Halloween and Church
What happens at the church on Halloween
Eve? While other churches pull out all the stops for Christmas; here we are at RIO
180 on Halloween getting ready for one of, if not THE, biggest event of the
year.
I
know that people disagree and spend countless words and Facebook posts
complaining about churches and church people “celebrating” Halloween and I don’t
want anyone to think I am trying to pick a fight. I believe we can disagree
without being disagreeable. I don’t know much but here is what I do in regards
to our Candy Trail and Hell House.
This
is a safe place for parents to bring their kids or send their teenagers. As the
kiddos start the Candy Trail they will be walked through the life of Joseph
complete with seeing the pit he was thrown into, Potiphar’s house (minus his
seductive wife), and the prison where he interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams. Oh, and
they will get candy at each place. Prison candy! Haha! Then, this is cool, then
they will get to enjoy the Feast! Of course, sweets and hot chocolate and sugar
everywhere and more candy. From there they will have the opportunity to play
several carnival games and a giant inflatable. And ALL OF THIS IS INSIDE WHERE
IT’S WARM!!!!!!!
Now,
for the older kiddos and anyone daring to go, we will also be hosting our very
first Hell House (how’s that for politically correct). Not sure one has been
done exactly like this before but it looks to be awesome and the brave souls
will walk through a day in the life of 3 or 4 families. Their last day
actually! Then, the judgment, but not before a spectacular ending! That’s all
they will let me say. It’s gonna be amazing!
“So,
this Halloween thing you are doing at your church
(they always emphasize church)? Ya think that is appropriate for the House of
Gawd (doesn’t’ really need explanation)?”
Here
would be my response if anyone actually engaged me in the conversation…
“First
of all, I dressed up and went trick-or-treating every year that I was a child.
Every year. And my family was a part of a very strict, holiness church. I ended
up a preacher. Not sure the connection but I’m just stating facts here, people!
And we are not celebrating Halloween. We are taking advantage of all the media
hype. Parents and kids will be looking tonight and tomorrow night for somewhere
to take their children that is safe. When they see we have uniformed deputies
on the property both nights they know it’s safer than most streets. When they
bring them here (because they are taking them somewhere), they will live
through a bible story, get loads of candy, and get to play till they’re all
tired and ready to go home.
Teenagers
love (for the most part) getting scared. Hollywood doesn’t make scary movies because
they’re unpopular. When they come here, they get to get scared in a very
different way than going to the movies (sorta but they won’t let me tell you
anymore), they will hear the message of Christ in a loving accepting way, and
they will have a blast.
Now
explain to me how giving away candy and talking about the bible is a bad thing!”
So
there you have it. Halloween, RIO 180 style! And the reason it will be so
amazing? Volunteers from the church have been working long hours for weeks to
make it happen because they love to touch our community. And maybe one of the
families that bring their children or one of those teenagers that show up with
a group tonight may not go to church. Maybe they see a church trying to offer a
service instead of looking for a handout. Maybe instead of preaching against
everything all the time, we need to be a light in a very dark world. A big ole
bright light on a street that is dark and cold and quiet.
Come
to RIO 180 tonight or tomorrow night from 7-9pm. Come in out of the cold! Have
some fun! If you don’t have a church, maybe this one is for you! I know if they
would find a decent Pastor, I would make it my church. But that guy they got
now…… well, he needs help.
Happy
Halloween or Harvest or Fall or, whatever; Have a great
night!
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