Churches offer holiday alternative

Across the region this Halloween, some ghosts and goblins might find fewer places to trick-or-treat because the holiday falls on a Sunday and residents are at church.

Some towns around the country are decreeing that Halloween be celebrated on Saturday to avoid complaints from those who might be offended by the sight of demons and witches ringing their doorbell on the Sabbath. Others insist the holiday should be celebrated on Sunday no matter what.

Locally, Scott City officials talked about moving the holiday observance to Saturday but voted against the idea because it seemed too confusing. The Sikeston Department of Public Safety is asking that trick-or-treaters go out between 4 and 9 p.m. Sunday and that residents turn off porch lights by 9 p.m.

But many neighborhoods don't have an abundance of trick-or-treaters anyway because so many other events are available. Several area churches canceled Sunday evening services so they could hold fall festivals or planned "Trunk or Treat" events on Saturday night as alternatives to a traditional Halloween.

Centenary United Methodist Church is holding its "Trunk or Treat" party today during its regular after-school children's ministry program. A party will be held from 3:15 to 5 p.m., and then children will move from the gym to the parking lot for trick-or-treating from vehicles.

About half the children who come to the annual event are from the neighborhood and half are children from the church, said the Rev. Karen Mustoe, a minister at the church.

Hundreds of children and families from Cape Girardeau attend the fall festival at the Osage Community Centre, sponsored annually by Lynwood Baptist Church. The church also offers an alternative to haunted houses with its "Judgement House" production. Both events have been big draws in the community.

At least 1,000 people are expected to attend "Judgement House" over a five-day period. Reservations for the production are encouraged, but walk-ins are accepted.

Susan Russell, one of two church coordinators for "Judgement House," said it offers an alternative to haunted houses, which most people associate with Halloween.

"People like the scenes and moving through different rooms, and it's an adult version but it's not just a scare tactic," Russell said.

"Judgement House" also presents the gospel, so many people invite friends because it's a form of evangelism, she said.

Many churches offer alternative events for Halloween because of its connection to the devil, evil and the underworld. But Halloween derives its name from All Hallows' Eve, the evening before All Saints' Day. Hallow is an old English term for holy or saint. All Saints' Day is a day for Christians to remember the saints of their faith.

Christ Episcopal Church will host a special choral service at 4 p.m. Sunday in honor of All Hallows' Eve. The Rev. Bob Towner, rector at Christ Episcopal, said Halloween only becomes a day of mischief and satanic festivities if Christians allow it to. He would rather see churches emphasize the traditional meaning of the day as a way to demonstrate the struggle between good and evil.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

ljohnston@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 126

WANT TO GO?

Fruitland Community Church will hold a fall festival from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday at the church.

First Baptist Church in Jackson will sponsor a "Trunk or Treat" event from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday on the church parking lot.

Commerce Baptist Church will hold a fall festival from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday for children in grade 6 or younger. Parental supervision is necessary. A canned food is required for admission. For information, call 264-4355.

Family fall festival from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the Osage Community Centre, sponsored by Lynwood Baptist Church. Admission is a canned food item to be donated to a local food pantry. Children can wear costumes, but no scary costumes are permitted.

Centenary United Methodist Church will hold a "Trunk or Treat" party at 3:15 p.m. today in the church's Family Life Center for children up to sixth grade. At 5 p.m., the Trunk or Treat event begins in the church parking lot. Scary costumes aren't permitted.

Westside Church of God in Cape Girardeau will hold a Trunk or Treat event from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday in the parking lot behind the church. Costumes are optional. For information, phone 335-2124.

Youth from Immaculate Conception Church in Jackson will hold a "El Dia de los Muertos" party at 7 p.m. Sunday. Costumes are allowed, but only those dressed as saints or religious figures will be entered in a contest.