Trunk-or-Treat Draws Many Visitors From the Neighborhood

Halloween night turns ordinary streets into a parade of astronauts, unicorns, and characters from pop culture. Our church parking lot became part of that scene with our second annual Trunk-or-Treat.

Passersby couldn’t miss the welcome table. Gandalf was spraying cold-spark “fireworks” into the air as a Hobbit-toting eagle handed out bags of candy with church invitations. Everyone was invited to walk through, play games, and fill up their pillowcases.

Sixteen vehicles were decorated for the event, and volunteers assisted by greeting people. An “MMA fighter” challenged kids to shoot hoops at his basketball-themed car. A referee then beckoned for them to play football. A pumpkin patch truck captured the beauty of autumn. A loudmouthed curmudgeon hoarded oddities in his “Mystery (S)hack”. There was a spooky tunnel game with prizes for everyone. Pirates, cobwebs, and a tropical beach made an impressive display. Many more cars showcased a gospel message.

A photo backdrop was available for families and friends to capture memories in their clever costumes.

Halloween is a strange night. It is a time of imitation and imagination. Legends are remembered. Culture is caricatured. Horror is safely pursued. Death and decay become targets of mockery for fearful mortals. People explore their place in a spirit-filled world through make-believe.

Jesus Christ brings clarity to the muddle of existence when He shines His light on our understanding. He is the hero of the human story. He defeated Death and Hell. So in our church parking lot, amid all the fun, candy, and trick-or-treating, we let people know that there is One who stands at the door and knocks. They are always welcome at His house.