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.
Spring 2024 Life Groups
“Joy Ride” - Active Group
When: Sunday at 2:00p
Where: Various Locations
Host: Rich Dela Cruz
Dates: May 19th - June 16th
This is a “joy” ride, biking around 10mph which is an easy pace.
Enjoy friendship, the outdoors, and admire God’s creation.
You must have your own bicycle that you can transport to a start location. If you enjoy the outdoors and biking, this is the life group for you. We will do 5 rides from 1 to 3 hours long.
“The Book of 2 Corinthians” - Young Adults Bible Study
When: Monday Nights at 7:00pm
Where: Café at church
Host: Pastor Paul + Pastor Emily
Dates: May 20th - July 8th
Authentic Christianity has never been about how put together we seem to be. It’s always been about how God works powerfully through our shortcomings to accomplish his purposes for us.
So, what does a successful life look like in the kingdom of God? In this eight-session series going through the book of 2 Corinthians with Pastor Rich Villodas, we’ll watch and learn as he describes how opening ourselves up in genuine relationships with others invites the power of Jesus to shine through our weaknesses. We don’t have to clean up our weaknesses before God and others—we invite them in.
Check out more about our Young Adults group and how to get plugged in!
Jude: Contending for the Faith in Today’s Culture” - Women’s Bible Study
When: Monday Nights 7pm - 8:30pm
Where: Youth Room in Building B
Host: Rachel Davis, Heather Orlando, MaryAnn Galloway
Dates: TBD
While often overlooked, the book of Jude remains as relevant today as the time it was written. God has commanded His beloved church to do the necessary work of contending for the faith in a world of unbelief, and as we do, He will keep us from falling into the same deception.
In this 7-session study from Jackie Hill Perry, dive into themes of being called, loved, and kept, and learn how to point others to Jesus in grace and truth. We serve others well when we share the whole gospel with them, not just the parts deemed attractive by our culture.
“Work as Worship” - Wednesday Night Bible Study
When: Wednesday Nights 7pm - 8:15pm
Where: Café at church
Host: Pastor Jeff & Pastor Matt
Starts: May 22nd
Many of us find our work lives to be hollow and lacking in purpose, but the joy of worshipping God can be experienced even in our secularized work environment. As Pastor Bonnie leads us in this six-session series, we’ll see business executive and international speaker Nona Jones share about how our work carries deep spiritual significance and is directly tied to our identity as God's people. Our work is not just a job—it is a mission.
“In the Footsteps of the Savior” - Women’s Bible Study
When: Thursday Mornings 10am - 12pm
Where: Café at church
Host: Mary Ann Voegeli
Dates: April 18th - May 23rd
In the Footsteps of the Savior is an invitation to come alongside bestselling author and pastor Max Lucado as he shares key teachings from the Gospels and Acts on the people and places that shaped Jesus' life. Filmed entirely in the Holy Land, Max guides you through events that took place in Israel, weaving together lessons from the impact of following Jesus:
• Capernaum: following Jesus when you doubt
• Sea of Galilee: following Jesus in your storms
• Mount of Beatitudes: following Jesus when you worry
• Temple Steps: following Jesus...and only Jesus
• Garden Tomb: following Jesus when you need hope
• Caesarea: following Jesus when you need grace
As you see these places where Jesus actually walked and ministered, you will deepen your connection with the King of the universe who became the Savior on the cross.
18-25 - College Age Bible Study
When: Thursday Nights at 7:00pm
Where: Various Locations
Host: Pastor Paul + Megan Piccolo
Dates: May 23rd - July 11th
During the these next 8 week, we will complete a devotional through 1st, 2nd, and 3rd John as we learn to be a follower of Jesus in today’s world!
“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 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!