Winter 2026 Life Groups

55+ Ministry Life Group - 55+ Ministry

Host: Pastor Matt, Ray + Joan Christansen, + Janet Ferlazzo
When + Where:
Tuesday, February 10 - Longhorn Steak House in Freehold @ 12p
Sunday, February 1-15 - Valentine’s Day Gift Tree Drive
Wednesday, March 4 - Community Lenten Service @ 12p at First Assembly (Lunch provided by the church)

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 to build relationships and catch the vision together (Love Others), participate in a local outreach project serving one of our local senior centers (Reach the World), and worship alongside other churches at our Community Lenten Service, followed by lunch provided by our church (Wed. 3/5 - Connect to God).

Come build friendships, deepen your faith, and be a part of something meaningful as we live out the mission: Connect to God, Love Others, Reach the World!

Assisted Living/Nursing Home Outreach - Outreach Group

When: Sundays @ 4p
Where: Sunrise Assisted Living (N. County Line Rd in Jackson)
Host: Chris Paulucci + Bob + Linda Duarte
Dates: Feb. 1 - Mar 22

Our heart for this Life Group is to see the residents in some of our local assisted living + nursing homes feel seen, know that they are loved, and that they belong. On Sunday afternoons, we’ll be singing hymns and sharing the love of Jesus with the residents.

“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” - Isaiah 46:4

Serve the City: Open Door Food Pantry - Outreach Group

When: Daily opportunities Monday - Thursday, 9a - 3:30p
Where: Open Door Food Pantry in Freehold Borough on Throckmorton St.
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!

The Book of 1 Samuel [Part 2] - Women’s Bible Study

When: Monday Nights @ 7p
Where: Youth Room in Building B
Host: MaryAnne Galloway + Heather Orlando
Dates: February 2 - March 9

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 Bible Study

When: Mondays @ 8p
Where: Café
Host: Jeremy Blackbird
Dates: February 2 - March 30

A group of men of all ages and walks of life coming together as disciples to become more and more like Jesus. Whether you’ve just been called or have been following Jesus your whole life, you are welcome here!

Join us this semester as we walk through the book of Philippians!

Painting + Prayer - Creative Bible Study

When: Tuesdays @ 7-8p
Where: Youth Room (Upstairs in Building B)
Host: Karen Mooney
Dates: February 3 - March 3

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

In Painting + Pryer, we’ll explore God’s Word and use PAINTING on canvas or rocks as a way to reflect what the Holy Spirit stirs in you. Adults and Teens (12+ with their parent) are welcome and NO ART EXPERIENCE NEEDED! Come enjoy fellowship, scripture, and painting in a relaxed, welcoming space.

King’s Table: Bible Study for Parents/Families of Adults + Kids with Special Needs - King’s Table Ministry

Host: Vince + Kathy Cata
When + Where:

• Saturday, Jan. 31 - KT Adults (18+) Painting Night at First Assembly (Youth Room, Building B)

• Saturday, Mar. 7 - KT Adults + Kids Movie Night

• Sunday, Mar. 29 - KT Easter Service @ 2p at First Assembly (Sanctuary)

• Saturday, Apr. 11 - KT Adults (18+) Bingo Night at First Assembly (Youth Room, Building B)

King’s Table is our special needs ministry inspired by the story of David’s care for Mephibosheth (2 Sam. 9). 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 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 blessing of raising loved ones with special needs.

Who is the Holy Spirit? -Wednesday Night Bible Study

When: Wednesday Nights @ 7-8:15pm
Where: Café at church
Host: Pastor Matt
Dates: Starting Feb. 4th

Join us on Wednesday Nights as we go deeper into our Sunday series ‘Who is the Holy Spirit?’ through guided Life Group discussion and teaching. Over four weeks, we’ll explore who the Holy Spirit is, how He works in our lives, and why a healthy relationship with Him is essential to everyday Christian living.

This group is designed to create a comfortable, welcoming environment where quesions are encouraged and Scripture leads the conversation. Together, we’ll talk about what it means to have the Holy Spirit in us, with us, working through us, and how that reality shapes our faith, obedience, and mission.

Each week syncs directly with the Sunday message, allowing us to slow down, reflect, and apply what we’re learning in community. Whether you’re new to the Holy Spirit or looking to grow deeper in your walk, this group is for you.

Ephesians: Head Held High - Women’s Bible Study

When: Thursday Mornings @ 10a-12p
Where: Café at church
Host: Mary Ann Voegeli
Dates: February 12 - March 19

Join us as we go through the study Ephesians: Head Held High as we explore the book of Ephesians and see what happens when we understand who God says we are. This six-session study explores how when you walk confidently in God, He can use you to make a huge impact.

Game Night Life Group - Interest Group

When: 3 Fridays from 6:30-9:30p
Where: The Jicha’s House
Host: Joy + Tim Jicha
Dates: February 20, March 13, April 10

Come enjoy laughter, friendship, and some friendly competition with your church family at the Jicha’s!

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!!

**Group is limited to 16 people**

Self-Defense Life Group (Men + Women) - Active Group

When: Men: Fridays from 7-8p | Women: Saturdays from 3-4p
Where: Youth Room (Upstairs in Building B)
Host: Bob + Linda Duarte
Dates: Friday, Feb 6th - Saturday, March 14

This Life Group, open to both men + women, will teach basic self-defense techniques. These techniques, based upon Israeli Krav Mana, which is used by the IDF, law enforcement, and is also taught in a less-lethal civilian version. Men will learn how to defend against common fight initiators, such as pushes, grabs, and punches. Women will learn how to defend against assaults such as grabs, chokes, and bear hugs. Both groups will learn ground defense techniques.

** due to the nature of the group, there is a maximum limit of 12 in each group - a waiting list will be an option!!**

Moms of Young Kids - Parenting Group

When: 2 Saturdays @ 8:30a
Where: Starbucks on Rt. 9 in Freehold (621 US-9, next to the Howell Park + Ride)
Host: Rebecca Jones
Dates: February 2 + 14

Do you ever feel a disconnect as a mother - like you’re doing all the “mom things” you’re supposed to do as you stoop to serve your kids with your hands, but your heart isn’t in it?

While being a mom is one of the most rewarding jobs, it is also one of the hardest. We grow weary as we pour ourselves out for our children, wondering where we’ll get the strength to serve another day. If we’re honest, we can become exhausted by the constant call to tend to our family. We can even sometimes resent the poster of humility and servanthood it requires. We can easily go about humble work without a humble heart. During theses 2 weeks, we will look at how the work of Christ sustains the work of motherhood. Taken from the book Humble Moms by Kristen Wetherell.