Dear Southport UMC,
We approach the time of year that we can’t avoid the aroma and allure of pumpkin spice, orange is the new black (OK black is still big too), and scary things adorn front yards. And in the middle of this season of leaves falling and black cats prowling is Halloween. But as Christians we aren’t Halloween people, are we? Halloween is this holiday that seems to celebrate lingering spirits, flesh eating monsters, and zombies rising from the dead.
No, we are not Halloween people, we are Easter people. You see we know of an ever-present Holy Spirit, a Savior that has risen from the dead, and we remember all of this by consuming His flesh and blood. Wait a minute… Kind of sounds like Halloween when I put it that way. Doesn’t it?
The difference is we know of grace and of God. We know that the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus shows that suffering, decay, disappointment and death can be transformed into new life.
So, be Easter people this Halloween season. Don’t shy away from the goblins and monsters, but remember you are one. Your just a little weirder because you have committed to a Way that is a little different. A Way that shares hope and grace with those around you. A Way that is life giving.
One way we can be Easter people this Halloween season is by opening our spaces, our hearts, and our trunks. We will have an opportunity to do that October 19th at our third annual Chili Festival & Trunk or Treat. The event and everything at it will be free. Folks will have the opportunity to, but are not required to, purchase tickets to vote for their favorite chili. Each team will be playing for a non-profit or charity organization of their choice and 100% of the funds brought in will go to the top three winning teams!
So, if you are willing to open your trunk for the trunk or treat or if you want to see if you are a chili champion, please click on the link below.
Let’s keep growing,
Brandon
