A few parents were concerned about the way Halloween was being celebrated in their town. They weren’t only worried about safety as children played ‘trick or treat’ on a dark October evening. They also expressed their disquiet that all things ghoulish, ghostly, and sinister were being lauded and that dressing the kids up in costumes from the Hammer House of Horror, was just creepy – and they expressed this to the church.
So the church responded. Parents of kids in the church, together with the pastors, leaders of the children’s work and the hospitality team, threw a “Light Party”. This was a safe, fun, positive event which was a complete contrast to Halloween.
They did the following things:
• Decked the church premises out with an amazing home-made light show!
• Downloaded the Light Party pack from Scripture Union, with loads of ideas for crafts and games and ideas on how to run a ‘Light Party’.
• Provided crafts, games and loads of fun.
• Offered glow-in the dark face painting.
• Encouraged fun, bright, cheerful dressing up, so that the kids didn’t feel left out from the fancy dress element of Halloween.
• Served burgers, hot-dogs and enjoyable party food.
• Invited parents as well as children to come to the party.
• Gave a five-minute talk on “Jesus the light of the world”.
The church Community Pastor Gordy said that the reaction from the wider community was really positive. Firstly, lots of people came, responding to personal invitations and flyers at the parents and toddlers groups, and online. Over 100 people packed the church hall, many of whom had never been to the church before. This was especially true of several of the dads. Many people from church were able to meet with people from the community for the first time, in a safe, happy, hospitable environment in which something of the message of Jesus was shared. One child said, “I never thought that Halloween could be so much fun!”
Behind the fun of course, is something deeply profound. In [Jesus] was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:4). A light party is a great way to share that!
Pray: Lord, thankyou that Jesus has overcome the darkness. Please help us to shine the light of Christ into our communities.
Previously: LaunchPad # 39
Next: LaunchPad #41 Will be published soon!
