As kids, many of us can remember the chant,
“Trick or treat, Smell my feet.
Give me something
Good to eat!” (much to the dismay of our parents!)
Each year as we reflect back on this and other memories as a kid, we will choose either to be a part of festivities and activities at Halloween time or not. This decision is unique to each family and its personal convictions. Some view the Halloween times as evil and are to be totally avoided and some view them as simply times of fun and fellowship with their family and friends.
Along with family decisions to be made about this time of year, each church must also choose as to whether or not it will take part in alternative activities. For example, some churches provide Fall Festivals and schedule them on the actual day of Halloween to provide a safe alternative to door to door trick or treating. Others also provide Fall Festivals but intentionally choose not to do them on Halloween night. Whichever you choose, plan to be strategic in looking at these events as times of outreach to the community. Some folks who will never walk into church on a Sunday will bring their kids to a fun, safe time of games and refreshments.
A few suggestions that have worked in various situations include:
Trunk or Treat – Church members line up their cars in a designated area and allow children to go from vehicle to vehicle to get prizes and treats.
A Full Blown Carnival – Some churches enlist Adult and Kids Bible Study classes to plan for and prepare various carnival type booths with simple games and candy/prizes for all.
A Family Movie Night with refreshments and treats for all.
Many churches are choosing to offer a “treat” or “gift” to visitors at these events that will prayerfully be an entry point in reaching that family. More churches are including a specific plan to get prospect information from each family who attends. But, whatever you do, make sure that some type of Christian witness is included!
