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.


Fall 2025 Life Groups


55+ Ministry Life Group - 55+ Ministry

Host: Pastor Matt, Ray + Joan Christensen, + Janet Ferlazzo
When + Where:

Thursday, Sept. 25 - Longhorn Steak House in Freehold @ 12:30p
Thursday, Nov. 13 - First Assembly of God @ 12:00p
Thursday, Dec. 4 - Keswick Christmas Hymn Sing

This life group is designed for those 55 and older who want to stay connected, grow in faith, and live out the mission of our church. We’ll gather for a Vision Lunch at Longhorn Steak House in Freehold (Thurs. 9/25) to build relationships and catch the vision together (Love Others), serve our community by packing EHAP Bags (Emergency Housing + Advocacy Program in Monmouth County) for those in need (Thurs. 11/13 - Reach the World), and worship together at the America’s Keswick Christmas Hymn Sing (Thurs. 12/4 - Connect to God).
Come build friendships, deepen your faith, and be a part of something meaningful!

 

Pickleball Fun - Active Group

When: Sundays @ 3p
Where: Courts next to Poets Square in Freehold
Host: Rich Dela Cruz
Dates: September 21 - October 26

Join our Pickleball Life Group for a vibrant mix of exercise, social interaction, and spiritual growth! This group combines the fun of pickleball with opportunities for fellowship + faith-builiding.

We will be semi-non competitive — beginners are welcome and will be instructed. Participants must be agile for this quick, short moving, fun sport.

 

Be the Change You Want to See in the Church - Discussion/Prayer Group

When: 2nd + 3rd Sunday Nights @ 7-8p
Where: Starbucks - 621 US 9, Freehold (Howell Park and Ride)
Host: Pastor Bonnie
Dates: September 21, 28; October 12, 19; November 9, 16

A weekly practice for faithful Christians dealing with disappointment in others in the Church. Each week includes a focus, a small action, and a reflection question.

 

First A/G Flag Football - Active Group

When: Monday Nights @ 5:30p
Where: Michael Tighe Park (Georgia Rd entrance by the stage)
Host: Pastor Paul
Dates: September 22 - November 10

First A/G Flag Football is a group that loves getting together and tossing the rock around with one another. We will have scrimmages and games and most importantly get to encourage one another on our athletic journey.

One of the values of this church is reaching the world. Being a part of this group means you have committed to participate in a local service project that is TBD together as a group!


Can’t wait to get to know you and point you towards Jesus!

 

The Book of 1 Samuel [Part 1] - Women’s Bible Study

When: Monday Nights @ 7p
Where: Youth Room in Building B
Host: MaryAnne Galloway + Heather Orlando
Dates: September 29 - October 27

What does God see when he looks at your heart? The heroes of the Bible offer complex, flawed examples of leadership. Their stories prompt us to examine the difference between our outward appearance and what God sees in our hearts. In this series, pastor and author Sharon Hodde Miller, guides us through the book of 1 Samuel, exploring the frailty of the human heart and the faithfulness of God.

 

Men in Christ - Men’s Group

When: Monday Nights @ 8p
Where: Café at church
Host: Jeremy Blackbird
Dates: September 22 - December 17

A group of men of all ages and walks of life coming together to seek discipleship and to follow Jesus. Whether you’ve just been called or have been following Jesus for your whole life, you are welcome here!

 

The Potter’s Palette - Creative Bible Study

When: Tuesdays @ 7-8:30p
Where: Fellowship Hall (Downstairs in Building B)
Host: Sara Urspruch + Karen Mooney
Dates: September 30 - November 11

“We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.” - Isaiah 64:8

The Potter’s Palette is a creative Bible study where we explore God’s Word and use PAINTING as a way to reflect His truth. Families are welcome and NO ART EXPERIENCE IS NEEDED! Come enjoy fellowship, scripture, painting on canvas or rocks, and pizza in a relaxed welcoming space.

Every shade tells His story!

 

Breaking Chains - Recovery Group

When: Tuesdays @ 7-8:15p
Where: Hybrid (starting in café on 9/30, then online)
Host: Chris Palucci + Dave Mahler
Dates: September 30 - November 4

Using a path to healing and freedom rooted in biblical principles, this group will be going through the first 6 steps of a 12-step program using the book Twelve Steps for Christians and a weekly devotional.

Following programs like Celebrate Recovery and re:generation, we’re offering an alternative to the traditional 12-step model. We’ll emphasize admitting powerlessness over sin and hurts, believing in God’s power for restoration, trusting in Him, making a moral inventory, confessing, becoming willing to have God remove shortcomings, humbly asking for removal, making amends, and continuing in spiritual growth and sharing the mess.

 

18-25 Ministry Life Group - 18-25 Ministry

Host: Pastor Paul
When + Where:
October 25 (TBA)
November 16 (TBA)
December (TBD)

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! We have periodic events throughout the year and a summer life group.

 

Joshua: Conquering God’s Call -Wednesday Night Bible Study

When: Wednesday Nights @ 7-8:15pm
Where: Café at church
Host: Pastor Matt + Pastor Bonnie
Dates: September 24 - November 19

Join us midweek as we take a deeper look into the book of Joshua, building on Sunday’s message with rich teaching, group discussion, and practical application. This is a great space to connect with others, grow in your understanding of God’s Word, and strengthen your faith journey. Whether you’re new to the Bible or ready to go deeper, there’s a spot for you.

 

“Revelation: What Happens Next” - Women’s Bible Study

When: Thursday Mornings @ 10a-12p
Where: Café at church
Host: Mary Ann Voegeli
Dates: September 25 - December

Starting with Max Lucado’s What Happens Next, we’ll be doing a 6-week study in the book of Revelation. This study will guide us to view the future with eyes of faith to see history moving closer to a new era that ushers in a heavenly destiny. No matter what we see going on around us economically, politically, socially or otherwise, Jesus has already promised us that The Father has an intentional plan. We can have a deep-seated confidence that He is firmly on His throne and the future is in His hands. Believers can live with the reassurance that whatever happens in this life, the Lord is ultimately sovereign.

 

“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

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!

 

Little Faith - Practical Bible Study

When: Friday Nights @ 7-8p (3 weeks)
Where: Youth Room in Building B
Host: Rich Dela Cruz
Dates: September 26 - October 10

Did you know that the Bible says that YOU, yes YOU, can pray for the sick to be be miraculously healed!

This 3-week life group is NOT a call for this sick and would like prayers, but rather we will focus on the basic Bible teaching and application of praying for the sick.

 

Walking-Plus Life Group - Active Group

When: Saturday Mornings @ 10a
(weather permitting)
Where: Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center
Host: Bob + Linda Duarte
Dates: September 27 - November 15

Come walk the Manasquan Reservoir with us and enjoy the beauty of God’s creation and some wonderful fellowship! We normally do one lap of the Reservoir to start (5.2 mi) and invite walkers to join us for an optional second lap at around 12:00 noon! We also may do some optional hikes at Hartshorn Woods or other sites during the week. Optional hikes will require hiking shoes or boots.

 

Prayer Walk Life Group - Prayer Group

When: Saturdays @ 9-11a (3 Saturdays)
Where:
TBD
Host:
Pastor Matt
Dates:
October 4, November 1 + 22

We believe prayer changes things - and that God moves when His people seek Him. Join us for three Saturdays this fall as we prayerfully walk through Freehold, Howell, + Jackson. Each time, we’ll visit three strategic locations to intercede for our neighborhoods, schools, churches, and leaders. Come ready to drive, walk, and pray with expectancy - believing that as we pray, heaven touches earth and hearts are changed.

Interested in joining a group this semester?.

Interested in starting a group?