On Thursday evenings in Ford City, Pennsylvania , the smell of a home-cooked meal drifts through a building at 412 9th Street as neighbors begin taking their seats around long tables. Some arrive looking for connection. Others come because they need a warm meal. A few carry quiet questions about faith. All of them are welcomed to The Dinner Table . Launched in October 2024, The Dinner Table is a donation-based community dinner and worship gathering that brings together people who might never walk into a traditional church service—neighbors facing financial hardship, people who feel disconnected from church, skeptics, and longtime believers alike. What happens each Thursday is simple but meaningful: people share a meal, listen to music, pray for one another, and talk honestly about how Jesus might be moving in their lives. The vision echoes the rhythm of the early church described in Acts 2:42 , where believers gathered around meals, devoted themselves to fellowship and prayer, and learned the way of Jesus together. That same pattern is quietly taking root in this small town along the Allegheny River. “Some of the people sitting at our tables might never step foot in a traditional church… Some come for a home-cooked meal, others feel lost in their faith. This is our community. This is our church.” Ford City itself is a borough of about 2,800 residents , once a thriving industrial town and now navigating many of the economic and social transitions common across Rust Belt communities. In a place where financial pressures and loneliness are real, gathering around food has become a powerful way to rebuild connection. And around these tables, church is beginning to look a little different. When Church Begins With a Table The Dinner Table did not begin with a complicated strategy. It started with a simple observation: many people in the community were not connecting with traditional church services—but they were open to relationships, conversation, and shared meals. So instead of asking neighbors to come to church first, the leaders began with something more natural: a table and a meal. Each Thursday evening volunteers prepare food, set tables, and welcome guests as they arrive around 5:00 PM. Music fills the room, announcements are shared, and a short reflection invites people to consider ho w Jesus might be present in their lives. But the most meaningful moments often happen in the conversations around the tables. Rather than expecting people to believe before they belong, the gathering creates space where belonging can come first. Food, Friendship, and Faith Over time, three simple words have come to describe the rhythm of The Dinner Table: Food. Friendship. Faith. One early post celebrating the weekly gathering captured the spirit of the evening: “Another great night at The Dinner Table! Thanks to Will, Maya, and Landyn for cooking up a great meal. If you’re looking for a church built around food, friendship, and faith—this is the place for you.” Meals are simple but meaningful. On one December evening, 80 neighbors from outside the church joined the gathering alongside 14 volunteers . Together they shared a Christmas meal of ham, scalloped potatoes, green beans, and fresh fruit. After dinner, the room quieted as someone read the story of Jesus’ birth from Luke chapters 1 and 2 . In the middle of conversation and laughter, the ancient story of Christmas was heard again around the tables. Moments like these reveal something powerful: church doesn’t always need a stage or sanctuary. Sometimes it begins with plates, chairs, and open conversation. Small Steps, Real Impact As the gatherings continued, the impact began to grow. By November 2025, the community had served 308 meals across three Thursday gatherings, and the group celebrated one person giving their life to Christ. What started as a simple meal had become something deeper: a place where neighbors experience friendship, prayer, and spiritual curiosity together. Pulling Up Another Chair What is happening each Thursday in Ford City may look simple—but it is deeply transformational. A shared meal has become a doorway to belonging for people who might never enter a traditional church building. In many ways, this is simply a rediscovery of the early church. As Acts 2:42 reminds us, followers of Jesus devoted themselves to fellowship, prayer, and the breaking of bread together. And perhaps that is the most encouraging part of this story: this kind of church is possible anywhere . It doesn’t require a large budget or a polished program. It begins with listening to a community, loving people well, and creating space where relationships can grow. Sometimes the most powerful place for church to begin is exactly where it did in the first century— around a table where everyone is welcome.
“We exist to reveal Jesus and seek the welfare of our community.” — Common Ground
On Monday nights at 6:00 PM in Kingsport, the tables fill quickly. There are fingerprints on the books. Remnants of food on the pages. Signs of life everywhere. As Pastor Melissa Malcolm reflected near their one-year anniversary: “It is hard to see in the picture, but there are fingerprints and remnants of food all over this book. We are one week away from our 1 year anniversary at The Table of Kingsport! We average 110 a week where we strive to provide Community, Food, Jesus, so people can Belong, Believe and Be Hope in this community.” The Table is not polished. It is alive. Beautiful Diversity from the Beginning The very first night told the story of what this community would become. Melissa described it with two simple words: “Beautiful diversity.” There was diversity in age, race, social status, and life experiences. A child beamed with joy after receiving a bouquet of flowers she admired from the table. A young man with special needs returned for a second week and leaned forward with a smile when the Jesus story was shared. Hugs and love were exchanged between a homeless man and someone who was financially secure. A couple living out of their car not only enjoyed a warm meal together but thoughtfully suggested the church keep Narcan on hand to better care for friends battling addiction. Sorrow and heartache were shared openly and received with grace and empathy rather than judgment. Nearly a third of the guests that first evening were under the age of 20, and three young people immediately asked how they could return and serve. During the meal, Melissa observed something profound: “During the meal, there is no us and them. We all sit at the tables mixed together.” What began that night was more than a dinner. It was the creation of an unconditional loving culture in a neighborhood that knows too much pain and suffering. Church Shaped Around a Table Launched in July 2024 in the former Community United Methodist Church building, The Table of Kingsport is a Fresh Expression centered on hospitality. Each Monday includes a free meal served around round tables intentionally arranged for conversation rather than anonymity. Midway through the evening, a simple and accessible story about Jesus is shared. Prayer is woven naturally into the gathering, never forced but always present. There is no rush to close the night. People linger. Conversations continue long after plates are cleared. What began with 20 people saying “yes” to creating this kind of space has grown into a weekly average of 110 neighbors gathering together. Melissa reflects, "Jesus built this place. He is working in us and those who are becoming part of this community in amazing ways.” More Than a Meal The Table functions as more than a Monday gathering. It carries forward the legacy of ministry in that building while stepping into a new future — one rooted not in rows, but in circles. Here, church looks like shared laughter and honest grief. It looks like young people stepping into leadership and neighbors caring for one another’s practical needs. It looks like a community where faith conversations happen naturally because trust has been built over time. In a world increasingly divided, The Table of Kingsport reminds us that when we center community, food, and Jesus, people don’t just attend. They belong. They believe.
On the corner of 10th Street and 9th Avenue in St. Cloud, Florida, the hum of washing machines mixes with conversation, laughter, and the smell of a shared meal. It doesn’t look like church. But it is. Here’s a quick look at what it is, how it works, and why it matters. What It Is Laundry Love in St. Cloud is a Fresh Expression of church that gathers at Kipp’s Laundromat on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Tuesdays of each month from 10:00 AM–1:00 PM. Volunteers help neighbors wash two loads of clothing, with bedding available at 12:15 PM if machines are open. A meal is also provided. There is no stage. No formal program. No pressure. Just people meeting a practical need — and discovering that the laundromat can become sacred space. How It Works The model is simple and deeply relational. Volunteers arrive with quarters, detergent, and open hearts. Guests load machines. People sit together while clothes spin. A meal is shared. Conversations unfold naturally. Prayer is offered when welcomed. Names are remembered. Stories are honored. The rhythm is consistent. The posture is present. The invitation is gentle. Instead of asking neighbors to come to church, this community shows up in a place people already gather — meeting both tangible and spiritual needs in the same room. Why It Matters Laundry is one of the quiet stressors of poverty. When families must choose between groceries, rent, and transportation, clean clothes can feel like a luxury. Yet laundry impacts school attendance, job interviews, confidence, and dignity. Laundry Love restores more than clothing. It restores belonging. The fruit looks like: A parent exhaling because school clothes are clean A senior lingering because someone finally asked how they’re doing A volunteer discovering that mission doesn’t require a microphone In a world where many feel unseen, this Fresh Expression reminds us that church can begin with something as simple as a spin cycle. Where in your community do people quietly carry burdens? What if the Church met them there?
Runner’s Church is a simple, accessible way New Hope Church is meeting p eople where faith and fitness already intersect. Here’s a quick look at what it is, how it works, and why it matters. What It Is Runner’s Church is a faith-shaped community for runners, walkers, and anyone who enjoys movement. Rather than gathering inside a sanctuary, participants meet outdoors for connection, prayer, and spiritual reflection—paired with time on the trail. This isn’t about pace, distance, or performance. It’s about showing up, moving together, and creating space for faith in everyday life. How It Works Runner’s Church meets on Saturday mornings and begins with a brief prayer and reflection. From there, participants run or walk together along a nearby route—going as far or as fast as they choose. The rhythm is intentionally simple: A short spiritual focus Movement side-by-side Conversation, encouragement, and community along the way Some weeks include themed reflections or devotionals that connect physical practice with spiritual growth, reinforcing that faith doesn’t have to be separated from the rest of life. Why It Matters Runner’s Church offers a compelling example of how church can take shape around shared interests and existing rhythms. For people who may never attend a traditional worship service—but already value fitness, community, and meaning—this gathering lowers barriers and opens doors. It’s church that feels natural, relational, and embodied. A reminder that discipleship can happen in motion, and that God meets people not only in sanctuaries, but on sidewalks, trails, and early-morning runs.
In the cozy basement library of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, people are gathering—not for a worship service, but for cookies, conversation, and a good movie. Movies & Chats, a budding Fresh Expression of church, is offering a warm, accessible space where faith isn’t forced but curiosity is welcome, and community is quietly taking root. Led by Dave McEachron , a covocational Episcopal priest and lifelong lover of film, the idea began with a simple question: What if watching movies and talking about them could become a way to connect with people beyond the church? That single spark has grown into something deeply resonant. With thoughtfully chosen films like Lars and the Real Girl, Whiplash, Women Talking, and Small Things Like These, the gatherings quickly gained traction—drawing 12–15 attendees at first, then growing as more locals discovered the group through MeetUp and word-of-mouth. FROM CUROSITY TO COMMUNITY “We didn’t try to make it overly spiritual,” Dave said. “We just let the movies do their work and let the conversation unfold.” Movies & Chats taps into something deeply human: our need to make meaning through story. And in a culturally vibrant, spiritually eclectic city like St. Paul—offering a welcoming space to explore life’s biggest questions through art and conversation fills a real need. This Fresh Expression isn’t trying to draw people into traditional church—it’s about meeting people where they already are, in ways that feel natural and non-threatening. As one attendee put it, “The space doesn’t feel religious, but it does feel deeply meaningful.” As David continues to experiment he hopes that shared leadership will begin to transform the group and that regular participants would start suggesting films and helping shape future gatherings. A FRESH EXPRESSION IN MOTION Movies & Chats is still taking shape, but it clearly reflects the rhythms of the Fresh Expressions journey . It began with listening—David paid attention to his own passions and the culture around him, sensing that movies could be a bridge to meaningful conversation. From there, he stepped into loving and serving, offering a space where strangers could gather safely, enjoy a shared experience, and connect without pressure. As people returned and brought friends, community began to form naturally, not through structure but through presence and trust. Now, conversations are growing deeper, participants are helping to plan events, and a sense of ownership is emerging. Though it’s early, the doorway for exploring discipleship is beginning to emerge —not through teaching, but through thoughtful dialogue and relationships formed in the warmth of the group. As Fresh Expressions reminds us, church can emerge when we follow the Spirit’s lead, practice incarnational presence, and nurture spaces that are contextual, organic, and open to what God might grow. “It’s not yet a Fresh Expression of church,” Dave admits. “But it’s a faithful experiment. We’re present. We’re paying attention. And we’re seeing something beautiful emerge.” NOT A PROGRAM - A POSTURE What makes Movies & Chats so compelling is its accessibility. It doesn’t require a worship band, a curriculum, or a marketing budget. Just a library space, a few good films, a plate of cookies, and a host willing to listen and love without an agenda. “Fresh Expressions is about forming new Christian communities with people who may never come to your church, but who are longing for community, purpose, and spiritual connection.” The story of Movies & Chats reminds us that church doesn’t have to start with preaching—it can start with popcorn and honest conversation. MORE THAN A MOVIE NIGHT Movies & Chats may have begun as a simple film discussion group, but it’s becoming something more: a space where connection forms, trust deepens, and the Spirit gently moves. In a time when many are disillusioned with institutional religion but still yearning for meaning, this Fresh Expression is opening the door to community in a way that feels authentic, relational, and doable . “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” — Frederick Buechner Dave didn’t launch a program—he did something he loved doing, followed his curiosity, invited others in, and made space for the Spirit to do the rest. And that’s the beauty of Fresh Expressions: anyone, in any church, can do the same.
In Lincoln, New Hampshire, church doesn’t always start with a steeple or a sanctuary. Sometimes it starts in a lift line. Sometimes it starts over hot coffee. Sometimes it begins when two strangers realize they’re chasing the same joy down the same slope. Loon Mountain Ministry (LMM) is a Fresh Expression of Church that seeks to relationally live out the truth of Jesus Christ within the community at Loon Mountain Resort. For more than 30 years, LMM has served the spiritual and community needs of skiers, snowboarders, and vacationers who gather in the mountain resort area—many of whom would never attend a traditional service. Founded with a vision inspired by God, the ministry’s mission is simple and compelling: love God, serve the community, and enjoy the mountains. LMM offers church services, outreach, and spiritual care directly in the ski resort setting, making faith accessible within a culture shaped by recreation, seasonal rhythms, and shared experience. This is what it looks like when the Church stops waiting for people to come—and instead shows up where people already are. The mountains create a shared language One of the most remarkable dynamics of Loon Mountain Ministry is how naturally the mountain creates connection. People who might never speak to each other in any other setting find themselves laughing, waiting, and celebrating side-by-side. Marcus Corey, a pioneer and ski resort chaplain, describes it this way: “Anytime you enter the mountains it creates a shared common experience. ... it’s one of the only places where a billionaire and a bum are high-fiving each other stoked to be together…” Fresh Expressions leaders often talk about starting with listening, presence, and relationships —and LMM is a living example. The mountain becomes an environment where people are already open, already present, already sharing life. The Church doesn’t have to manufacture community. It can simply join what’s already happening. And that shared experience becomes the soil for spiritual conversation. “Shared common experiences are what create relationships and relationships are the rails in which the gospel can penetrate into someone’s personal life…” - Marcus Corey From the summit to Main Street: a thrift store and coffee shop that sustains mission Loon Mountain Ministry isn’t only present on the slopes. It’s also building tangible points of connection in town—especially through a venture that’s deeply relevant for churches exploring sustainability and innovation. Marcus says plainly: “…our ministry is supported by a thrift and coffee shop.” This matters for pastors and denominational leaders who are asking real questions: How do we create spaces that build community and support ministry? What might it look like to combine hospitality, presence, and sustainability? How can “church” take shape through everyday, relational spaces? A thrift store and coffee shop is more than a creative idea—it’s a missional platform . It’s a place where people naturally gather, trust forms over time, and faith can be encountered in the midst of daily life. It’s also a model of how entrepreneurial imagination can serve the mission rather than distract from it. And it offers a surprisingly simple invitation: “If you’re a coffee drinker please come up and have coffee coffee with us." Why this is doable: start with what people already love Loon Mountain Ministry didn’t begin as a complicated strategy. It began as a faithful response to a real context. The ministry bridges the gap between recreation and worship by recognizing that God is already present in creation and community—and that spiritual openness often emerges through shared experiences. Marcus describes his calling as: “I’ve really been on a life long journey of making the Creator known in his creation." This is the heart of Fresh Expressions: discovering the places where the Gospel can be embodied naturally —in networks, passions, third spaces, and everyday life. Whether your community gathers around mountains, music, meals, art, fitness, or coffee, the invitation is the same: pay attention to what people already love, and ask what it looks like to follow Jesus there. “…you don’t have to be a skier you just have to love Jesus and be willing to follow him where he takes you…” - Marcus Corey
In the heart of New Albany, Mississippi, a vibrant rhythm of worship, service, and community rises from a ministry called La Misión, led by Rev. Marta Sobrino Bolen. Born from the vision of New Albany United Methodist Church to reach and embrace its growing Hispanic community, La Misión has become far more than a church program—it’s a living expression of the Gospel in two languages and many forms. Each week, families gather for worship, food, tutoring, and friendship, echoing the anthem that defines their identity:
Worship Beyond the Walls It all began with a simple request. A local retirement community, Fleming Farms, wondered if our church might be willing to provide something regular for their residents. Rather than asking people to come to us, the Spirit was nudging us to go to them. What started as a brainstorming lunch quickly grew into a shared calling. After prayer, reflection, and some nudging from family, we stepped forward — not alone, but with others from the congregation who were eager to serve, sing, and share life. The result was W.O.W. (Worship on Wednesday). We didn’t know what to expect, but from the very first hymn-sing, it was clear God was already at work. Residents came with joy and keep returning week after week. Together we sing, hear a short word from Scripture, share prayer requests, and celebrate birthdays. A Community of Giving and Receiving The surprising gift of W.O.W. is how it has shaped our whole church. Each Wednesday for the past 17 months, people who normally worship only inside our sanctuary are stepping into a different kind of sanctuary — the community room at Fleming Farms. They are meeting new neighbors, sharing stories, and discovering that worship doesn’t have to stay within four walls.
“There is so much power to kids seeing grown-ups participate in fun.” – Jen Asp
