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Source URL: https://missionalcommunitiesblog.com/2014/09/26/kids-fun-mission-halloween
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Archive Datetime: 2015-02-13T03:29:50
Kids, Fun, Mission & Halloween
September 26, 2014 by Missional Communities Blog - from 3DM Europe
A question I have been asking recently is:
“Can I really infuse missionary fun for kids into the headache that is Halloween?”
Halloween has always caused a headache for church kids & youth workers, groups and parents alike. Do I really need to put the house on lock down? Throw unlimited energy into a huge ‘Light Party’ at church? Or simply give into the commercial machine to celebrate all things dark?
It got me reflecting.
If my desire is to disciple kids with a missionary outlook on life, not one dependent on avoidance or a church sub culture, I’m going to have to re think what I do with the headache that is Halloween.
Looking at the Bible it clearly shows Jesus as salt and light in the midst of life, a game changer…not someone off the field of play.
Looking at my kids they wanted to get (loads of) sweets/candy, be with friends, possibly get dressed up and from the opportunity that only this night offers, have the sense of risk knocking on doors to meet their community.
Looking at the ministry I was hoping to form a culture where kids have a platform in learning to listen to God, look outwards, bless and pray for their community.
Following a bit of observing and discussing the ingredients baked into a plan:
‘The Bright not Fright night’
A model I felt offered something different to keeping the kids in church or in the house (both I have done), but began to release them amongst their peers and community. So what does it involve?
1. Telling the kids they are going out on Halloween night…and yes friends can come if they wish.
2. They can dress up. Something fun, preferably bright – nothing to fright.
3. They are going to get lots of sweets/candy and snacks!
Snacks will be given away from pre-fixed addresses from homes belonging to church families or Missional Community. These work as pit stops on the route you wish to take around your village, town or community. My suggestion is that you stock up supplies at 3 homes (but of course this can be anything from 1 to100). I have found choosing the pit stops wisely can also offer a real opportunity for cross-generational engagement.
4. They will be supplied with a quantity of chocolate/candy to go and give away to people in between each pit stop. Encourage the kids to use this time to pray for the people, homes and streets they are walking past, and when prompted by the Holy Spirit to knock on a door to ‘greet and treat’. If you have time a note or sticker on the chocolate/sweets could read –
This is our Bright not Fright night. Here is your ‘greet and treat’ from ——— church. Just to let you know we are thinking of and praying for you this evening. http://www.your church website.com
The reactions can be brilliant, if not one of slight confusion to be receiving a treat on this night. We also found that some households at this point want to give us their sweets. It is up to you how you respond. We said to the kids don’t expect to receive something, but if offered to go for it, taking on the idea of a ‘person of peace’ from Luke 10:6-7, and if we are honest what a bonus for the kids!
Now we treat Halloween as no longer a headache but a night of missionary fun.
Andy Hawkins lives in Gateshead with his wife and 3 kids, and has a varied 15 years experience leading, discipling and educating children and young people.