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.
Fall 2024 Life Groups
Pickleball Group - Active Group
When: Sunday Afternoons 2-4pm
Where: Poets Corner, Freehold
Host: Rich Dela Cruz + Jeremy Blackbird
Dates: September 22 - October 20
Join our Pickleball Group for a vibrant mix of exercise, social interaction, and spiritual growth! Open to all skill levels, this group combines the fun of pickle ball with opportunities for fellowship and faith-building. Engage in friendly matches, improve your game, and connect with others in a supportive environment.
Initially there will be 2 groups:
Group 1 is for those who know nothing about the game. You will be instructed on the rules and basics of pickle ball, eventually playing the games.
Group 2 is those who know the rules and basics. Games will be played on a rotating basis.
It is desired that you have your own pickle ball paddle, but if not, one will be shared. This Life Group is open to anyone 16 years old and up.
“God’s Appointed Times” - Women’s Bible Study
When: Monday Nights at 7p
Where: Youth Room in Building B
Host: Rachel Davis, MaryAnne Galloway + Heather Orlando
Dates: September 30th - November 18th
Why should Christian’s care about the biblical holidays? As believers have grown distant from our Jewish roots, we have lost touch with ancient biblical practices. The biblical holidays are some of the most meaningful pieces of our faith, but many Christians know nothing about them. Festivals like Sukkot, Yom Kippur, and Rosh Hashanah aren’t just for the Jewish people. These holidays are divine appointments, created to bring more depth to your relationship with Jesus.
Join us as we learn from Rabbi Jason Sobel and guests from diverse cultures as we explore the spiritual meaning of the biblical Jewish holidays. Through these conversations and teaching, you will gain new insight into the promises of God and reach a deeper level of richness in your faith.
“Even Better than Eden” - Sit ‘n’ Chat Book Club
When: Tuesdays at 1p
Where: Panera Bread in Howell
Host: Sue Pussilano
Dates: October 1st - November 26th
Experienced Bible teacher, Nancy Guthrie, traces 9 themes throughout the Bible, revealing how God’s plan for the new creation will be far more glorious than the original. But this new creation glory isn’t just reserved for the future. The hope of God’s plan for his people transforms everything about our lives today:
The Story of the Wilderness
The Story of the Tree
The Story of His Iamge
The Story of Clothing
The Story of the Bridegroom
The Story of the Sabbath
The Story of Offspring
The Story of a Dwelling Place
The Story of the City
We want to see what the original garden has to show us about the more secure, more satisfying, and more glorious garden we’re destined to live in forever, which will be even better than Eden.
“How to Parent Your Teen for a Life of Faith” - Parenting Group
When: Wednesday Nights at 7pm
Where: Sanctuary
Host: Lisa Maneri
Dates: October 2nd - December 4th
Explore faith-based strategies that foster confident, well-rounded teens as we read and discuss the book “How to Parent Your Teen for a Life of Faith” by Pete Moon. This book explores strategies that help parents raise teenagers who are equipped to face life’s challenges with adventurous faith that draws them closer to you and God.
“Sermon on the Mount” - Wednesday Night Bible Study
When: Wednesday Nights 7pm - 8:15pm
Where: Café at church
Host: Pastor Matt
Dates: September 11th - October 30th
Join us on Wednesday nights as we take deeper dive into Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, exploring how he calls us to live out Kingdom values, especially during these tense and challenging times. Together, we’ll examine additional passages from the Sermon that we didn’t get to on Sundays and engage in meaningful discussions based on Pastor Matt’s Sunday message.
This Life Group is an opportunity to grow in your faith, gain a fuller understanding of Jesus’ teachings, and learn how to apply them in your everyday life. Come ready to be challenged, encouraged, and equipped to live as Kingdom people.
“Fierce: Women of the Bible Who Changed the World” - Women’s Bible Study
When: Thursday Mornings 10am - 12pm
Where: Café at church
Host: Mary Ann Voegeli
Dates: Sept 26th - Oct 31st //
Nov 14th - Dec 19th
Fierce by Jennifer Cowart - The study is about how women of God changed the world by living into God’s Calling. These lesser known women who showed courage, kindness, faithfulness, and obedience.
Our second 5 week study will be from Max Lucado on the Holy Spirit.
Youth Group Life Group - Novation Youth
When: Thursday Nights at 7p
Where: Youth Room in Building B
Host: Pastor Paul
Dates: September 26 - October 17
Youth Group Life Group will be a place to grow in your faith! Not youth group, not school, but a place of discipleship! WE will be going through Life on Mission with David Platt with lively discussion points and activities! Let’s grow in our faith together!
“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 Dela Cruz
Dates: Open Opportunities
We want to be the hands and 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!
“Spiritual Flex” - Active Group
When: Fridays at 7p
Where: Youth Room in Building B
Host: Chanelle Dunn, Scott Molloy, + Elya Amorski
Dates: Oct 4 - Nov 22
Join us on Friday Evenings to get some gains and flex those muscles.
This boxing life group will get you ready for battle, both physically and spiritually.
King’s Table: Bible Study for Families - Parent Group
Host: Vince + Kathy Cata
When + Where:
October 5th - meet at Atlantic Farms 11a-3p
November 2nd - Painting Night at the Church 6-8pp
December 14th - Christmas Party at Freehold Senior Center 11a-2p
King’s Table is our special needs ministry inspired by the story of David’s care for Mephibosheth (2 Sam. 9:13). This Bible study is crafted specifically for parents and families participating in this ministry, offering a nurturing space to explore biblical themes relevant to your journey. Together, we’ll solve into scripture, gain insight from God’s Word, and support each other as God’s people. Join us as we seek encouragement, share experiences, and straighten our faith amidst the unique challenges and blessings of raising loved ones with special needs.