Fresh Expressions Indiana

What is the Indiana Fresh Expressions team up to? We're learning more and moving forward to be able to offer our churches more resources and support. Stay tuned for announcements coming soon!

The Northern Lakes District will host Leadership University on Saturday, Jan 31 and Saturday, Feb 7 via Zoom. Many of you have attended the Fresh Expressions workshop through Leadership University in the past couple of years, but this year I want to encourage you to sign up again to hear Carolyn Wirtz-Poelstra share her workshop about "Unchurch" which is reaching a population of people with church hurt, religious trauma, and those seeking community outside of traditional Sunday worship. Northern Lakes invites ALL to join us, just follow the link and register (free!) for the Fresh Expressions workshop! https://inumc.swoogo.com/leadershipu2026?fbclid=IwY2xjawPd8V9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEyWlpTMXUxbGRVTGpGVmhUc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHuO2G_iEb5MEWr0jLwvgpty1zZXmmW6bVUlkZdmL4mImTPiC-RKUO8sN8EKB_aem_WKiV5SAl4RqYyVZ5-aSMgA

Northern Lakes Leadership University This FREE training will equip everyone with hands on application and encouragement for transformational leadership and ministry. There is one registration with the option to register for one or both dates. Registrants may only register for ONE workshop per day.

Rev. Ron Marcoux called it a "Dinner Church Master Class" as God called everything into place just right for a wonderful evening of food, fellowship, music, and worship at Wednesday Night's Dinner Church Edwardsville United Methodist Church!
See the comments for a video of "O Holy Night" shared by vocalist Bryan Hutson!

Spread the word! "Getting Started with Messy Church" in person training is being offered in Chicago in November! This is a great opportunity!

Getting Started, November 1, 2025 - Messy Church USA Thank you to the Metropolitan Chicago Synod ELCA for sponsoring this Get Started in Messy Church training! Date of Training: November 1, 2025 Location: Bethlehem Lutheran Church9401 S. Oakley AveChicago, […]

We love to share the stories of thriving and lasting examples of Fresh Expressions! Thanks to Rev. Ron Marcoux who shares:

The "Willing Workers" are a fresh expression that meets on Tuesdays at Edwardsville UMC. They have met for decades and are well known in our community.

This group has a potluck on the first Tuesday of each month. They share a meal and devotion before beginning their quilting and crafting. The other 3 weeks of the month are spent quilting, crafting, praying, and fellowshipping with each other.

Although the show will create a large amount of money, the Willing Workers will give most of it to missional organizations. They also have a quilt ministry that provides quilts to folks who are ill or recovery from surgery, etc.

This group includes folks from EUMC, other churches, and folks without a church home. They are an example of a thriving fresh expression.

Good News!

Welcome to "What's the Good News?" Part 2! This week I had the chance to visit Pastor Mike Beezley at Milford Methodist Meeting House for fresh kinds of faith conversations that everyone can feel comfortable joining in! Shared food and simple worship brought together an excellent night in the Holy space of community! It's all Good News!! Even if one guy doesn't like cats🤣 Great Job!! Keep up the good news! -Pastor Trish

Welcome to the "What's the Good News?" series! Tonight I got to celebrate unity and community with the wonderful people of Hope United Methodist Church in Hammond at Messy Church! What's the Good News in Hammond? Pastor Jim Denton shares that Messy Church is reaching new people in their community, connecting with their preschool families, and moving the spirit of the newly merged church forward. Thank you for your hospitality and for sharing the love of Jesus in Hammond, In! It's Good News!
-Pastor Trish Johnsen

We want to share all the wonderful news of Fresh Expressions in your communities! Our celebration this week comes from Rev. Ron Marcoux at Edwardsville UMC in the Southern Rivers District. Welcome to "Wind Down Wednesday"! Ron shares that their attendance is expanding and including folks from a nearby assisted living, children, and neighbors in need. All enjoyed a baked potato bar and a bounty of desserts as they shared in community and discipleship! Have a story to share? Send it to Trish Johnsen, Associate Director of Church Development at [email protected]

Last week, the INUMC Fresh Expressions team had the chance to provide training at the Residents in Ministry Retreat in Indianapolis. What a privilege it is to share all of the ways that God is working in new ways- from Dinner Church to Messy Church and every which way in between. If you would like to explore an idea for new ministry, comment here or email [email protected] and we can match you with a coach and resources to make it happen! God is good!

Getting ready to share the Fresh Expressions vision with INUMC Residents in Ministry! It's going to be a great retreat!

The FX team is honored to get to provide training to INUMC RIM (residents in ministry) participants during a two day retreat! I'm all packed and ready and stopping on the way for the fidget spinners😁 We can't wait to spread the good news of Fresh Expressions - from Dinner Church to Messy Church and every disciple making opportunity in between!