Why was that so ridiculously intimidating?

Let’s unpack this for a minute, and maybe this will resonate with you.

1.  **I was making it about everyone BUT God**. In that moment I was feeling tension with raising my hands because I wasn’t totally sure why I wanted to raise them. I hadn’t worshiped physically like this before so this was new. I could feel a pull in the pit of my stomach to just do it. And yet I couldn’t. I was uncomfortable because I hadn’t ventured there with God before and was more worried about what other people would think of me raising my hands than I was about what God would think about it.
2.  **I was letting the enemy mess with my head**. There’s nothing the enemy would want more than for you to be in a room full of people worshipping his arch nemesis and for you to freeze. That would mean he’s winning. And in that moment in that room, for a minute, he was fighting hard to win. He was convincing me that what was more important was for me to stay comfortable and keep my hands folded together than it was for me to let go and worship Jesus. 1 Peter 5:8 says that the enemy, “…prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” Isn’t it sad how the enemy can take such a small moment and make it so big in our heads? That small moment turned into an absolute battle for my mind and heart.

As the song went on (and it was a long one) something different started to happen. As I sat in the tension of whether to raise my hands, God began to just quietly soften my heart as I sang. With each refrain I felt more and more how very present God was with me, even in this small moment of internal struggle. And I felt how much He just wanted to spend this time WITH me. That closeness and gentleness slowly put me more and more at ease.

And then, in the darkness and loudness of that room of thousands of people, I raised my hands.

I mean, my arms were basically just bent with my hands barely at shoulder level, but they were up! Was I completely comfortable right away? No. I was totally muscling through and even hoping the song was over soon (and it wasn’t, that song is like really long when they do it live). But was I more truthfully worshipping Jesus the way He was nudging me to? Yes! I raised my hands to make it about HIM and not about me or anyone else.

If you see me on Saturday or Sunday now, you may question if I’m the same person I described in this story. My hands are up all the time. And that’s because it’s a constant reminder to me that He is in control, that He is faithful, that He is the Lord of my life in all things, and that HE is who we are singing to. Even when I don’t feel those things, raising my hands helps put God in an elevated place in my heart and life. It’s a trigger that tells the rest of me – my heart, soul and mind – that I am here to worship Him.

Next time you’re at church and you feel that nudge or that pull to do something outside your comfort zone in worship, take the leap! It can be clunky. It can be awkward. But eventually it will just be familiar, like coming home.

Not ready for that yet? I get it. Try spending time in worship on your own first. In the car. While making dinner. Maybe in the shower (I mean, the acoustics are great in there!). If you need a starting place, grab the [Hoboken Grace Playlist](https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5Flm1wCBrEzo1guCwzm2n7?si=f3ac82ac66224d8a\&nd=1), find a song you resonate with and start there. Just you and Jesus. Enjoy where He leads you.


“I Throw My Hands Up In The Air Sometimes…”

This past week, our 1st Impressions team had their Friendsgiving huddle. Every huddle we like to have a theme, something that you can take away and sit with. In light of Thanksgiving coming up, Annah, our 1st Impressions Director, wanted to lean into gratitude. 

*“Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.*

*See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.*

*Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:14-18 *

Gratitude is not just a feeling but a heart posture that helps us see God in every moment. Both moments that are big and moments that are small. 

Gratitude reminds us that we don't just serve by completing tasks but *we serve people*. 

The team was encouraged to approach serving with thankful hearts because when we do that, we reflect God’s love by making space for Him to flow through us. 

Annah reminded her team that we see moments of gratitude all the time on our teams - we may just not realize it!

*When the set up team sets up 400 chairs each week to allow for over 1,000 guests to have a seat on Saturday or Sunday to experience God or even putting out the signage around our building so someone can seamlessly find our building.*

*When the tear down team breaks down 400 chairs to make this space usable during the week, allowing 90 VIBE students to be able to have     worship and small groups in here!*

*When the connection points team has talked to and checked in over 650 First-Time Guests this year.*

*When hospitality has to sort through over 2,000 munchkins a week because sometimes that's someone's breakfast for that day.*

*The greeters when they take the extra second to say hi and get to know someone by name to make them feel at home.*

These are moments of gratitude in motion! We serve not out of obligation but out of overflow! 

I want to take a second for you to think about what you're grateful for - maybe in your faith, in your day-to-day life, in the service of others.

What has God done lately that maybe you haven't slowed down to thank Him for yet? 

Maybe it's something as small as having a good meal or moving your body. Maybe a moment of peace in the middle of chaos, or something as large as playing a part in someone's first encounter with Jesus! 

I encourage you to sit with these praises as we gear up for the holidays! 


1st Impressions Friendsgiving: Seeing God in Every Moment

We live in a time where we can listen to five sermons, three podcasts, and scroll through endless “faith” content before lunch — but still miss actually hearing from God. 

This past weekend, we kicked off a brand new conversation called *Consumer Christianity*, where we talked about how, in an age of endless information and constant access to content, God calls us out of storing information and into living out His Word. 

One of my favorite ways we get to live out His love is through community. It’s no secret that Monday nights at 8 p.m. let me and my girls do exactly that. Dinner Group for us is a space where we get to dig deeper and apply the weekend’s conversation, but it’s also a place to bring our questions and talk through confusion about what we’re hearing or experiencing. Some of our best discussions start when someone simply says, “I need more help understanding that!” 

That’s how our group kicked off this past Monday night. We were talking about how the overconsumption of content can actually cause more harm than good if we aren’t actively applying what we’re learning. As we worked through that, a simple but profound idea came to mind — one that might seem obvious, but for me, it was the clearest way to explain why it’s so important not just to learn *about* God, but to actually spend time *with* Him — through His Word and His presence. 

I’ll use my own dad as an example, but this could really apply to anyone. Say I wanted to know more about my father — what he enjoys, his personality, what bothers him, or the little things that bring him joy. I could call up his friends, and they could tell me stories from college or share what makes him laugh. His parents could tell me about moments that made him cry. I could look through his favorite things — his playlists, his recently watched Netflix shows — to see what helps him unwind after a long day. I could even ask my mom for all the tips and tricks on how to navigate his brain best. Or I could pull out an old photo album to see what kind of questionable hairstyles he rocked in the 80s. 

None of those are bad ways to get to know someone. They give you context, and they can absolutely help paint a fuller picture of who that person is. But when I think about the *best* way to truly know my dad’s heart, one thing stands above the rest — *him.* Sitting with my dad. Being in his presence. Observing his heart. It’s one thing to hear stories about how my dad treats people — it’s another to sit across from him at the kitchen table and see the way he listens. That’s where I really get to know who he is and what he loves. 

And that’s exactly what our Father in Heaven invites us to do. 

Think of it this way: listening to a Christian podcast is like overhearing someone else’s phone call with your dad. You can catch parts of it, and maybe even learn something, but it’s not the same as having your own conversation. 

The good news is, you can. God calls us to spend time with Him directly because that’s where we experience Him best — through prayer, through quiet moments in His presence, and through His Word, which is His voice to us. He’s given us full access to know Him personally, not just secondhand. And the best part? He *loves* that time with us. He delights in revealing who He is. 

“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” — *James 4:8 *

Podcasts, books, shows, and blogs are wonderful supplements. They help us hear about what God is doing and how He’s moving in others’ lives. But they were never meant to replace personal time with Him. 

So as you move forward this week, don’t just *consume* content about God. Spend time *with* God — the One who loves you most, who gave His life so that you could have yours, and who’s inviting you not just to know *about* Him, but to *know Him. *

What would it look like this week to close the app, open His Word, and let your Father speak directly to you? 


From Knowing About Him to Knowing Him

“Even now, declares the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning” Joel 2:12

       Fasting is mentioned over 70 times throughout Scripture. There are countless stories of fasts taking place, from Moses in Old Testament times, to Paul in the New Testament, and even Jesus Himself who fasted 40 days and 40 nights in the wilderness. I remember reading about these fasts and wondering two things: 1. Was fasting just a practice meant for biblical times? 2. What exactly would fasting look like in my own walk? 

       My questions surrounding the practice of fasting left me intimidated and unsure of where to begin. However, I felt myself increasingly more convicted to step into this practice. And so I began in the only place where I knew I’d find answers apart from God Himself- my Hoboken Grace community. I reached out to the Godly women I was surrounded by and I asked them to walk alongside me during my first biblical fast. The morning of our fast, we gathered together in prayer and set intentions with God for our day. I then set off on my own to spend time with Him, doing my best to unplug from the outside world. I spent that day communing with God and dwelling in His presence through prayer, silence, worship and Scripture. We ended the day back together again, sharing our experiences with the Lord and breaking our fast with the body and blood of Christ. I have since done several fasts, each looking different than the next but here is a takeaway of what I’ve learned along the way.

1.  I was initially so caught up in fasting as a call to give up food, that I lost the reason behind the call to practice it. I think, above all else, fasting is a way to diminish the noise of this world and simply spend more time in the presence of our Lord. We deny our flesh and we place God at the forefront. We remove food and our phones and we create an environment where we are more inclined to hear the gentle whisper of God. 

2.  I surrendered the misconception that a fast had to result in a big revelation from God. I had to check my heart posture and ensure I wasn’t stepping into fasting with the intention of what I could get out of it. Of course, our God is a good and loving Father, and He always finds a way to communicate to us if we choose to listen but remember this- even if it feels like God doesn’t speak to you in a big way during your fast, know that you spent the day drawing closer to Him. And in doing that, your heart was molded regardless of if you felt the effect or not. You made the decision to put God first in everything that day and your muscle of obedience was strengthened. Don’t diminish the way God works behind the scenes. It may seem like you just spent the day hungry, doing your best to deny yourself some breakfast, but so much more was being shaped within you in the process. Simply saying no to a meal now, most likely helped contribute to a more confident no when faced with a future temptation. 

3.  Fasting in community was a game changer. God blessed us all when He built this HG community and I’m willing to bet He wishes for us to utilize it to its fullest. Lean on each other. Walk through the hard things as one. Share in each others struggles and relish in each others wins. I can’t tell you how many blessings in my life are the result of my faithful and prayerful community around me.

So I leave you with a final thought, in the words of our wise Pastor Anthony, “We are in a constant battle of flesh vs. spirit…the one we feed, is the one that will win”


What I Learned About God (and Community) Through Fasting

When Jena looks back on her journey, she sees a clear pattern—God was at work long before she realized it.

In high school and college, Jena admits that her focus wasn’t on faith. She poured her energy into grades, sports, and achievements—the things right in front of her. Her identity and sense of worth were tied to performance and success. But after graduating college and completing a two-year rotational program through her company, she landed in Hoboken and hit a low point.

“I was feeling very depressed and isolated,” she recalls. “I didn’t know anyone here at the time.”

It was during that season that a friend reached out after seeing her struggle. The friend suggested she check out a local church called Hoboken Grace. Curious, Jena searched online and stumbled upon our story videos.

“I stayed up watching so many of them that night,” she says. “I just remember sobbing in my bed. And I was like, they know something that I don't know or that I'm missing. They just had an overwhelming sense of peace and calmness. They were content in who they were. And in that point of my life, that was so foreign to me.”

That moment sparked something in her. Jena decided to take a step forward and attend Hoboken Grace. She quickly jumped into a Dinner Group—something that felt outside her comfort zone—and began to open herself to community and faith.

It was through that group that one of her friends, Diane, encouraged her to try serving in Grace Kids. Jena wasn’t so sure at first. “I remember thinking, ‘What could I possibly have to offer a bunch of fourth and fifth graders?’” But she trusted Diane and decided to say yes.

That simple yes turned into one of the greatest blessings of her life. Over seven years, Jena served in our kids' ministry and had the joy of watching many of those same kids grow from fourth graders into high schoolers. “Every Thursday at VIBE, they would run up and hug me,” she recalls. “It was the most fulfilling thing to know I had made even a small impact.”

For Jena, serving became more than volunteering—it became a way God healed and grew her faith. For a long time, Jena thought she needed to get herself together before she could serve. But she found out it’s actually the opposite. When you step in, God works through you, even in your brokenness.

Recently, one of the girls in her small group sent her a message before her move to Colorado:

“You were always there when I needed you. Your impact will last far longer than you think. Your love and support helped shape me into who I am today.”

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1761679842/52173515685_9aa5074984_o_1_k66k3c.jpg)

That message reminded Jena that the seeds she’s planted in the lives of these kids are part of something much bigger than herself. We may never see the full harvest but what we’re called to do is show up and love—because God does the rest.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1761679653/FullSizeRender_yqxfnp.jpg)

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1761679829/IMG_7295_pyosfv.jpg)

Jena’s story is a great reminder to all of us: You don’t need to be perfect and have it all together for God to use you. He meets us where we’re at. We just need to be willing to meet Him.

So if you’re wondering whether you’re ready for God to use you, maybe the better question is: Are you willing to say yes? Because that small yes could change everything.

Even in brokenness, God works through us when we simply show up.

To watch Jena’s story, click [here](https://youtu.be/QZeGrFrj76E).

To learn more about serving on VIBE, you can email <kelsey.thompson@hobokengrace.com>.

When a Simple Yes Changes Everything

I had just moved to Hoboken for the one thing many people move here for. New York City. After an apartment in Manhattan fell through, I moved to a building on 1st and Harrison called The Sky Club, which happened to be the home of a Hoboken fan favorite restaurant, Northern Soul. While Northern Soul is no longer there, that location will always hold a special place in my heart. It was the place I fell in love with Connection Events and where I discovered what Hoboken Grace is all about. 

I was invited to a First Friday by somebody who I had only met in service one time. “Oh good! You live in that building. The event is basically in your basement.” I had no excuse not to be there. I’m a pure-blooded extrovert, yet I don’t think it’s fun for anyone when you enter a sea of strangers who already know each other and have established relationships. Those feelings dissipated within minutes of entering these doors and meeting some of the friendliest people I have ever come across. 

Connection Events are more than just a fun time out. They’re a way of getting to know the people within our church outside of a Sunday setting. A Sunday or Saturday will have our lobby packed with a sea of people, attending or serving, all moving up and down the stairs. Odds are, you’ll get to know someone on a deeper level by sitting down for a cup of coffee with them at Bwé or devouring a plate of wings at City Bistro on a Friday night. 

One of my absolute favorite things about Connection Events is how we get to utilize our city and everything it has to offer. The suburbs have their own advantages. Wider spaces, quieter streets. But living in a walkable, energetic city like Hoboken gives us the opportunity to explore and visit all sorts of unique places and activities that are all easy to access. Because of that, we’re able to take part in Movies Under the Stars at Pier A, trivia nights at 8th Street Tavern and a handful of coffee shops in a single morning all within the span of one month. 

Getting to see the coffee crawls grow from an idea to help out small businesses during the pandemic, to a Hoboken Grace staple has been an incredible thing to witness. Because of this event, we’ve been able to build rapport with local coffee shop owners to the point they know our name and our church just because of us stopping by to use their business for our meeting points. Just last month, we experienced this in action by starting our coffee crawl at Café Vista (great spot on 5th & Monroe), where we had a group so large that we filled the entire place out, and the employees took notice. They asked if they could take our picture to use for their Instagram and tag our church in the post. While this may seem like a small, passive gesture in the grand scheme of things, I see it as a local business wanting to give us a shoutout and choose to be associated with our name, when years ago, some others would have tried to ignore the work we’re doing. 

Being a church that is “for our city” means getting out into the city and being out along WITH the people who live in it. It’s not just staying in the comfort of our building, but meeting other people where they’re at. Our connection events team has the mission to connect the unconnected, but I believe that goes beyond only people who are already in our church family. It also means connecting people to our city and all the wonderful things it has to offer. Whether it’s a cup of coffee at a spot you’ve never heard of, or a crawl searching for the best pizza spots in town, I encourage every single one of you to take a chance with these events. Meet someone new, and learn more about this awesome city we get to call home in the process.

For Our City: Living Out Connection in Hoboken

Over the weekend, I listened to a sermon series by Craig Groeschel titled “The Book of Ruth.” Throughout the series, Craig talks on the concept of the “providence of God,” which is when God uses natural circumstances to bring about His supernatural will. He uses the Book of Ruth as an example, since it contains “no physical miracles or parting of the Red Sea,” but you are able to see the providence of God. He explains that it is best understood when you look backwards. When you start with Jesus and work backwards through his lineage, you see evidence of the providence of God. Jesus came from Joseph and Mary, who came from Jacob and Mathew, who came from descendant after descendant, until you reach a guy named Obed, who was born of Ruth and Boaz. God was working the whole time, and it was only made clear when looking backwards. The significance of Ruth being encouraged to leave Moab to go to Bethlehem was not evident in that chapter of her life. But knowing that decision rippled into a series of decisions that brought us to the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, the significance becomes indisputable. 

After listening to The Book of Ruth, I listened to a sermon given that Sunday by Pastor Anthony, which was all about how God works through words, service, and faith, to encourage us to take a next step. After reflecting on both sermons, I realized that the moments of encouragement I know I’ve experienced in my own life are evidence of the providential power of God. So I decided to work backwards and bring to life how God was working through people the entire time to bring me to the chapter I am in today. I may not have seen it in the moment, but reflecting back, it was there the whole time. 

*My timeline activity example*:

\*From as long as I can remember, I was encouraged by my family to center faith in my life.

\*October 2022- I was feeling lost and I knew I was missing something major in my life. I was encouraged by online podcasts/ sermons and the faith of others to begin a search for what I was missing. I found Hoboken Grace and decided to come to a service on my own one Sunday.

\*Annah, who was serving in first impressions that morning, encouraged her roommate Jayne to sit next to me during the service. Jayne was such an encouragement after the service, inviting me to Friday coffee with girls from church, inviting me to join her dinner group, and inviting me back to church with her the following Sunday. She allowed God to work through her that day and it completely changed the course of my life.

\*January 2023-I was encouraged by my dinner group girls, who were all serving on teams at HG, to begin serving on the Grace Kids team.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1760713352/52899297797_d7dddf06a4_o_2_aijsik.jpg)

I was also encouraged to serve in Florida on a faith-based missions trip.

\*February 2023- I was encouraged by those who chose to publicly proclaim their faith through the step of Baptism. Witnessing others being baptized as well as the decision of my friend Annah to get baptized, encouraged me to take the step as well. My family and friends were all there to love and support me that day and I felt even more encouraged to continue growing my relationship with Jesus.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1760713040/52686292113_69760e7eac_o_uyaonu.jpg)

\*January 2024- The love of my dinner group girls and the constant encouragement of my leaders, Heidi and Jayne, encouraged me to begin to step into a dinner group leadership role.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1760713189/53107692644_b6026a1ffe_o_hkjxfm.jpg)

I shared this with my group and decided we could all look backwards on our own journeys. This activity served as a way to bring to life the times we were encouraged to take a step of faith. In doing so, we created a timeline that left it undeniable that we serve a loving and good God who is constantly at work in our lives, bringing us to the current chapter we find ourselves in. It was incredible to see how God worked specifically and uniquely in each and every girl's life, working through people to encourage each and every step. It was a perfect way to learn every girl's story and what brought them to Hoboken Grace and our dinner group that night. Everyone had a different story to tell, but all shared the common theme- God uses natural circumstances to bring about His supernatural purpose and will.

Everyone’s timelines looked different and portrayed different decisions and steps in their lives. If the steps had been looked at standing alone, it would have been easy to write them off as mere coincidences or luck, or even moments of unimportance. But when the timelines came to life, it was evident that the steps taken by each and every girl were the result of a loving and intentional God. 


The Providence of God

We had the chance to hear from Martin and learn about his journey to baptism.

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

**Martin**: I was born into a Christian home, so church life has always been part of me. Back home (in Ghana), church could take the whole of Sunday, from Sunday school to Bible discussions and after-service meetings. Whenever my mother went to church, I went too. Even when I didn’t always go willingly, I grew up knowing about God and believing I already knew Him. For years, when people were asked, “When did you accept Christ?” I would quietly think, I’ve always been a Christian. That was my default answer and that was my honest belief.

But over the past 5-8 years, especially during my four-year stay in China, cracks began to form in my faith. Living in a country where most people were non-Christians yet seemed to thrive and succeed made me question if Christians had overestimated the “God factor.” My work schedule in China (Wednesday to Sunday) kept me away from church for years, and this continued during my first two years in the U.S, even though my schedule was back to normal. I slowly drifted, even though I never abandoned my belief entirely. 

Though I regret some of the choices I made during that season, looking back, I can see that God was still at work. He allowed me to experience life without the comfort of religion, without my mother’s gentle nudges to go to church, so that I could truly find Him for myself.

Although I was baptized in my earlier years, this step of baptism at Hoboken Grace is different. It’s not about tradition or family faith, it’s about my personal relationship with Jesus. It’s my public way of saying, “I know You now, Lord, not just because I was born into a Christian home, but because I have come to experience Your grace and salvation for myself.

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

**Martin:** I would like to tackle my experience/feeling in five stages, each with its own emotion and meaning.

***1. Weeks before the baptism:***

In the weeks leading up to it, I was filled with a deep sense of excitement and expectation. I couldn’t wait for the day to come. There was this quiet joy inside me, a feeling that something new and significant was about to happen.

***2. Moments before the baptism:***

Just a few minutes before stepping into the water, that joy turned into nervousness. I began asking myself, am I really ready for this? Do I truly understand what I’m doing? My heart was racing, but beneath the anxiety, there was peace, a quiet assurance that this was the right step.

***3. In the baptism tub:***

That moment in the tub is one that will stick with me forever. It’s hard to describe, it felt like time stopped. I didn’t see the congregation or hear the noise around me. It was as if everything faded away, and it was just me and God, face to face. I felt completely new. That moment became a defining point in my faith, the reference point I had been searching for, for some time now.

***4. Right afterwards:***

When I came out of the water, I felt joy unlike anything I’ve ever known. Seeing the smiles and encouragement from those around me filled me with love and gratitude. I felt brand new; cleansed, light, and deeply at peace.

***5. A week later:***

A week later, life feels back to normal, the usual challenges are still there. But I’ve come to realize that the difference now is who I’m walking with. Allowing the Holy Spirit to guide and teach me daily, and surrounding myself with a community of believers, remains the key to staying grounded in this new chapter of my faith.

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

**Martin:** This was one of the most beautiful highlights of my baptism. I’m hesitant to mention names because I do not want to leave anyone out, but standing up there with me was the spiritual family I have been blessed to build here at Hoboken Grace, as I do not have my biological family in the United States. My entire First Impressions team: the greeters and ushers from the 28th of September, came to support me, along with friends from my Monday Dinner Group, the Men’s F3 workout group, and many others I have connected with through the church.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1760020563/5_m0uzjp.png)

It was such a big, joy-filled group, people who have each impacted my life and helped me grow spiritually since I joined Hoboken Grace. Even those who couldn’t be there in person surrounded me with prayers and encouraging messages. I am truly grateful for the community and family God has given me here.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1760106106/Untitled_design_89_aeomvn.png)

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

**Martin:** I would say, let it be personal, but don’t overthink it, and don’t wait until you feel “perfectly ready.” I wasn’t ready and questioned myself just moments before the final step. For me, baptism isn’t about having everything figured out; it is about saying yes to God and allowing Him to meet you where you are.

If you’ve been part of church life for years, like I was, it’s easy to assume that knowing about God is the same as knowing Him. But this step helped me realize the difference; it’s a personal surrender, a moment where your faith becomes your own.

You might have doubts or even feel nervous about standing in front of everyone, but the truth is, once you step into that water, everything else fades. It’s just you and God, and that moment changes you. And the beauty of doing it here at Hoboken Grace is that you’re not doing it alone. You will be surrounded by a loving, supportive family that celebrates with you, prays for you, and walks with you long after that day. 

So, if you are feeling that gentle nudge in your heart, take it. It is one of the most powerful and freeing steps you will ever take in your faith journey.


A Defining Point In My Faith

After drifting away from her faith during college and early adulthood, Serena found herself in a dark and lonely place—seeking connection in all the wrong places and questioning her relationship with God. In her lowest moments, she felt a quiet nudge—a sense that God was calling her back.

A simple Google search for local churches led her to Hoboken Grace, and from the moment she walked in the door, her life completely changed.

Now, she’s experiencing a renewed relationship with Jesus, discovering that He was never absent during her struggles. Her story is only just beginning, and she’s eager to grow in her faith and serve others—whether through Grace Kids or connecting with those still searching for hope and community.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1759267191/54222704232_9589ba9bd6_o_ghked8.jpg)

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1759266656/54318370800_13126e6a8f_o_myhuos.jpg)

Her message to others? Don’t be afraid to get uncomfortable and step out of your comfort zone. Take that first step. “Once you meet one person, they will lead you to another—and your life is going to completely change.”

So if you're feeling that nudge (in whatever area that looks like for you!) to step out and trust God, we hope Serena's story can encourage you.

Maybe you feel God calling you to pick up your Bible, to invite that friend to church, to join that dinner group, or to start serving on that team. Sometimes, all it takes is a single step – to set in motion a journey of transformation that could change your life in ways you never imagined.

To listen to Serena's story, you can [watch it here](https://youtu.be/zMtvBzDhwPI).


Finding Your Way Back: Serena's Story

Did you know that you can join a group of fun-loving (and God-loving) people to read and discuss the Bible here at Hoboken Grace?  It’s called Equip and a small group of people from Hoboken Grace did just that, studying the book of Romans this past Spring!  

You may be asking: “Why do an Equip study when I already attend a dinner group?”  Great question!  While dinner groups do offer the opportunity to read scripture, the Romans study allowed us to dig deeper into the Word of God for several weeks and to wrestle together with difficult theological concepts such as sin and grace.  What we discovered throughout the Spring is that studying scripture together brought us closer and spoke to many of us personally.

Romans was written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Rome to present the gospel, describing God’s plan of salvation for all people.  The book can read like a theological essay, so it was not the easiest to understand at times!  That is why doing a Bible study within a group is so helpful.  Here is what Alyssa had to say: “Reading the Bible can be intimidating and daunting if you're a beginner, and having your community by your side as you read through is encouraging and hopeful as you seek to understand.  Dissecting God's word with other people is the best way to learn about His character and His will for us.”

Julie found that she loved meeting and learning from those in her group:  “I enjoyed being part of the Romans study as it brought people at our church together to dig deeper into God’s word.  I also loved that we got a chance to get to know people at our church on a deeper level as we spent intentional time together week after week.”

Hebrews speaks of the power of the Bible, saying in 4:12: “For the word of God is alive and active.  Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart”(NIV).  For Steve, the study was very personal for him and convicted him of the safety he has in God, and because of this safety, his love for God grows: “It becomes more apparent that there is nothing we can do or say that will take away our salvation.  However, once we are saved, truly saved, I believe in our hearts we want to please God by trusting Him and obeying.  Not out of obligation, but having a relationship with God is what being a follower is all about.”

For those of us who are hurting and might be struggling to see beyond our circumstances, Julie offers her perspective: “We found that while we all struggled with the idea of the true freedom and grace that He has given us because of our sinful desires, we also have incredible hope and healing through the gospel.”

Do you want to know what God really has to say in the Bible, but are struggling to understand it on your own?  Do you want to meet other people at Hoboken Grace who desire to deepen their faith through the Word?  Do you want to come away convicted with transformational truths about God and about how God sees you?  Do you wish to see a brighter future grounded in God’s promises?  If any of these questions ring true (or if you have questions of your own), you can join us for an Equip Bible study this Fall.  As Steve shared: “We are all on a journey where we can learn from God and each other.  It is time well spent.”

To learn about our Bible Study: Sermon on the Mount, [click here](https://hobokengrace.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3114123).

To learn about our Bible Study: Old Testament History, [click here](https://hobokengrace.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3114035). 


Equip Studies: Digging Deeper in Faith

We got to chat with Taylor and Sam, a father and daughter, who both recently took the step of baptism, to hear what their experience was like!

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

**Taylor** - I knew it was something that I wanted to do, but was scared to not live up to God’s expectations. So, I took some time contemplating it. After prayers, I realized that I shouldn’t be scared to do it. Also, talking to Pastor Anthony and my cousin, Jayne, helped get rid of my worries tremendously.

**Sam** - I grew up in the church environment, but always lacked a serious commitment to put Christ first. Now that my kids are getting older and more independent, I have more time to reflect and act on what is important in life. 

 

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

**Taylor -** My dad encouraged me because we were both taking the step together. We supported each other through the process and will forever be a memory for the both of us. Additionally, I had a long talk with Annah and Jayne about me taking this step, which made me feel so at peace. 

**Sam -** Watching my daughter desire to have a closer relationship with God inspired me.

 

**Story Team: You chose to take this step together, what did that mean for each of you?**

**Taylor -** For me, it meant so much to have my dad take this step with me. I have always wanted us to be baptized together and it was so much more than I could’ve hoped for. Taking this step of faith created a great memory and now I feel like we are more connected.

**Sam -** It was an unbelievable experience to embark on this journey together and I am thrilled for what the future has in store, for both of us.

 

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

**Taylor -** I would say: don’t be afraid to mess up. That was the one thing that I was scared about because I thought you had to be perfect after you were baptized. Fortunately, that is not the case! Baptism is a public display of faith and it doesn’t mean you won’t ever make a mistake again. 

**Sam -** Trust that God has something better planned for your life and take the leap of faith and do it.

 

**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?**

**Taylor -** One moment that stood out to me was when I first got into the tub. Everything became still and all I could hear and see was Pastor Chris asking me the two questions. It was like everything got blocked out and all I could focus on was getting baptized. I also thought I would be scared to be in front of everyone, but I didn't even realize that there was a crowd. It felt like it was just my family right there with me.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1758133615/1_qahrkl.png)

**Sam -** Having my family and friends around the baptismal water was a memory I will not forget. The most surprising thing to me that day was the sense of calm I had in the morning and during worship service leading up to it.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1758133615/2_cp1x1x.png)

 

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

**Taylor -** I am entering a new chapter in my life and I hope that I continue growing and strengthening my relationship with God. I want to keep putting my relationship with Him first and I know that He will always be there for me. 

**Sam -** My aspiration is to align with God’s purpose for me, enabling me to grow as a father, husband, brother, son, friend, neighbor etc….

A Shared Step of Faith: Father & Daughter Baptism Story

I’ve laughed, prayed, wrestled with questions, celebrated milestones, and walked through more than a few tough moments with my Dinner Groups over the past 17 years.

I’ve met in living rooms, conference rooms, steakhouses, bars, and around more dinner tables than I can count. The setting changes, but what happens in those spaces has stayed the same. Every week, people show up, bring what they have, and share life together.

And I’m more convinced than ever that this is one of the most important things we do as a church.

Over the years, I’ve walked through a lot of different seasons. I was single. Then dating. Then married. Then navigating infertility. Then figuring out what it means to be a parent. Then raising students. At every point, I had someone in group who had already been there. Someone who understood. When I talked about what I was walking through, I didn’t get quick answers or clichés. I got people who listened. Who reminded me I wasn’t alone. Who encouraged me and kept pointing me to Jesus. And sometimes, who made me laugh when I needed that most.

Yes, we talk about faith. Yes, we pray together. But there’s a lot of laughter too. Sometimes it’s something someone says. Sometimes it’s something that happened during the week. Sometimes it’s just the way the conversation goes. That kind of laughter has a way of grounding you. It reminds you that this is more than just a group of people meeting once a week. It’s a group that enjoys being together. And honestly, those shared moments of joy have carried me through just as much as the serious ones.

One of my favorite parts of group is seeing new people get connected. I get why it feels intimidating at first. You walk into a room and it looks like everyone’s already friends, but most of the time, that kind of closeness doesn’t come from years of friendship. It comes from people choosing to be present. From the kinds of conversations we have. From showing up for each other. That depth builds faster than you'd think.

I think that depth happens fast because we don’t experience it much anywhere else. It’s just not that common to sit down with people and actually talk about things that matter.

It’s not just small talk or debating opinions. We talk about real life, with people who genuinely care about each other.

It’s a space where you can be honest about what you're walking through, or how God’s stretching you, and know you won’t be met with judgment—but with support and encouragement.

Even after all this time, I still find myself surprised by what happens in group. Someone new finds their voice. Someone asks a question I haven’t thought about in years. There’s always someone who reminds me why this still matters.

I’ve had so many conversations with people who weren’t sure about group. They didn’t know what to expect, or thought they wouldn’t have much to offer, but over and over again, I’ve seen the same thing. People show up a little unsure, take a seat, and something starts to shift. Not all at once, but little by little. They find people who care. They start having conversations they didn’t know they needed. And eventually, they begin to realize they have something to contribute too.

That’s what’s normal in group. Everyone brings something. We just don’t always know when. It might be a story. It might be a question. Sometimes, it’s just showing up and listening, but it matters and it makes a difference.

God works through relationships. God works through his people. Through questions. Through quiet weeks and breakthrough weeks. Group has shown me that again and again.

You don’t need to have it all figured out. You don’t have to be at your best.

Just show up, join in, and be real.

You’ll be surprised what God can do with it.


Why I Still Show Up to Group After 17 Years

Before she knew God, Danielle Padua called her career path “random.” She majored in industrial engineering at Penn State and, shortly after graduating, started a job in manufacturing with Anheuser Busch. At the same time, she worked a demanding schedule as a dancer for the New York Knicks. She’d danced at Penn State, danced her whole life—dancing for an NBA team under the bright lights of the ‘world’s most famous arena’ was her dream. 

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1738273304/IMG_0414_1_x9lrl3.jpg)

<div style="text-align: left">But the practicality of bouncing back and forth from Newark to Madison Square Garden took its toll and, after two years, Danielle stepped away from her job with Busch. She started teaching workout classes with Jane Do while she looked for a new job—a short-term solution that resulted in a full-time position as the Hoboken fitness business’ studio manager. Finally, she was in a place where she felt happy, content. Then, 2020 and COVID hit.</div>

“Group fitness and entertainment changed completely,” she said. “Overnight, my identity was basically taken from me because, at the time, I put so much of who I was into these two positions.”

Like many, the COVID outbreak forced Danielle to focus on what really mattered. She took the time to examine herself and her heart. During this time, she also started attending Hoboken Grace with her then-fiance, now husband, Blake. And it was here that she realized there was nothing “random” about her path at all. It was all by design. 

In our new series, we’ll be taking you behind the scenes with staff members whose work and faith play a key role in impacting our community both inside our church family and throughout the surrounding area. Today, we’re learning more about Danielle:

**Hoboken Grace: You’ve had a very interesting, exciting, career path. Can you share a bit about what drew you to your role at Hoboken Grace?** 

**Danielle Padua:** The short answer is God. My journey with God is a big part of this story. At the same time Covid hit, I was dancing professionally and running a fitness studio here in Hoboken. Suddenly, when I wasn't dancing, when I wasn't teaching in front of a crowd, all that validation I was getting from external things was gone. I began asking what am I doing here, what’s my next move? I’d been dancing since I could walk, so that being taken away was really hard.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1738272823/IMG_7813_1_u3fhq9.jpg)

In the midst of that, my husband encouraged us to find a church. And that started my spiritual journey. Fast forward a little bit, and I was approached about a position at Hoboken Grace that was open. At the time, I had been praying that by the time I turned 30 that I would find a job that I felt good about, that I could pour into and really believed in. I prayed about it for months and months, and finally just gave it to God. Then, sure enough, on my 30th birthday, the job offer from Hoboken Grace came into my inbox. 

I had been serving with First Impressions for about a year before this, but Blake and I were getting more consistent serving together. We were getting more involved. I’d been staying after to help with whatever I could. So working at Hoboken Grace was in the back of my head for a while. It all worked out really beautifully and God gave me so much peace about it. Because,  yes, it was really scary to jump ship and work in ministry when I'd been a believer for all of like two-years, if that!

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1738273343/52383941514_ed62ceb693_o_4_ok6bzp.jpg)

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1738273342/52383938214_28c3c2ed42_o_2_mpikmg.jpg)

**HG: So you’re new to attending church?**

**Danielle:** Yes! I didn’t grow up going to church, not really. I grew up Catholic, we believed in God and recognized God, but not in a personal way. I knew it was important, but never really dove fully in. Coming to church here was the first time I felt like I really developed that personal relationship with God. I now have my own relationship with the Lord, and I’m able to grow and be confident in my own faith.

![](https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdwBsvhKsZ3v3DSHF_Tka3HUW_IVENQjKb5XuakDR8Imeg5ydDpy5qRSpOtW9zdGEk56Lcxp6HL1cvEjk5wEIwNjHfO6PWeYBB7uR1Mkq5-lZn--UM21vxprTeSupO2a9vT15wzvw?key=KDru5XIs04oPzPo2ZRFnRQ)

![](https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdVk48EmNA-yOrFJU2xlNa4ag_GcGfDf0eUplodVawADPAw2yJhXuPuysHDQgiQrfVnM9U4kngKpl1TgOUoVOVAS5zsEofnOuU171a68a7oRimEkM6iZaZSBlPu51Sil789Q74BXQ?key=KDru5XIs04oPzPo2ZRFnRQ)

**HG: You just made the move from working with Grace Kids to Community Partnerships, congrats! What does a typical day look like in your new role?**

**Danielle:** My day-to-day in this role can look very different depending on what's happening in our church community. Last month, we were gearing up for our annual Christmas Exchange and working hard to ensure all the details were in place to love the families receiving gifts well! The application deadlines for two of our global mission trips were also approaching, which means coming alongside our global partners to finalize our plans for the upcoming visit.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1738273332/54204248922_7fdb968690_o_1_ob2tig.jpg)

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1738273319/54134370934_a6fd808624_o_desgz0.jpg)

**HG: What has been your favorite part of the job so far?**

**Danielle:** I love having the opportunity to expand our reach through events like the Hoboken Harvest Festival! It's exciting to be able to introduce someone new to Hoboken Grace and share the light of Jesus with them.

**HG: Reflecting on your time with Grace Kids, what was the best part of that job?**

**Danielle:** The biggest thing was seeing God moving and working in kids’ lives. Seeing them understanding God. Seeing them get that Jesus is for them and loves them and wants to have a relationship with them, it brings me to tears every time because I was 28 when that happened for me. To know that those kids get to live their whole lives knowing Jesus, it’s the craziest thing for me because I didn’t have that. And I know God works in everyone’s stories very differently, but it just speaks to what God can do because seeing Him work in their lives and seeing how they understand Him is just beautiful, nothing beats it. 

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1738273306/53875002588_2d77de30b3_o_1_wwlsfu.jpg)

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1738272823/54102952924_e7823aa848_o_2_udgvzy.jpg)

**HG: How have you felt His hand or seen God working through this time and transition?**

**Danielle:** In this transition, God has continually brought me back to Matthew 6:33: “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.” When stepping into something new, you're not going to have all the answers. This time has really reminded me that I need to, and have the privilege to, rely on God to give me the strength and wisdom to keep moving forward. 

To learn more about Danielle’s story, [watch here](https://youtu.be/Jhx6jS3w16Q).

Meet The Staff: Danielle Padua

Hannah Fain, Hoboken Grace’s Associate Director of Service Programming, grew up singing. She is a preacher’s kid from Alabama. Hannah and her family spent many Sundays traveling together, singing and leading worship in churches where her dad (who is in full-time ministry as a missionary evangelist) was preaching.

Today, Hannah continues that legacy of worship through song as she helps lead Hoboken Grace’s worship team each Sunday. While Hannah said her role on the team has evolved over the years—she started out leading worship with the band nearly a decade ago—she’s now been on staff part-time with Hoboken Grace for 10 years.

![](https://hobokengrace.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/15873070413_f0611b0c35_o.jpg)

***Hannah at Hoboken Grace in 2014***

When she’s not on stage singing, a typical day in the office includes tackling the monthly scheduling of team members, researching and choosing songs that will resonate with the church, editing chord charts and recording harmony parts to send to vocalists, thinking through the weekly musical transitions of songs for Sunday services, and more.

In 2014, after attending the University of Mobile where she studied Music Education, Hannah moved to Hoboken with her husband, Jeremy. He had just taken a job as the Creative Video Producer for Hoboken Grace and Hannah began teaching Pre-K, then Kindergarten at a local school. After Hannah and Jeremy welcomed their first child, Evie, in 2017, she left her teaching position and became more involved on staff at Hoboken Grace with the worship team.

![](https://hobokengrace.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_9596-1.jpg)

***Hannah and Jeremy when they first moved to Hoboken***

Hannah now laughs when she says she and Jeremy thought they would live in the area for just a couple years. Fast forward to today, and they now have three children and have just celebrated ten years in the Little City.

![](https://hobokengrace.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_5258.jpg)

 

In this new series, we’re going behind the scenes with staff members whose work and faith play a key role in impacting our community both inside the church and throughout the surrounding area. Today, we’re catching up with Hannah:

 

***Story Team: When did you know you wanted to be a worship leader?***

**Hannah:** This is definitely something that developed over time. There were many moments in middle & high school when I thought I’d pursue musical theater or performing in some way, but God had different plans. I grew up in arts schools where I learned to play piano, sang in school choirs, played flute in band, and participated in musicals. I was also really involved in my local church as a kid and sang in choir there too. As a teenager, I helped start a praise band in my youth group, which looking back, was a pivotal experience for me in this journey of leading worship. At one point, I tried picking up bass guitar and singing at the same time – that was comical and didn’t last long.  But it was during that time I remember God really beginning to teach me more about what it looks like to sing and make music to Him. 

![](https://hobokengrace.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_9606.jpg)

Personally, it’s been really cool for me to watch how the [kids at Vibe](https://hobokengrace.com/students-2/) are starting a youth band, because that’s how it started for me. I went on to pursue music and worship leadership in college, where God continued to stir this passion in me for worship – which I learned is simply responding to all that He is, with all that we are.

 

***Story Team:*** ***How has being a part of the Hoboken Grace community impacted you?***

**Hannah:** Jeremy and I have experienced such a close-knit community within Hoboken Grace, more than I knew was possible, even as someone who grew up in church. I have been so encouraged and felt incredibly loved over the years through the family we have in this community. A lot of that has to do with dinner groups and being a part of various groups over the years with people from all sorts of different cultures and backgrounds, walking in different seasons, and sharing life together with the focus on Jesus. That has been hugely impactful for me as a wife, a mom, and follower of Christ. Hoboken Grace has shown me what it looks like when people truly show up for each other.

 

***Story Team: What’s your favorite part of your job?***

**Hannah:** My favorite part is getting to be together on Sundays as people express their hearts to Jesus through song. Singing truth together helps us realize that God is so much bigger than our individual circumstances, and many times I’ve been overwhelmed by an awareness of His nearness in the midst of singing together. I love how it helps people connect the gospel in their hearts. It’s a simple answer, but everything I do comes down to gathering together in worship

 

***Story Team: Do you ever get nervous before getting on stage?***

**Hannah:** I think I get nervous in certain moments where I’ve planned something specific to say, for instance. I don’t love speaking in front of a large number of people, ha! I’m not nervous leading each Sunday because I’ve done it so much now. When I do get nervous, I have to remind myself that I’m simply talking to my family and the goal is to point them to the Father and share from my heart. It’s not a performance.

 

***Story Team: What’s the best part about living in Hoboken?***

**Hannah:** All there is to do here! The opportunity of walking out your doorstep and going into the city. And when it comes to kids, there are so many museums and parks, or you can drive 20 minutes away and go for a hike and be in nature. There’s everything around here—no reason to be bored. 

 

**Story Team: Finally, is there a Bible verse that really speaks to you and your life?**

**Hannah:** The Bible verse that comes to mind is one that’s come up many times in different seasons of my life. It’s Jeremiah 29:13- “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart.”

In different seasons of my life, God has brought that verse back to me. When I start to stray or find my value in other things, whether that’s approval from people or my identity as a mom, a wife, in the church, or in my job; when I start seeking my joy in those things, it’s never satisfying. In that scripture God reminds me that He is faithful. He remains present and near as I am looking to Him.


Meet The Staff: Hannah Fain

What happens when the Hoboken Grace and local community come together for a day full of community service projects? Local parks are cleaned, chipped fences are painted, and, at the Hoboken Shelter, food is organized and prepared. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. This year, 1Day Hoboken had over 300 volunteers working on 30 different projects across the city.    

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1728148379/archive/2024/10/54027870308_b22f7fbb88_o_rrocmv.jpg)

1Day is a lot of work, but it’s a lot of fun too. Luke Hoerle is a graduate student at Stevens University. He’s working towards his MBA and is a member of the Stevens wrestling team. Stevens wrestling has been participating in 1Day for several years, and, after volunteering last year, Luke was excited to spend the day with his teammates making a difference. 

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1728148379/archive/2024/10/54028101384_5eabb859e7_o.jpg)

“I wanted to come back because last year we all had a great time cleaning up the beaches,” says Luke. The Ducks spent 1Day in north Hoboken pulling weeds, removing driftwood, and cleaning trash on the Hudson River waterfront. “It was a great way to bond with each other, but it also felt really good to help out the city and keep this place clean. And the after party is a lot of fun too. Overall, we really enjoy it, so we were excited to come back to help out.”

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While there are some projects that entail heavy lifting—these projects are perfect for a wrestling team—there are also plenty of 1Day projects available for families with young children. Sarah and Mike Bostwick signed up for 1Day with their three-year-old daughter, Caroline. 

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“It was really exciting to take Caroline with us,” says Sarah. The Bostwicks spent their day cleaning Hoboken’s Northwest Resiliency Park. In addition to Caroline, there was a whole group of kids helping sweep sand, rake wood chips, and pick up trash at a park they enjoy nearly every day. “We’ve been working to instill the idea of, ‘We don’t just live here, we love here,’ with her. That God loves us and cares for us. So we were excited to show her that we can love our city and care for our city the way God loves and cares for us.” 

 

It takes a lot of people to organize an event like 1Day. Hoboken Grace’s all-volunteer [Bridge Events](https://hobokengrace.com/blog/category/bridge-events/) team spends the months prior working with the city to find meaningful, needed projects. They also gather supplies, plan the after party, and organize volunteers. 

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“Bridge Events has granted me the opportunity to make an impact on the home I love so much, Hoboken!” says Jenna Pierro. Jenna’s been serving on the Bridge Events team for two years and says 1Day is among her favorite community events at Hoboken Grace. “Connecting with the community and meeting new faces allows us to introduce Hoboken Grace to new people in town. And it’s so rewarding to walk away from the project feeling like you made an impact and made Hoboken that much of a better place to live.”

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Don’t want to miss out on opportunities to serve the Hoboken community? Stay in the loop by downloading the Hoboken Grace app and checking out our ‘Events’ page.


1Day: A Day of Service to the Hoboken Community


We got to chat with George and Gaia, who both recently took the step of baptism, to hear what their experience was like!

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

**George:** I felt wet after being baptized! lol. No seriously though, I felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders and a sense of renewal.

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

**George:** My loving wife, Fran and my friends were up there with me.

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

**George:** I would tell another Hoboken Grace member that’s contemplating getting baptized to just do it! It’s another step to get closer to the One that gave it all for us. I wish I had done it sooner!!

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

**George:** My wife and I have been going back and forth whether or not I should get baptized again being that I’ve been baptized as a baby. She was saying that I should get baptized as an adult because as a baby we’re not able to understand sin nor Jesus. After some procrastination, I finally decided to take the leap.

Gaia got baptized last month with her husband and they both decided day of, to take that step!

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

**Gaia:** The feeling I had after being baptized – I was elated. I felt a curious mix of peace and exhilaration at the same time.

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

**Gaia:** My husband and I got baptized one after another so he and I supported each other. My dinner group came, even on late notice, and were there to deepen the experience with us. Hannah, Meghan, and Anthony joined us as well.

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

**Gaia:** I would say listen for God calling out to you as He called for me. It’s okay if you don’t have everything figured out yet. It’s a moment to move forward in your faith and in your relationship with Jesus.

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

**Gaia:** I felt called to take the step and for some reason couldn’t quite decide when the time was “right.” The conversation that week really spoke to me deeply and I felt connected and like I wanted to honor God with my commitment to Him, to pursue Him, and love Him as He has loved me.

_If you have any questions about taking the step of baptism join us for our next ‘[What is Baptism](https://hobokengrace.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2088084)‘ class coming up on June 2nd!_


Baptism: A Sense Of Renewal

*This post was written by Justin’s former dinner group leader, Noah Robison-Cox, reflecting on his experience with Justin and the incredible legacy he leaves behind.*

**Meeting Justin and Michelle**

Jean and I first met Justin and Michelle Chang in 2017. We were dinner group leaders at the time, and Jean was serving at a Connection Point on the Sunday that Justin and Michelle first came to Hoboken Grace. Our dinner group was full, so normally Jean would direct new couples to sign up with groups that had openings, but for some reason that day, she told Justin and Michelle to just join our group—and the next day, they did.

For about a year, Justin and Michelle were members of our dinner group, although it felt like we had known them much longer. Justin was passionate about the group from the beginning and fit in right away. He was always excited to talk about the message from Sunday and was quick to share related stories and examples from his own life. He usually showed up with a smile and a cup of Dunkin’ Donuts hot chocolate. He didn’t seem to care what other people thought—he loved his hot chocolate.

Justin and I both worked at startups at the time, so we frequently talked about technology and all kinds of product ideas. We both watched *Game of Thrones*, and I remember sharing with him after one episode that I was getting tired of all the violence. Justin told me that when he watched the same episode, he felt God telling him, *This is what Jesus went through for you.* That gave me a new perspective on the show and how God can work.

**Justin’s Impact in Community**

If you knew Justin at all, you knew he loved to golf. I’m not a golfer, but his enthusiasm for golf was infectious and made me wish I could play. He was constantly practicing his swing and trying all kinds of ways to improve his stroke. What I found unique about Justin, though, was that most of the time, when I asked him how his latest round went, he would say, “Terrible.” He would describe how everything he’d been practicing fell apart as soon as he got to the course. If it were me, I would have given up, but not Justin. He would laugh about his performance and then go right back to practicing his swing.

That same honesty about failures applied to Justin’s conversations in group as well. He wouldn’t hesitate to share when he felt he was failing or falling short. We faced similar addictions and hang-ups in the past, and his honesty and willingness to share helped guide me in my own walk with God.

**A Leader Through Life’s Highs and Lows**

Our dinner group was thriving, but we also knew we needed to multiply if we were going to accommodate more people in the future. We saw a lot of leadership potential in Justin and Michelle, so we asked them if they would consider apprenticing to be leaders. They turned us down.

We still felt called by God to multiply and create room for more couples to join a dinner group. We also knew from personal experience that it wasn’t going to happen naturally. So in August of 2018, we took our group on a weekend trip to the Catskills. We enjoyed playing games and spending time in nature and then, at the end of the trip, we shared our plans to start a new group, while another couple, Rex and Rachel, would take over as leaders of the current group. While Justin understood the reasons, he was surprised and would refer to that weekend many times going forward as the “breakup weekend.”

While it was painful to part with the group we loved, we are so glad now that it eventually led to Justin and Michelle stepping up as leaders. They led a dinner group for many years and have impacted so many lives in the process. They led consistently through COVID, pregnancy, and most recently cancer. Justin didn’t let cancer take him out of community; he used it as an opportunity to meet and share his love of Christ with a long list of non-Christian friends. We are so proud and humbled by the way Justin continued to lead his group right until the end of his life. When he was asked if he’d like to take a break while he went through chemo, he replied, “No way. All in until the end.”

**The Legacy Justin Leaves Behind**

The Sunday before Justin passed away, we saw him at church, and he seemed like the same old Justin. He was smiling and enthusiastic about his condition, and we praised God that he had answered our prayers for healing.

So it was quite a shock when we learned on Saturday that Justin had passed away. In the process of that first day without Justin, one of the things my wife, Jean, shared with me was that the professionals who came to his house had ruled out foul play. That made me angry initially. Of course, there was no foul play. Why would someone even mention that at a time like this?

As I thought about it more, though, I realized that my reaction said something about my own heart. When tragedy strikes in my life, whether consciously or subconsciously, I start looking for someone to blame. And if I can’t find a person, I can start to blame God.

When I was 18, a good friend of mine died in a car accident. I was on an exchange program in Belgium, so I couldn’t go back home for the funeral or to see my family. I felt alone and isolated in my grief, and I couldn’t understand why God would take away someone who seemed so good and full of potential. For the next nine years, I allowed that pain to pull me further and further away from God. I pursued worldly success and tried to live by my own moral code until finally, God stepped in and confronted me with reality. I was living a selfish life, and I couldn’t live up to my own standards, let alone His. I needed a savior.

Like me, Justin hit his own spiritual rock bottom. And like me, we both heard messages from Pastor Tim Keller that helped lift us back out again. Justin especially loved Tim Keller’s series on Proverbs. If you knew him, I don’t have to tell you how smart Justin was, but I believe he desired wisdom even more than knowledge. He sought to walk with the wise because he knew that *a companion of fools suffers harm.*

I didn’t know Justin before he put his faith in Christ, but it was evident to me that God had transformed him. There was a joy and enthusiasm that permeated everything he did.

If you are one of the friends that Justin shared his faith with before he left, know that God is offering the same grace and mercy to you that He gave to Justin. It doesn’t matter what you’ve done—Jesus already took the punishment for it, and He wipes the slate clean forever when you decide to follow Him.

If you feel hurt and upset with God right now, I urge you to bring your pain to Him. God loves you, and He wants to comfort you. Don’t let the pain create distance between you and God, like I did. Justin wouldn’t want that, and I believe the best way you can honor Justin is to trust that God is good and that from Jesus, there is never any foul play.

If you feel like everything is falling apart right now, like Justin, I urge you to keep on swinging. And if you need something to comfort you, maybe try a cup of hot chocolate.

Jean and I were honored to be Justin’s dinner group leaders for a time, but now he has led us in a much more powerful example of what it looks like to lead as a Christian. Jesus calls us to go and make disciples. To multiply. Justin knew that sometimes multiplication requires the pain of separation, but in the end, it is always worth it. We miss you, Justin, but we also look forward to seeing you and all those you helped lead to Christ in eternity.


Keep Swinging: Justin’s Legacy of Faith, Community, and Perseverance

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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.

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