Halloween Choice

Pictured above is the David Gillett Bishop of Bolton, England who is spearheading a Where's the Choice campaign in his country. The concern is "that the trend in celebrating Halloween, and the associated activities, is not just innocent fun and that retailers have a responsibility to offer a range of goods to help people mark the occasion."

According to the campaign, "We want kids to have a great Halloween, and we want to spark a wider public debate about the nature of our way of celebrating the date."

Gregory the Great, who sent Augustine to spread the Gospel in England (unaware of Celtic Christianity) also gave Augustine the advice to "baptize" pagan places and holidays. This is a practice that gave us Christmas and Easter on pagan holidays. But Halloween was left unwashed so to speak. I think the campaign in England is not a bad idea as it seeks to ensure that stores offer a choice alongside demonic and monstrous masks. It is also up to Christian parents and churches to offer alternatives to this now deeply engrained cultural favorite.

At King of Peace, we held a Fall Festival some years ago (2001) with a Biblical Costume Contest. The hands down crowd favorite and clear winner was Janet Finkelstein, who at 82 came as a pregnant Sarah with a big question mark on her stomach as she wondered what happened.

One week from today King of Peace will offer a safe alternative in "Trunk or Treat" to be held on the Eve of the Feast of All Saints (October 31). Cars should begin to arrive at 5:30 p.m. with everyone ready to go by 6 p.m. We’ll back up to that area of grass right out front of the church so that vehicles back up to that patch of grass in like a square in order to leave the rest of the parking for those we do not want to participate in handing out candy and just like to walk around from car to car.

You may bring your own candy to hand out or bring candy to donate any Sunday leading up to the event. You may decorate your vehicle if you wish and/or provide a game for kids. The church will offer some lemonade and hot chocolate.

peace,
Frank+
The Rev. Frank Logue, Pastor + King of Peace Episcopal Church