Foyer

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Foyer is a French word meaning "hearthside" which implies the warmth of a close, small group of friends or family members sharing a common love and concern for each other. The idea came from the Cathedral of St. Michael, in Coventry, England. The city's cathedral that dated from the 14th century had been destroyed during World War II. Some of the old nails that fell among the ruins were twisted together to make a cross, and this cross of nails and the words "Father, Forgive" became the symbol of the International Ministry of Reconciliation.

In 1967, the staff of the Coventry Cathedral began meeting together in small groups "to bridge the divisions which subtly separate us one from another." Two years later, the Foyer movement spread to the congregation of Coventry Cathedral and then beyond.

At Holy Comforter, we meet monthly from autumn through spring in each other's homes to promote fellowship amongst church members and to encourage the informal exchange of ideas, experiences and problems within friendly home surroundings and in a Christian context.

Foyer sign-up is in early fall, and couples or single people are randomly assigned to groups. Each person or couple brings food or drink to the host's home. The host provides the main course and organizes the meal, calling all participants before the appointed time.