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All Saints’ Foyers are formed each quarter with at least 4 to 5
couples (8 to 10 people) or a mixture of couples and singles (total
of 8 to 10). All Saints parishioners within these groups rotate
every quarter to a different Foyers Group.
Foyers is a French word meaning "hearthside" implying the warmth of
a close, small group of friends sharing a common love and concern
for each other…in displaying an image of warmth and comfort.
Here is some history! After the World War II bombing of the Coventry
Cathedral small groups of people began meeting to rebuild their
community: a short litany, a modest meal, and conversation. In time,
FOYER GROUPS began springing up in parishes all over Britain and in
America. Many Episcopal churches have foyer groups.
For untold generations it has been customary for Americans to
welcome old friends, family members, and newcomers into our homes by
gathering at the central hearthside to celebrate special occasions,
to enjoy times of fellowship and share moments of camaraderie.
So, what exactly are Foyer Groups?
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Foyer Groups are a fun and easy way for parishioners to
gather together on a regular but informal basis for purely
social reasons…to enjoy one another’s company, to strengthen
bonds of community, to meet new members and just to get to know
other people who share a common interest in Grace but with whom
we might not otherwise interact. They provide a means to develop
new friendships and deepen old ones and are a way to make our
sometimes-too-large-seeming parish feel smaller and warmer.
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Foyers center around healthy and positive fellowship among
parishioners, therefore gossip is not a part of these
gatherings.
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Foyers is a covered dish affair held at a group member's home
once a month
within each group on a rotational basis. Each couple, (or
person, if single) gets an opportunity to host the event.
Everyone is welcome to participate.
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There is no agenda or plan, just casual fellowship and
a refreshing meal. Groups are made up of singles, couples, young
people, retired people, etc. In other words, Foyers is a cross
section of the parish. Out of the meetings friendships develop
among people who might not have any other opportunity to meet
and get to know each other. Newcomers are especially invited to
join one of the groups at any time.
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Each small group of eight to ten people meet once every
month September thru 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
appetizers, salad, dessert, etc. Some groups have enjoyed
gathering for a picnic lunch during good weather or even meeting
at a local restaurant. The main focus is social.
New groups form each quarter and new members are always welcome. The
groups are put together randomly in order to add an element of
spontaneity so that each person might have the opportunity to get to
know others in the parish who may be outside their normal circle of
acquaintance. In other words, this is a great way to meet and get to
know those you might not have a chance to visit with otherwise.
Foyer Group meetings normally last two to 2 ½ hours. Foyer Groups
are not intended to “do” anything, but simply be what Christians are
- groups of people who gather together and “love one another.” Foyer
Groups provide time to be with one another so that friendships may
grow. Foyer Groups are not a study or prayer group; they have no
agenda other than spending time with one another, which is important
for the building of Christian community in our parish. The
uniqueness of the Foyer Group is its lack of formal structure, its
openness of communication, and its free access given to the Spirit.
Questions & Answers
Q. How are Foyer Groups 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.
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 which
include the preparation. Typically, the host provides the main dish
and beverages, with other members contributing the appetizer, salad,
and dessert. Many grocery stores and restaurants offer tasty,
freshly prepared take-out dishes that you can serve. Those with the
inspiration and capability to prepare a full meal on their own are,
of course, welcome to do so, but that’s not the expectation.
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. Here’s what Foyer Groups are not: They are not a House Beautiful
tour; they’re not a Martha Stewart showcase, and they’re not an Iron
Chef cooking competition. They are casual gatherings where the focus
is on fellowship, friendship, fun, and conversation. 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.
Q. I have food allergies. How can I be sure that other group
members’ meal contributions will be suitable for me?
A. If you have food allergies, dietary restrictions, or strong taste
preferences, please simply inform your group of your concerns at the
beginning so that everyone understands what they must consider when
planning the menu. All participants should make their best effort to
accommodate the needs of their fellow group members.
Q. Are Foyer Groups for adults only, or are children welcome to
participate?
A. Normally, Foyers is an adult group only. Hosting a meal for
adults allows for undistracted conversations and a chance to enjoy
each other’s company.
Q. Is there some “program” or entertainment we should offer when we
gather?
A. 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. There is no requirement for structured debate or
religious experience, except saying grace before eating.
Foyer Group
Guidelines
.....The
role of host/hostess rotates each month among the group members.
....People should make EVERY EFFORT effort to arrive on time.
....Conclude the evening festivities close to the stated time.
Evenings are usually two to two and one-half hours in length.
....It is a good idea to email or call all members during the week
before a get-together to remind them of the forthcoming meeting.
....Before everyone is seated for the meal, the host/hostess should
assume the responsibility for the blessing or for asking someone
else to do so.
....Keep the meal simple and relatively inexpensive. Different
members’ dishes add variety to the meal. All types of meals are
good. Sometimes groups make dinner reservations or order pizza!
....Ordinarily, all members do serve as host/hostess for the
meetings. However, there should never be any feeling of neglect of
responsibility or embarrassment on anyone’s part if this is not
possible. Members of the group may choose to co-host with other
members of the group. Such offers to co-host are very acceptable.
....Each group selects a time to gather that is convenient for all
members. The time selected for the first month’s gathering does not
determine the time selected for the following month. Everyone should
bring his or her calendar, Franklin Planner, palm pilot, scrap of
paper, photographic memory or whatever device you use to keep track
of where you are supposed to be at the appropriate Foyers date and
time.
....Regular attendance by all members is very important. Something
vital is missing when someone is absent. If you find it impossible
to attend, please let the host/hostess know in advance.
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