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. 

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**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. 

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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!

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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A Night of Love, Joy, and Celebration for Our Special Needs Community

Inside Scoop Email

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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