A Christian charity in the UK offers a great alternative to the traditional scary themes of Halloween parties.
Scripture Union urges churches to celebrate Halloween filled with religious elements. Since 2013, the group has been promoting “Light Party Packs” for free. This party pack encourages churches to connect with children through the light and the Good News of Jesus.
Last year, about 20,000 children joined a Light Party—63 percent of them were not regular churchgoers.
A Light Party Pack includes fun games, crafts, and Bible-based activities. When the campaign started, there were 4,000 packs sent out to churches. Now, this number has doubled; Scripture Union will be giving away 8,000 packs this Halloween, reports Christian Today.
Tim Hastie-Smith, national director for Scripture Union England and Wales, said the Light Party Pack was designed to help churches observe the annual celebration in a stress-free way. This also makes it easier for churches to reach out to their local communities.
“Eight months on, up to forty adults and children who came to the Light Party regularly attend that new service, and are growing in their knowledge of God and Jesus and what Christianity is all about,” said Walton.
Last year, about 20,000 children joined a Light Party—63 percent of them were not regular churchgoers.
The Church of the Ascension in Birmingham was one of the churches which hosted a Light Party. Chris Walton from the church said they received a great response to their Halloween celebration. They even organized a new monthly Messy Church service for the new worshipers.
“Eight months on, up to forty adults and children who came to the Light Party regularly attend that new service, and are growing in their knowledge of God and Jesus and what Christianity is all about,” said Walton.
Many parents, both Christians and non-Christians, favor these Light Parties. Their children’s safety is the utmost priority during the Halloween. Instead of letting their kids do trick or treating, parents have a peace of mind that their kids are with a wholesome group in a safe environment.
“As a society we’re quite fearful for our children. It sends mixed messages for our kids – you’re saying normally it’s not okay to knock on strangers’ doors, except for on this one night. Parents do feel a little bit conflicted about that,” Lucy Davis, vicar of Flitwick, Bedfordshire.
In addition to Light Parties, churches in the UK are encouraging Christians to have “positive” Halloween decor. Pumpkins can be designed with crosses and hearts. The light shining out of the carved pumpkin can give a beautiful and heartwarming effect in one’s home.
Sources:
Christian Today
The Telegraph
