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. 

<br>

**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.

<br>

**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.

<br>

**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.

<br>

**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)

<br>

**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.”

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1728148379/archive/2024/10/54026885477_819976d587_o.jpg)

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. 

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1728148379/archive/2024/10/IMG_2962.jpg) ![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1728148379/archive/2024/10/IMG_9515.jpg)

“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. 

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1728148379/archive/2024/10/54030327647_542e966e6c_o.jpg)

“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.”

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1728148379/archive/2024/10/54028101079_a680d01f71_o.jpg)

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


We loved coming together to celebrate all our wonderful moms and mother figures this Sunday at Hoboken Grace! It was really special seeing so many people invite their moms and grandmothers to join them for service and to start off their Sunday with us!

We surprised our moms with a special gift, where they got to choose from a bracelet that said either “mama” or “grace.” We loved seeing the smiles on their faces as we were able to show our appreciation towards them!

In Grace Kids our teachers led their classes in some fun arts and crafts, where they made homemade cards for their moms!

We are so glad we got to bless our moms this Sunday! Check out some photos of the day below!

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Mother’s Day 2024


Over the past month, we have gotten to celebrate so many people take the step of baptism, not only on Easter weekend but there have been baptisms every Sunday since Easter which has been incredible to see! We have even seen a handful of people decide on the same day that they want to take that step. It has been such a joy being able to experience this together! We got to hear from Stephanie, who got baptized on Easter Sunday, to learn more about her experience and how God has been moving in her life!

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

**Stephanie:** After being baptized it felt like a physical load was taken off me. It felt like being hugged while also having this giant amount of hurting I’ve been holding on to for so long. I felt physically lighter but spiritually full and renewed.

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

**Stephanie:** I had my mom, my younger sister, my daughter, my husband, Megan of Grace Kids who is also my dinner group leader, Pastor Anthony, Wanda from my dinner group and Grace Kids, and John Milius.

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

**Stephanie:** Take the next step! I always thought I had to be perfect and that I was too broken for this step of baptism. I also thought that I was far from being saved. I was originally baptized at 11 when I didn’t understand much and was running on fear of God rather than knowing of a loving God. Take that step. God has a purpose for us all and no matter where you are on your journey with God, this is a beautiful declaration of faith that will leave you feeling loved.

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

**Stephanie:** I was originally baptized at 11 when I just thought it was right and didn’t understand much. I only knew how to fear God and never knew the relationship aspect; it was just religion to me. In the almost full year of coming back to God and finding a beautiful community in Hoboken Grace, I have healed from several past church hurt. I have also felt as though I’ve grown in my faith. From experiencing community in my dinner group with amazing women, to seeing my husband finally begin coming to church and slowly being more open to God, to my daughter being in Grace Kids and learning about God from such a young age where she has been loved and learned so much! We have presented her to raise her as God’s and more so have seen my family come to this beautiful community where we have been able to grow our faith and rebuild our relationship with God and get to know amazing people and community where we have always felt welcomed, supported, and loved!

If you have any questions on taking the step of baptism or just want to learn more, join us on Sunday, May 5th for our ‘[What Is Baptism](https://hobokengrace.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2088084)‘ class after each service.


Stephanie’s Baptism Story


We had such an incredible weekend celebrating our first Easter at our new space with seven services over Easter Weekend! We were able to welcome over 1,800 people into our space over the weekend, including so many people who were here for the first time.

One of our biggest celebrations was being able to watch 12 people take the step of baptism!! Pastor Chris let people know that if they felt moved at all over Easter weekend they could jump in and get baptized at any of our services and we had 2 people decide the same day to take that step! Being able to come together and cheer on these people taking this huge step in their faith never gets old!

If you weren’t able to be with us over Easter, be sure to check out Pastor Chris’ message [here](https://youtu.be/eMOVm5eXc0E)! Plus, join us this Sunday, April 7th as we start our new series, ‘[The Real Jesus](https://hobokengrace.com/the-real-jesus/).’

Check out some photos below from our Easter services!

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Celebrating Easter 2024


The rain couldn’t dampen the contagious joy that filled 409 14th St and the viaduct this Saturday. We had 48,000 Easter eggs, 200 volunteers, and over 3,300 people at this year’s Easter Egg Hunt which was our first ever at our new space! It was an incredible day as we were able to love our community in this really special way. We were able to stay dry under the viaduct and still keep our Easter egg hunt outside, while inside at 409 we had pictures with the Easter bunny, arts and crafts, games, and even Bluey playing in the theater!

We are so grateful to our Bridge Events team who worked so hard over the last several months to put this incredible day together. We also couldn’t have done it without all of our volunteers who came out on this rainy Saturday to make this such a seamless and special day for all of the families.

What an amazing way to kick off the Easter season and we can’t wait to keep the celebration going with our Easter services this weekend! For more information on our special service times for Good Friday and Easter services click [here](http://hobokengrace.com/easter).

Check out some photos of the day below!

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Easter Egg Hunt 2024

This week we have two of our teams out on our Mission Trips! One of our teams headed out to Mexico to work with one of our global partners, Casa Hogar Alegre, an orphanage whose mission is to provide love and care for the children of Chiapas who have been orphaned, abandoned, and abused. Their goal is to provide for the physical well-being of the children, as well as to encourage their spiritual and educational growth.

Our team has been having such a special time being able to care for and love these amazing children!

Our other team just arrived in Sierra Leone where they are working with Enable The Children, who provide physiotherapy and occupational therapy, care, and support services to children living with disabilities. This weekend, the team will be helping organize Enable the Children’s annual beach day celebration, where the families who are a part of their program will have the opportunity to meet one another. Our team will also be spending time supporting and caring for Enable the Children’s staff!

To learn more about Casa Hogar Alegre, Enable the Children, or any of our other global partners click [here](https://hobokengrace.com/global-partners/). Interested in finding out more about our mission trips here at Hoboken Grace? Click [here](https://hobokengrace.churchcenter.com/people/forms/15765?%5Fgl=1%2Arqoba5%2A%5Fga%2AMTc4OTMzNzk3MS4xNzAwMzYzODM0%2A%5Fga%5FN9P276JYHH%2AMTcwODYxMzkwNS4yODAuMS4xNzA4NjE1NTQ4LjYwLjAuMA..).

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Update From Our Mission Trip Teams!


What a night! 409 was filled with so much energy as we spent Ash Wednesday in a night of worship and celebration of the One who loves us most! Pastor Chris led us through a short message reminding us that one of the ways God loves to be loved is through praise and song! It was such a powerful and fun night coming together to be able to love Him in this way!

Check out a recap of the night below!

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Ash Wednesday Worship Night


This past Saturday, we had our first official Amplify Parenting, where we spent the day devoted to parenting here at 409! As people started to trickle in they got their name badges ready, some treats and coffee, and headed upstairs where the band kicked off the day in worship! Pastor Chris spoke and then everyone headed into their breakout sessions!

We had four different breakout classes- those preparing to become parents, parenting preschool, parenting elementary, and parenting older children. After the initial breakout sessions concluded it was time for lunch followed by a Q&A and a closing session! It was an awesome day being able to come together to learn and grow as parents!

Check out the photos below of the day!

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Amplify Parenting 2024


2023 has been quite a year! We have seen God move in incredible ways over the last year and have seen lives impacted in countless ways. There were a lot of firsts for our church family this year as we moved into our new home and we have seen God’s faithfulness throughout it all. It was a tremendous year, and this is just the beginning!

To celebrate, we’re taking a look back at some of our favorite moments from 2023!

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We were able to host so many great connection events this year- 101 to be exact! From coffee crawls to improv nights, we experienced so many fun events throughout the year! It’s been so special to bring so many people together outside of Sundays!

Since moving into our new space, we’ve also been hosting free weekly events such as story time, movie nights, and workout classes! Being able to welcome familiar and new faces into our space throughout these events has been so special!

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Baptism Sundays always hold a very special place in our hearts, as we get to stand alongside and celebrate those who take this monumental step in their faith! This year we had 44 people take the step of baptism!!

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This year, we celebrated a big milestone- our 15th birthday! We got to hear from Pastor Chris and his wife Ana about their journey of planting Hoboken Grace and all that God has done over these 15 years!

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We had 6 services over Easter weekend- it was so exciting welcoming in so many people! Plus, we got to celebrate NINE baptisms! The band prepared an awesome cover of the song Anti-Hero!

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It was a bittersweet moment as we said goodbye to 301 Garden St. — our home for over 10 years. We are so grateful for all that happened in that space!

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Dinner groups have always been at the core of what we do here at Hoboken Grace. It has been amazing to hear so many stories over the past year of God moving in the lives of those who were part of a Dinner Group. This year, we had almost 200 people attend a group for the first time!

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We walked through so many impactful conversations over the last year! Pause, Dating Apps, Habit Forming, and Adulting were just a few of the series we went through in 2023!

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In July, we had our first Sunday services at 409! Plus, we also got to celebrate the ribbon-cutting of our new space!

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In September, we celebrated the official grand opening of our new home! The space was buzzing with so much energy and excitement as we welcomed in so many people for a truly memorable day!

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This year’s 1Day Hoboken looked a little different due to the rainy weather, but we were still able to come together to love and serve our city in the best way possible! Some of our projects got canceled due to the weather, but we were still able to help out at places like Lunchtime Ministries, the Hoboken Shelter, as well as outdoor projects around Hoboken!

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We had our first-ever Worship Night at 409 this year and it was an epic night! Our band led us in worship as we spent the night celebrating God and spending time with Him!

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Our Grace Kids Mega Awesome Costume Party is always such a fun day for the kids as they come dressed in their favorite costumes!

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At this year’s annual Christmas Exchange, we were able to provide gifts for 1,213 children around our city. 367 people came to volunteer throughout the week and we had 473 people donate gifts! It was incredible seeing so many people be a part of this and being able to bring joy to so many families during the Christmas season!

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Our annual Grace Kids Christmas Concert is always one of the cutest Sundays of the year, as Grace Kids, from toddlers up to fifth grade, are up on stage singing Christmas songs!

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We had so much fun celebrating Christmas together at our Christmas Eve Services! We wrapped up our ‘What Keeps Us From Christmas’ conversation, there were 8 baptisms, our space was beautifully decorated for Christmas, and we can’t forget the snow!

_To check out the full 2023 Impact Report, click [here](https://www.flipsnack.com/hobokengrace/annual-report-2023/full-view.html)._


Looking Back at 2023


What an amazing week at our 9th annual Christmas Exchange!! There was so much joy filling 409, from our donors dropping off their gifts to our volunteers to the families eagerly picking up their presents! It is so special being able to come together as a church family to love our community in this way, bringing joy to so many families during the Christmas season!

We had 367 volunteers throughout the week come and help, which was incredible to see! You could feel the excitement and eagerness of everyone who was there serving!

There were 473 donors and 1,213 children who received gifts!!

Check out some photos below from this year’s Christmas Exchange!

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Our Bridge Events Team worked tirelessly over the last 10 weeks in making this whole event possible and they did an amazing job!! 400 bows and 18 google sheets later- and that’s a wrap on our 2023 Hoboken Grace Christmas Exchange!


The 2023 Hoboken Grace Christmas Exchange

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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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