Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly are "Front Porches"?
Front Porches are an opportunity for you to nurture relational connections. Front Porches are neighborhood gatherings or parties that happen in homes throughout the cities of Hampton Roads. With little structure and much relationship, Front Porches is centered around eating, relaxing, and talking. The only structure to these groups is dinner, friends, and stories.

Why did you choose the name Front Porch?
Because we miss a place to sit, unwind from the busy day, and just rely on friends to help us regain focus about the simple, good things in life. Swings, lemonade, food, and neighbors...where have all the front porches gone?

So there is no formal prayer, Bible study, etc. at Front Porches?
That's right. We are really focusing on "breaking bread" together, sharing stories, and relaxing. There should be high hopes for eating, laughter, and comfort.

Am I responsible for bringing anything or doing anything?
It's pot-luck style, so everyone chips in, providing the food, and cleaning up.

I have kids, though. Can I bring them?
YES. Kids are welcome and the party almost always flows outside.

I'm kind of new and don't hardly know anyone. Will I feel out of place?
Other than introducing yourself one time during the blessing over the food, you won't be put on the spot. The focus is to mix up the people and get some face-to-face time in a casual atmosphere where you can step in and out of conversations.

So what else besides dinner and hanging out?
Nothing. Something tells us that eating and hanging out with other beautiful Hope families is JUST what the doctor (more specifically...God) ordered.

How often do Front Porches meet?
Three times a year people open up their homes for a time of dinner and casual hanging out.

What time do they start and how long are they?
The party is usually two hours long. The planned time is 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

How do I find out which houses are hosting a Front Porch?
Two ways: 1) Go to the Front Porch Hosts page on our website.
2) Look on the Information Table in the Commons on Sunday mornings. At least a couple weeks before the next group of Front Porch Gatherings, the information and sign-up sheets will be available for each home hosting that time around.

How many people are at each Front Porch?
It depends on the host homes that month and what their capacity is. It can vary anywhere from 6-40 people or more. You'll see on the sign-up sheets how many people that host is anticipating if you'd like to know if the home your choosing will be a small or large gathering.

Do I really need to sign up?
Yes. The host homes are different each time and some are limited in capacity. The sign-up table in the Commons will have sign-up sheets that are taken down when a home reaches its capacity. There will also be a slip of paper you can take with you that reminds you of the date & time, what to bring, and driving directions to the Front Porch you signed up for.

Are Front Porches neighborhood-based and, if so, why?
Well, Front Porches are not always exclusively people from one neighborhood or area of town, but people will tend to choose ones closest to their home and the answer is simple: location, location, location. Relational connections require accessibility as much as common interest. If you can't cross paths or meet up easily, the connections won't be maintained. If you can connect with people that live near you, it will be more likely that you will be able to gather to invest in the relationships in the future. It is easier to give a helping hand when needed and, in fact, there will be more spontaneous moments to experience belonging.

Why aren't Front Porches built around life situations like New Community?
New Community is designed for you to study and train in classes that are designed around abilities and needs of different life stages. Front Porches provide a cross-generational benefit. While we might feel the most comfortable with people our own age, we need people from both the generations above us and generations below us. The young mother needs the helping hand of the older woman. The senior adult needs the helping hand of those with endless energy. All of us are touched by the innocent inquisitiveness, delight, laughter and points of view of the children and youth in our midst. We are better supported, healthier, and stronger when we connect relationally across generational lines. It is worth the effort!

How do I host a Front Porch in my home?
Front Porch hosting is a one-time commitment (you can do more if you want) and is open to anyone with the gift of hospitality. The host chooses their own food theme and sets the guest limit. Simply email the current coordinator, Kathy Williams, at willfam4@yahoo.com. She'll help you get your ducks in a row and let you know the dates we need your information by in order to advertise well for the upcoming Front Porch Gathering.

Who do I ask if I still want more information?
Simply email the current coordinator, Kathy Williams, at willfam4@yahoo.com. We're sure there's things we haven't thought of, so let us try to clear it up for you!