Churches across our diocese held light parties and other autumnal events as an alternative to Halloween parties this October. Many of churches opened their doors to host activities like arts and crafts, games, fireworks, and remember the fundamental Christian message that the light of Jesus Christ always shines in the darkness.
All Saints Church, Millbrook
The Millbrook estate forms part of the Maybush Benefice. For the last two years, All Saints Church has provided a safe quieter space at Halloween as part of a larger co-ordinated event to support the local community and reduce anti-social behaviour. Their theme this year was light in the darkness. The church were supported by staff from Pickles Coppice the local Family Hub. Over 200 children and carers came to the church and enjoyed craft activities, face-painting, Lego, cake decorating and lots of hot chocolate! For many families this was the first time that they had been in the church, while some recognised the vicar from recent school Harvest events. The event also provided an opportunity to explain what’s happening throughout the church calendar.
The quieter nature of the space was also ideal for our neurodiverse families, providing time and space for over stimulated children to find calm on a night when lots of activities were overwhelming. Read more about this event and others in Millbrook via the Southern Daily Echo and the Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner’s website.
Although Halloween is not my favourite time of year I felt that this event really promoted in a practical way how the light of Christ shines out in the darkness.
Revd Ali Alexander, Vicar of Maybush Benefice
It was amazing to see how quickly the members of the local community became relaxed in the space, with the calm atmosphere after they timidly stepped over the threshold, not knowing what to expect and why a church was even open on Halloween. Some then stayed for over an hour, chatting to the volunteers, finding out about what other activities go on in the church, and leaving feeling loved. I was surprised at how much positive feedback there was from the families, they wanted to express how grateful they were for what we provided and were eager to see this replicated next year.
Ellen, Volunteer
Parish of Basingstoke Down
The Parish of Basingstoke Down held a Pumpkin Party on 26 October, which was a great celebration of the autumn season! The children who attended made sand pictures, thankfulness cards and tried bowling with large and small pumpkins (and much more!).
The party organisers found it uplifting and encouraging to see familiar faces attending their regular seasonal events. Lots of people were chatting and engaging with each other, and everyone enjoyed the re-enactment of the parable of the workers in the vineyard! This led to a reflection on the generosity of God before enjoying baked potatoes together for supper.
St Andrew’s Timsbury
On 2 November, St Andrew’s Church Timsbury held a bonfire and firework event in their churchyard! After doing a thorough risk assessment (and checking with the church’s insurers!) the first event a few years ago went without a hitch, and each year since, the event has grown, with more and more people attending.
The St Andrew’s church community didn’t want to host this as a fund-raising event, but simply wanted to reach out to the local community and show that it can be fun being a Christian. Church members put on soup, hot dogs, soft drinks and cider. It was clear from the comments from attendees that the bonfire and fireworks night has now become a village event!
We decided to do this as a form of outreach; just showing our love for the whole community whether they come to church or not, and to make it as family-friendly as possible!
John Glasspool, Churchwarden
Romsey Abbey
Romsey Abbey had a fantastic evening of celebration at Light in the Abbey! Everyone had an amazing time celebrating All Saints Day, and reflected on the fact that Jesus is the Light of the World.
They said, “Thank you so much to all the lovely families that came along, we hope you enjoyed yourselves as much as we did! And an especially BIG thank you to all our volunteers, to Donald and Hadleigh for their beautiful reading of ‘Jesus is The Light’ and to the Quavers and Choristers for their very special performance of ‘Light’ inspired songs. Thank you also to The Friends of Romsey Abbey for their generous support of this event. It was a truly wonderful evening and we look forward to welcoming you back to the Abbey for our upcoming events and services over the coming season!”
Basingstoke Church
The vision for the Light Party put on by Basingstoke Church was to open the doors of St Peter’s to the community for them to see the light and hope that Jesus can bring. Over 500 people followed the trail of stations through St Peter’s, starting with games and crafts and ending with sweets and hot chocolate before families went out to carry on their evenings. The Rector, John Hudson, spoke throughout the evening of the life-changing light that is accessible to all.
Word has spread across the local school playgrounds with kids and adults alike saying the evening was really fun and some children even saying it was the best Halloween ever!
