A Halloween Party with a Difference This Year at Green Pastures

Evangelical Church, Green Pastures, is throwing a Halloween party with a difference at their Faith Avenue-based premises next week. 

When the nights get darker and the spookiest holiday—Halloween—threatens to become even darker, the Ballymena church is determined to turn the tables and offer people an alternative. Instead of pagan origins and ghoulish imagery, hope and light are the themes for the fellowship's next Big Church Night In, which takes place on Tuesday, October 31st, at 7 p.m.

Organisers at Green Pastures have prepared sparklers, hangouts, hot drinks and treats, games, music, and dancing with Eternity Socials. There's even extra fun for the kids (P1-P7) at the kid's light party from 7–8 p.m., with prizes for best neon-dressed, games, stories, 'sick' or sweet, and lots more fun and activities!

Pastor Jeff Wright commented: "What makes this church party entirely different from a Halloween party is that we come together with our children to celebrate life and the light that Jesus brings into our lives. Fear and anxiety will flee in the presence of His light. Jesus is the light of the world, and so we are here to offer an alternative to people who don't want to feed their kids with death, fear, and darkness." 

Of course, countless people view Halloween as something to be welcomed, but many Christians feel equally uncomfortable during this dark season of festivity. Nevertheless, in that dark world of superstition, God mercifully shined the light of the gospel - due to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Freedom and new-found faith are what many believers choose to focus on instead at Halloween time.

Added Pastor Jeff Wright: "When we celebrate Halloween, we invite the spirit of fear into our lives and our children's lives. Sometimes, fear will take up that invitation, leaving our children and us suffering from anxiety and distress. The Bible tells us in 2nd Tim 1:7 that: "God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind." We as Christians believe celebrating Halloween is unsafe and needs an alternative like Big Church Night In."

Everyone is invited to the Halloween get-together at Green Pastures from 7-9 p.m. The evening is titled 'Hallow Him', referring to the Lord's Prayer and, of course, the words "Hallowed be thy name.” According to the organisers, the heart of this night is to bring people from all backgrounds together and offer them fun, fellowship, restoration, and hope.

Concluded Pastor Wright:" "We as a church love the story of the prodigal son in Luke chapter fifteen, especially the part where the older brother comes home. The Bible says he heard music and dancing in the Father's house. This night is guaranteed to be fun, with a light party for the kids, music, and dancing for the rest of the family. In a day of darkness and evil, let's celebrate the goodness of the Father and the joy and peace that he brings to His sons and daughters. Why would we celebrate darkness when we can together celebrate Jesus - the light of the world."

Hundreds of men, women, and children attended the last Big Church Night earlier this year, which proved an overwhelming success. So, everyone is invited to this one, and the word from Green Pastures co-ordinators is to ask your family, mates, and dates—and don't miss Big Church Night this Halloween.