The following excerpt is from Omichi no joshiki [Tenrikyo Fundamentals] (pp. 153–158) by Koji Sato, professor at Tenri University and instructor at Tenri Seminary. Note: This translation is a provisional one at the moment and may require further revision.
Naorai (Post-Service Meal)
There is a naorai (post-service meal) following the monthly service of many Tenrikyo churches. There are mission stations that do the same.
Of course, there are churches and mission stations that do no have a post-service meal. There is also no set way on how to hold a naorai; there is a great variety among them.
The number of people of the path who see a naorai as a reception where worshipers eat and drink together is not few. However, naorai once had a special meaning in Shinto service (saishi). The origin of the word is naori-au or “a mutual return to normal.”