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.


Spring 2026 Life Groups


55+ Ministry Life Group - 55+ Ministry

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

May 12 - Movie Afternoon @ the church
June 2 - ‘Joshua’ @ Sight + Sound (Tickets available for purchase until April 20th)

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.

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

 

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!

 

B.Y.O.C. (Bring Your Own Craft/Hobby) - Interest Group

When: Monday Nights @ 7p
Where: Youth Room in Building B
Host: Pastor Emily
Dates: April 27 - June 22

Spring cleaning and found a crafting project you set aside years ago? Want to work on a project or to pick up a new hobby and need to find the time? Want to try something new, but need people to encourage you to start it? This group is for you!!

On Mondays throughout the next few months, we’ll gather, have a small devotional, and then work on the crafts and hobbies that we bring! Don’t do your craft or hobby alone!!

 

Men in Christ - Men’s Bible Study

When: Mondays @ 8p
Where: Café
Host: Jeremy Blackbird
Dates: April 27 - June 29

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!

 

Assisted Living Outreach Life Group - Outreach Group

When: Various Sunday Afternoons
Where: Sunrise Assisted Living - N. County Line Rd, Jackson
Host: Chris Paulucci, Bob + Linda Duarte
Dates: Sunday, May 31st + June 28th

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.

Each month on a Sunday afternoon, we’ll be singing hymns and sharing the love of Jesus with the residents.

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” - 1 Thessalonians. 5:11

 

Mom’s of Young Kids - Parenting Group

When: Saturday, May 16th @ 8:30a
Where: Starbucks on Rt. 9 in Freehold (621 US-9, next to the Howell Park + Ride)
Host: Rebecca Jones

Join us for a one-time Starbucks meet up for moms of young kids! Come enjoy adult conversation, encouragement, and connection with other moms in the same season of life.

Before we meet, we’ll go through a short YouVersion devotional on Jochebed (Moses’ mom), and then chat about what her faith teaches us about trusting God with our children.

 

18-25 Ministry Life Group - 18-25 Ministry

Host: Pastor Paul
When:
May 12, 18 + 28; June 2 + 9; July 1
Where: Various Locations @ 7p

18-25 Ministry exists to fellowship together as we navigate through college and young adult life and learn practical ways to follow Jesus.

 

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

Host: Vince + Kathy Cata
When + Where:

  • Saturday, May 2 - KT Adults (18+) Karaoke Night at First Assembly (Youth Room, Building B)

  • Saturday, June 20 - King’s Table BBQ

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.

 

Praying the Scriptures for Your Teens - Parenting Group

When: Wednesday Nights @ 7p
Where: Café
Host: Lisa Maneri
Dates: April 29 - June 10

Join us as we come together with parents and caregivers of middle school and high school students to learn how vital prayer and intercession are for our teens.

We will be using the book, “Praying the Scriptures for Your Teens” by Jodie Berndt. Topics include Praying for your Teen’s relationship with Christ, Praying for Good Friends, Praying about Technology and Social Media and other current issues our teens face today. Books will be provided!

 

Digging Deeper - Wednesday Night Bible Study

When: Wednesday Nights @ 7-8:15pm
Where: Sanctuary
Host: Pastor Matt
Dates: Starting April 29th

Join us on Wednesday Nights as we go deeper into our Sunday series through guided Life Group discussion and teaching.

This group is designed to create a comfortable, welcoming environment where questions are encouraged and Scripture leads the conversation.

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 faith or looking to grow deeper in your walk, this group is for you.

 

Everything You Need - Women’s Bible Study

When: Thursday Mornings @ 10a-12p
Where: Café at church
Host: Mary Ann Voegeli
Dates: April 16 - May 21

Join us as we go through the study Everything You Need by David Jeremiah and study 2 Peter 1:3-11 as we'll see how there is help at our fingertips - help that will give us everything we need to walk life's trail with resilience and strength. 

While many Christians feel unprepared to walk the journey of faith, you can be assured that God has provided the tools you need to guide your way - resources such as virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. You can live in confidence because of his promises!

 

Walking Life Group - Active Group

When: Saturday Mornings @ 9:45a (Weather Permitting)
Where: Manasquan Reservoir Vistors Center
Host: Bob + Linda Duarte
Dates: May 2 - June 27

Join us for fellowship, fun, and exercise while enjoying God’s beautiful creation as we walk Manaquan Reservoir on Saturday mornings (weather permitting).
We’ll meet at the Visitor’s Center at 9:45a for prayer and start our walk promptly at 10a. We’ll also offer an additional walk at 12 noon if you’re up for the challenge or can’t make it at 10a. Join us for some fresh air, fellowship, and a wonderful leisurely way to enjoy the outdoors!

 

When Men Pray - Father’s Day Men’s Choir

When: Saturdays + Sundays leading to Father’s Day
Where: Saturdays in the Café, Sundays in the Sanctuary
Host: Chris Paulucci
Dates: May 2, 16, 17, 30 +31; June 7 + 14

Men of all ages are invited to join us as we sing unto the Lord and celebrate Father’s Day with the song When Men Pray.

For this Life Group, we’ll have times of practice and prayer together leading up to Father’s Day. It’ll be great time of fellowship and bonding through the power of prayer and singing.

“I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling;” - 1 Tim. 4:8

 

Interested in joining a group this semester?.

Interested in starting a group?