FREEPORT — Earlier this year, First Parish Congregational Church switched from the “family style” of serving to buffet at its suppers.

It was necessary to do so because of the lack of volunteers. At 5 p.m., the supper bell rings followed by a prayer, then people from each table in numerical order goes to the buffet. While the other tables wait their turn, they are served cole slaw, rolls and homemade bread-and-butter pickles. All tables have made there way through the buffet by 5:15 p.m., and are invited to seconds and thirds.

The buffet style is far more efficient and the volunteers have had their dinner and everything cleaned up by 7:30 p.m., one hour sooner than the old way. Positive comments from the public have been that the food stays hot, the tables are not crowded with all those bowls, it’s more sanitary and the lines go quicker than organizers thought they would. Volunteers say it’s more organized, more efficient and not stressful.