Tangled Threads is a fresh expression of Church for people who love to sew or want to learn to sew. The community began to form when a group of four from the congregation attended a Fresh Expressions training.
They were intrigued by the possibility of fresh expressions that emerge out of shared affinities. As they were driving home, one church member began to share that she had always thought about starting a sewing group. Another member of the group had experience with a sewing group in the past and became very animated.
By the end of the car ride home, they had already begun to map out the people with whom they wanted to start connecting and sharing the vision. Within a week, they had five others in the community interested.
Over the next short while, they secured the donation of five sewing machines and lots of donated material.
“Surely this is a God thing!” they celebrated.
“Surely this is a God thing!” they celebrated.
Today, they have grown to a group of 12, half of whom are not part of their church (including one who is a 14-year-old budding sewing enthusiast). They create a variety of handmade items, including lap blankets, fidget blankets, quilts, totes, pillowcases, and more. Before they are donated to charities, the handmade creations are displayed on the altar of their parent congregation who prays a blessing over them. Tangled Threads then donates the items to local organizations, including long-term care facilities and the American Legion.
They have been excited to see just how easy it has been to form relationships–and even mentorship–around something they already love to do. The New Carlisle UMC congregation has been energized by what has unfolded and others in the congregation are already beginning to imagine how their hobby or interest could be the starting point for a new fresh expression.
Snapshot of a Fresh Expression of Church
What is the Fresh Expression called?
Tangled Threads
Where is it?
New Carlisle, Indiana
Who is it for?
People who love to knit, crochet, quilt, and sew
What do they do?
Gather together for conversation, connection over a shared interest, and creation of handmade items for charity.
Who is the Pioneer?
Nancy and Beth, 2 senior congregation members who, after attending a Fresh Expression training, enthusiastically reached out to 5 friends who had a shared interest in sewing. Shortly thereafter they had secured donated materials, support in the broader community, and charities with which to partner.
Where can I learn more?
Tangled Threads on Facebook
