(A.k.a.; Dinner for Six-to-Eight Groups)
The English word Foyer is derived from foier, the French term for hearthside and projects an image of warmth and comfort. 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.
In tune with this time-honored tradition of hospitality 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.
History of Foyer Groups
Your browser may not support display of this image. “The idea originated at the Cathedral of St. Michael, in the Diocese of Coventry, England – born of the massive devastation inflicted at the height of the German Blitz on London and Coventry during World War II. During one of the many air raids conducted in 1940, the city's 14th century cathedral was completely destroyed as a result of the aerial bombardment. Rather than dwell on the violent loss of his beloved place of worship, the local Provost was inspired to found a ministry of reconciliation that he called the Community of the Cross and Nails.
While sifting through the rubble of the cathedral, he gathered many of the old nails that had fallen among the ruins and was inspired to have them twisted together to form a cross. This cross of nails and the words "Father, Forgive" became the unifying symbol of the International Ministry of Reconciliation, a group of devout followers who believe that understanding between peoples, nations, and ideologies can come only when human beings meet and know each other as individuals. They truly live out the maxim “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.”
In 1967, the staff of the Coventry Cathedral began meeting together in small informal groups as a means "to bridge the divisions which subtly separate us one from another"; as a result of the meetings they noticed a powerful bond forming among the staff members who joined what they came to call the Foyer Group. Two years later, the Foyer movement spread to the congregation of Coventry Cathedral and then beyond. In time, Foyer Groups began springing up in parishes all over Britain and in America. Today, many Episcopal churches throughout the United States have foyer groups that promote fellowship amongst members and encourage the informal exchange of ideas, experiences and common problems within friendly home surroundings and in a Christian context.”
So, what exactly are Foyer Groups?
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 [St. Thomas the Apostle] 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 parish warmer through building real community.
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. 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”…but, Foyer Groups are for ALL members, those who have called St. Thomas home for a long time and those newly among us. The main idea is for the gatherings to simply focus on fellowship, a meal and relaxed conversation. Foyer Group forms were emailed to you and have been in the Sunday SOB for the last two weeks. Get them back to the office as soon as possible.
]]>
Just starting my weekly letters to you in that manner points to a problem which can trouble all priests: Because you are “beloved” and because over the years we have been together that reality has grown more and more in my heart for each of you, your deaths cut a deep wound in my heart. To write otherwise would be a lie. Truth be told, I love you too much too often. 
Remember, as I make myself recall, we are surrounded by a “great cloud of witnesses” here at this parish. Those who have gone before us and many of whom whose final ‘resting” places are in the church or garden make up some of those witnesses. Plus, for the newbie among us, the ceiling over us in church has written on it the names of many other “witnesses” whose names were put there during the reconstruction of the church by church members. We are always surrounded by their presence in a manner which we cannot see or know but which is, I believe, no less real than those surrounding us when we gather to worship any Sunday.