1. What is an At the Table Group?  An At the Table Group is a great way to meet folks from church that you may not already know.  It’s also a good way to get to know your church family better.  Groups plan their own meals and get together once a month for four consecutive months.  You share meals at participants’ homes, at local restaurants, the church, or wherever the group decides.  The emphasis is on fun and fellowship, so you don’t have to be a gourmet cook to participate.
2. How does an At the Table Group work?  Simply fill out the registration form at the church or complete the online form.  The Membership Ministry will then put groups together and select a coordinator for each group.  This Group Coordinator will contact members to arrange the details for the first gathering. Dinner groups are encouraged to be creative in the meals they enjoy together.
3. What does a Group Coordinator do?  This is the point person for the Group.  The Group Coordinator contacts group members to select the location, date, and food options for the first gathering.
4. Who cooks the meals?  You’ve got options.  One option is for your group to go potluck!  In this case, usually the host will make the main dish, and other participants will bring coordinating sides or desserts. Potluck dinners are also a good way to simplify meal planning and distribute costs equally among everyone in the group.  Plus, you could pick a dinner “theme night” (e.g. Italian night, backyard barbeque, soup night) and everyone can bring a dish that goes along with that theme.  Another option is for someone to provide the whole meal.  And a third option is to visit local restaurants or other venues.
5. I don’t have room to host a dinner, or I really can’t cook!  Our desire is for you to spend time together getting to know each other and include everyone.  Your group may choose to repeat a host home or eat out.  If finding a host home is difficult, your group is welcome to schedule dinner at the church. We want everyone to feel that they can participate.
6. How are the At the Table Groups formed?  Our goal is to put people together so that each group has, at most, eight adults, considering the preferences that you listed.  Groups may be comprised of all couples, two couples and four singles, one couple and six singles, etc.  It all depends on who signs up.  The mystery is part of this ministry’s excitement!  Non-members of the church are also invited to participate.
7. What about families with children?  Your group will determine the answer here, bearing in mind that your preference for the kind of group you are interested in will have been considered initially.  Please be sure to indicate your group type preference on the registration form.  Depending on the date and time, childcare may also be available at the church.
8. What happens if I have to miss a gathering?  We know life happens.  Kids get sick.  Work calls you out of town.  Conflicts arise.  If this happens, your group can determine if another date can be selected.
9. What happens after our last gathering? Hopefully, you will have had a rewarding experience and look forward to similar experiences at First Christian.  After the last gathering, you may decide to sign up for another round of At the Table Groups with a different group of folks, or your group may wish to stay intact and continue as a small group.  If you choose to stay together as a small group, the Membership Ministry can provide resources to help you add elements of study and service to your small group and to continue to deepen the fellowship you have already established.

Other questions?  Contact Susan Buckley