Trick-Or-Treat

Buzz Lightyear..."To Infinity and Beyond"

Wesley, Evan, Emily

Evan proudly shows off his "I want Candy" Halloween

pajamas and his Bat Pumpkin that we carved.

Happy Halloween...yes we participate in Halloween. Here's my chance to vent on the subject. This year we experienced a bit of controversy over the matter. Some people do not believe that we [Christians] should participate in this "pagan holiday" and they are entitled to their opinion. However, that opinion was brought up to Evan by an adult who teaches him once a week. I don't pass judgement on anyone who chooses not to participate in the fun as we do, but I do not wish for judgement to be passed onto my family for our "opinion" on the night. Evan was told that "we don't talk about Halloween in school or church" Jee, that's funny...at our church we do!!! This was very confusing to a 4 year old. Also, he was told that we should do something else other than trick-or-treat...like go to a movie. It was also said that we shouldn't participate in Halloween because we won't do it in heaven, but who says that we will celebrate birthdays or anniversaries in heaven. All of this could cause him to question the moral decision that we as parents have chosen to be okay for our family, which is the part that really burns me up.

Our opinion of the "Holiday" is that it's okay to participate in the fun and be amongst the trick-or-treaters....Every year our church sets up in 3 neighborhoods where we invite everyone to jump on a moon walk while we give out cotton candy, pop-corn, glowsticks, candy, and information about our church...the moon walk gives us an opportunity to talk to the parents and let them know why we do what we do...but I guess that's not a "good thing". I believe that an email sent out by our pastor articulates the way that I feel very well...so enough venting by me. Here it is..

I am not a Halloween alternative type-of-guy. I have no problem with churches providing such things (events). So I cast stones at no one. For me, the point of John chapter one ( John 1:14 in particular), is the concept that God came to us and “dwelt among” us. This is what Jesus came to do. I sincerely believe in my heart if we were to ask ourselves the clichéd question, “What would Jesus do?” the answer would be, He would get in the middle of trick-or-treaters, and reveal the glorious love of The Father. Jesus, I do not believe, would have boycotted “that pagan holiday” or provided an alternative with the condition that no costumes are to be worn. No, I believe he would have seen crowds of people gathering and recognized an opportunity to bring love and grace right in the middle of it. He would be making no judgments, condemnation, or accusations. Rather, He would look at the crowds with compassion, seeing them as “sheep without a shepherd.” AND HE WOULD ENJOY THEM! God loves and enjoys His creation.

In our effort to do ministry the way Jesus did, we have made every effort to put the “dwell among” concept into practice. Wednesday night, our “Community Connect” project accomplished that very principal. Many of you invested time dwelling among trick-or-treaters in one of three neighborhoods. I had a wonderful time talking to adults and children who were blown away at our church’s generosity. Many parents sent there children to seek me out simply to say thank you. To all who donated their time and resources to help us be in the middle of the crowd, saying, “Come and see,” (like Jesus did)…thank you for your efforts. Every bag of candy donated, every bag stuffed, every minute spent serving is very much appreciated. For those of you who did not get the opportunity to be involved in the hands-on part of the ministry, mark it for next year on your calendar and try to arrange it. Halloween is usually on the 31st. You will be glad you did!