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 2025 Life Groups
Men in Christ - Men’s Group
When: Monday Nights @ 8p
Where: TBD Neutral Venue + Online via Zoom
Host: Mark Rowlands
Dates: Kick-off on Sunday, Feb 2 in the Youth Room in Building B at 10a
Mondays from February 9th - March 24th
A fellowship of men on the journey of life pursuing Jesus. A forum where men can both give and receive godly wisdom. Join us as we dive into the Old + New Testaments over 8 weeks!
“I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.” - John 10:16
GriefShare - Grief Group
When: Wednesday Nights @ 7-8p
Where: Sanctuary
Host: Karen Mooney + Co-leader
Dates: February 5 - March 12
Find hope and peace in the midst of grief. Grief doesn’t follow neatly outlines stages. When you’re going through it, it feels like it will never end. But the good news is that peace is possible, even amid the heartache and pain. If you’re grieving the loss of a loved one, we’re here to walk with you.
“The Lord is near the brokenhearted; he saves those crushed in spirit.” - Psalm 34:18
“Extraordinary Joy” - Wednesday Night Bible Study
When: Wednesday Nights 7pm - 8:15pm
Where: Café at church
Host: Pastor Matt + Pastor Bonnie
Dates: January 22 - March 5
Join us on Wednesday nights as we take a look at ‘Extraordinary Joy.’ During this series, we’ll hear from Kelly Miller as he describes how following Jesus with the right perspective takes us on a journey of supernatural love and extraordinary joy. This teaching will expand our understanding of suffering, the tension between God’s grace and our efforts to perform, obedience in a me-first culture, and leveraging the Holy Spirit’s power to accomplish all He calls us to do.
“Chasing Happy: Study of Philippians” - Women’s Bible Study
When: Thursday Mornings 10am - 12pm
Where: Café at church
Host: Mary Ann Voegeli
Dates: January 30 - March 13
Chasing Happy: Study of Philippians by Lori Wilhite - Many of us spend our lives chasing ‘happy’ through relationships, success, and the next adventure. Yet, we only discover a dryness in our souls. Why? Because we’re chasing the wrong kind of happy. Join us for his study on the book of Philippians as we discover the incredible truth that happy isn’t found in the circumstances around us, but the power of Jesus in us.
“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!
Martial Arts Basics - Active Group
When: Thursday Nights @ 7p
Where: Youth Room in Building B
Host: Bob + Linda Duarte
Dates: January 30th - March 20th
Join our Martial Arts Basics Life Group for a mix of exercise, social interaction , and fun! Open to all skill levels, this Life Group for adults, young adults, and seniors will teach basic martial arts blocks and stances that will help with balance, coordination, and focus in a relaxed, casual atmosphere.
Essentials of Prayer + Evangelism - Men’s Group
When: Saturday Mornings 8-9:30a
Where: Café at church
Host: Chris Paulucci + Dan Richmond
Dates: February 8 - April 12
Join us on Saturday mornings as we walk through the book ‘ Essentials of Prayer’ by E. M. Bounds. As we learn, we’ll grow deeper in our prayer lives and put our faith into action as we follow the Holy Spirit’s leading in evangelism — telling others about the Gospel and the Good News of Jesus!
Game Night Life Group - Interest Group
When: 2nd Friday of the month, February to June (except for May)
Where: Jicha’s House
Host: Tim + Joy Jicha
Dates: 2/14, 3/14, 4/11, 5/2, 6/13
Adults 18+ are invited to join the Jicha family for a night of friendly games and competition… Pictionary, Family Feud, LRC, and more! Each month will be different, so it’s okay if you are unable to attend each game night! Games are a great way to get to know people, so we are looking forward to making new friends! And enjoying old friends as well!!
Movie Night Life Group - Interest Group
When: 2nd Saturday of the month, February - May @ 6p
Where: Sanctuary
Host: Brian McLean
Dates: 2/8, 3/8, 4/12, 5/10
Join us on the 2nd Saturday each month as we gather together for fellowship and watch a Christian movie that will encourage our faith!
Popcorn, candy, + beverages provided!
Movies:
February 8: Cabrini
March 8: Sound of Hope
April + May movies to be announced!
18-25 Ministry Life Group - 18-25 Ministry
Host: Pastor Paul + Megan Piccolo
When + Where:
February Hang Out - TBD
March 13th - Top Golf (meet at the church at 5p!)
April Hang Out - TBD
May Event - Escape Room (more info coming!)
Our 18-25 Ministry exists to fellowship together in this age range as we navigate through college and young adult life Our goal is to connect to God, love others, and reach the world!
King’s Table: Bible Study for Families - Parent Group
Host: Vince + Cathy Cata
When + Where:
Partnered with King’s Table Events
King’s Table is our special needs ministry inspired by the story of David’s care for Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9).
This bible study is crafter specifically for parents and families participating in this ministry, offering a nurturing space to explore biblical themes relevant to your journey. Together, we’ll delve 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 strengthen our faith amidst the unique challenges and blessings of raising loved ones with special needs.