This article was imported from our previous website, which many have broken some of the content. We apologize in advance for any strange formatting or broken links you may find.
The fall season is upon us. Summer is fading away and there is a distinct change in the weather and environment. The temperatures are beginning to cool, the sun is starting to set earlier, and the leaves are turning darker shades of red and orange.
As we transition to the fall, we recognize the holidays will be soon upon us. Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas are on the horizon, and we at The Well believe it's important to see this seasons not as time to consume and speed through, but as an opportunity to be the church and incorporate the gospel into the holidays.
Once a celebration of an old Celtic tradition, Halloween is now the second most celebrated family holiday in America. Nearly 70% of Americans will participate in some form or fashion, and it’s the only night of the year where the world around you actually comes to your door.
With that in mind, we want to challenge you to redeem this night, finding creative opportunities to help people connect to God and to each other in every neighborhood.
Here are some questions for you to process as an individual, group or family as you wrestle with ways to engage, as well as some ideas to get the ball rolling:
- When you look around your neighborhood where do you see brokenness? A need for hope? A need for compassion?
- How have others blessed you in practical ways, with both word and deed?
- What risks might you take to share Christ’s love with others in practical and ordinary ways during this holiday season?
Ideas
- Donate candy to a local Halloween event at a church or in your community
- Set out a table and chairs, and have hot apple cider and pumpkin bread for parents who bring their kids by
- Host a hot dog BBQ in your front yard
- Give out the best candy to kids who come to your house
- Give prizes to the kids with the best costumes
- Help people decorate their homes
- Attend community events
- Go to places where people are, such as pubs, clubs or restaurants
- Attend a party, and be willing to serve and get to know others
- Take a prayer walk around your neighborhood/city
- See if your neighborhood is in need of a security watch during the night
- Join a volunteer group that will help organize a community event like a School Harvest Festival
- Invite school or neighborhood friends to trick or treat with you
- Host the biggest, baddest Halloween party and invite all kinds of people
- Host a family over for a meal and movie night
- Host a football tailgate or World Series party at your house
- Invite friends/family to a local event
What you choose isn't nearly as important as simply doing something. So start praying, start planning and get to it. A few things to consider during the process:
- Pay Attention – Keep your eyes and ears open to the real needs around you
- Seek Opportunities – Take the initiative with people as opportunities arise
- Look for Open Doors – How can you develop relationships and have gospel conversations?
When God’s people set themselves to be a light in the darkness, God moves and the church finds favor with the world. Let your hearts and minds be moved to show compassion for the world that God desires to redeem, and use Halloween as the holiday to do it.