For busy parents and caregivers who are immersed in back-to-school activities, the idea of a relaxing evening out — and away from the kids — may be the last thing on their minds. But the Reverend Dr. Donna Schaper, interim minister of the United Congregational Church of Little Compton, thinks it’s the perfect time to get those who need a break out of the house.

On Friday, Sept. 13, from 6-8 p.m., families who live in Little Compton and area towns are invited to a complimentary spaghetti dinner at the church that will include childcare at no charge.

Guests are not required to be members of the church, said Schaper, nor will there be attempts to bring them into the fold.

“Nobody is going to ask any attendees to do anything or to come back again. This is a gift of time for families, to allow them to come together and have a date night at their own private table and maybe have an opportunity to make friends with others.”

Not your typical church supper

Plans call for the dinner to be somewhat fancier than the standard church potluck.

When families arrive, children will be escorted upstairs to the church sanctuary, where church volunteers will look after them, serve dinner, and offer some organized games and activities.

“Kids love playing in the sanctuary,” Schaper said. “And parents won’t have to worry about feeding them before leaving home.”

Tables for the adults in the downstairs vestry will be covered with white tablecloths, and guests are welcome to bring their own wine or beer and to dress up if they’d like.

Church member Doris Timmeney, the event’s volunteer chef, has a reputation for creating an exceptional spaghetti sauce. Meals will be brought directly from the kitchen to each table by church volunteers/waitstaff.

The invitation is open to all, as event organizers recognize that families are no longer comprised of “mom and dad and 2.2 kids,” Schaper said.

“This is very much for same-sex couples and hetero couples and single parents or grandparents. Whoever is taking care of the kids is welcome.”

When the church completed a major renovation two years ago, congregants and donors felt it was important to encourage all community members to come through the doors, regardless of whether they were churchgoers or people of faith. The Sept. 13 event is a way to live up to that commitment and to help build community connections. “You don’t have to be a firm believer to come for supper,” Schaper said.

She said she has helped organize similar gatherings at many other congregations and watched them evolve into weekly or monthly events.

“When they are successful, these free dinners allow people to meet each other and build a little community network of support, which is so important in a world where many of us don’t have our own parents or extended family to help out.”

RSVPs for the supper are requested by September 6 by phone (401-635-8472) or email (dawn@ucclittlecompton.org)