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Foyers
Foyers
Potluck Kick-off January 13
After the Celtic Service
7 p.m. in Inglett Hall
The English word Foyer is derived from foier, the French term for hearthside and projects an image of warmth and comfort. The time-honored tradition of hospitality in the Anglican Community has for many years encouraged the formation of small informal Parish gatherings called Foyer Groups; small, close-knit groups of parishioners sharing a common bond of Christian love and concern for one another. The attached brochure and the HIEC website has many interesting details on Foyers.
There is no agenda or plan – just casual fellowship and a refreshing meal. Groups are made up of singles, couples, young people, retired folks, etc., in other words a cross-section of the parish. Newcomers are especially invited to join one of the groups at any time.
Each small group of eight to ten people meet once every four to six weeks during the church year, beginning in February and continuing through May, in the home of one of the members of the group. Generally, the host provides the main course while the other members fill in the rest of the meal such as appetizer, bread, salad, veggies, dessert, etc. Some groups have elected to study and discuss certain books, or incorporate an evening devotional into the gathering, while others gather for a purely social experience. The choice of available options is limited only by the collective imagination of the group, but the main idea if for the gatherings to simply focus on Christian fellowship, a refreshing meal and relaxed conversation.
Foyer Group Q&A
Q. How will Foyer Groups be set up?
A. Once you sign up, you’ll be randomly grouped with three or four other singles and/or couples, potentially from different circles of the parish community and in varying phases of life. We will take into consideration your preferences regarding smoking, alcohol, and pets in the home and will mail you contact information for your group, as well as a list of suggestions for how to get started.
Q. I’m not much of a cook. Do I really have to be able to prepare a full meal for eight or ten people in order to join a Foyer Group?
A. Foyer Group gatherings are intended to be shared meals, and that includes the preparation. Typically, the host might provide the main dish and beverages, with other members contributing the appetizer, salad, side dish, bread, and/or dessert.
Q. I’m afraid my home isn’t grand enough to host other parishioners. Will my standard of living be judged if I join a Foyer Group?
A. Foyers Groups are casual gatherings where the focus is on fellowship and friendship, conversation and conviviality, not a Martha Stewart showcase. We meet each other where we live, and accept our surroundings as they are just as God does.
Q. My home/condo/apartment isn’t large enough to hold eight to ten people for a sit- down dinner. Can I still join a Foyer Group?
A. Who says the meal must be a sit-down dinner? There are several alternatives. You could plan a menu of finger- and fork-food that can be eaten from plates held on laps while sitting on sofas, chairs, or the floor. Or, when it’s your turn to host, arrange for the group to meet at a local buffet-style restaurant, or reserve the picnic area at a county park and host a cookout. You may also ask someone else in your group to host for you.
Q. Are Foyer Groups for adults only, or are children welcome to participate?
A. In general the gatherings are for grown-ups only, however, if you have children at home then the group may decide on the best course of action.
Q. Is there some “program” or entertainment we should offer when we gather?
The primary goal of Foyer Groups is to extend and deepen ties within the parish by giving people a chance to get to know one another better, and that is most easily accomplished through conversation.
Q. I cannot attend the Foyers initial pot luck dinner on January 13. May I still attend the group dinners?
A. Yes you may; just sign up as indicated below and you name will be placed in the the hat and drawn on January 13. Your group will contact you.
Q. How do I sign up for Foyers?
There are four ways to sign up:
- Via the church website: http://www.holyinnocents.org/event/387341-2013-01-13-foyers/.
- Email your reservation to:
- Fill out the Foyers sign in sheet at the Commons front desk.
- Call the church office at 404-255-4023.