close

A Church Near You
To find out your nearest church or which parish you live in just search using your postcode.

If you represent a parish you should register onA Church Near You to maintain your own church details.

Churches Near You

Alternatives to Halloween

 

 New on the radar...

“Unmasking Halloween” At theCURBS Project we have a great resource entitled ‘Unmasking Halloween’ which can be delivered to you well in time for the end of October.  This Kit will enable you to ‘explore and reclaim the positive aspects of Halloween, recognising that God is all-powerful’.

More Information about the resource:
 A pick and mix kit for 5-11s which explores the different angles of this ‘hot potato’ and where we might draw the line
§                    Explores aspects that hold a fascination for kids: the scary, the gross, the unknown, the dark...
§                    Looks at questions to weigh up and reclaims aspects of Halloween that we sometimes avoid
§                    A range of activities including discussion starters, crafts, games, baking, exploring the Bible, finding out activities...
 
You canorder here. You can look at the first 8 pages of the resource for free to help you decide if you want to purchase it.  The Kit only costs £7.00 plus P&P.  
 
2.  “Information on Halloween” Not sure what the history and meaning of this time of year?  To get up to speed read this information / background material from theReachout Trust 
 
3.  “Sorry, no Trick or Treat” Saltbox have produced some resources to help the Church work with the elderly and vulnerable and to protect them (and children) from “trick or treat” related vandalism and disturbances . . . they have a range of resources that you can order –check it out: 
 
4. “One Day Wonders”, is produced by the Good Book Company and explores how to share the Good News at particular times through the year (including resources and ideas for Halloween) . . . you can have a look at some of the resources for free andorder the book from here
 With gratitude to Ali Campbell of Chichester Diocese for the above links
 
 
  'Creative Mission'by Rona Orme contains some ideas for 'The Eve of All Hallows' on pages 63-65. Naturally the book also contains a plethora of great ideas for all sorts of occasions and opportunities from Red Nose Day to Apple Day with all seasons creatively covered in between.
 
 There are also useful resources on All Saints on theGoing 4 Growth Website.

Not new but worth a revisit!

It might be slightly cheesy but I still love 'The Pumpkin Patch Parable'as a story to use with primary children around harvest and halloween times.
There's a reading of the story onYouTube
There are some ideas and resources on using the storyhere.
Further ideas and activities atDanielle's Place
The Pumpkin Patch Parable is available from onlineChristian Bookstore Eden and planty of other stockists.

Light Party.

There are lots of ideas for games and bible reflections on the theme of 'light' on theChristingle websitethat are appropriate for use in October. Games include'Light and Dark' and'Flashlight Pounce'.

Bible reflections include;

 This offering is onLight and Darkby Lucy Moore. 

There is also programme ideas for 6-10 year olds in Martyn Paynes book'Footsteps to the Feast'.        

 If you seek glosticks or related products for giveaways or to sell hereis one option.

 

CPO offer publicity materials and bible tracts.

   Better than Halloween by Nick Harding is a great resource bursting with ideas of crafts, games, songs, talkie bits and worksheets. Containing a CD Rom to help this really is a resource worth investing in. The section on  'Halloween Traditions and History'is informative and offers a thought provoking bible study which could form the basis of a home group discussion too. Available from Christian online storeEden or your local stockist.

Other resources include this US site http://www.hem-of-his-garment-bible-study.org/Christian-Halloween-alternatives.html which has some interesting ideas and with anHalloween Family Bible Lesson. Remember it is American but it might be an ok place to start.

Candles, wax and craft resources can be found atBaker Ross 

 

Seasonal Celebrations

 The Christingle website also has ideas on the theme of 'Seasons'

Hero Party and Kingdom Party are other ideas I've heard of that celebrate Christian Saints. 

 

1