Threads of Grace: How a Fresh Expression is Weaving Community and Faith
In a small town like New Carlisle, Indiana, connection can feel as elusive as a loose thread. For years, traditional church programs in the area struggled to engage a growing number of people who felt disconnected from both faith and community. That’s when New Carlisle United Methodist Church decided to try something different—something bold.
Enter Tangled Threads, a fresh expression of Church built around a simple idea: sewing. Through the humble act of gathering to create, this ministry is not just mending fabric but also repairing lives, fostering belonging, and offering a tangible experience of God’s love. The community began to form when a group of four from the congregation attended a Fresh Expressions training.
Tangled Threads demonstrates the power of reimagining church. With its roots in the Fresh Expressions movement, this innovative ministry meets people where they are, proving that church can truly happen anywhere.
Listening to the Needs of the Community
Great movements of faith begin with listening, and Tangled Threads is no exception. Leaders at New Carlisle UMC started by asking a simple but profound question: What does our community need?
What they heard was clear—loneliness, disconnection, and a desire for purpose were common threads in the stories of their neighbors. Many of these individuals weren’t walking through church doors but still longed for connection.
“When someone mentioned how sewing had helped them build relationships in the past, it was like a light bulb went off,” a church leader explained.
This insight led to the creation of Tangled Threads, where people could gather to sew, share stories, and create something beautiful together.
Building Community, One Stitch at a Time
In a society where nearly 60% of rural adults report feeling socially disconnected, Tangled Threads is stitching lives back together. The group serves a diverse community: retirees eager to share their skills, young adults seeking creative outlets, and anyone in need of belonging.
At first glance, it might look like just another sewing circle. But for participants, it’s so much more.
“I came for the sewing,” one member shared, “but I stayed because this feels like home. I’ve never felt so supported and valued in a group before.”
The projects often extend beyond the group, with quilts donated to shelters and handmade clothes gifted to families in need. Through these acts of service, Tangled Threads embodies the biblical call of 1 Peter 4:10: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
Why This Fresh Expression Works
Tangled Threads thrives because it aligns perfectly with the Fresh Expressions Journey:
- Exploring Discipleship: Faith conversations naturally emerged as relationships deepened.
- Listening: Leaders paid close attention to the needs and passions of their community.
- Loving and Serving: They created a safe and welcoming space for people to gather.
- Building Community: Participants built meaningful relationships through shared activities.
This Fresh Expression also reflects the movement’s principles of incarnational mission and contextual relevance. By meeting people in their everyday lives and valuing their gifts, Tangled Threads is a living example of Dallas Willard’s insight: “Discipleship is the process of becoming who Jesus would be if he were you.”
A Model for Transformation
For pastors, church leaders, and denominational leaders, Tangled Threads offers an inspiring but achievable model of ministry. It didn’t require a massive budget, a large team, or a grand strategy—just a willingness to listen and act on the needs of the community.
As Henri Nouwen reminds us, “We are called to be a community of love, where each person is valued and nurtured.” Tangled Threads reflects this calling, showing that Fresh Expressions are not just innovative—they’re deeply transformational.
Weave Your Own Fresh Expression
The story of Tangled Threads is proof that Fresh Expressions are possible for any church, no matter its size or resources. What passions, skills, or hobbies exist in your community that could become the foundation for something new?
You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Start small. Listen to your community. Trust God to work through the gifts you already have.
Whether it’s hosting a hobby group, organizing a community meal, or creating space for meaningful conversations, Fresh Expressions can reimagine church in ways that resonate with people who might never walk into a sanctuary.
It’s time to step out in faith and let God use your creativity to transform lives. As Tangled Threads shows us, when we open our hearts and align our gifts with the world’s needs, the church becomes exactly what it was always meant to be—a community of love, connection, and grace.
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
