An exciting ministry at St. Paul’s Parish is our Foyer Group Program.
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. Paul’s Parish 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.
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 congregation. 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.
Each small group of eight people meet once every four to six weeks during the church year, beginning in September 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 enjoyed gathering for a picnic lunch during good weather or even meeting at a local restaurant. 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.
New groups form each fall, and new members are always welcome. The groups are put together randomly in order to add an element of spontaneity, such that each of us might have the opportunity to get to know others in the parish who may be outside our 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.
The Foyer Group program is coordinated by our Fellowship Chairs, Mark and Keni Hansen. To participate in a Foyer Group, just call the Hansens at 330.725.4131 (the Church Office, where you may leave a message for them).