Many churches have developed safe alternatives to the mayhem and madness of traditional Halloween activities. Here are just a few of them:

• An upbeat drama performed by high school students and attended by all age groups. This might be performed after a meal for the entire congregation.

• A harvest party with games, group singing, contests, booths for surprises, puzzles, pumpkin carving, etc. Invite the community.

• A fun house with surprises, guessing games, and strange (but not frightening) noises. Station people dressed as Bible characters within the fun house. Visitors to the fun house try to guess who the characters are, by the clues and hints the characters give. Award prizes (candy, small toys, etc.) for correct answers.

• A costume parade and contest for children. Give awards for 1) the most creative costume, 2) the most extravagant or elaborate, 3) the ugliest or scariest, 4) the funniest, 5) the most outrageous, etc. Follow the contest with refreshments, group singing, and treats passed out to the kids.

• “Trunk-or-treat” is a popular alternative to trick-or-treating. Adults decorate the insides of their car trunks, and then park in the church parking lot. Costumed kids go trick-or-treating from open car trunk to open car trunk. Give awards for the best costumes and the best trunk decorations.

(via Provided as a service of Freeport UPC)

Del.Icio.Us Tags: Worship, Halloween