Halloween Church Night Proves an Overwhelming Success at Green Pastures.
Halloween has come and gone, but one Ballymena church still has memories of this year's festivities.
Organisers at Green Pastures had spent weeks preparing for this year's Halloween activities, arranging sparklers, hangouts, hot drinks and treats, games, music, and dancing with Eternity Socials. All they needed, of course, was a crowd, and the Faith Avenue-based ministry wasn't left disappointed with the 200-strong turnout for what was billed as their half-term 'Big Church Night In.'
The church has held several 'Big Church Night In' events over the past year, which have all been highly successful, but this one was up there with the best of them, according to the organisers.
Commented a church spokesperson this week: "There's been so much interest in 'Big Church Night In', and holding it at Halloween proved extremely popular. We were delighted again with the attendance and how young and old, church and none churched got on so well together."
With a mix of regular church members and a host of new faces from the surrounding neighbourhoods, many locals enjoyed fun and fellowship together, participating in various activities, some of which proved so engaging people didn't want proceedings to stop. Some of which proved so engaging that
Having planned extra fun for the kids (P1-P7) at the kid's light party from 7–8 pm on October 31st, with prizes for best neon dressed, games, stories, 'sick' or sweet, and lots more fun and activities, it proved a night of eating, chatting, and dancing to Eternity Socials. Kids, all dressed up, took part in Face Painting with glow sticks and the fanciest outfits! They feasted on sugary treats with the traditional Halloween toffee apples and sweets on flow all night.
One of the organisers added, "To see the smiles on children's faces and their parents was heart-warming. Times have been tough for many families, and to be able to bring joy and laughter to their lives was the most satisfying thing about this year's event. People love and need a night like this now and then."
'Big Church Night In' had been billed in advance as a Halloween party with a difference, and that's how it turned out. No fear or dark themes were displayed, only faith, light and hope, leading to one little girl accepting Jesus as her Saviour amidst all the celebrations. Even during a party, God was still speaking and working.
Concluded a spokesperson for the church: "It is things like that which make everything worthwhile and memorable for all those who organised and took part. Many people made memories and new friends this Halloween, and we can't wait until our next 'Big Church Night' at Christmas, when we will have more fantastic festive fun!
The Green Pastures Church would like to thank all who helped organise this year's Halloween event, especially everyone who turned up and made the evening such an overwhelming success. Watch this space for the Christmas 'Big Church Night IN' details, or log on to the Green Pastures website at the start of December.
