This past Sunday was the last message in a series called “Lost and Found.” The whole series was specifically impactful for me, but this past Sunday I was reminded of something that God showed me 3 years ago. It was something that I have had a hard time explaining to others and believing it to be true myself.

Three years ago, my mom went to the doctor for a sore throat and was diagnosed with cancer. It was an aggressive cancer that had metastasized, and she was given 4-6 months to live. Losing my mom was something I had come to fear because many years earlier my sister had tragically passed away at the age of 24\. It was my worst nightmare to think about losing another immediate family member and it had become reality.

My mother passed away six months after she was diagnosed. When she was diagnosed, I left the life I had in Hoboken to go live with her and take care of her in every way possible. Every day was a race to save her life. She had to endure chemo and radiation, along with awful surgeries that caused her to lose the ability to eat and talk. My mother was sick and frail and in a lot of pain constantly. There was medicine to give, bandages to change, and IV’s to manage. My whole life at that time was about taking care of my mom. It was one of the most excruciatingly painful and devastating experiences to watch and to experience with her.

But this past Sunday, when Pastor Chris talked about Elijah’s story, I was reminded of that time in my life where I experienced a light in the darkness and hope in the pain that could not be explained. During those six months, I had times where I felt at peace. I remember calling my friend and telling her,“I know my mom is going to die, but I feel a deep sense of peace. I don’t understand how this is possible!” Even now, I struggle to communicate exactly how I was feeling. How was it possible that I could experience a deep sense of peace in my soul during such a horrifying time in my life? It made NO sense to me. But just like Elijah, I had questions for God during that time;a LOT of questions! How could He let this happen? Would my mom live? Was He doing this for a reason and if so, what reason would EVER be good enough? Why couldn’t He stop the pain? If God loved my mom, why wouldn’t He stop it all? If He was good, why was this happening? And just like Elijah, I didn’t get the answers to my questions. But still, I experienced peace.

When my mom was diagnosed, I was terrified and thought that I would lose all hope. But just like God sent an angel to gently care for Elijah, He did the same for me. God knew that journey would be too much for me, He knew I couldn’t do it alone. He put friends in my life to hold my hand the whole way through and He led me through the darkness. There wasn’t a moment during that time where I felt alone. I was taken care of every step of the way. My questions weren’t answered, and my circumstances didn’t change, but I still had peace. It was a sense of peace that I was deeply loved, never alone, and that I would be okay. There were even moments where I was rejoicing and I know now that was a result of God’s presence in my life.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done.Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus”.

Phil 4:6-7

To this day, that peace has stayed with me. Sure, I have times of sadness, longing and pain, but my heart is settled regardless of my circumstances.

In his message, Pastor Chris mentioned a song called “It Is Well with My Soul” written by Horatio G. Spafford.

“When peace like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well, with my soul. It is well with my soul, It is well, it is well with my soul”

The writer had experienced great loss as well. It was written after he lost his son and then his four daughters. This was the same song that my mother requested to be played at her funeral.

Elijah and the author of this song learned that even in the midst of physical anguish and great emotional pain you can still know peace at the core of your soul. Peace that is beyond understanding that is a result of God’s presence in our lives and now, I know that too.


Beyond Understanding


March 11th marked the day in Hoboken when our lives began to change due to covid19\. Life just hasn’t been the same since. For some, the change has been devastating, others are finding ways to cope but it’s not easy. Social distancing, financial hardship, and health concerns have all impacted our community and nation in various ways.

How have people been dealing with everything? How are they managing their spiritual, physical, and emotional health? What is life like right now and how will things be when they begin to shift back to normalcy? We recently interviewed some members of our Hoboken Grace family to check-in with them and see how their daily lives have changed, how they’re coping, and how they are finding ways to connect in this unprecedented time.

**Alex and Lauren- Late 20’s, Hoboken, NJ**

Alex and Lauren are married, Hoboken residents. Alex works in business development for a chemical company and Lauren works as brand manager for a food company. When things began to look dire and a shut-down eminent, Alex and Lauren knew that quarantining in their small Hoboken apartment with limited space and no outdoor access was untenable. Having the green-light to work from home, they decided to leave Hoboken early in the crisis and on the weekend of March 14th, they headed south for Lauren’s family cabin near Lake Hartwell in Georgia. This bucolic escape would provide them with the necessary isolation as well as a healthy injection of nature and space to quarantine as peacefully as possible. It would also however go on for longer than they originally anticipated and make them feel an unexpected longing for their Hoboken community and desire to have been potentially useful in the on-the-ground efforts the community was engaging in.

**Story Team**

Do you guys regret your decision to leave town and did you anticipate that it would be for as long as it has been?

**Lauren**: I’m very happy with our decision to leave Hoboken, especially with seeing how crazy everything has gotten and all the stay-at-home orders and extreme measures being taken. We only thought we’d be gone a couple weeks and didn’t pack enough clothes to stay for this long but we’re managing.

**Alex:** I’m mostly happy with the decision. I love the extra space and being in nature and getting to see Lauren’s parents who come up on the weekends and I’m very happy with the amount we get to exercise. But I do miss out on the service activities that we could be doing for the community and the ways I’ve seen some of our dinner group members volunteering and serving.

**Lauren:** Yeah and the nightly clapping and cheering for the first responders everyone is doing in Hoboken is really cool and the community feel, we miss being part of that.

Luckily for Alex and Lauren they have been able to continue to work from home and have suffered no pay loss or financial hardship yet. They have however suffered some loss of continuity in work methods and changes to their tasks. Alex, whose job involves a lot of traveling to visit clients, now involves virtually contacting those clients. Lauren has lost a valuable collaboration aspect of her job by not being able to interact with her co-workers in-person on projects in the same manner.

**Alex:** Chemical companies have been hit hard by the virus but luckily my company is a European company and they are committed to trying to keep everyone employed. We weren’t really set-up for a work-from-home model so they’ve had to adapt and change things as we go to make it work.

**Story Team:** How are you managing your routine and transition, balancing your work time with your non-working time?Alex: We have set up a place in the house where we each do work and when I want to take a break from work, I leave that spot.

**Lauren:** We also try to stick to the same schedule and work for the same hours.

**Alex:** I have enjoyed that all the time I used to spend commuting I now use for exercise or outdoors time.

**Story Team:** How are you balancing your spiritual routine? Are you taking time for God and your spiritual health? Have there been any changes to your time with God during this?

**Lauren:** Before I used to use my commute for time with God. I would listen to worship music or talk with God. I’ve obviously lost that time but I feel like the time we get to spend in nature has been helpful. I like to get outside and connect with God through the beauty we get to see every day. I take that time outdoors to reflect and pray and listen. Sometimes they’re micro-moments of appreciating His gift of nature and beauty and other times it’s a longer conversation with God.

**Alex:** I started doing the daily Bible reading plan that Hoboken Grace does about a year ago. I used to do it during breakfast at home so I continue to do it during breakfast here. I also enjoy the routine of still doing dinner group every Monday night. I’m also finding God in the micro-moments in nature.

**Lauren:** As a couple we also watch the services every week, pray together everyday and work on dinner group studies throughout the week. Sometimes it’s hard because our time isn’t as structured but we try to keep up our spiritual rhythms as much as possible.

**Story Team:** What has it been like having the connection to dinner group virtually? For you Alex, you actually travel a lot normally and have to miss dinner group, but now you get to be part of it still even through you’re away. Has that been better for you or are you both missing the face-to-face time?

**Alex**: Just like it is when I’m visiting a customer, face time is invaluable. So, I think making those personal connections is really hard to replace if you’re not standing right next to someone. I certainly appreciate the time we get to spend connecting on Zoom but I can’t wait to go back to the personal interactions. But this has also illustrated to me that in the future when I’m travelling again, I want to try to connect virtually and maybe dial-in to the dinner group because I realize it is really important.

**Lauren:** Like Alex said, you can’t really replace the in-person time but it has been really nice to attend with Alex. Where normally, when he would be travelling, it would be just me alone so getting to attend with him consistently has been great.

**Story Team:** If you guys didn’t have dinner group and that weekly connection during this time how do you think you’d be feeling? Is group a valuable outlet for you in this moment?

**Lauren:** Yeah, it’s been such a great outlet to be able to come together and share our unique experiences and laugh together and pray together with the group. We’re lucky to be in a really peaceful location so we’re maybe not as stressed as others but when you see all the stuff on the news about New York and New Jersey and how bad things are, it’s really reassuring to see that everyone in group seems to be doing well and is healthy and maintaining their faith in God.

**Alex:** All the things about group before Covid still hold, that dinner group is still community and without it, even virtually, I’d really be missing that connection to the community.

**Story Team:** You both serve on Grace Kids, what has it been like for you to lose that service or have it change during this time?

**Alex:** Our team is doing weekly check-in calls so they’re staying connected that way, but I have missed the ability to be able to serve my community. We can see each other virtually and connect but we’re not serving and that is hard.

**Lauren:** I know they’re doing virtual Grace Kids right now but I haven’t been able to participate in that. So, losing the chance to serve has been hard because that’s one of the callings God gave us that we’ve been missing right now.

Story Team: What has been the biggest takeaway from all this? Is there anything you will continue going forward that you’ve benefited from in this time?

**Alex:** I’ve really appreciated all the quality time I’ve gotten to spend with Lauren. With my job and all the travel I normally do, I don’t get to spend this much time with her so we will try to do as much as we can together still when it is all over. Lauren: Yeah, we will be cherishing our time together more because Alex is on the road a lot so we will try to make the most the quality time afterwards. We also appreciate our health a lot more, this situation makes you value that.

**Story Team:** What has been your biggest struggle through all of this?

**Alex:** Trying to stay focused on the positive. In the beginning you couldn’t turn on the TV without hearing a negative story about the virus. It’s been important to get away from the TV and negative news. We’re trying to focus on the positive stories coming out of this, the volunteers, the people helping each other, etc. Those positive moments help get us through and take away the negative thoughts.

**Lauren:** The hardest part for me has been staying motivated at work, there’s a lot of negativity, my job has changed as it’s mostly emailing now and I don’t get to see my co-workers in-person. A lot of the fun aspects of my job have changed too, like going to trade shows and big projects now put on hold.

**Story Team:** What specific tools or methods are you trying to utilize to ease that suffering?

**Alex:** We definitely don’t watch as much TV and I don’t read news as regularly. It’s good to be informed but setting a limit so you don’t get overwhelmed. And whenever I’m talking to someone and they’re focused on the doom and gloom, I try to find ways to encourage them to see the positive. Encouraging others has helped me to stay positive myself.

**Lauren:** For me, I try to remind myself that I do have a job and to be grateful as that’s not the case for a lot of people. Also talking to family and friends and seeing that everyone is going through this and if they can get through it, I can get through it. Also praying and the Lost and Found series we’ve been walking through at church has really helped put things into perspective.

**Story Team:** What about connection to your family? Are you finding opportunities to connect with them?

**Alex:** Absolutely, we get to see Lauren’s family on the weekends when they come up and we FaceTime with my parents every week.

**Lauren:** I got to do a video call with my grandmother and my seven cousins which was great. We had never done that before and my grandma was so encouraged to see us all doing so well, she had been worried how we were all doing. I was surprised how easy it was to arrange the call with all of them and we haven’t all been together at once for years so it was really cool. It’s something we’ll likely continue even after all this. It’s crazy it took a pandemic to make it happen but it’s showed us the importance of it.

**Alex:** I think we’ve realized through this the importance of connecting and we will continue to make that a priority with our family when all this is over. I’m sure we’ll talk to Lauren’s parents and mine a lot more in the future.

**Story Team:** What is your benchmark for coming back to Hoboken and how do you think you’ll handle the getting back to life? Will you proceed with caution or just jump right back into normal life?

**Alex:** We plan to come back once our offices reopen and when my company allows me to travel again. If they make us wear masks in the office, I’ll probably stay home.

**Lauren:** My office is pretty conservative so they won’t let us come back unless it’s totally safe.

**Alex:** I don’t necessarily feel at risk if I get the virus as I don’t have any pre-existing conditions, but I would be worried about being contagious to others so I’ll go back to life but will still be cautious and take precautions to try to prevent infection.

**Story Team:** What’s the one thing you’re most looking forward to when life gets back to normal?

**Alex:** I’m looking forward to seeing people again and not being afraid of the virus, being able to have conversations again face to face and just connecting.

Alex and Lauren continue to quarantine in Georgia and plan to remain there for the foreseeable future but like the rest of us, they are anxious for life to regain some normalcy so they can return home soon.


A Day in the Life Alex and Lauren

March 11th marked the day in Hoboken when our lives began to change due to covid19\. Life just hasn’t been the same since. For some, the change has been devastating, others are finding ways to cope but it’s not easy. Social distancing, financial hardship, and health concerns have all impacted our community and nation in various ways.

How have people been dealing with everything? How are they managing their spiritual, physical, and emotional health? What is life like right now and how will things be when they begin to shift back to normalcy? We recently interviewed some members of our Hoboken Grace family to check-in with them and see how their daily lives have changed, how they’re coping, and how they are finding ways to connect in this unprecedented time.

**Christen- Early 30’s, Bayonne, NJ**

_Christen is a married resident of Bayonne. Christen works as a Client Analyst for AYCO, a division of Goldman Sachs. Her Husband Brett works for FEMA and is often deployed to different disaster zones around the US and its territories. In the early stages of the Corona Virus crisis when New York State was being inundated, Brett was deployed to Albany to help with the on-the-ground response. When her office moved to remotely working in the middle of March, Christen took advantage of the opportunity to join Brett on his deployment and went to Albany to be with him. She has been up there ever since while Brett deals directly with the disaster as a front-lines worker. Separated from family, friends, and home, and living in an extended-stay hotel, Christen’s life has been altered. She spoke about the changes and what it’s been like balancing her work, health, and spiritual rhythms all while being the wife of a first responder who is working 12-hour days on the front lines._

**Story Team:** What has your work life been like during this time, have you suffered any cutbacks or loss of income?

**Christen:** Initially there was concern that those of us who work in my role at the various locations wouldn’t be able to adopt a work-from-home model. What we do is very hands-on with the clients and they weren’t sure it’d translate with that and all the mailing, physical data, and printing we do. However, they’ve actually seen an increase in productivity and were impressed how well we were all able to handle the transition. I think it may change the flexibility in my role going forward and possibly offer more chances to work from home in the future when things return to normal.

**Story Team:** What has it been like for you as the wife of a first responder? You’ve gotten to witness first hand now, for the first time what his job is like and his stress and responsibilities during a disaster deployment. Are you concerned for his safety and has it altered your perception of what he goes through?

**Christen:** I think it’s been a better situation than we expected. It was a huge stress reliever for me to get out of New Jersey and come be with him. Our concern for him was what work/life balance would look like when he’s working 10-12 hour days.  
Even though my time with him is limited, it’s more than it would have been when he’s deployed as I normally don’t get to join him. I’ve also learned a lot. Usually we FaceTime when he’s working a disaster and now, he gets to come home to me. It’s changed my perception of what he does, I appreciate it more and see how mentally taxing his job is.

**Story Team:** What has the change in your daily routines and work-life been for you, especially since you’re in a hotel and not your home?

**Christen:** It’s made me appreciate the little things, like I miss having an oven! I never thought I’d say that but I miss it. I have a better office situation working here than I would have had at home but I definitely didn’t bring enough stuff to occupy my non-working time. I’m trying to keep as much of a normal routine as possible. I don’t have a commute anymore so during that time I’m using it as my personal time. Normally when he’s travelling, we use my morning commute as a chance to connect so we use the same time to connect now. We also try to eat and do our regular activities in the normal timing as much as possible. I still try to work the same hours and wake up at about the same time.

**Story Team:** What are you doing for your spiritual health and routines? Are you scheduling time for God?

**Christen:** I found that it’s not been as consistent. In the beginning, I wasn’t sure where to fit that in but now I’ve begun to adjust. When you’re used to how you fit things in and your schedule is disrupted, it takes a little bit of time to get a new rhythm. I usually have about 1-11/2 hours between when I finish work and Brett finishes so I use that time now. It would have been by commute home before but now I use that time to connect with God.

**Story Team:** You’re in a dinner group, what has the connection been like doing virtual group versus in-person? With Brett travelling so much you often come to group alone, but now you both get to attend virtually. Has that been worth the trade-off from the in-person group?

**Christen:** It’s fun to get to experience this new scenario of virtual dinner group with Brett as he’s normally unable to join when he’s deployed. It makes us both appreciate it more when we do get to connect to the group in person. The virtual option has been great to keep the routine consistent but it makes you miss the opportunity to come in person.

**Story Team:** You serve on the Hospitality Team. What has been the loss there for you, not being able to serve and how are you still connecting to your team right now?Christen: For my team it’s been a big change to not be able to serve and love on our community in the same way. It’s a big loss of who we are and what we do, so it’s a big shift. We still have two virtual team huddles every Sunday, we pray for the services before they start and when they’re done, we all pray together.  
We’ve been discussing how we can stay connected to serve better and what our vision will look like when we come back together. We’ve also been discussing what things will look like when we have service again and what changes and safety measures we may take for hospitality when we finally get to open again. We’re open-ended right now as we don’t know what will happen in the future or what will specifically be needed, but we’re talking about it. The great thing is we are at least staying connected with huddles and virtual team parties.

**Story Team:** What do you think things would be like for you right now if you weren’t connected to a dinner group or a team?

**Christen:** Honestly, really lonely. I think it keeps me grounded and gives me a sense of routine and normalcy too. You can have friends and family you’re connecting with, which is obviously very much needed, but I think because the Hoboken Grace family is so much a part of Brett and my everyday family routine, we see them more than we see our family and other friends, so it makes us feel so supported to connect with our church family still.

**Story Team:** What about connecting with them makes you feel the most supported?

Christen: I think it’s just being able to see everyone and talk with them about how we are all sharing this really unique situation and all having to figure out the new normal were transitioning to. It also helps you not wallow in your own struggles.

**Story Team:** Speaking of struggles, you have a personal family struggle right now. Your sister and her husband have had the adoption of their son put on hold with the courts shutting down and on top of that, your brother-in-law lost his job due to cutbacks as a result of the virus. What has that been like for you not being able to support them directly and having to watch them go through that?

**Christen:** The timing was pretty uncanny. They were supposed to have had their adoption finalized by now and have his dedication at their church in April and we had already scheduled travel plans to attend but all of that got put on hold. We were all really looking forward to that so it was hard. I’m still connecting with them and my nephew a lot virtually but it’s sad. Also, with my brother-in-law losing his employment it makes them concerned if he will secure new employment and not disrupt their finances and impact the adoption in any way. The only blessing-in-disguise is that they have a lot of time together as a family they normally wouldn’t get with their work schedules. My brother-in-law has gotten to be a full-time dad and see what that is like which he has loved, and he was able to get unemployment quicker than most, so God has taken care of them.

**Story Team:** Have you missed quarantining away from home and not being in your community right now?

**Christen:** When we first got up here it was like we had moved again as I had to get used to the new area. The nice thing is Brett has his work team up here with him so they had adopted me into their community and I have been able to connect with them. I miss home but it’s been ok. It’s been weird to be disconnected from what’s going on back home and living vicariously through my friends in Hoboken.

**Story Team:** What is the biggest takeaway you’ve learned from this whole experience?

**Christen:** I think I’ve learned to look for the positive even though there’s been aspects of this situation that have not been ideal. Living in a hotel right now isn’t ideal but I have enjoyed being with Brett. Being with a community of Brett’s co-workers has been a blessing. Having a dinner group to look forward to meeting with every week is great. It doesn’t matter how we’re meeting; I still look forward to it. So, I’m learning to find the positives in those little moments.

**Story Team:** What’s the first thing you want to do when life gets back to normal?

**Christen:** We’re just dying to get back to normal and seeing our friends and go out in the community. I also really miss my team and I can’t wait to get back to serving with them and seeing them in person on a regular basis. We just miss people and have just been so focused on our four walls so we’re looking forward to getting back out there in the world again!

_Since this interview Brett’s deployment has ended and they were able to return home. Also, Christen’s brother-in-law found a new job and they found out that their adoption would go through virtually in June. Christen and Brett are back in Bayonne working from home and waiting for things to get back to normal._


A Day In the Life of Christen

The last five weeks have been challenging as my wife and I balance working from home with a toddler and a baby. On one hand, I am incredibly thankful that we both have the opportunity to work remotely. We have an apartment with space to balance naps, play time and work time. It has also afforded us the opportunity to spend time as a family that I would not have otherwise. 

The other day, I had just finished playing trucks and trains with my son inside of the awesome (if I say so myself) fort we built. It was time for my wife and I to switch responsibilities so I could join a work call. As I walked toward my room, my son sprinted across the living room and wrapped his arms around my legs. He said, “No work daddy! I need you to play with me.” 

I joined the call, but my mind was lost in the pleading requests of my son. During this new existence, trying to balance life in my own way and through my own strength has impacted my daily devotional time. In that moment, I could not help but think about my heavenly Father and how He wants to spend time with me, just as my son wanted to be with his father. 

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

_Matthew 11:28-29 (NIV)_ 

Throughout scripture, we see this truth play out in many ways and circumstances. In John 4, Jesus meets the women at the well even though she was an outcast of society. In Act 9, we see Jesus move in Saul’s life even though he is working on destroying the new church. Jesus continually meets people where they are and spends time with them. 

“Come near to God and He will come near to you.”

_James 4:8a (NIV)_

We do not need special words or phrases to come near to God. He is pursuing each of us and He is ready for us to come to Him at any moment. When I experienced crisis years ago, it helped me find my way back to God. Perhaps this is your opportunity to find your way back to the one who loves you most. 

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2020/05/Rhythms.png)The following resources help remind me of this truth, daily. 

* Hoboken Grace Bible Plan – [hobokengrace.com/bible](http://hobokengrace.com/bible)
* Hoboken Gracey Rhythms – [hobokengrace.com/rhythms](http://hobokengrace.com/rhythms)
* Chris and Anthony in the Morning – [live.hobokengrace.com](http://live.hobokengrace.com)

If you have questions about faith, Hoboken Grace launches Starting Point groups throughout the year! The groups are an 8-week series designed for those who are brand new to faith, returning to it, or just have questions and doubts. It’s a safe place, without judgement, where you can ask the questions you think you’re not supposed to ask in church. 

* Sign Up for Starting Point – [hobokengrace.com/startingpoint](http://hobokengrace.com/startingpoint)


Time with God

Hoboken Grace Launches Plan to Show Love to the Community

Home Response Plan created to assist Local Community

At Hoboken Grace, we have recently launched the Home Response Plan offering a variety of assistance programs to the community. We are allotting $440k to be utilized for the implementation of this plan and have partnered with volunteers, professionals, and other community members to open free services and resources to Hoboken community members in need. With so many having been affected, during this time, by changes in their lives including unemployment, reduction in wages, and homeschooling. We are passionate about sharing a sense of “home” with our city through a wide assortment of opportunities.

“From the beginning, Hoboken Grace has been about serving. We believe we’ve been loved in a powerful way, and we have a responsibility to share that love with those around us. We want to do all we can to love our neighbors as best as we can.” – Hoboken Grace Pastor Chris High.

These are just a few of the initiatives launching over the next two weeks. You can sign-up for assistance or to volunteer for any of these programs at [Hobokengrace.com/relief/](http://Hobokengrace.com/relief/).

FOOD PACKAGES

We are compiling food packages that will be available to those in our community who are experiencing food shortages due to lack of income and employment caused by COVID-19\. It is our goal to make these packages available to thousands within our community, specifically targeting those who are not part of the existing community food provision systems to make sure as many people as possible are provided for.

LOCAL BUSINESS COACHING

Many small business owners are struggling to navigate the complexities of this moment as we walk through this situation together. We have many professionals in our network and will bring together a team of volunteer accountants and attorneys to provide pro-bono advice to these small businesses. We want to leverage every resource we can to help our neighbors.

INTERVIEW AND RESUME COACHING

We are building a team of HR professionals who will provide resume and interview coaching for those looking for employment as a result of COVID-19\. These team members will be available to book for one-on-one coaching sessions. It’s crucial that we help people get back to work as quickly as possible, and while many jobs have been lost, there are opportunities emerging. We want to help people engage those opportunities well.

INCREASED PARTNERSHIPS

We will be doubling our partnership support budget, allowing us to reinforce our partners that are also working on COVID-19 relief. We have amazing partners doing excellent work throughout our community. In particular, we will focus on tutoring programs aiding those falling behind in the current distance learning settings.

SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

As small businesses plan to reopen in our community, we will celebrate, encourage, and assist them in a way that also allows us to love our community and those in need. Again, we want to leverage our financial resources to do so, but also leverage our people resources to do all we can to support those who are crucial in the development of our community.

LOCAL CHURCH SUPPORT

Our situation is not the norm. Many local churches are struggling during this time, so we want to come alongside our partner churches in a meaningful way. We want to ensure that they continue impacting their communities and are able to love people during this time, as well. It takes all kinds of churches to reach all kinds of people. Jesus’ mission of seeking and saving is our mission, and we want to invest heavily in that.

BENEVOLENCE

We have doubled our existing benevolence budget, allowing us to come alongside individuals and households who need assistance while they are working through unemployment or underemployment situations. Our team does an amazing job of helping people manage overwhelming financial situations. We want to make sure that team has the resources to do so with an increased demand.

CARE CALLS

The pastoral staff and the Care Team from Hoboken Grace have set up a system that allows anyone to schedule a personal call with them during the week. We want to be available to those who are working through difficult situations during this time. We believe it’s crucial to be available to those who need help personally navigating this moment.

For more information on how you can get involved and/or receive these services, visit [hobokengrace.com/relief/](http://Hobokengrace.com/relief/).


Home Response Plan

Mother’s Day is a beautiful day to remember to honor our mothers (Ephesians 6:1-2), remember how priceless they are (Proverbs 31:10), and to reflect on the life thatthey have provided (Psalm 113:9). Being a Mother is a unique and beautiful journey and as Hoboken Grace attendee Veronica stated perfectly, “it’s a blessing that cannot be taken for granted.”

Veronica is a single mother whose love for God is at the forefront of her household and her parenting. “Being a mom is a unique experience for every mom,” says Veronica. “There are no instructions on how to do it. It’s more of a learning process, a lot of instinct, and qualifications God provides to each mom to be the best mom according to her circumstances.”

The first time Veronica attended Hoboken Grace she felt a sense of welcoming amongst the struggle of personal emotions. Coming from a stable house growing up, she felt defining a “perfect family” for her son was an ongoing struggle when there was this overwhelming feeling of something missing. After that first invite from a friend, Veronica started attending Hoboken Grace every Sunday and it became a life changing moment for both her and her son. “It was my relationship with God that made a difference in how I see parenting,” she said. “It wasn’t until I drew closer to God that I understood I always had that perfect family I wanted for my son.”

Having Hoboken Grace integrated into her weekly routine, Veronica began to see how engaging God has changed how she envisions her and her son’s life. “Engaging God with my child has filled any voids, and any missing pieces. Having God in my family has renewed it and made it beautiful.”

Grace Kids became a new favorite for Veronica’s son. He even started to ask, “when are we going to church again?” Veronica is constantly making sure her son knows to love and trust God. A parental priority for Veronica is to ensure that her son knows God and that his future children know God as well.

She is constantly learning from her son, especially during quarantine. She has reflected on the truth that throughout life, kids are constantly teaching adults and not always the other way around! “\[Kids\] haven’t yet been ‘contaminated’ by the world, they are pure and giving. In the past couple months, I’ve learned so much about the patience kids have; they are always positive and they always forgive easily,” says Veronica.

Veronica celebrated this Mother’s Day by sharing a meal with her mom, niece and son. Her son even surprised her with a card he made himself! She reflected on the blessing it is to see a little baby become a little boy. “To see him grow with you is priceless,” says Veronica.

Hoboken Grace would like to wish everyone a very Happy Mother’s Day


A Gift Not Taken for Granted


Lost and Found: everybody probably knows the concept from their early school days. Someone would lose something, they’d have a rush of panic, and then they would head over to the designated “Lost and Found” area that was set up by one of your teachers where lost items can be claimed by those who found them in the hallway or playground during recess. I retrieved many of my winter gloves thanks to this system.

But what if it isn’t physical items that we’ve lost, but instead something on the emotional, mental, and spiritual side? The more time that goes by being under quarantine, the lonelier and more detached a lot of people feel. Even if you consider yourself an introverted person, your daily routine, family, and work life probably look extremely different these days and you may feel you’ve lost a sense of comfort as your indoor world has begun to shift.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2020/05/LF-Social_Post.jpg)The Lost and Found series comes to us at the time when many of us need it the most, which made Easter weekend the perfect time to kick-off this new exploration. Pastor Chris described Good Friday as one of the most significant examples of loss with Jesus being on the cross and, even in that moment, God was working in unfathomable ways. Jumping off of this, Anthony spoke about the frustrations that come with loss. When you don’t get that promotion at work you feel like you lost, when your favorite sports team loses that can be a frustrating feeling, or in the case of Anthony, you lose the charging case to your AirPods and now have to conserve their power in order to listen to music that week! Right now, while we’re on lock-down in our homes, we may feel frustrated with what has become of our city and the world at large. We may wonder where God’s plan is in all of this and how much of this is actually in His control.

I’ll often turn on the news and switch from station to station and say the same thing to myself every day, “this does not look under control.” But this series wasn’t only about exposing the chaos, but showing that in the middle of the storm God has a plan much greater than what we can see. This point was perfectly illustrated by Pastor Chris, later in the series, in the story of Joseph. Joseph was a man who seemed to have everything working against him. From being hated by his brothers, to being sold into slavery, to being thrown in prison; for a large portion of his life, things seemed hopeless for Joseph. I’m sure he wondered many times throughout this period, where is God’s plan in all of this and when will I see the results?

It can be easy for us to doubt God during hardships because we are living in the middle of the story which means it has not ended yet, and none of us know when the ending will take place. As one Hoboken Grace member I talked to said, “we tend to feel like we’re owed something when we experience loss. I often find myself falling into a trap, like good times will follow bad. But in reality, it doesn’t work that way. It’s all in God’s plan and timing.” I could relate to what they were saying because we often feel like something good should come out of this, but we’re just unsure of the when and the how.

Pastor Chris left us with an important detail in the story of Joseph which is that he did not let his circumstances and his experience of loss shape who he ultimately became. Joseph’s brothers could not fathom that he would actually forgive them after everything that they put him through. However, Joseph says in Genesis 50: 16-20, “don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you? You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.”

Knowing the ending of Joseph’s story does not mean that you aren’t allowed to feel sad, scared or anxious about what’s going on in the world or in your personal life. After all, those are all human emotions that God has given us. But it is a reminder that even in the middle of dark times, He knows the end of the story, and He has a plan for everyone, even if it doesn’t seem like it in the moment.


Lost & Found

My kids love attending Grace Kids on Sunday mornings, I might even dare to say it is the highlight of their week. My 5 year old son Clark often requests “go to church” throughout the week and is disappointed when we explain that it is not Sunday so we can’t go today. Therefore, I’m sure you can imagine his dismay (and mine) when we had to start staying home on Sundays all together and he could no longer “go to church.” 

During this unique time, things have changed for us as parents and for our children. There are so many questions that we don’t have answers to. We know that the outcome of many of these questions is outside our control as parents. It is however, our responsibility to equip our children with the truth that God is FAITHFUL and that He is ALWAYS there for us. I know that I cannot do this alone which is why God gave us a community, but with social distancing, we have had to become creative. 

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2020/04/Image-from-iOS-8-1.jpg)

So you can imagine the joy I felt when I found out that Grace Kids was going to be online every week. It was fantastic to watch the first time Clark was able to see “Ollie” on the computer and hear the familiar voices of his teachers as they introduced the lessons during Grace Kids Online. 

It’s pretty great to see all the things he’s learned in Grace Kids over the past few years as I have gotten to watch him engage with the lessons and say his memory verses. My daughter Aurora, who is 7, loves to sing and dance to the songs and often requires me to sing and dance along with her making it a total family experience. I feel like I’m even learning new things about God as I watch along with them. I find it really heartwarming and encouraging for me to be able to chat with the other parents during the live stream and see that we’re all still in this together as parents and that our kids are still able to connect with their teachers and learn about the one who loves them most. 

Currently, our children are also participating in school online from home during the weekdays and many parents are working from home as well. Some weeks, my son Clark, has a call with his school teacher and classmates on Wednesdays and hasn’t been able to watch Grace Kids live with his sister. We understand that there are many things competing for our time during the week! This is why I’m excited to announce that Grace Kids Online will be MOVING TO SUNDAYS! I’m super pumped about this change and I think it will help us to be able to focus on school and work during the week instead of feeling like we need to rush to get everything done at the same time. Clark may still ask to re-watch multiple times a week as he does now, but both he and his sister and YOU will be able to experience the live conversations with your friends and teachers anytime by visiting [hobokengrace.com/kids. ](https://hobokengrace.com/kids/)

I’m so grateful that, even during this time of uncertainty, we have this way to keep our kids engaged in Grace Kids and they can keep learning about how God made them, how He loves them, and how Jesus wants to be their friend forever.

So join me and tune in to a new day and time as Grace Kids Online moves to Sunday’s starting THIS Sunday, May 3rd at 8:30am for Preschool and 9am for Elementary. There will be music, bible stories and activities! We will not have Grace kids this Wednesday, April 29th,

Visit[ hobokengrace.com/kids](https://hobokengrace.com/kids/) to bring Grace Kids right to your home every Sunday! Can’t wait to see you there!


Grace Kids Online


My first time ever walking into Hoboken Grace was Memorial Day weekend, 2019\. I’d occasionally see people walking up and down Washington Street with a Hoboken Grace t-shirt, or see a booth or flags flying at one of Hoboken’s street fairs or at a waterfront park. I enthusiastically swung open the door and stepped inside. To my surprise, the church was closed…on a Sunday?

As my journey of spirituality and faith waxed and waned in intensity over the years, I’d never lost touch with the personal connection I felt with God. I’d often find myself in conversation with Him, even if I was going through one of my “down periods” in attending church. By Memorial Day weekend, 2019, I had been actively seeking a new community of faith. Leading up to that weekend, my out-of-state girlfriend, who attended a Northpoint Partner church herself, suggested we try Hoboken Grace.

As a resident of uptown Hoboken, I rarely, if ever, had occasion to walk by 301 Garden Street. So, on that relatively warm Memorial Day Sunday, we zig zagged our way down from the northern edge of Hoboken, eschewing the Lime scooters in favor of a brisk, but slightly perspiration-evoking walk. Finally reaching the church, we carefully stepped a few feet inside the lobby, fully expecting to be met by an assortment of greeters, ushers, and members hustling around pre-service. Instead, it was silent.

I barely had time to wonder to myself if we were in the right place when, seemingly out of nowhere, a jovial, goatee-adorned fellow appeared in front of me. Pastor Anthony, as if expecting our arrival, introduced himself and immediately offered some words of appreciation for our effort, while explaining to us that we had arrived on the one Sunday each year when there are no services in order to celebrate those who serve as church leaders. He invited us to stop by the Memorial Day picnic the next day. We shook hands (remember when we used to do that?) and I told him I’d see him at the picnic.

The next day was a slightly windy but beautiful Memorial Day. After bidding farewell to my girlfriend as she headed back down south (yes, I dropped her at the airport; didn’t make her take an Uber), I ventured down to Maxwell Place Park and easily spotted the sea of orange. Looking around for Anthony, I found him mingling somewhere between the cornhole and corn on the cob. He at once put me at ease amongst a throng of strangers, introduced me to some of the Hoboken Grace community, and we struck up a more in-depth conversation than time had permitted the previous day.

The next Sunday I attended my first service at Hoboken Grace. A few months later I joined a dinner group. A few months after that, I volunteered for a team. It was a wonderful start to my first year at Hoboken Grace. What it means to be truly part of this community would be revealed to me sooner than I could have ever imagined.

Growing up, I regularly attended a church. I have always been grateful for the foundation my relationship with God provided. However, even as a child, I remember questioning some of the articles of faith (both manmade and within Scripture). This discomfort deposited deep within me as if stuck in the firmest bedrock and had always made it difficult for me to “mine” my experiences and share my personal relationship with God with others.

So, one Sunday at Hoboken Grace, I was listening to Pastor Chris speak about how to have conversations about one’s personal faith with people outside the church. It touched a vein. As the weeks wore on and I continued to listen to Chris share the numerous blessings reverberating throughout our community when it came to sharing faith experiences. So, I put my fears, apprehensions and self-doubt aside and decided to take the chance.

My closest friends are fellow Hoboken residents and are a non-practicing couple from a mixed religious background. They have two small children under the age of six. We’re blessed with a closeness that allows us to share the good times and the bad, be there for milestones in our lives, and spend time together fairly regularly. On a particularly unremarkable Saturday evening last Fall while at their house for dinner, we started discussing our plans for the next day. I mentioned that I’d be going to Hoboken Grace which was my new “usual.” Inspired by Pastor Chris’ encouragement, I decided not to stop there. I shared with them my personal experience at the church so far and how I thought they’d really enjoy the people, faith, and family atmosphere at Hoboken Grace. The wife announced that she’d be open to her husband and the kids “checking it out” and that it might be good for them. But, to my disappointment but not necessarily my surprise, she made it clear that as a non-Christian, she herself had no interest in attending.

Months passed and the opportunity to attend services together, or for them to go on their own, had not materialized. We all seemed to be out of town on alternating weekends quite often. Whenever we did get together, most often during the week, I continued to mention Hoboken Grace. I trusted God that when the time was right, the husband and kids would join me one Sunday.

Fast forward to Monday morning, March 23rd, 2020\. Most of us were working remotely in a post-coronavirus world, routines had been turned upside down. Accessing the news had become a “proceed at your own risk” activity. In the middle of writing a work email, my attention was diverted by the vibration and gentle ping of a new text message. Seeing my friend’s name in the notification window was a welcomed distraction since I hadn’t seen them in a few weeks as isolation and self-quarantine have become _de rigueur_.

Opening the text, I was immediately confused. The first thing that caught my eye was the unmistakable logo of Hoboken Grace. _“That’s strange,”_ I thought to myself*.* The message said, _“Your Hoboken Grace event is live. Join it now at live.hobokengrace.com._” My initial confusion turned to speculation. _“They_ _must have come across this from a friend,”_ I thought. They _obviously_ wanted to make sure that I was aware of the daily “[Anthony & Chris in the Morning](https://live.hobokengrace.com/)” video series and I was thankful that my friends would look out for me in this way.

So, I asked, _“Where did you get that?”_ Then, my friend, a non-Christian mother of two, responded:

_“I signed up for it. Need some meditation/prayer.”_

The power of the moment took my breath away. In nine little words, on the screen of my iPhone, I experienced the awesomeness of God living inside each one of us and being drawn out into the light. To bear witness to God opening the heart of someone I care about was an immeasurable blessing.

I am so grateful I didn’t say no for them. In finding my own way back to God I had learned the power of His transforming love and what sharing that love can do for others. Still, it took me stepping out of my comfort zone and sharing Him with the people I love and trusting He would do the rest.

Being part of the Hoboken Grace community helped me to find the strength and confidence to be a vessel for God’s grace and abundant love.

This is an unmistakable and clear reminder that I am, in fact, [_Home_](https://hobokengrace.com/home/#vision).


Don’t Be Discouraged By A No

Social distancing has changed a lot about our day-to-day lives but our family didn’t let that stop us from celebrating Easter in fun and creative ways. As churches all across the nation continue to suspend in-person services, finding ways of utilizing an online format continues to be a challenging way to connect as a community. But Hoboken Grace didn’t let that stop us from celebrating during our biggest day of the year.

In what was our most interactive online service yet, the community got the opportunity to use multiple social platforms to greet one another and say a little “hello” to those viewing at the same time as them. Going another step further, 16 of our band members put together a special home worship experience including two songs written by the band themselves. 

As if that all wasn’t sweet enough, Hoboken Grace was able to send out festive Easter care packages containing various items such as easter eggs, candy, personal communion cups, and an encouraging note; all of which served to uplift and unite our community. 

John Carluccio was one of many to tune in Sunday morning and said “I really enjoyed the music. It seems like it’s been forever since we’ve been able to gather together and this really helped, especially on a special day like Easter. I’m really missing my entire Hoboken Grace family but am so happy that we can find ways to stay connected!” 

That connection we’re so used to feeling on any given Sunday morning had never felt stronger than the moment we took to celebrate what Jesus did for us on the cross with communion. While you couldn’t take from the usual plates and cups located around the room, Pastor Chris and Pastor Anthony encouraged everyone to grab juice and bread that was sent in their easter boxes or something from their own kitchen and take it together. What better way to feel that you are not alone in something? 

Pastor Chris also used the special occasion to lead us into a brand-new series called “Lost and Found”which is an appropriate theme during this season. This new series is not only timely for Easter, but also useful any time by reminding us that while it feels like we may have lost the loving embrace of hugs, handshakes and hive-fives from our fellow friends and family on a Sunday morning, or the warm feeling of all being under the same roof singing songs together; we have still found a strong connection through God’s love. 

In the message, we were reminded of something very powerful; that no matter how dark things feel, God never turns away from us. Jesus cried out to His Father while on the cross because He had experienced God turning away from Him for the first time. While He was broken-hearted by the feeling of separation, He still went to the cross so that we would never have to feel that separation from God in our own lives. This is just one amazing detail in the Easter story that is more relevant now than ever as things feel uncertain and maybe even hopeless for some. But what better time to be reminded of God’s love than on Easter Sunday?

This may not have been the Easter we had expected coming into the new year, but together we managed to make it memorable. It’s great encouragement going forward because we know now that if this virus couldn’t stop us from experiencing Easter as a community of God, then nothing ever will.


Creative Easter Experience

A few years ago, I was at a bar with a friend who struck up a conversation with the bartender. They started talking about what brought her there — a few people from Hoboken Grace had wandered over after a [connection event](http://hobokengrace.com/events/) — and what she liked to do on the weekends. And then she invited him to church.

This was shocking to me not only because she had just invited a complete stranger, but because she’d made it look so easy. And it was something I could never picture myself doing. I’m practically a 10 on the introvert scale, and unless I’ve known someone for years, I feel awkward in most conversations. So inviting someone to church? I get anxiety just thinking about it.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2020/04/Easter-Social-Invite_1-1.jpg)For years, when Easter rolled around and we started talking on Sundays and in dinner group about inviting others, I couldn’t help but feel somewhat inadequate. On the one hand, I knew that as a Christian, I was supposed to be sharing the message of Christ. But I’m not great at initiating invites to brunch, let alone church. And the whole thing usually served as a reminder that I don’t have the social skills of some of my more extroverted friends (whom I’m incredibly grateful for, because otherwise I’d probably never leave my apartment).

To be fair, not all introverts are shy, awkward or antisocial (and extroverts can be just as prone to social anxiety). But generally speaking, introverts find their fuel in alone time, while extroverts thrive in being around other people. They process things and approach relationships differently. And while there are different levels of introversion and extroversion, most of us identify with one or the other.

But while an estimated one-third to one-half of us are introverts, we live in a world that seems to have a cultural bias toward extroverts, more often valuing charisma and action over silence and contemplation. Christians and churches are no exception — oftentimes, we celebrate the people who are comfortable sharing their story with strangers, who are incredibly friendly and hospitable, who eagerly sign up to serve, and, who, yes, invite other people to church.

As someone who’s more quiet and reserved than most people, it took years to shake the sense that my social awkwardness was some kind of epic shortcoming. It took years to stop feeling like being an introvert somehow made me inadequate — especially when it came to serving God. But as I came to realize, the Church is a body of people with different gifts, who can accomplish God’s work because of that. Introverts can serve God just as well, though they’re often in less visible roles. They might not be the people who are greeting on Sunday mornings, or standing at Connection Points. They are most likely not the people inviting random bartenders to church — and that’s okay. 

But if you identify as an introvert — or anyone who deals with social anxiety — that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t invite that person you feel God is nudging you to invite. So how do you do that when it goes against your entire wiring? Here are a few suggestions:

**1). Think about the people you’re closest with**

So we’ve already established that you’re probably not going to invite a random bartender or someone you’ve just met. But there’s likely someone in your life who you might feel more comfortable inviting on Easter (which, studies show, is when people are most likely to attend church). Consider inviting a parent, sibling or roommate.

**2). Play to your strengths**

Generally speaking, a lot of introverts are more intuitive and better at picking up subtle things than extroverts. Maybe you’ve noticed that someone you know is going through a tough time. Maybe they’re the person God is nudging you to invite this year. And speaking of strengths, perhaps you’d feel more comfortable inviting them by email or text.

**3). Check your comfort level at the door**

Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, being vulnerable and stepping outside our comfort zones is what enables us to grow. And really, most of us — myself included — make inviting someone way more complicated than it is. The worst scenario is that someone says no. 

**4). Get out of your head**

Chances are, you’re better at inviting people than you think. If you tell yourself you have nothing to offer and that your words are ineffective, you’ll likely only continue to believe that. My extroverted friend — the one from the bar — says getting an invitation from an introvert feels more personal and intriguing than an invite from an extrovert. “The down side to being an extrovert is that people sometimes get overwhelmed by them, or assume they’re just one of many to get an invite, and therefore even if that person is special it might not seem meaningful to them,” she says.

**5). Find a place where you’re comfortable inviting someone — in your own way**

If you’re not comfortable with inviting someone right now (it took me a few years to get there), consider joining a team where you can use your strengths to do that in a less scary way. For example, through social media and the newsletter, the Communications Team indirectly invites hundreds of people to attend services on Easter. In addition, members of most teams at Hoboken Grace — Grace Kids, First Impressions, etc. — will serve on Easter Sunday, helping to create a welcoming environment for those who might be checking out church for the first time. If you’re interested in doing the same, check out [hobokengrace.com/teams](http://hobokengrace.com/teams).

_Brittney is a member of the Writing Team, and writing this was much easier than talking about it._

Also check out [Hoboken Grace Easter ](https://hobokengrace.com/easter/) page for Easter Services times and Easter invitations to forward to your friends and family!


Inviting for Introverts

As I entered what was going to be my 5th consecutive month of “monthly fasting”, I knew it was going to be the most meaningful one yet. Instead of being nervous that it was going to be my LONGEST one to date (that’s right, a full 12 hours), I had excitement inside of me. I was excited to spend the day in heightened reflection and extra prayer. 

I honestly never thought I would actually be excited to fast. But boy was I overcome with joy for such an emotion! Why was I so excited? Because it came during a time where I found myself stopping to pray throughout my day more than I ever have. I believe God was planning and preparing me the last five months to be able to handle this fast during what is already such a challenging time; the COVID-19 pandemic. 

We are in a time of confusion, frustration, and an overwhelming sense of the “unknown.” Personally, I have found this time to be so nourishing to my relationship with God. The type of nourishment I will never find from food. These past few weeks have been screaming the truth “GOD WILL PROVIDE.” For me, He has provided me with two major things: Gratitude and Prayer. 

Every time I encounter something I am grateful for, I am faced with a prayer for those who are suffering. For example, I am beyond grateful I can continue to work during the pandemic. I think of this truth multiple times a day and immediately follow it up with a prayer for those who are currently out of work or the stability of their job is unknown at this time. I am also beyond grateful for my health. But immediately, I turn to God to keep those who are on the front lines in the medical field safe from contagion, along with the safety for all those affected during this time.

This is the exact pattern that occurs when I fast. Each moment that I feel hunger becomes a moment of gratitude and prayer. Gratitude that I know where my next meal will come from and prayer for those who do not know the next time they will eat. I have also been faced with this while seeing empty shelves at the grocery stores during the pandemic. I reflect in gratitude for everything God has provided me; the food on my plate and the roof over my head. Again, this is immediately followed by a prayer for all those who are lacking in resources and who do not have a place to rest.

I want to leave you with two truths. In times like this we may think “I am not going to make it through.” But I challenge you to stop and remind yourself of the beautiful truth that GOD WILL PROVIDE. He has been providing for us every day, through every challenge, and He will continue to do so. Another beautiful truth, that comes to light during fasting, is that THIS IS TEMPORARY. The sun will eventually set and the hunger, that I thought was going to last forever, was in fact temporary. 

This pandemic is temporary. Our isolation is temporary. But God’s love endures forever and if you ask me, He has strengthened our love for one another during this time. I cannot wait for the day we can all celebrate these truths and rejoice, together. 


The Most Meaningful Fast Yet

No matter who you are or where you come from, we are all living through an uncertain time. But whether you’re working from home (“WFH” as the kids are calling it), watching Netflix in your pajamas or trying to find productive ways to fill your time, Hoboken Grace still believes that our community needs to be there for each other now more than ever. That is why we are so thrilled to share with you a handful of online options so that you can experience the love of God just like you would if you were still meeting on Sundays together,and hopefully you feel a little less alone in this time of transition and uncertainty.

* If you’re looking to fill your home with some laughs and prayer each morning, look no further than “[Anthony & Chris in the Morning](https://live.hobokengrace.com/).” This video series started this week so that Anthony and Chris can take a few moments of their morning to chat together and pray for anyone in need of it. This short video series will take place every weekday morning at 10:00am for those able to tune in. As they kicked it off this past week, Pastor Chris and Anthony shared a little bit about their care call with partnered churches and how cool it was to hear from everybody and how thankful we are to connect in this way, not just in our neighborhood, but globally.

* If you can’t get enough Chris and Anthony in your daily diet, you’re in luck. They will also be continuing their online series “Let’s Grab Lunch,” where they discuss the past week’s message and answer any questions you may have about it. All you have to do is join the chat every Tuesday on [Facebook live](https://www.facebook.com/hobokengrace/) and you can have lunch with the guy’s right from the comfort of your living room.

* Another new weekly feature now being offered is [Grace Kids Online](http://live.hobokengrace.com). This includes a video about a weekly topic as well as worship songs geared to get your children up off the couch and on their feet to worship God in a fun, energetic way. This past week’s lesson was all about forgiveness and used a story inspired by Matthew chapter 5 to illustrate how holding onto anger in our hearts makes it impossible to love those around us. These online segments will take place every Wednesday morning at 9:00am for Pre-K and 9:30am for elementary aged kids.

* Best part of all, you don’t even have to worry about missing your weekly dinner groups. We got you covered in that department too! [Dinner groups](https://hobokengrace.com/dinnergroups/) will still be taking place online at the normal time you would meet on any ordinary week. We feel that it’s important to come together no matter where the location, and even if nobody is in the same room. Relationships and connection can still take place through online.

* Lastly, like any other Sunday, our services will be available to stream live every week during the 9:30am, 11:00am and 12:30pm times. There will be no physical meeting at 301 Garden St. at this time. We believe that this is the most responsible way to love our church family and community while still delivering the message of God in the best possible way. We want to use all these online opportunities to show everybody that even under the circumstances, we are still committed to loving each other and being a place for everybody to come to in times of need.

A timely reminder coming right off the heels of our “Home” series, which is that our home in God is not just one place, but it is found in each other. Now more than ever it is important to be there for our neighbors, loved ones and community to show them that they are not alone and that comfort can be found in the ups and downs. So, join us online and we look forward to seeing how God will use these new to connect!


Staying Connected

As I walked into Ash Wednesday service, I thought I already knew what I would sacrifice for Lent. I had decided I would wake up 20 minutes early and do a Bible reading every day. I felt making that commitment each day would be a worthy sacrifice and would definitely help me prepare my heart and mind to get closer to God and get ready for Easter and Jesus’s resurrection. However, about mid-way through the service, Pastor Chris started saying how important it is to give up your “fleshy” desires to get aligned with God’s plan for your life.

What are your fleshy desires? According to Galatians 5:17, “The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.”

All of a sudden as I was sitting there, it started weighing on me… I felt I needed to change my sacrifice for one of my fleshly desires. God put it on my heart that I needed to give up drinking for 40 days instead. In my head, I was like, “No way can I do this; I don’t want to do this!” However, God was speaking to me even louder telling me I needed to stop drinking for 40 days.

I don’t necessarily have a problem with drinking, but I do indulge 1- 2 times per week and it definitely clouds my judgement and emotions somewhat. I’m also tired and not as clear the day after. I thought, “Ok God, if this is what you want, I’m in.”

It’s been a week since Ash Wednesday when I changed my sacrifice for Lent, and I have to say, I already have had a TON of clarity in various areas of my life. I feel like I’m stronger and more assertive in telling people no. I also feel that certain areas I’ve been struggling in for a while are starting to work out.

Before, I used to struggle when my ex-boyfriend would call me when he was lonely and wanted to hang out. Now I’m finally saying no and putting up boundaries! My mom has made some terrible choices, despite her loving nature, and recently I’ve been able to speak with her and give her a healthy reality check. I also hosted a “Women Makers Panel Discussion” at work and was featured on Cherry Bombe’s social media, the largest publication of women in the food industry. Then I was thanked by one of my bosses on a global call for my work on a project I did.

It’s only been a week, but I feel so much more aligned with God’s plan for my life. Simply making the decision to follow God into what He was asking me to do has given me strength and discernment to follow Him in so many other areas.

Romans 12:2 says, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

During this season of Lent, I encourage you to also use this time to get closer to God and seek His plan for your life. God wants the best for our lives and for us to seek His will especially as we prepare of our hearts for Easter. It may not be easy to give up your “fleshy” desires but in the long run it will pay off.

Roman 8:28 says, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose”.


Ash Wednesday

If you’ve attended Hoboken Grace in the past few weeks, you have no doubt heard about The Home Initiative which is an initiative to have our church family more rooted in the city of Hoboken and officially call this place our HOME.  
The initiative took a big step forward on Monday night as attendees of Hoboken Grace came together for an evening of appetizers, comfy couches, worship, and sharing. So many people shared stories about how they have been impacted by God’s faithfulness and how He has consistently provided for them during their time in Hoboken.

The word that kept popping up throughout the night was the word “trust.” The band wrote and performed a brand-new song that fit perfectly with the evening. Then, almost every person that got up on stage to share, said how they plan to offer up the gifts that God has given them because they trust that He will also be faithful.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2020/03/49620661258_3722e9f74f_w.jpg)Two of those members that shared were Nate and Natalia, who talked about how their planned giving hit a speed bump when life circumstances had unexpectedly changed for them. “Things happened that might make this difficult,” shared Nate. But he went on to say they had trust that God’s plan to use their money was greater than their own, so they would trust His plan, even if it was hard.

Later in the night, Pastor Chris shared his own story about Hoboken Grace’s origins and how his trust in God’s plan brought him to where he is now. About fourteen years ago, Chris asked Ana to marry him and together they decided to plant their roots here because God was calling them to serve Hoboken. This was the first step that ultimately led to what we all see and experience every Sunday morning when anybody walks through the doors.

All of these stories are the result of trusting God and following Him where He has called us to lead and believing that He will faithfully provide.

As attendees of the church, trusting in God is important when making a big commitment like this, especially when added to the everyday struggles of life. It is impossible to lead and follow in the footsteps of those who came before us without trusting in what He will do with our gifts.

Pastor Chris spoke about leadership when he told the story of a trip he took to Italy where he stopped to observe a field of sheep. There was a shepherd with a staff walking with the sheep and as he walked, the bell on his staff signaled to the sheep to follow. Then as they walked closer, Chris noticed that some of the sheep also had bells and that their bells were leading and signaling the other sheep to follow as well. Just like those sheep with bells, when we take these early steps of committing to God’s mission, we are signaling and leading those around us to follow also.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2020/03/49620660158_c398a53f2e_w.jpg)

As members of the Hoboken Grace community, we not only have to trust that our own giving will be enough, but we’re also called to be leaders in this next chapter of our church’s story. We must continue the work that God started 14 years ago when He called Chris and Ana to serve in Hoboken. God has done so much in that time and His faithfulness has been demonstrated in amazing ways! The story isn’t finished yet and He is calling us as a church body to step out in faith and help create something that will demonstrate the love of Christ to future generations in our community.

1 Chronicles 29: 10-17 tells the story of David and how he praised the Lord in front of his entire assembly for what he had been given. Verse 14 says “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this?”

Advance Commitment night reminded us that everything in our lives is made possible through God’s love and grace. By making the commitment to give back to Him in generous ways, we will lead others to follow as well and ultimately further His kingdom in our great city.


What A Night!

After their baptisms last week, Jack and Sharem sat down with Hoboken Grace’s Story Team to talk about why they decided to take the step of baptism, who they shared this moment with and the advice they’d give others who are considering baptism as well. Our conversation with them appears below.

**JACK**

**STORY TEAM:** _How are you feeling right now?_

**JACK**: Warm. Warm on the inside. I had my whole world around me when I took this exciting step. It was everything that I wanted. I was so nervous — so, so nervous! The second I walked into the water, the nerves went away. Chris is such a brother in Christ of mine that he has guided me through this. 

**STORY TEAM**: _Who was up there with you?_

**JACK**: Family. Friends. Dinner Group. Profession. Grace Kids partners in service. Step Parents. Parents of my best friends who treated me as a child growing up. I had so many good people around me. They are always there for me — I just love them!

**STORY TEAM:** _What made you take the step of baptism?_

**JACK**: I have been waiting for this for a while. We lived in Charleston in 2015 and I thought about it, but I wasn’t ready. My wife and I came out of a really tough time and we found such solace and healing in God , and how He creates community. Last Sunday I felt like it was time. I have my favorite Bible verse tattooed here (points to tattoo that reads: “I can do all things”) and I woke up one day and I knew it was time to do what is important to Him. 

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

**JACK**: Ask the questions you are afraid to ask. Ask the weird questions. Chris says, ‘put yourself in the story’ and that’s so right. On the surface it does not feel that way, but once you dig into the story it is right. You learn how God steers, guides, molds and teaches, and that is what ultimately led me here. Don’t ever stop trusting Him, because He loves you — don’t forget that.

**SHAREM**

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2020/02/49576696202_9e5174692b_o.jpg)

**STORY TEAM:** _How are you feeling right now?_

**SHAREM**: I feel peaceful. I feel really good and happy.

**STORY TEAM:** _What did that first moment out of the water feel like?_

**SHAREM**: Really good. It felt like a renewal, like I am getting a second chance at life.

**STORY TEAM:** _How was following God impacted you?_

**SHAREM:** I am more committed to God and more separated from sin.

**STORY TEAM**: _Who was up there with you? How have they impacted your life and your decision to take this step?_

**SHAREM**: My mom, my dad and my boyfriend. They have kept me on the right track and they make sure that I continue to make the right choices.

**STORY TEAM:** _What made you take the step of baptism?_

**SHAREM**: So I can fully follow God. I’ve been thinking about going on a missions trip!

**STORY TEAM:** _For another Hoboken Grace community member who may be thinking of following God, what would you say to them?_

**SHAREM**: It is the best decision you can take in your life. I am very grateful that I was able to have this experience with my community.


Taking the Next Step

A night of glory

On Monday night, my daughter’s fifth-grade basketball team had their spectacular first win of the season, with my daughter scoring her first-ever basket in the final play of the game. She had only decided to start playing basketball at the beginning of the year and had been really enjoying it, so the moment brought so much joy to this proud father.

But what made it extra special was the fact that sitting next to me, watching and cheering her on, were her Grace Kids teachers! The game wasn’t the playoffs, the level of skill on display was at best “enthusiastic” and the gym was out of the way for both of the teachers. Yet they took time out of their busy schedule to come and cheer their students on.

How did this happen?

In nearly seven years of sending my children to Grace Kids, I had never really said more than a few words to the teachers and had always been focused on dropping the kids off and getting downstairs in time for worship or picking them up quickly so we can beat the rush.

About six months ago, I was asked to help Grace Kids to host a Q&A session on the Bible. It was my first opportunity to actually spend time inside the classroom and interact with our church’s children in a big group setting. I dare say I got a lot more out of it than they did, as they asked the best questions!

It was also one of the first instances in which I interacted with our Grace Kids leaders in a more meaningful way, witnessing the amount of work and persistence it takes to prepare and run the class – and they do it week-in-week-out.

It was sometime later, after I reflected on everything, that I had the realization I had been treating our Grace Kids teachers as people providing a service, rather than people doing life with me. And I don’t mean that I should have revered the position of teachers because they are preparing the next generation, though there is merit in that point. More simply, I mean that they, like me, are part of the Body of Christ and we are all just doing life together. 

I’m especially ashamed to say this because, as an Elder and someone on the staff of Hoboken Grace, I should have known better.

What happened next?

So a month later, we invited my two children’s Grace Kids teachers over for dinner. That sounded like a radical thing to do – but it really shouldn’t have been. Afterall, we have people over for dinner all the time! Again, it was only weird because I thought of them as service providers – not as members of the same community/family. We didn’t prepare anything particularly special – it was just a regular meal that we would have had; we just had to make more.

Sharing a meal together was a great way to get to know them on a personal level. We heard their stories and met their spouses and kids. In every instance, our relationships deepened, even if just by a little. I’m really thankful for that – for me and for my kids.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2020/02/48122971407_188385e7c0_c.jpg)

Let’s build a village!

So I encourage you to introduce yourself to your Grace Kids teachers soon (though give them grace if they are rushed during dropoff/dismissal). Treat them as a brother or sister instead of a service provider, and yes, invite them over!

Many of us are transplants to this area, and Hoboken Grace has become our second family. Many of us believe that it takes a village to raise a child. I certainly want as many trusted adults in my children’s lives as possible, especially as they grow older (and stop listening to me). But the village requires your investment – and who better to invest in than the ones already investing in your children? The village is so much more than volunteers providing a service – it is a community doing life together. So let’s build a village together!


Investing in Grace Kids Teachers

Numbers tell a story, and that’s especially true when it comes to your home. Square footage, for example, can paint a picture of just how much you are — or aren’t — roughing it in a city apartment. And the number of years you’ve lived in one place can also say a lot. So it seems appropriate that numbers played a huge role during Hoboken Grace’s first-ever Vision Night.

With the 12th birthday of our church rapidly approaching, Pastor Chris wanted to take a moment to look back on all that God has done since Hoboken Grace launched in 2008\. That year, the church consisted of just 42 people. The next year it was 52 people. Small growth, but growth nonetheless. In 2010 it was 110 people. Fast-forward to present day, and Hoboken Grace’s church body is up to an astounding 1,145\. Other numbers also tell the story of what God has done: Since 2008, there have been 392 baptisms, 2,346 people serving, and 3,519 people involved in community dinner groups. 

While it is amazing to see this growth firsthand, Pastor Chris also shed light on the reality of the situation. There just simply isn’t enough room to love in the way that’s needed for our entire church family and community. That’s why this past week we were all invited to take part in Hoboken Grace’s newest venture, The Home Initiative. We want to plant our roots in Hoboken OFFICIALLY. The Home Initiative is all about getting us to the next point of having an official space that we own and can share with our community. Hoboken Grace does not want to be temporary. We want to show the community that we are here to stay. 

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2020/01/49392591806_5dcf0ae598_o.jpg)

As the night went on, Chris dove deep into the meaning of the word “HOME” and just how much weight it actually carries. That home is made up of our hundreds and hundreds of stories. Stories that every single one of us has, whether you’ve gone to Hoboken Grace for 12 days or 12 years. That story is yours, and that story makes you a part of this family. 

As wonderful as it is to celebrate the past, we also have to be practical about the future. That means finding a space where we can continue to impact more and more. While your continued support and prayers are needed to see this vision through, we are confident in the Lord’s guidance. We hope you join us, because Hoboken Grace’s next phase will hopefully be its most exciting yet. 


Vision Nights

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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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