Foyer Fellowship: An Invitation to Connect

Foyer Fellowship

For more than 25 years, St. Anne’s has encouraged parishioners to gather in small groups to share a meal, expand our perceptions, and strengthen the bonds of our community. These Foyer groups typically meet for monthly potluck suppers at group members’ homes, and parishioners are welcome to join as individuals or pairs.

History of Foyer Groups (from “Introducing Foyer Groups!” by Grace Symmons https://www.ccslorlando.org/foyers)

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, in a Christian context and while breaking bread together.

St. Anne’s Foyer Leaders

As we begin to plan the 2025-2026 Foyer Fellowship season, please join us in gratitude for the Foyer team leaders and coordinators, many of whom have served in this capacity since the ministry began:

Judy and Bob Olson, Betty and +Mike Creighton, Eleanor & David Huggins, Linda & Wayne Adamson, Jeanne & Bill Malicki, Fran & Maureen Wright, Carolyn & Al Strunk, Lisa McKnight & Jan Reid, Angela Eggleston & Scott Gregory, Jo Tetlow, Lori Marchant, Suzanne Weber, Stan Ward, Patricia Jennings, Nancy Curro, and Katy Jensen. Please reach out to any of us if you would like to learn more about the Fellowship and how you can become a member.