What follows here are ideas for conversations and activities for making the message heard on Sundays part of your daily life and thinking.
All Saints’ Season–October and November
Christians might be surprised to know of Halloween’s Christian origins. For centuries, Celtic tribes had celebrated Samhain in the fall as a time to ward off ghosts and other beasties of the night. In the 8th Century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as All Saints’ Day, providing a Christian observance in the middle of what had been a pagan season of folk traditions and superstition. The night before, All Hallows’ Eve, remained associated with the pagan traditions, but now with Christian overtones. Those who had died were no longer ghosts to be feared, but members of the Communion of the Saints, to be honored in prayer. Together these holidays provide a perfect opportunity to affirm Jesus’ victory over all things evil and scary. We have nothing to fear when we follow the One who has overcome death and the grave.
When did Christians start fearing Halloween?
Halloween allows us to consider our fears, rational and irrational, and how Christ helps us overcome them. How do Christians deal with a scary world? Obviously we can pray for safety and protection. But knowing that we belong to Jesus can also give us the courage to confront the fears that hold us back and keep us from doing the right thing. Public speaking, standing up to bullies, speaking up against injustice—what courageous acts have you done? What courageous acts do you see Christians doing? Tell the stories of your bravery and how faith holds you up. Share prayers for courage.
For All the Saints
All Saints’ Day is all about celebrating the heroes of our faith. The stories of those who have gone before can be inspiring, challenging, instructional, and sometimes just strange. Because of their faith, saints have changed the world. On the calendar of the church year, you can find the names of heroes both familiar and new. As a family, take some time to read about those who have gone before. Notice that some of the people listed are familiar, but we don’t always give credit to the faith that inspired them. All Saints’ also provides an opportunity to talk about the things we try to do because we are followers of Christ. Imagine what we might do—we can grow up to be saints!
Harvest Time
While Fall is the time for celebrating the harvest, most of us are so far from an agricultural lifestyle, the harvest isn’t much more than a decorating scheme. Bring the harvest home in a contemporary way by thinking about the web of interdependence that connects us all. Think about all the people whose work bring our food to us: farm and factory workers, truck drivers, highway workers, grocery store cashiers, and more. Share how our own work helps support other people’s lives. For children—how might their future plans help others? Take a step of generosity, buying food and other staples for those in need. Talk about what hungry people might like to eat and shop accordingly.
Suggested Donations:
- Canned dinners—chili, refried beans, soup, stew
- Canned meat and tuna
- Individual snacks—granola bars, crackers and cheese
- Dry goods—rice, beans, pasta
- Microwave foods (just add water)—oatmeal, Mac & cheese, cup of noodles
- Can opener
- Pop-lid canned foods
- Peanut butter (and jelly)
Grace at Meals:
For the meal we are about to eat, for those that made it possible, and for those with whom we are about to share it, we give thanks. AMEN.
Blessing:
Bless this house and those within. Bless our giving and receiving.
Bless our words and conversation. Bless our hands and recreation.
Bless our sowing and our growing. Bless all who enter and depart.
Bless this house, your peace impart.