So about four months ago, we actually had the biggest blog discussion here to date ... not about any of my sermons, but rather about whether we should have a Halloween party (either as an outreach or as alternative activity for the kids at church).
So here goes ... for all you people that thought a Halloween party was a great idea, what's your opinion about having an Easter Egg Hunt? We're having the kids upstairs for the whole service on Easter, so why not give them an Easter Egg Hunt afterwards?
If that's losing the true meaning of Easter, then why wasn't a Halloween party losing the true meaning of Halloween?
Alternatively, is it OK to just have fun at Easter, just like it was OK to just have fun at Halloween?
Just stirring the pot ...
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Halloween OK ... Easter Not OK?
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2 comments:
Well I guess I'll be the first to put myself out there with my thoughts. As far as the Halloween issue goes, growing up I went trick or treating but we dressed up in non scary or violent costumes. Back then that option wasn't so prevalent as it is now.I let Chad go trick or treating also when he was young but when he was getting to the age of being to big to do it, I noticed the dark side of Halloween surfacing more. He along with friends wanted to wear the bloody masks and the grim reaper costumes. The worse it looked the better. That's when I said enough and that's not what we'll be magnifying. For me it seems Halloween has turned more to the dark side and I get really creeped out with horror movies and violent scenes. This creeped out feeling occurred years ago when I felt Satan's force in a situation where he was trying to divide some people involving kids and adults in church.I really felt the need to address the situation at that moment to break that feeling of force. It all turned out well and peace was had. I can recall that feeling anytime things crop up of dark nature so Halloween is not a fun time for me.(nothing against anyone, just my feeling and thoughts) As for Easter we always had easter baskets at the foot of our beds growing up(and I was brought up Catholic)and I still do it for all the kids now even though they are own their own. We also knew the true meaning of easter and went to church and did all that you were suppose to do to celebrate Christ. I think at church we do a great job bringing Jesus into the lives of the kids and teaching them of that importance. I think if we do have an Easter egg hunt, we could still have fun and keep the meaning of Easter also. We've used the Resurrection eggs in Sunday School lessons and we could hide those with Easter related items in them and also some with candy.(just a thought)For me this holiday doesn't have a dark side like Halloween(unless you totally exclude Jesus).
Jackie
For the record, let me start by saying, I didn't think having a Halloween party at the church was a "great" idea. I knew it was an area of controversy and simply thought it should be up to you and the Board to decide, just like any other event held at the church. That said, I personally was not opposed to it.
As far as having an Easter Egg hunt I am not opposed to that either, but I don't think you are comparing apples to applies (so to speak). Easter is a religous holiday, celebrated by the church and Halloween is not. I think the idea of the Halloween party was to give the kids a different alternate then what they might be doing otherwise. I think the residents at Casco Inn really enjoyed seeing the kids dressed up and visiting with them. My guess is that would not have happened without us planning the event. They also listened to a short talk from the people at Child Evangelism and got invitations and information about the new Good News Club in the Neighborhood, so from my perspective it was all good.
If I remember correctly, you have hid chocolate easter eggs in the past for the kids to find so I am not sure how this would be any different or cause for much controversy?
Kim
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