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Episcopal Church
Bringing People Together
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"Foyer" Q & A
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View the Foyer information page here.
Q: Can I choose the members of my Foyer group?
A: Normally each couple or individual who participates is assigned to a group by whoever is running the program (with input from others knowledgeable about the congregation). The main idea is to connect each participant with other members who they may not know or who may have very different interests or circumstances.
Q: If the groups decide to meet monthly, I'm not sure I can make that time commitment. Can participate if I'm not sure or don't want to make the full commitment?
A: Even if you think you might only want to go to one dinner, we encourage you to sign up. Signing up does not commit you to anything more than a test-drive, but we think most people will want to continue. If someone has to drop out and their group ends up short for future dinners, they can always be combined with another group who has had some attrition too.
Q: What if I do not like someone in my group?
A: Even in a church community we recognize that conflicts can exist and that people may have little in common beyond their membership, but sometimes sharing a meal and getting to know someone can break down those barriers. And surprising connections can be made; or the basis for a conflict can evaporate. Those who have participated in such a program previously tell us that such is often the case.
Q: What if my house is too small to host a dinner, but I want to participate?
A: We wouldn't want anyone not to participate just because of circumstances that make it difficult or impossible for them to provide a venue. In those cases, we recommend that the group may want to have participants partner to co-host a dinner, where one member provides the venue and another provides the meal or a portion of the meal. Having something like that happen is actually the essence of what it takes to get something meaningful out of the program.
Q: Are the dinners pot luck or do I have to cook for everyone?
A: We have already determined that the hosts will serve all participants in their group for the first dinner, but it is up to the group to decide if dinners will continue and what format to use. The important thing is the fellowship, so we are not going to try to control all the details.
Q: What if I don't like or cannot eat something the hosts are serving?
A: We strongly urge you to make sure a host knows of any special dietary restrictions in advance. We also strongly recommend that those with pet allergies or other such concerns notify hosts in advance so that appropriate measures can be taken and there are not unpleasant surprises.
Q: What if I miss a dinner?
A: You'll be missed, but the others will eat without you! (Just try not to miss when you are hosting!)
Q: Is there any religious program or fund-raising aspect of the Foyer Program?
A: No. The idea is fellowship. We have a regular worship schedule and several other programs and activities for Christian education and support of the church. This program is strictly for fellowship, although there is certainly no taboo on talking about church or religion as long as it fits the context of your dinner conversation and is not offensive to other participants.
Q: Are all the dates for dinners to be pre-determined?
A: Each group will set its own schedule based upon the needs of all the participants. It is not necessary for all the groups to meet on the same night.
Q: Can I bring my whole family to the dinners?
A: This is designed to be an adult fellowship program.
