Halloween has become a key date in the calendar, with increasing numbers of children getting dressed up, knocking on doors and asking, ‘trick or treat?’! Look out of our window at 6.30 pm on Halloween and you will see a steady stream of adults and children walking up and down Church Row.
But if you’re not keen on your children doing this what other option is there? Rather than discourage them from having fun with their friends and going out to meet their local community, I thought why not bring them along to a Light Party in church instead?
This was a first for me, although I have organised plenty of children’s parties in the past, but with the aid of Scripture Union’s excellent resources a programme soon took shape and ‘volunteers’ were drafted in. I decided to start small (excuse the pun) and aim the event at 4–7 year olds, although of course siblings were welcome.
The church looked lovely on the night, with fairy lights in the porch, and the side chapel and nave made welcoming with a smiling pumpkin, more fairy lights and neon coloured balloons. The children who came along enjoyed games, crafting, a story, a wonderful dramatized reading using puppets, led by Eve Tuffley, songs led by Jeremy and Jenny and party food. All too soon it was time to go home.
Rather than submerging ourselves in the usual commercial and ghoulish Halloween activities, this was an opportunity to think about the Saints who have gone before us, Jesus the Light of the World, and all that is good in the World. The light of Jesus could be clearly seen and felt all around.
As far as I am aware this was the first Light Party held at church; I hope it won’t be the last. Thanks to all who helped make it such a success.