October 24th, 2026
by Ronnie Harris
by Ronnie Harris
Halloween: Loving Our Neighbors Well
Halloween is one of those days that can bring out very different reactions among Christians. Some embrace it, some avoid it, and others aren't quite sure what to make of it. But perhaps Halloween gives us an opportunity to do something very simple: love our neighbors well.
The name Halloween actually has a Christian connection. It comes from “All Hallows’ Eve,” the evening before All Saints’ Day on November 1, a day historically set aside to remember faithful Christians who have gone before us. Over the centuries, Christian traditions became mixed with various European customs, eventually developing into the Halloween we know today.
For many churches, Halloween has become an opportunity to welcome the community rather than withdraw from it. Fall festivals, Trunk-or-Treat events, games, food, and neighborhood outreach have provided opportunities for churches to meet families and build relationships with people who might never walk through the doors of a church on Sunday morning.
At Edgewood, this fits naturally with who we want to be: Christ-centered and community-focused. Halloween gives us an opportunity to be present in our neighborhoods, welcome people into our community, be generous, and build relationships. We don't have to fear the holiday, nor do we have to embrace everything associated with it. Instead, we can use the opportunities God gives us to demonstrate the love of Christ.
Sometimes ministry looks like a conversation at the front door. Sometimes it looks like handing a child a piece of candy. Sometimes it means welcoming a family to a church event. And sometimes it simply means being a good neighbor.
This Halloween, let's look beyond the costumes and candy and see the people God has placed around us. Our neighborhoods are filled with people who need the hope of Jesus, and Halloween gives us another opportunity to love our neighbors well and let the light of Christ shine.
Pastor Ronnie
Halloween is one of those days that can bring out very different reactions among Christians. Some embrace it, some avoid it, and others aren't quite sure what to make of it. But perhaps Halloween gives us an opportunity to do something very simple: love our neighbors well.
The name Halloween actually has a Christian connection. It comes from “All Hallows’ Eve,” the evening before All Saints’ Day on November 1, a day historically set aside to remember faithful Christians who have gone before us. Over the centuries, Christian traditions became mixed with various European customs, eventually developing into the Halloween we know today.
For many churches, Halloween has become an opportunity to welcome the community rather than withdraw from it. Fall festivals, Trunk-or-Treat events, games, food, and neighborhood outreach have provided opportunities for churches to meet families and build relationships with people who might never walk through the doors of a church on Sunday morning.
At Edgewood, this fits naturally with who we want to be: Christ-centered and community-focused. Halloween gives us an opportunity to be present in our neighborhoods, welcome people into our community, be generous, and build relationships. We don't have to fear the holiday, nor do we have to embrace everything associated with it. Instead, we can use the opportunities God gives us to demonstrate the love of Christ.
Sometimes ministry looks like a conversation at the front door. Sometimes it looks like handing a child a piece of candy. Sometimes it means welcoming a family to a church event. And sometimes it simply means being a good neighbor.
This Halloween, let's look beyond the costumes and candy and see the people God has placed around us. Our neighborhoods are filled with people who need the hope of Jesus, and Halloween gives us another opportunity to love our neighbors well and let the light of Christ shine.
Pastor Ronnie
Posted in Note from Ronnie
Recent
Archive
2026
May
July
September
No Comments