Circle Suppers are Returning to UUYO!
Saturday, September 24
Sign up online at http://bit.ly/
by September 18.
What is it? Circle Suppers are pot-luck dinners for 6 to 10 held in someone’s home. The composition of the group varies each time, and no two dinner parties have the same guest lists. People eat, drink, enjoy themselves, and converse on all sorts of random topics.
What’s the purpose? To provide a way for people to get to know each other in a relaxed, informal small group environment—to build a sense of community. Topics of discussion could include art, books, quantum physics, politics, even religion.
What if I can’t come on the selected date? We plan to do Circle Suppers again, every few months.
What does the host do? The host coordinates the dinner party, arranging who will bring what contribution of food or supplies to the pot-luck supper. Guests are typically assigned some dish such as dessert, bread, appetizers, salad, soup, beverage, etc. Generally the host provides the entrée unless someone else offers to make it.
The host sets the time for people to gather and provides directions to the home. When the host calls the guest to discuss about what dish to bring, they can discuss possible parking or access difficulties. The host may select a theme.
What does the guest do? Bring themselves and a dish. Also before signing up, check your calendar to make sure you can plan to attend. If, after signing up, it turns out that you can’t attend, you must let the host know as soon as your plans change. Last minute changes sometimes cannot be avoided, but they create difficulties for the host who has planned the meal and needs each person’s pot-luck contribution.
How do I indicate my interest? You will find a form in the order of service and newsletter. Return this to the envelope on the bulletin board in Channing Hall at least a week before the scheduled date. You can also fill out the form online at http://bit.ly/
What happens after I sign up? All the names are organized as the coordinator matches people for dinner parties. The coordinator notifies hosts and provides a list of guests. The hosts then have to contact each guest with directions and to organize the dinner.
What about kids? Some circles are multigenerational, just indicate you’ll bring kids.
But I’m a vegetarian! (Or have other dietary restrictions) There is a spot for this on the form so the host will be notified. In addition, the person with a special dietary need can bring a dish (or two) that s/he can eat, and ample for the number of guests attending.
But I can’t cook! Can I still attend? No problem. Many places offer an assortment of fine take-out selections of salads, appetizers, entrees, side-dishes, bread, and desserts. Or maybe the host can assign you the beverages.
But I have no place for people to sit! My house isn’t fancy enough for a dinner party! The elegance of the home and its furnishings pale beside the spirit of community that characterize these gatherings.
What’s the theme? No theme is required but it can be fun to go with something to tie the food together such as Cinco de Mayo, Italian, or Southwest. Other theme ideas include: bringing a dish based on the recipe of a celebrity cook, bringing a meaningful quote, coming in the guise of your fantasy self, etc.
Is there a catch? Not really. Sign up by the due date. Host if you can. Bring food. Enjoy dinner, talk, and expand your circle of church friends.