
This past Sunday, we kicked off December and the Christmas season with our Grace Kids Christmas Concert! It is one of the cutest Sundays of the year as we see our kids, from toddlers up to fifth grade, up on stage singing Christmas songs they have been working on over the last month! Check out some photos below from this special day!

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To learn more about Grace Kids, click [here](https://hobokengrace.com/kids/).

Interested in joining the Grace Kids team? Click [here](https://hobokengrace.churchcenter.com/people/forms/654234).


Grace Kids Christmas Concert 2023


This past Sunday, we got to celebrate four people who took the step of baptism!! We got to chat with Alyssa, who got baptized on Sunday to learn more about her experience!

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

**Alyssa:** I felt incredibly loved and comforted by God and everyone in Hoboken Grace!

**_Story Team_**: _Who was up there with you?_

**_Alyssa_:** Individuals who were a part of my spiritual journey and who I consider my brothers and sisters in Christ.

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

**Alyssa:** Ask God to search your heart and unveil your hesitations and/or questions. Ask God for discernment and confirmation that you should be taking this next step. I would also recommend seeking wise counsel from trusted individuals who are also walking with Christ.

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

**Alyssa:** I kept telling myself I didn’t need to get baptized since it had already been done to me when I was a baby. However, the idea kept coming to mind and I asked God to search my heart and make it clear if He wanted me to take that next step. Simultaneously, I felt the nudge to read the Book of Acts in the Bible which talked about the Great Commission. Without knowing what that was, I did some research and found the verse below from Matthew 28:16-20\. It was then confirmed to me that I was called to be baptized as an act of obedience and love to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

If you have any questions on taking the step of baptism or just want to learn more, join us this Sunday, November 5th for our ‘_[What Is Baptism](https://hobokengrace.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1277127?%5Fgl=1%2Aca6e1d%2A%5Fga%2AMTAxNDk2MjQ5OS4xNjk1OTI3ODgx%2A%5Fga%5FN9P276JYHH%2AMTY5OTAyMzY2Ny4xMDQuMS4xNjk5MDIzNzE1LjEyLjAuMA..)‘_ class after each service!


Baptism Sunday: Sitting Down With Alyssa


Friday was an epic moment in the history and life of our church as we celebrated our first Worship Night at 409! It was truly an incredible night as we came together to celebrate God! The band led us in worship as we were encouraged to spend the night with God in whatever way that looked like- whether it was standing and praising God through our song, sitting and praying, reflecting, taking communion, jumping as we danced along to the music!

It was amazing seeing how God worked and moved throughout the evening! Check out some of our photos below from the night!

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Worship Night 2023


This past Saturday, we had our annual 1Day Hoboken 2023! Things looked a little different this year, due to the rain and flooding in Hoboken, but we were still able to come together and impact our city! Check out some of our photos below from this year’s 1Day!

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Going over projects for the day as we head out around Hoboken!

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Some of our outdoor cleaning crew all ready to go!

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Our team getting ready for their morning at the Hoboken Shelter!

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All smiles over at Lunchtime Ministries!

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Cleaning up at the waterfront!

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Helping out at Symposia Community Bookstore!

Although some of our projects got canceled due to the weather, we’re so grateful for everyone who signed up to help us in loving our city, whether you were able to be a part of 1Day or not! A big thanks to our Bridge Team who works so hard to make this day possible!

We can’t wait to see you at the next Bridge Event- our annual [Christmas Exchange](https://hobokengrace.com/christmas/)!


1Day Hoboken 2023 Recap


What an incredible Sunday!! It was so special being able to come together and celebrate the official grand opening of our new home at 409 14th Street! It’s truly amazing to think that what started as a prayer of finding a space that we could call home; a place that could impact our city, to it now being a reality! We are filled with so much gratitude for all that God has been doing over these last couple of years and are so excited for what’s to come!

Check out some photos below from our Grand Opening!

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The space was filled with so much excitement and energy as we welcomed in so many new and familiar faces!

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All of our teams gathered in for our morning huddle before they got ready to serve!

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One of our worship singers, Hannah, led us in a beautiful new song, called “Pride of a Father.”

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Pastor Chris led us in a brand new and very timely conversation, “A New Home,” as we started to explore how God is pursuing a family and creating home. We’ll be continuing this conversation over the course of the next several weeks!

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We ended the service with a surprise balloon drop during our last worship song!

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Grace Kids were having their own fun downstairs with lots of balloons, bubbles, exciting crafts, and of course the beloved Ollie!

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It was so wonderful seeing everyone connecting and enjoying the new space! We are so excited to be able to love and impact our city through our new home and we can’t wait for all that God has in store!

If you missed being here for Sunday’s Grand Opening, catch up [here](https://youtu.be/GVP4bttJ3kg)!


Grand Opening Recap!

We know it can be a little scary to join a group for the first time, and we know how easy it is to find an excuse to miss out on this, but there’s too much to gain! Check out 5 reasons why you don’t want the excuses or the fear to win out on this one.

#### **1\. We meet where you are**

We have groups that meet online and in-person. The great news about that is no matter where you are, no matter what state – physically, mentally, or emotionally we want to meet you where you are. 

#### **2\. No long-term commitment needed**

The majority of our [Dinner Groups](http://dinnergroups.com) run all year long. This is a perfect time a year to join because we have new groups that just launched recently. This is a great opportunity to form new relationships with others who are also trying this out for the first time. Be assured, you are not the only one who is new.

#### **3\. Consistent encouragement**

Whether it’s spending daily time with God, serving the community, being baptized, or another milestone, Dinner Group members support each other to take that next step. We are all at different points in our journey. Taking a step of faith can be intimidating, but you don’t have to take that step alone. You will have people rooting for you as you move forward and people who have your back when you fear you might fail. Dinner Group gives you a front-row seat to watch the faith of others in action. Your faith will grow as you see Him at work in the group.

#### **4\. It is a chance to be real for once**

We are always going through life trying to fit in. A lot of the time that means we have to “fake it ’til we make it.” Dinner Groups are a place where you can let your guard down and be authentic. It helps to know that others are facing the same difficulties, or have already walked through them.

#### **5\. Find community in Hoboken**

People have traveled from near and far to call Hoboken home. As a result, Hoboken Grace is made up of people from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life. It’s in these groups that you will establish and deepen relationships with people God has uniquely made and placed in your life. Your group will grow together — enduring trials and making memories, just like a community.

We saved you a seat. [Will you join us?](http://hobokengrace.com/dinnergroups/)


5 Reasons We Think Dinner Groups are Worth It

At Hoboken Grace, we truly believe we are better together. This is why we strongly encourage the people in our community to get involved, serve on a team, and grow together in a weekly dinner group.

Hoboken has always been a transient community with an influx of people arriving. People move to this region from all over the world for unique opportunities and the pursuit of career goals, all while leaving loved ones and community support systems behind. Since the start of 2022, our church has witnessed nearly 500 new people walk through the front doors for the first time on a Sunday morning. Most of them share the same desire – to find a community of faith and a church family they can rely on, and share life with. 

We’ve never seen our church community hungrier for the kind of meaningful community that is created inside our Dinner Groups. That desire is awesome to see, but there are several challenges that come with that higher demand. Rising to the occasion requires more people within our church to be willing to let God use them to help create the kind of community people are longing for.

So what makes a great group leader? Over the years, we’ve identified some common misconceptions about what a group leader is, and can spot the lies that creep in that try to disqualify potential leaders from experiencing the incredible things God can do when they take a step of faith and say _yes_ to leading a group. Here they are:

#### **Group leaders are real, not perfect.**

People want to follow a leader who is real, over one who is always right. As less-than-perfect humans, we are drawn to people who can be transparent about the challenges they are experiencing and have the humility to share how God is working in their lives.

#### **Group leaders are encouragers, not do-it-alls.**

Our most successful leaders are the ones who have the ability to encourage others. Every group member is responsible for their own growth. You can’t take the next step on their journey for them, but you can model and encourage your group members as they pursue it. Great leaders also promote participation by sharing group responsibilities. They are not responsible for every group task.

#### **Group leaders are guides, not biblical scholars.**

Great leaders guide their group and support them as they grow. Effective leaders don’t have to be biblical scholars with an answer to every question. While extensive biblical knowledge is valuable, it’s not an absolute must-have to start leading. What is most important is knowing how to love and lead people well. The team will gladly provide you with the resources and support for you to grow as a guide. 

#### **Group leaders are supported, not left alone.**

Our role is to partner with group leaders to equip them with all they need to thrive. We provide each new leader with a plan to execute so they can focus on their group members, instead of finding or creating their own material. There are monthly group leadership development opportunities for leaders to share their celebrations, and challenges and to learn from others who are also leading groups. We also have staff coaches who help walk leaders through any issue that is bigger than they can handle on their own.

#### **Will you join us in making more room for people to get connected in community this fall?**

If you’re interested, [fill out this form](https://hobokengrace.churchcenter.com/people/forms/57326), and let’s talk about what it could look like for you to lead a group. We’re excited to see who God calls to love and lead people in this way!


Making Room For Others

Our [Dinner Groups](http://dinnergroups.com) have always been at the core of Hoboken Grace. Every group is made up of common people from diverse backgrounds, gathered at a common table, pursuing a common goal. It is a practical and hopeful pathway for everyone seeking a closer relationship with God. Whether you are taking your first steps toward God or are a longtime follower of Jesus, an online dinner group will meet you right where you are.

When you join an online dinner group, there is no long-term commitment. However, we do encourage you to attend the same group for six weeks. This is because dinner group is different every week. During those six group meetings, you will get a more complete picture of dinner group. Here are a few things you can expect:

**COMMON PEOPLE**

Joining an online dinner group takes a step of faith (see [5 Reason We Think Online Dinner Groups are Worth It](https://hobokengrace.com/blog/5-reason-we-think-online-dinner-groups-are-worth-it/)), but it is a step you will always be glad you took. When you first attend, you will notice the diverse backgrounds of the group members. They are for [anyone and everyone](https://hobokengrace.com/blog/anyone-and-everyone/). Over time, members find that the things they thought defined them (careers, race, place of origin) pale in comparison to their commonalities as people finding their way back to God.

As you attend a group it begins to normalize your life. You discover that everyone encounters storms and that we are all in need of a savior. It is out of these realizations that your group is able to cultivate meaningful conversations that lead to growth.

We are all responsible for our own spiritual growth, but we do not have to grow alone. **Dinner group members encourage each other to take action in their faith, in order to grow closer to God.**

**COMMON TABLE**

Although we are not currently gathering at a physical table as a family, we are still able to share both the celebrations and struggles in our lives in an online community. It becomes the place where you can be who you are.

We do a lot of sharing in group. Some weeks, a dinner group will worship together or share their stories. Other nights the group will pray for each other, our church and our community.

Often it can be a challenge for us to recognize what our gifts are or how we have grown over the duration of the group. Dinner groups take specific nights out of the year to stop and acknowledge that growth. No matter where you are, this online gathering is where we are able to care for one another and where families are formed.

**COMMON GOAL**

Our goal is to further each other’s growth and include as many people as we can on this journey. 

At Hoboken Grace, every Sunday morning conversation is part of a series focused on a particular theme. Each week in our groups we talk through discussion questions stemming from Sunday and work together to make the choices and commitments necessary to apply the message to our lives.

In James 1:22 it says, “But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.” It is not enough for us to simply talk about God’s word, we must put it into action. These weekly conversations allow the group to put into practice what they have been learning. Group members might not be all at the same point spiritually, but we all have room to grow, and we can encourage each other by taking steps together in the same direction.

At Hoboken Grace, we exist to help people find their way back to God. In groups, we work to accurately and passionately reflect Jesus Christ to our friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers. They are not an elite club only a few can join. We encourage group members to invite and include others. They are open to all who are interested in discovering more about what it means to know and follow God, no matter who you are, where you have been or what you have done.

Don’t miss out. We saved you a seat. [Will you join us?](http://hobokengrace.com/dinnergroups)


Common People. Common Table. Common Goal.


Our team has been in Guatemala this week serving with one of our global partners, Potter’s House. Potter’s House is an organization we partner with, that seeks to empower those living in poverty around Guatemala. 65% of people there live in poverty – not just economic, but physical, spiritual, and mental. For 34 years Potter’s House has been walking alongside poor individuals, families, and communities to develop long-term relationships and community centers that they work to build together.

Every year, we go out there for one week to work on a project either at their facility or out in the community.

This year our team is building a house for a family of four in the Chiquimula region of Guatemala. With their roof caving in, our team is helping to finish their new house.

Potter’s House also hires local workers, as they value employing people in their community. The family is also working alongside everyone, so they have a hand in improving their family.

Beyond working on the house, the team will also serve lunch to the children at the local school and deliver food supplies to eight households in the region.

Check out some of our photos so far from what our team has been up to!

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Join us as we continue to pray for those who are serving with us as well as those in Guatemala.

If you’re interested in learning more about our service trips click [here](https://hobokengrace.managedmissions.com/OurTrips)!


Update From Our Team In Guatemala

This Sunday, for our last service at 301 Garden Street, we got to celebrate Child Dedication! Child Dedication happens one Sunday a year, where we gather together as a church as families dedicate their children to make the commitment to raise their little ones under God’s lead!

It is important for us to partner with our families from the very beginning so we can support and encourage them in intentionally raising their children to know what it means to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. 

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As our families stepped on stage with their adorable little ones, Pastor Chris outlined the essential commitments we must make as parents and as a church! He walked us through three commitments that our families made and we, as a church family, also made a commitment to them. 

The first question Pastor Chris asked was- do you commit to raise your child as God’s, understanding that they are a special gift you have been given and not yours?

God loves your child more than you do.  
God knows your child better than you do.  
God has a better plan for your child than you do.

The second question that was asked to the families was-

Do you commit to teaching and training your child to leave by:

Putting your relationship with God first.  
Putting your marriage second.  
Putting your child third.

Pastor Chris explained that putting your child third does not mean putting them last! He also reminded us that as parents priorities aren’t taught they are demonstrated.

The last question that was asked was- Do you commit to creating a safe place for your child to meet Christ:

By being humble and growing in Christ yourselves.  
By welcoming rebuke when you are wrong.  
By being the same people in public as you are at home.

He reminded us that our relationship with Christ is built on grace and not perfection!

We made a commitment to them to create a safe church family by:

Joining together to fight gossip and broken relationships in our church family, admonishing each other when we are wrong, welcoming rebuke when we are wrong as a church, and showing the authentic love christ has for each of these children.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2023/06/53002381893_1e2bb1044e_o-1.jpg)

It was really special to get to celebrate Child Dedication on our last Sunday at 301 Garden Street as we saw 29 children get dedicated!

We can’t wait to continue pouring into our kids as we move into our new space through Grace Kids and our middle school and high school program- Vibe and Quad! We are super excited for all the new and creative ways we’ll be able to love our kids and grow their faith inside of our new space!

To sign up for our next child dedication click [here!](https://hobokengrace.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1826509)


Child Dedication 2023


This past Sunday will always hold a special place in our hearts as we celebrated our last service at 301 Garden Street. It was a day filled with a mixture of emotions as we’ve been in 301 Garden since 2010! Over these last 13 years, we’ve seen God move in so many ways.

This space was an incredible gift as it allowed us to love our city and help people find their way back to God.

As we’ve been reflecting on our time at 301 Garden, we asked some of our staff members what their favorite memory has been over the years from their time at 301.

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**Megan Y. –** “I don’t know if I can pick just one. We’ve had so many crazy and amazing experiences at 301 Garden. From having Grace Kids on the rooftop to making classrooms out of hallways, my team has seen it all, but I think one of my all time favorite memories from 301 is seeing some of our elementary kids take the step of baptism, and seeing the looks on the faces of their friends as they get to be on stage with them or watching from the front row. It’s really a sight to see and I simply cannot wait to make more memories just like that in our new home at 409 14th St!!”

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**Luiz R. – “**301 Garden St. will always hold a dear place in my heart. It was one of the places that really marked a major step in my faith journey. I’ll cheat a little bit and pick two moments — but you’ll understand why, I promise! My favorite moments at Hoboken Grace were the two last Ash Wednesday services, 2022 and 2023\. The 2022 Ash Wednesday service was actually my first service at Hoboken Grace. This came right after I had just accepted the offer to come on as a full-time staff member. It was a very special night, a night that I was able to feel God really close — my heart was full. Part two of this story was just this past February at the 2023 Ash Wednesday service. This was the first service that my parents were able to attend with me at Hoboken Grace! For some back story, both of my parents also work in full-time ministry, and so they had never been able to come to a Sunday service before here in Hoboken. Ash Wednesday was the perfect opportunity for them to experience Hoboken Grace for the first time. It was a special time I got to spend with them — the people I love, in the place I love.”

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2023/06/52011649134_bde0aa9492_o.jpg)

**Danielle P**.**–** “It’s hard to put into words how special 301 Garden is to me because, truthfully, it’s where I met God. Every smiling face, serving heart, worshiping song & Sunday message softened my heart and ultimately led me back to Him. For that, I’m forever grateful.”

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2023/06/photo.jpg)

**Nick L. –** “My favorite moment at 301 was the first service after Superstorm Sandy hit Hoboken. We were all so tired from serving our neighbors all week but we were also so united in that moment. We held one service that Sunday and we did a stripped down version of service. I remember Pastor Chris preached in the rain boots he wore all week. The room was so packed that we had people standing on the back wall. I always find it powerful when people make margin to worship God even when their circumstances aren’t ideal. It’s a great reflection of what truly matters.”

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2023/06/52140697312_baf7bc7aca_o.jpg)

**Yuli F. –** “301 will always be a special place for me! As part of the Next Steps team, I was able to walk through so many family milestones, from baptisms to engagements to child dedications. Watching people invite God to walk alongside them and their families is something I’ll always treasure.”

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2023/06/52685282977_500f4261c3_o-1.jpg)

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2023/06/52686222930_15927f5f1d_o.jpg)

**Rachel K.-** “My favorite moment at 301 Garden would be celebrating our 15th birthday! It was such a special, fun, and powerful day as we all came together to reflect and celebrate how good God is and how much He has done through Hoboken Grace! Hoboken Grace has had such a big impact on my life and being able to look back at all of the baptisms, lives transformed through discovering a personal relationship with God, and the impact we’ve been able to have on our community was incredible. I remember getting chills as the band ended the service with a mashup of all the worship songs they’ve sung over the years.”

We are so grateful for all of the ways God has provided in and through this space and the people who have been so greatly impacted along the way. We are also filled with so much excitement for our new space and for all that God has in store for us and our city there!

We can’t wait to see you for our first service at our new space on Sunday, July 16th at 409 14th St!

We ask that you continue praying for this new space! If you have any memories you would like to share from your time at 301 Garden, send us a message on our Instagram or Facebook or email us at info@hobokengrace.com.


Looking Back At Our Time At 301 Garden St


This Sunday, over 30 children will be dedicated as part of our annual Child Dedication service. This is a special series of services where parents get to publicly present their child to God and to our church family. The purpose of a Child Dedication service is to commit the child to God and seek the support and encouragement of Hoboken Grace.

While parents will make their commitment from the stage we, as Hoboken Grace, will make commitments to them. One of those commitments is to create a safe place for their child to meet Christ. We believe this is so important and we want to be able to create a place where their child can meet and grow in their relationship with Christ.

One of the things we teach in the Child Dedication class, which is a class that each family who is participating in the dedication must take, is that we want you to start praying every night with your child. My wife and I committed to doing this and have made it an active part of our nightly routine with our daughter who is now 4 years old.

We do this every night. Bathtime, Book, Bible Story and Prayer. Our daughter gets to pick a book of her choice and she also gets to pick a Bible story every night. We want to help you in growing your little ones in their relationship with God, so I thought we’d share some of our favorite books that are centered around faith, the Bible, and building their relationship with God.

1. [The Jesus Storybook Bible](https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Storybook-Bible-Every-Whispers/dp/0310708257/ref=sr%5F1%5F1?crid=1D1MAHUI3VM83&keywords=jesus+story+book+bibles&qid=1687204474&sprefix=jesus+story+%2Caps%2C355&sr=8-1) – this is the book we actually give to every child who is dedicated. It’s also one of my daughter’s favorites. The illustrations are great and it’s a great way to introduce your little one to the stories of scripture. It does a great job of pointing out how the whole story of scripture points to Jesus.
2. [What is God Like? Little Blessings Series](https://www.amazon.com/What-God-Like-Little-Blessings/dp/0842351183/ref=sr%5F1%5F1?crid=3RWXER0JX9D0M&keywords=little+blessings+what+is+God+like&qid=1687295661&s=books&sprefix=little+blessings+what+is+god+like%2Cstripbooks%2C120&sr=1-1) – honestly, any of the Little Blessings Series is great for kids. We have both “What is God Like?” and “Why is there a Cross?” – written for children ages 3 to 6, to answer fundamental questions about who God is and what He’s like.
3. [Zaccheus and Jesus (Flipside Books)](https://www.amazon.com/Zacchaeus-Jesus-Flipside-Stories-Mackall/dp/1496411196/ref=sr%5F1%5F1?crid=1W3SZJTXHVK3A&keywords=zacchaeus+and+jesus+flipside&qid=1687295832&s=digital-text&sprefix=zaccheus+and+jesus+flipside%2Cdigital-text%2C95&sr=1-1) – This book is really cool. It shows you two different sides to the story of Zaccheus and his meeting with Jesus. It tells the same story twice from two different, biblical points of view. It allows the reader to enjoy the story of Zaccheus and then literally flip the book to read the story from the perspective of Jesus.
4. [The Action Bible](https://www.amazon.com/The-Action-Bible/dp/083077744X/ref=sr%5F1%5F1?crid=HNBX52LJW03U&keywords=action+bible&qid=1687296082&s=books&sprefix=action+bible%2Cstripbooks%2C85&sr=1-1) – a great book for older kids. Have you ever wondered what God’s Word would look like if it was written as a comic book? This version sends you through the story of scripture in chronological order with amazing illustrations and a really easy and exciting way to engage with the Bible.
5. [NLT Teen Life Application Study Bible](https://www.amazon.com/Teen-Life-Application-Study-Bible/dp/1414324626/ref=sr%5F1%5F27?crid=3BU4T9ALQ670Z&keywords=bible+for+teens&qid=1687371790&sprefix=bible+for+teens%2Caps%2C146&sr=8-27) – a great bible for the teen and preteen in your life. It is full of notes and features designed to meet the challenges and needs of today’s middle school and high school students. It gives great notes and has application-oriented features focusing on choices, real-life issues, and stories of actual teens.

Lastly, I want to give you a fun practice that my wife and I have been doing and plan on doing again as we welcome our second child in September. It’s an incredible way for you to increase your devotional time too.

Get yourself a Bible with wide margins. This is the one we got for our daughter – the [NIV Journal the Word Bible](https://www.amazon.com/Journal-Bible-Double-Column-Letter-Comfort/dp/031045526X/ref=sr%5F1%5F8?crid=3T03GZGQRE7X4&keywords=wide+margin+bible+NIV&qid=1687372087&sprefix=wide+margin+bible+niv%2Caps%2C80&sr=8-8) – and you use it for your devotional time. As you go through it, we invite you to highlight and write different thoughts for your child. Our daughter is currently four years old, but we plan on giving it to her when she gets older. Our goal is to pray, read, highlight, and write notes through the lens of a parent. So that when she gets older, she’ll have a Bible chock full of notes, highlights and passages pointed out for her by her parents. When we finish hers, we plan on doing it again with one for her little brother.

If we can instill one truth for you this Child Dedication weekend, it’s the importance of getting your child, no matter how young, to begin to see how God created them and who God created them to be. Grace Kids does an incredible job on a weekly basis and all of these suggestions above are just added bonuses to your daily routine so that your little one (or big one) is consistently hearing and engaging with God’s truth.

Scripture tells an incredible story of a powerful God whose love knows no bounds and as parents, we are responsible to teach them who God is and to model what it looks like to respond to His love.


Book Recommendations For Your Child


Summer has always been synonymous with graduation for me. The beating hot sun, the locally famous commencement speakers, yearbook signings. Oh, and those huge signs parents put out in their front lawn that say “congratulations Luke and the class of 2022!” It seems that even when you don’t personally have a family member or close friend moving into the next phase of schooling, graduation season is still all around us.

Which begs the question, why just stick to traditional school graduations? Our Grace Kids are moving on up to the next stages of their lessons about Jesus, too. Which means another opportunity for us to celebrate! This past Sunday was our Graduation Sunday. A special time where kids got to say goodbye to their familiar classrooms, and say hello to their new rooms and small group leaders.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2023/06/gk-grad-jp-evie.jpg)

Many new faces came through the Kindergarten doors, as it was officially time for our Pre-K students to transition to our Elementary school program (formally known as Clubhouse). The leader of our Three’s and Four’s program, Jackie Ruff, said “ It was so special seeing them go from being the oldest kids in the class to walking into large group being the youngest. I am excited to see them grow in their faith and build relationships with their small group leaders that will impact them for the rest of their lives.”

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2023/06/52975905790_04d2f341c2_o-1.jpg)

Kids throughout all our other classrooms got to celebrate their accomplishments by making their own diploma craft and coming together one last time in the worship room to dance and try on their very own graduation caps. This also gave our leaders a chance to spend a little more time with the kids that some of them have been teaching for years.

After blasting the room with a handheld confetti cannon, our graduates lined up by grade to take pictures in front of our bright and colorful Grace Kids backdrop. Where there was, you guessed it, more confetti. It wouldn’t be a graduation without photos to commemorate the day. This moment also marked the last time our 5th graders would be a part of Grace Kids. Matt Apel, who is a current 4th and 5th grade small group leader shared, “Graduation is always a bittersweet day because as 4-5th grade teachers we watch these students we’ve known and built relationships with for 5 years move into middle school. But knowing that they’ve got a foundation of faith to build upon in a more mature way brings me abundant joy and a chance to look back and see how God has worked in their lives to bring them to this point.”

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2023/06/52975988153_3e19279571_o.jpg)

But where one chapter ends, another begins. The 5th graders may have left Grace Kids (and will now be sitting in “big church” with the adults), but they’ll get to continue spending time with their friends and learning more about the word of God through our middle school program, Vibe! Josh Laryea, who has been a small group leader with Grace Kids for many years, said, “It was awesome to see and hear how the 5th grade kids were excited to graduate and move to Vibe. They had heard great things from their older siblings and friends. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a part of creating a fun, safe space for kids to grow in their understanding and relationship with God.”

Graduation Sunday 2023 doesn’t only mark leaving the old and entering the new for Grace Kids, but for everybody, as we’re all about to be entering new rooms that we’re not used to in our brand new building. If you’re a regular attendee of Sunday morning services, please welcome our new middle school friends if you see them. If you’re a parent of a child who just moved up to a new grade, our small group leaders will continue to welcome you and your kids to what’s going to be an incredible future at Hoboken Grace.


Graduation Sunday: Leaving the Old, Entering the New


Father’s Day is this Sunday and if you happen to have a father in your life who, like myself, loves to learn about becoming the best dad they can be I have four book recommendations that helped me grow.

### The Expectant Father

![Father's Day Book Recommendations](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2023/06/edccea5d-9d5a-47eb-a46e-1cd99eaf2831.3e32deefaa9a411c770f17eff9a18a5c.jpeg)

Let’s start with a book for those who are about to become a father. I’ve read a few new dad books but this one was by far and away the best one I came across. Each chapter is broken into months of the pregnancy so if you’re a slow reader you have about a month to read 20-30 pages. It was super helpful to know what was happening and how to best support my wife in each stage as well as preparing me for what was coming next. As someone who loves to be in the know this book was valuable.

[Book](https://www.amazon.com/Expectant-Father-Ultimate-Dads-Be/dp/0789212137/ref=tmm%5Fpap%5Fswatch%5F0?%5Fencoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=) | [Audiobook](https://www.amazon.com/The-Expectant-Father-audiobook/dp/B01G4ENSB8/ref=tmm%5Faud%5Fswatch%5F0?%5Fencoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=)

### Raising Emotionally Strong Boys: Tools Your Son Can Build On For Life

![Father's Day Book Recommendations](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2023/06/41uA58fgkCL.jpg)

A book recommendation for fathers with children older than toddlers. Fabulous book with practical lessons on helping boys develop into healthy men. This book covered a lot of ground on some important tools that I missed growing up that I want to make sure that my son has so that he can be strong emotionally, socially, and spiritually. I must admit this also opened up a lot of practices I have added into my own rhythms as well. Highly recommend. I know this one is gender specific but the principles learned in this book are valuable. (if you don’t have sons in your life I’ve heard really good things about [Raising Worry-Free Girls](https://www.amazon.com/Raising-Worry-Free-Girls-Daughter-Stronger-ebook/dp/B07PZXJNCF/ref=tmm%5Fkin%5Fswatch%5F0?%5Fencoding=UTF8&qid=1686679711&sr=1-3) by Sissy Goff who wrote the forward to this book.)

[Book](https://www.amazon.com/Raising-Emotionally-Strong-Boys-Tools-ebook/dp/B09LWTK2QW/ref=tmm%5Fkin%5Fswatch%5F0?%5Fencoding=UTF8&qid=1686681586&sr=1-1) | [Audiobook](https://www.amazon.com/Raising-Emotionally-Strong-Boys-Tools/dp/B0B5YHBV6K/ref=sr%5F1%5F1?keywords=raising+emotionally+strong+boys+tools+your+son+can+build+on+for+life&qid=1686681586&s=books&sprefix=raising+emot%2Cstripbooks%2C94&sr=1-1)

### The Intentional Father: A Practical Guide to Raise Sons of Courage and Character

![Father's Day Book Recommendations](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2023/06/41-9RDtuiL.jpg)

The author of this book Jon Tyson is a pastor in Manhattan. I read this book earlier than probably recommended, as it’s written as a practical guide for fathers and their teenage sons as a way to mentor them into good faithful men. While I’m looking forward to really putting this book into action when my son is a teenager this was still a valuable read as there are exercises in the book that help you work out your own relationship issues and allow you to grow from them so that you can provide the best for your son. He also has one about Raising Daughters coming out soon.

[Book](https://www.amazon.com/Intentional-Father-Practical-Courage-Character/dp/0801018684/ref=tmm%5Fhrd%5Fswatch%5F0?%5Fencoding=UTF8&qid=1686681632&sr=1-1) | [Audiobook](https://www.amazon.com/Intentional-Father-Practical-Courage-Character/dp/B09FCH47VX/ref=tmm%5Faud%5Fswatch%5F0?%5Fencoding=UTF8&qid=1686681632&sr=1-1) \*_If you’re not a reader and enjoy podcasts he has an excellent short run podcast on the topic called_ [_Intentional Family._](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/intentional-family/id1585603452)

### Parenting Your… (Series)

![Father's Day Book Recommendations](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2023/06/GL-4262_1080x.jpg-copy.jpg)

If you’re like me and love the curriculum from Grace Kids you may not know this but they make parenting guides for you that help you partner with them. They are really good and they bring a lot of context to each phase of your child’s life. They have a book for every age from new born through 12th grade. Inside each book they unpack four conversations to have at each phase about faith, health, sexual integrity, and technology. It’s been very beneficial for me to know what are the development milestones appropriate for each phase.

[Website](https://parentcuestore.org/products/parenting-your-variety-pack-18-phases?variant=12234700980305&currency=USD&utm%5Fmedium=product%5Fsync&utm%5Fsource=google&utm%5Fcontent=sag%5Forganic&utm%5Fcampaign=sag%5Forganic&utm%5Fterm=&utm%5Fcampaign=MW%5FPC%5FShopping%5FSmart&utm%5Fsource=adwords&utm%5Fmedium=ppc&hsa%5Facc=1624807474&hsa%5Fcam=18084014837&hsa%5Fgrp=&hsa%5Fad=&hsa%5Fsrc=x&hsa%5Ftgt=&hsa%5Fkw=&hsa%5Fmt=&hsa%5Fnet=adwords&hsa%5Fver=3&utm%5Fid=go%5Fcmp-18084014837%5Fadg-%5Fad-%5F%5Fdev-c%5Fext-%5Fprd-shopify%5FUS%5F1329089675345%5F12234700980305%5Fmca-560457934%5Fsig-CjwKCAjwp6CkBhB%5FEiwAlQVyxc31OPRbopLgOjgNjawuMMK0tECGIyv4eY9edqnPk2SIpdSQqE3FnxoCWjQQAvD%5FBwE&gclid=CjwKCAjwp6CkBhB%5FEiwAlQVyxc31OPRbopLgOjgNjawuMMK0tECGIyv4eY9edqnPk2SIpdSQqE3FnxoCWjQQAvD%5FBwE)

I hope you enjoy these Father’s Day book recommendations!


Father’s Day Book Recommendations


There are many reasons our church operates at the level that it does week after week. The warm and inviting greeters, the energetic and patient Grace Kids team, the tech-savvy sound booth, all serving together to make the Sunday experience the best it can possibly be. Behind all these great teams, are strong leaders working behind the scenes. Our tradition to honor these leaders is to take one weekend out of the year and dedicate it to them.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2023/05/52931134222_9b332ff9fa_o.jpg)

Leadership Weekend 2023 kicked off with a powerful worship session, followed by Pastor Chris guiding us through a vision of what the future of the church may be, and why having strong leaders through that process will be more important now than ever.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2023/05/52931135022_32d0f7be2e_o.jpg)

Pastor Chris wasn’t the only one who had the opportunity to share his wisdom. The leaders were surprised by a video of the late Tim Keller who recorded a message for his own church just days before he passed away. The video and Chris’ teaching went hand in hand. How can we lead well when the world around us is changing so rapidly?

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2023/05/52931876579_3cdf21cb99_o.jpg)

So many takeaways and challenges were presented throughout the day to give leaders the tools they need to better equip their teams. Especially as we move into our brand new space this summer, things will be changing, and we have to prepare for it together. Because only together can we put into action the unimaginable plans God has in store for this city.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2023/05/52931136262_98da16710a_o.jpg)

One leader who attended the events on Saturday said, “even though we’re all serving the same church, we don’t often get to see or spend time with one another because of our individual tasks. But getting to share meals and bonding activities together made me feel a whole lot more connected to the other great leaders doing outstanding work for our community.”

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2023/05/52931136317_a1441aef95_o.jpg)

A game that bonded everyone the most was a Hoboken Grace themed Family Feud, where groups went on stage to test their many years of Hoboken Grace’s history and inside jokes. The teams almost got a perfect score on “Top Things Pastor Chris Says Every Sunday.”

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2023/06/52932119030_747c6aaf84_o-1.jpg)

Like previous years, Sunday services went completely online this weekend to give the leaders a well deserved break.

One weekend is the least we could do to show appreciation for what our leaders pour into Hoboken Grace, but that’s what’s so great about them. None of them do it for the thanks, praise or attention. They lead because they are called by God to use their gifts to better His kingdom.


Leadership Weekend 2023


If you haven’t seen the movie, “Just Friends” it’s about a guy who grew up immediately placed in the friend zone by a girl that he was in love with or thought he was in love with (as much as you can be at 16). That’s only part of the movie but it’s the part that sticks out to me when I think about how my now husband (Jon) and I started out. Well, slight difference, neither of us was interested in each other. Although I was actively dating, I was not interested in him and he was on a break from dating. Pastor Chris has talked about this practice many times in the past. ([_This_](https://hobokengrace.com/series/restoring-love/) series is really good!)

A mutual friend (SHOUT OUT TO NICK LENZI!) introduced us at a connection event at House of Que. I, of course, had previously looked him up on Facebook and so when we met he felt it was okay to say “Oh you’re the girl who friend requested me on Facebook.” (Yeah, he said that!) Embarrassed and annoyed, I immediately put him in the friend zone and moved on. I wasn’t attracted to him and I later found out the feeling was mutual. It wasn’t until another connection event several months later that we reconnected. That evening, we talked a lot and I really enjoyed it. He was cool, friendly, and funny. We had a lot in common — but still, I kept him in the friend zone. That night he mentioned he was on a Zog sports volleyball team and I had already been entertaining the idea of joining one of those teams. My intention was to meet more single people — not because I was good at volleyball … at all. So, he invited me to join his team and I said _sure_.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2023/06/tempImagezX3N5d.jpg)

The first game quickly came and I immediately regretted my decision. I wasn’t necessarily athletic or good at volleyball, and I didn’t know anyone on the team. Honestly, I was pretty nervous, but Jon made sure I was comfortable. He would walk with me to the game, encouraged me when it was my turn to serve, and if I messed up he let me know it was okay. He helped me to get to know his teammates and always made me laugh. He always walked me home after the games because it was so late but still, he was just my friend. During this time I’d see him at church and connection events and we always chatted. We were in different friend circles but we still maintained a friendship.

Fast forward a few months and Jon was late to a game. He was never late to a game. I overheard our teammates saying, “Jon is probably on a date. I think he said he was going on a date before the game.” All of a sudden I was upset. Like really upset. I was angry. And I actually remember thinking to myself, “Why wouldn’t he ask me out? Who is this girl he went on a date with? He has some nerve going on a date!” But who was I to say or think these things? I didn’t even like him in that way…. _right_? Well no sooner than I was doing my self-talk did I turn around and he came happily strolling in. He came right over to me and sat down. I was so annoyed and didn’t even want to look at him. He started to talk and I did not want to catch up with him about his week or his date but he said, “I just had the best meeting with my dinner group coach and I am so excited about leading a dinner group!” And that’s when I knew. At that moment, I REALIZED my heart _HAD_ changed towards him. I was overcome with happiness for him and realized at that moment that I had a crush on him.

You see, over the few months that we played volleyball together, I got to see his character demonstrated over and over again. I saw how he treated his friends, I saw how he responded in stressful situations, I saw how he handled losing games (mostly because of me), I heard about his work situations and how he handled them, I heard about his family, I saw how passionate he was about God and leading a dinner group — and I saw him time and time again put my needs over his own convenience. I had fallen for this guy and I was shocked!

Honestly, I’ve heard Pastor Chris talk about spiritual chemistry before but I’m not actually sure I believed it before Jon. I had always based my dating decisions on looks, career, shared hobbies, etc… But with Jon, it was completely backward. I fell in love with him first because of his character and _our_ spiritual chemistry and then I desired to date him! And let me just say that I hit the jackpot. Boy, did I have that whole dating thing wrong! Jon and I have been married for 6 years and have two boys and God reminds me DAILY that this was His plan for me and it truly is the best! It’s not perfect but it’s so good.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2023/06/51095402598_11bb7c343d_k.jpg)

If you haven’t gotten the chance to watch or listen to our last series _Dating Apps_, check it out [here](https://hobokengrace.com/datingapps/)!


Just Friends


It was an extra special Sunday here at Hoboken Grace, as we celebrated all of our wonderful mothers and mother figures and all they do for us!

It was great seeing so many families together as well as people inviting their moms and grandmothers to join them for church on Sunday!

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2023/05/52899302432_25421e2c37_o.jpg)![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2023/05/52900269315_5949e23875_o.jpg)

As soon as you stepped into 301 Garden, we had a greenery flower wall set up in the lobby for moms and families to stop and take pictures in front of! It was a big hit and adorable seeing the big smiles on both the mom’s faces and their little ones.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2023/05/52899297797_d7dddf06a4_o-1.jpg)

The celebration was even going on up on the fourth floor at Grace Kids! Our teachers were leading their classrooms in some fun crafts for their moms! In Clubhouse, (_grades K-5_), the kids were all smiles creating special beaded bracelets for their moms. Meanwhile, the three and four-year-olds were making flower pots, while the pre-teens were making paper roses!

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2023/05/52900265260_06a7ca0e0b_o.jpg)

Back on the first floor, the band led us through some powerful worship songs, as we headed into another week in our ‘Dating Apps’ conversation.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2023/05/52900026629_8a33bd7d7e_o.jpg)

Pastor Anthony walked us through our newest message, ‘Dating Your Spouse,’ where he spoke about the importance of being intentional in your marriage as well as pursuing the other person, as God pursues us. He reminded us that if you are married, it doesn’t mean you should stop “dating” your husband or wife.

To catch up on Sunday’s message click [here](https://youtu.be/CSOuWxo-zHU).

We also were able to surprise our moms with a special gift and we loved seeing the smile and surprise on their faces as we were able to show our appreciation towards them!

We are so glad we got to bless our moms this Sunday!


Mother’s Day At Hoboken Grace


Dating is one of the best parts of a relationship – it’s how we keep things fresh and exciting. But once couples get married and the years go on, often dating your spouse can become more challenging as you experience big changes, milestones, or bring kids into the picture. Setting aside intentional time together becomes even more important.

My wife and I have been married for 12 years and together for 14\. Not long in the grand scheme of a lifelong partnership, but long enough to have had some amazing dates, bad dates, and even gone through dry seasons of non-existent dates. Through trial and error, we have found some date night strategies that work for us and want to share some ideas in the hopes that maybe they will help you. Even if you’ve been together a long time, you can re-prioritize date nights and make them more frequent, meaningful, and enjoyable.

## **Make it a Priority**

This seems obvious, but the best place to start in improving your date nights is to make them a priority. Life can get busy, and it’s easy to let date nights slip through the cracks. But if you want to strengthen your connection and nurture your relationship, you need to commit and put time together on the calendar. Choose a specific day or night each week, every other week, or month and mark it as your dedicated date night. By making it a priority, you send a clear message to your significant other that they are important to you.

## **Get Creative**

When date nights feel unachievable because of the time or money required, get creative and think outside the box. If you want your relationship to thrive, you can’t afford _not_ to make that date with your spouse. Here are three examples of how we’ve gotten unstuck after becoming parents :

1. Swap date nights with another couple. You take care of their kids one night, and they do the same for you on another night. This way, you both get the opportunity to have uninterrupted quality time together without the prohibitive cost of a babysitter.
2. Explore non-traditional times for your date nights. Morning dates can be a game changer, especially if any childcare needs are already taken care of through school or daycare. Personally, I also learned that my mind is much sharper in the morning, and my wife appreciates getting the best of my energy and attention at the start of the day.
3. Try an early evening/happy hour date. Consider taking advantage of responsible teenage babysitters’ availability in the early evenings. This plays to their strengths, because it’s better for teens’ school schedules and they have so much energy to play with your kids!

## **Come Prepared**

I’ve learned that I need to make time to come into date night prepared. Without thinking through what I want the night to be beforehand, I can’t make the most out of date night. One of the biggest lies I can find myself believing is that “I can wing it and be okay.” Life can be hectic, and it’s easy to forget about specific things you may want to talk about during your date. This is why I keep a note in my phone as a reminder of conversations I want to have with my wife that I know I’m likely to forget come date time.

The other benefit of this step is that preparation allows you to be more present during your date and ensures that you have meaningful conversations. By being intentional about your conversations, you show your spouse that you value their thoughts and opinions.

## **Connect Emotionally**

As relationships progress, the dynamics of dating also shift. In the early stages, much of dating revolves around getting to WHO the other person is. However, as time goes on, you likely already know much of who they are. Your dates will need to shift from learning who they are to HOW or WHERE they are today.

Bring questions to the table that will help you connect beyond the logistics and routines of your everyday life. This is your time to intentionally go deeper than surface level. Find out what they’re learning or excited about lately. Ask them how they feel loved and appreciated. Be willing to ask for feedback on where you might be falling short as a partner and how you’re able to love them better in the next week.

> _Unsure what questions to ask on your next date? Here are suggestions from our_ [_Married Group Leaders_](https://hobokengrace.com/blog/improving-and-questioning-date-night/)

## **Examine Your Expectations**

Expectations play a significant role in our day-to-day lives and can often lead to disappointment when they aren’t met. Problems surface when we fail to communicate our expectations to one another. Author Brene Brown refers to these unshared expectations as “stealth expectations,” because they can catch us off guard and cause tension in our relationships.

Date night is the perfect opportunity to communicate your expectations openly and honestly and just as important for you to hear theirs as well. During your time together, take the time to express what you would like to experience or achieve in the days and months ahead.

For example, you could say, “Hey, this weekend I’d really enjoy it if we could switch things up and take a family hike,” or “Things are going to get busy at work next week, and I’d love it if we could keep our evenings clear so I can recharge.” By voicing your expectations, you give your significant other a clear understanding of what you desire and can work together to meet each other’s needs, rather than hoping they just ‘get it’ and feeling resentful when they don’t.

Improving your date nights requires intentionality and a willingness to adapt as your relationship evolves. By making date nights a priority, getting creative, coming prepared, connecting emotionally and examining your expectations, you can foster a deeper bond with your spouse. Remember, date nights are about consistently investing in your relationship and making the most of the time you spend together. You can keep the spark alive and nurture your relationship through regular, intentional date nights and enjoy the journey of growing closer as a couple.

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_If you feel like your relationship could benefit from additional guidance and support, consider exploring [Re|Engage](https://hobokengrace.churchcenter.com/groups/dinner-groups?enrollment=open%5Fsignup%2Crequest%5Fto%5Fjoin&filter=enrollment%2Ctag&tag%5Fid=1120386&where%5Bname%5D=Re-Engage). Re|Engage offers a structured approach to helping couples strengthen their marriages, providing valuable resources, tools, and a supportive community. Whether you’re facing challenges or simply want to enrich your relationship, Re|Engage is a valuable resource for your journey together towards a thriving and fulfilling partnership. Invest in your relationship and discover the transformative power of intentional growth together._


Elevate Your Date Night: Strategies for Deepening Your Connection

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A Diverse, Growing, Contemporary, Community Church in Hoboken

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