What about Halloween?

If you grew up in the North American church, especially in the 70s and 80s, you might have some fear and trepidation at the thought of celebrating Halloween.  When I small, my parents only knew Halloween as an American tradition of dressing up and going house to house asking for candy.  It was as unusual (and pagan) as Christmas tress and Easter eggs.  In their effort to help my brother and I fit into our suburban neighborhood, we participated. Those years gave me many happy memories of peeking into very American homes and meeting people who were different from us.  Because my Halloweens were family-friendly, I continued the tradition with my kids in our neighborhoods, leaving the porch light on and vying for title of “House with the Best Candy”.  I’m so glad to have always lived in neighbourhoods that were centres of Halloween fun and to have always belonged to a church that embraces Halloween as a missional opportunity for our families.

At OAC, my current church, we believe that Oct 31 - Halloween, presents a rare 'evangelistic' opportunity to connect with ones neighbours, where it is acceptable and expected that strangers will open the door, greet each other and give to each other. So we are challenging OACers:  Rather than being known as the curmudgeonly Christians on the block, let's be known for reflecting God's welcome and generous spirit.  When people knock on our door Oct 31, along with the "treats" we are hosting a neighbourhood gathering on Halloween night to share cider and hot chocolate, and get to know each other better.  This was an awesome idea from our church Outreach committee, they are even providing the beverages for free.  I hope our church members will be known as the best neighbours, not just for candy and celebrations, but also as a place to go when others are in need of a friend or a listening ear.  

Other ideas for a family friendly Halloween:

Preschooler – Kids under 5 may not really know much about Halloween, but they do enjoy fall celebrations such as trips to the pumpkin patch and apple picking. Let them dress up for the event, as most kids enjoy dressing up every chance they get.  Since young kids may see “scary” things on TV and at stores, like jack-o-lanterns and spiderwebs, so it’s a good idea to prepare them by telling them that some people like to scare each other during this season.  Remind them that God is bigger than any scary creature we can dream up. 

Elementary School – If there are dress up activities and parties at their school or in their neighborhood, talk to your kids about what the activities will contain and if they fit with your values.  Dressing up, eating candy and visiting with neighbors don’t have to be off-limits, but set guidelines on what kind of costumes are acceptable, how much candy is acceptable and which homes they may visit (neighborhood, friends and family,  or the mall). 

Tween and Youth – Plan to do something age appropriate and fun.  Many kids may be invited to do things your family is not comfortable with, including haunted houses or horror movies.  If your kids have a fun alternative (bowling, trampoline park, or just party at your house), they won’t feel the peer pressure to participate in activities that are not healthy for safe or them.

Whatever you decide to do for Halloween, remember that the most important thing is to talk with your kids about it.  Values are only shared with future generations by constant, open, safe conversations between people who love each other. 

Share the Love...

So the Pope’s visit to the US was big deal last week.  I found myself watching the coverage, not only because he was in places I grew up, but also because everything I can’t help but like him.  As a major religious figure, it’s pretty common for people to have strong opinions about him, but I’m a little sickened by the constant words of skepticism (by Christians) about Pope Francis’ ability to be a genuine man of God.

I say “man of God” just as I would call other Christian men I know, men of God.  To Catholics, the pope is a moral authority and there is a whole hierarchical structure to who has God’s ear.  Protestants do not like the idea of one person holding moral authority on the rest of us.  Whether it’s the pope, our local pastor, or the church member sitting beside, us… we don’t want to be judged.  I think this viewpoint is pretty legitimate.  Although sometimes the Bible does say that we are to call out our brothers and hold them accountable. 

That is what Pope Francis did during his trip to the US.   He called on Congress to think about the environment.  He talked to the UN about working together with other nations, being less selfish with our money and resources.  He’s working for social justice, the same things that many of our churches aspire to do.  Can we acknowledge that on some issues we are on the same side?  

Some are wary of the Pope because of Catholicism’s brutal history.  But if we look deep enough, almost every culture and religion has a history of conquering, converting and killing others.  Great power usually comes with great selfishness.  But should we judge the current Pope based on his family of origin? Do you want your friends judging you based on the things they’ve seen Christians do?  I sure don’t.  Just as God will judge each one of our lives, he will also judge presidents, rulers and pope’s according to what they’ve individually done to share his love. 

From what I’ve seen, Pope Francis’ words may be thoughtful and measured, but he doesn’t seem –calculating – in fact he often goes off script – and against tradition, to share love with others. 

The worst argument I’ve heard again Pope Francis, is that he looks to good to be true. “That’s what the Bible says the anti-Christ will be like. He’ll fool everyone.”  This argument is quite pessimistic.  Should we dismiss anyone who does good on earth as possible suspects for the antichrist?  Oprah, Bill Gates, Bono, Mother Theresa, Dali Lama – all individuals who have taken great pains to be humanitarians in and effort to better our world.  And all I keep hearing about them is, “It’s part of a plan. He/She wants to rule the world with his/her own despicable power and ambition.”  Some of you have been watching too many Disney cartoons.  I know our world will never be fixed by human power, but that should not prevent us from trying to do right, within our communities and our religious systems.  Knowing that humans are naturally selfish should not make us look at the actions of others with such scrutiny, that we become negative in our worldview. 

Instead I think we should study these people who have sway among people and governments – Why do I feel drawn to their words?   Why are their words valued even outside of their religious/cultural communities?  

For me the draw is their compassionate spirit.  I see a gentleness about Pope Francis. Sure, he’s got the cute accent and he’s a little old white haired man.  But even with the cape and hat on, he radiates humility – he speaks softly, lives simply, and draws energy from his interactions with others.  The President of the United States met him at the airport, and small children were drawn to him in the streets.  He met with anti-gay county clerk Kim Davis and he met openly gay old friends.  Somehow all of these people were open to dialogue because they knew they would be received with kindness.  His love for others is palpable.   Pope Francis interacted with all of those people, not according to their positions, age, or actions. But he treated them with dignity, respect and genuine love. He is a pastor, who can stand at the podium on the world stage, and also smile and wave from the back of a Fiat.

We know that humans are flawed, and often choose evil over virtue, but we can’t live our lives on earth distrustful of each other – because it is not what Jesus did. When he came to earth, he knew he was going to be betrayed by those around him, but that didn’t stop him from being with people constantly.   He spoke to them in large groups and dined with them in their homes.  He loved them and let them get uncomfortably close, even including (Judas) in to his inner circle.

Let’s stop praising only those who are like us- people who share our features, cultural history or religious beliefs. That kind of praise keeps in isolation from the world around us, and reeks of racism and cultishness. Instead of being whistle blowing, judgmental Christians; Can we be the positive Christians who see good in others? 

Love is not a judgment or winning argument.  Love does not belong to us alone to hoard in our churches or homes. It roots for others.  It believes in others.  Love wins.