Life Groups
Life Groups at First Assembly
Life Groups are one of the best ways to get connected here at First Assembly. At our church, we believe you can't do life alone; that we're better together. We learn in rows, but we grow in circles. Being able to share life with other people is one of the ways that we can reach our God-given potential.
Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labor:
If either of them falls down,
one can help the other up.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV)
We base our small group model off of the Early Church.
Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.
Acts 5:42 (NIV)
When do Life Groups Meet?
Life Groups meet weekly during our semesters, several times throughout the year. Our Winter Semester starts the week of January 21st and runs through March.
Winter 2024 Life Groups
“Philippians For Everyone” - Young Adults Book Study
When: Monday Nights from 7:30pm - 9pm
Where: Café at church
Host: Pastor Matt, Sophia Giezey & Jeremy Blackbird
Dates: January 29th - March 18th
Things don't always go the way we intend. It's easy to feel discouraged because what we hope for is badly thwarted, or because people make life difficult. Paul, writing to the Philippians from prison, certainly knew what it was like to have plans interrupted. But he maintains robust confidence in God's overruling power, even when everything seems to be going wrong. These eight studies will help us learn from Paul the art of seeing God's purposes working out through problems and difficulties, and will deepen our own confidence in God's power.
Check out more about our Young Adults group and how to get plugged in!
“Desiring God: Part 2” - Young Men’s Book Study
When: Tuesday Nights 8pm
Where: Zoom
Host: Jeremy Blackbird
Dates: February 6th - March 26th
Men ages 25-45 discuss the joys we find in everyday service to the Lord.
In this book, John Piper makes a strong case for the meaning of life: To glorify God by enjoying Him forever. Piper believes that man's inclination is to set our sights too low when seeking joy. He aims to encourage us to aim higher, and pursue joy everlasting in our relationship with Christ.
“The Book of Philippians” - Wednesday Night Bible Study
When: Wednesday Nights 7pm - 8:15pm
Where: Café at church
Host: Pastor Jeff & Pastor Matt
Starts: January 17th
We’ll dive deep into the heart of this letter, Pastor Jeff's favorite book of the Bible, as we unpack the profound teachings of joy, gratitude, and contentment found in Philippians. On Wednesdays we have meaningful discussions, prayerful reflections, and a shared exploration of how the timeless wisdom of Philippians can enrich our lives today. Join us for a joy-filled Wednesday night as we discover the secrets to joyful living and build lasting connections within our church community. Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the richness of the Bible with our pastor, making Wednesday nights a highlight of your week!
“THRIVE: The Book of James” - Women’s Bible Study
When: Thursday Mornings 10am - 12pm
Where: Café at church
Host: Mary Ann Voegeli
Dates: February 8th - March 16th
We are doing a six week study called THRIVE by Jennifer Cowart. In this study, the author helps women develop the habits and attitudes necessary to thrive, whatever their circumstances. Leading us through the book of James, a letter written about enduring hardships, she lifts up 6 characteristics of mature Christians. From endurance and humility to controlling our words, we will understand the divine and the practical in living faithfully.
“Spiritual Flex” - Active Group
When: Fridays at 7:00pm
Where: Youth Room in Building B
Host: Scott Molloy, Chanelle Dunn, Elya Amorski
Dates: February 2nd - March 8th
Step into the ring of faith and fitness with our unique boxing Life Group this winter!
We will explore the basics of boxing, promoting both physical well-being as well as spiritual growth. All are welcome to attend any session, ensuring flexibility for your schedule. This winter, break a sweat, make new friends, and deepen your spiritual journey through prayer and reflections from God's Word. Don't miss this exciting opportunity to combine physical activity, spiritual growth, and the camaraderie of others in our church. Join us in the ring as we throw punches, pray together, and find inspiration in God's Word. It's an excellent chance to stay active, build connections, and have fun this winter!
“Doing Life With Your Adult Children” - Parent Group
When: Friday Nights 7pm - 8:30pm
Where: Rotates Houses (Maneri’s & Trotte’s)
Host: Lisa & Joe Maneri, Greg & Lori Trotte
Starts: February 2nd
Are you struggling to connect with your child now that they've left the nest? Are you feeling the tension and heartache as your relationship dynamic begins to change? In Doing Life with Your Adult Children, bestselling author and parenting expert Jim Burns provides practical advice and hopeful encouragement for navigating this tough yet rewarding transition.
If you've raised a child, you know that parenting doesn't stop when they turn eighteen. In many ways, your relationship gets even more complicated--your heart and your head are as involved as ever, but you can feel things shifting, whether your child lives under your roof or rarely stays in contact.
Doing Life with Your Adult Children helps you navigate this rich and challenging season of parenting. Speaking from his own personal and professional experience, Burns offers practical answers to the most common questions he's received over the years, including:
My child's choices are breaking my heart--where did I go wrong?
Is it OK to give advice to my grown child?
What's the difference between enabling and helping?
What boundaries should I have if my child moves back home?
What do I do when my child doesn't seem to be maturing into adulthood?
How do I relate to my grown child's significant other?
What does it mean to have healthy financial boundaries?
How can I support my grown children when I don't support their values?
Including positive principles on bringing kids back to faith, ideas on how to leave a legacy as a grandparent, and encouragement for every changing season, Doing Life with Your Adult Children is a unique book on your changing role in a calling that never ends.
“The Pursuit of God: Part 2” - Men’s Book Study
When: Saturday Mornings 8:30am - 9:30am
Where: Café at church
Host: Pastor Jeff
Dates: February 3rd - March 2nd
The Pursuit of God is a masterly study on the inner life by a heart thirsting after God, eager to grasp at least the outskirts of His ways, the abyss of His love for sinners, and the height of His unapproachable majesty. This is Part 2 of a study began earlier this Fall. We’d love to have you be there for bagels and breakfast in the morning!
“Serve the City: Open Door Food Pantry” - Serve Group
When: Daily opportunities Monday - Thursday, 9am - 3:30pm
Where: Open Door Food Pantry in Freehold Borough on Throckmorton Street
Host: Rich DelaCruz
Dates: Open Opportunities
We want to be the hands of feet of Jesus; to not just talk the talk, but walk the walk! Christ says, “When you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!” (Matthew 25:40).
Open Door Food Pantry has existed for over 30 years in Freehold Borough and serves thousands of people in need from Monmouth & Ocean Counties. The food pantry functions more as a grocery store than a meal feeding program. As volunteers, we will be helping to stock shelves, prep items and deliver supplies in two hour shifts. No special skills required, just a heart to serve people!