Halloween & All Saints'
Curious about the connection between Halloween and All Saints' Sunday? The word "Halloween" is a contraction of "All Hallows' Eve" and falls the night before All Saints' Day.Christians have historically set this day apart to remember the faithful who have gone to God before us and to celebrate the sainthood (with a little "s") baptism brings to each of us. While Protestants do not consider r the Apostles to be "Saints" (with a capital S), we do believe each baptized Christian adds to the story of God's people living in faithful response to our baptisms. Below you will find activities that will help your family remember and give thanks for those who have been your examples and companions in faith, as well as activities to celebrate our lives as saints building the Kingdom of God.
This "Pumpkin Prayer" from Mary Kate Warner's, "Christianity Cove", is a fun way to remember the people God calls us to be as we carve our pumpkins together. Pray each phrase together as you carve and then, after your battery-operated candles have been placed in the pumpkins, hold hands and say, "Thank you, God, for making us your people through your Son, Jesus. Amen."
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Crafts by Amanda gives step-by-step instructions to make this mobile out of plastic lids. As you gather together, think about the people in your lives - living and dead- who have been examples of Christian faith and who inspire your growth and your family's growth as Christians. Write their names on the lids with a Sharpie and then string them together on the mobile as a visual remembrance during this time of Halloween/All Saints'
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Keep one pumpkin un-carved and place where your family has its
meals. Each day between Halloween and Thanksgiving, write what each family member is thankful for! |
Name those whose faith inspires you. Light a candle to remind you of this person. Place the candles in the bowl of water. Share "Family Litany for All Saints" at the Discipleship Ministries website.
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