How to Replace Halloween parties with "Light the Night"

Halloween is not a Christian Holiday in fact it's All hallows eve. In Ireland over 2000 years ago they believed on the night of October 31, they celebrated Samhain, when it was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth to cause trouble and to damage crops.
Some churches have what they call Harvest parties or Fall Festivals. But my Church calls it "Light the Night". Jesus is the light of the world so we are letting our light shine.
The Children song from long ago says "This little light of mine I'm going to let it shine...."
Are you letting your light shine?

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Eager people to help
• Candy
• Hot Dogs
• Hot Chocolate
• Popcorn
• Game areas with prizes
• A Light Tower
• House to display your light
• Bibles to hand out with an invitation to your Church

1. First step is to decide you want to make a difference in your community.
   
   John 8:12 Jesus said to the people, "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't be stumbling through the darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life."

2. 
   Kids

   Find a house that is in a good trick or treat area. Ours is in the middle of town on the main road. This is where your light tower is going to be.

3. 
   Hot Dogs

   Get together volunteers from your church to run the games, hand out food, do the puppet shows, hand out candy and of course be a good witness and share a Bible with them.
   You want to start about 6 weeks early. Announce to your congregation what your goals are and this is how much candy, food and Bibles we will need. That gives your congregation time to hit up the local Dollar stores for candy. It gives them time to save to make a donation to buy supplies.

4. 
   Popcorn

   None of our people are allowed to wear any costumes. Our goal is to look normal.
   
   Be over prepared. Our first year they thought 400 bags of candy was plenty. In 45 minutes they had given away all the candy and 200 Bibles. This year we are planning for 1200 people.

5. 
   Hot Chocolate

   Also be prepared to win Hearts to Jesus. 4 un-churched families began attending our church, becoming acquainted with us at Light the Night. While at our Church picnic back in July, two of those adults were baptized in a public service at a local beach.

6. 
   The Bible

   You can have fun and win a soul for all eternity. So "light the Night" in your area and make a difference.

7. Nov 1, 2008 Update. Last night was really cool. We had so many kids come by. We gave out 400 Bibles, 800 Hot Dog sandwiches, Lots of popcorn, had puppet shows and games. Oh yeah we had 1350 bags of candy ready but had some left. I don't know how much. But after last year they weren't going to run out this year.
   My sister helped with the hot dogs and she said the teens could not believe we were giving this away for free. God is so good :+)
   Try it for your neighborhood next year.

Resources

• History of Halloween
• Pastor Dan Geer

[sandyheart]

on 10/31/2008 Wonderful ideas that are very helpful. thanks

[PJSandAMovie]

on 10/27/2008 This is a good article and nice idea. I'm not a Christian, but believe in the ONE. So anything that tries to show his love and light is great in my book.

Blessings to you. :o)

[lrecker]

on 10/19/2008 This seems like a good idea. Anything that redeems this day from its dark history and honors God gets my vote.

[Sapphira]

on 10/5/2008 What a great idea! My church is doing a fall festival this year for members of the church, but I like this idea better. What an awesome way to reach out and share the gospel! Thanks. :)

[sandyheart]

on 9/29/2008 see if pastor justin can use this. Great job.