Most people today are familiar with the American traditions surrounding Halloween--carving of pumpkins, trick or treating, dressing in costumes, and eating lots of candy. According to the National Retail Association, $7.4 billion will be spent on candy, decorations and costumes for all ages. Not only will children dress in costume, but 78% of 18-24 year olds will dress in a costume for Halloween. Some people celebrate Halloween with evil intentions, seeking to be hurtful to people or property.
The history of Halloween is a mixed bag--some secular and cultural, others religious, sometimes a combination of the two. The Church (Roman Catholic) declared November 1 as a day to celebrate Christian martyrs as established by Pope Gregory IV in 835. This helped to transform a Celtic pagan festival of the dead into a time to revere the faithful of the Christian past. The night was known as All Hallow’s Even or Holy Evening, finally shortened to Halloween. In this religious tradition, our church will remember All Saints’ Sunday on November 2 by offering prayers of thanksgiving and remembrance for those Christian saints who have died.
Our church also plans to offer a safe and fun place for children and youth to come on Halloween evening from 6-8. Join us at the pavilion for candy and a fun time. We encourage you to use safe, fun and affirming practices this Halloween. Join us for some candy and time of worship.
The history of Halloween is a mixed bag--some secular and cultural, others religious, sometimes a combination of the two. The Church (Roman Catholic) declared November 1 as a day to celebrate Christian martyrs as established by Pope Gregory IV in 835. This helped to transform a Celtic pagan festival of the dead into a time to revere the faithful of the Christian past. The night was known as All Hallow’s Even or Holy Evening, finally shortened to Halloween. In this religious tradition, our church will remember All Saints’ Sunday on November 2 by offering prayers of thanksgiving and remembrance for those Christian saints who have died.
Our church also plans to offer a safe and fun place for children and youth to come on Halloween evening from 6-8. Join us at the pavilion for candy and a fun time. We encourage you to use safe, fun and affirming practices this Halloween. Join us for some candy and time of worship.
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