How to Plan a Reformation Day Party for Your Church

The celebration of Halloween has become tricky – no pun intended - for some church groups. As the holiday has grown more macabre, with overtones of the occult, some churches have banned Halloween parties, while others offer a sanitized “harvest festival.” Another option, especially for Protestant groups, is to celebrate Reformation Day. It has the advantage of honoring an actual historical event: the date when Martin Luther nailed his 95 Thesis to the door of Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. This event, on October 31, 1517, touched off the Protestant Reformation. How does one celebrate Reformation Day? Since the date falls in the midst of the Renaissance period, an event with a Renaissance Faire flavor works well. Here are some ideas.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• butcher paper
• tempura paints
• sponges
• wall sconces
• candles
• costumes
• tickets
• hot dogs
• apple cider
• candy
• prizes for games

1. 
   Teach history.

   The first step is to educate. It may well be necessary to educate your particular group about the Reformers and their significance. Acquaint them with some of the main historical figures by sharing short bits of history and biography. Show some video clips, or insert informative fliers into the church bulletin. You can get information at the library, online, or through church history software. (See resources.) You can educate and build excitement for the Faire at the same time.

2. 
   Create a castle.

   The décor can be as simple or elaborate as your time, skills and situation allow. A simple way to turn the church basement or fellowship hall into a castle, is to paper the walls with roles of butcher paper, then create rock-work with sponges dipped in tempura paint and daubed on the paper. Add some faux wall sconces, a shield or two, crossed medieval axes and plenty of (unlit) candles.

3. 
   Medieval costumes.

   One of the best things about Halloween is the costumes. People love to dress up, and the Renaissance/Reformation theme allows for great creativity in costuming. Forestall the witches and goblins by providing illustrations of medieval lords and ladies, peasants, ministers, and historical figures. Bible character costumes can also be encouraged.

4. 
   Ye olde pastry shoppe.

   Provide plenty of food. If you are have the time and resources, do some research on the real medieval dishes and duplicate a few. You can find resources on Renn-faire sites, and sites devoted to medieval history. Otherwise, simply rename the foods at your “snacke shoppe.” Plain or spiced apple cider becomes ye olde mulled ale. Have fun with it.

5. 
   Pin the 95 Thesis on the church door.

   Don't forget the games. A variety for different age groups is a good idea, from a simple “Ye Wishing Well” for tiny tots, to one of the various “Bible smuggling” games. And of course a round of “Pin the 95 Thesis” is in order. See resource list for more ideas. Have plenty of candy and prizes.

Tips & Warnings

• If your party is open to the public, don't freak if someone shows up dressed as a ghoul. All should be welcome and included in the fun.
• You can include something educational about the Reformers, or a devotional, or you may prefer to keep it light.

Resources

• Reformation Day party Ideas
• Halloween Article
• Medieval Recipes
• Medieval Costumes
• Reformation Day Game Ideas
• Church History
• Church History Software

[wordster]

on 11/4/2009 LOL. Rum's for Pirates, not Reformers.

[tommueller]

on 11/4/2009 Rum?

[walker7]

on 8/28/2009 Wonderful article...thanks for sharing!