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A listing of resources from Christian agencies covering the background to Halloween as well as resources and ideas for alternative Halloween events for children and for discouraging trick or treating.
Interesting fact
In 2010 it was estimated that people in the UK spent £280 million on Halloween goods, pumpkins, fancy costumes etc. Source BBC Magazine http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-11640412
Resources from the Association of Christian Teachers (ACT)*
Association of Christian Teachers, 23 Billing Road, Northampton, NN1 5AT
tel: 01604 632046
Email: act@christians-in-education.org.uk Website: www.christian-teachers.org.uk
The ACT has a number of resources available for purchase that are suitable for use in assemblies, Sunday schools or other children's settings: http://eauk.co/r329Dv
They also have a briefing paper on Halloween that is available as a free download: http://eauk.co/qtzL6M
Fun or Spiritual Threat?
An article from Act Now magazine available online at: http://eauk.co/q5oHy5
Resources from Christian Publishing and Outreach (CPO)*
CPO (Christian Publishing and Outreach) Garcia Estate, Canterbury Road, Worthing. BN13 1BW
Tel: 01903 263345
Email: sales@cpo.org.uk Website: www.cpo-online.org.uk
A range of products including written resources, tracts and evangelistic materials for children and adults, plus a pack of products for a light party including balloons and glow-in-the-dark wristbands. See the full range at http://eauk.co/nBUqPh or request a printed catalogue.
Resources from Reachout Trust
Reachout Trust 24 Ormond Road, Richmond, Surrey. TW10 6TH.
Tel: 0845 241 2158
Website: www.reachouttrust.org
Knock Knock - Who's there?
Full colour tract warning of the dangers of Halloween tract especially for younger children. Price: 35p for 1-10 copies. Bulk prices available.
Don't be tricked
Full colour tract warning of the dangers of Halloween - for adults and other children. Price: 35p for 1-10 copies. Bulk prices available.
http://eauk.co/n7cpFR
Halloween Article
Practical overview of the topic for adults available from http://eauk.co/nTovbj
Resources from Saltbox Christian Centre*
Saltbox Christian Centre, Saltbox Leaflets, Gitana Street, Stoke-on-Trent. ST1 1DY
Tel: 01782 207200
Email: tort@saltbox.org.uk Website: www.saltbox.org.uk
Halloween and "Sorry No Trick or Treat" information pack
Saltbox provide a selection of resources for those who want respond to Halloween - and particularly "Trick or Treat" activities - in their community whether through their church or with wider community involvement.
The information pack includes: a DVD explaining what the campaign is all about; suggestions on how to run your own campaign; how the Saltbox campaign has succeeded over recent years; a sample letter for head teachers and Christian leaders; an outline about the origins of "Trick or Treat" ; plus a few "Sorry No Trick or Treat" A5 window leaflets.
To order the information pack, send a cheque payable to Saltbox for £6.00 at the address above.
Saltbox also offer the opportunity to obtain bulk supplies of their "Sorry No trick or Treat" window leaflets an order form is available to download from their website http://eauk.co/qtGHUs
Resources from The Good Book Company
The Good Book Company, Elm House, 37 Elm Road, New Malden, Surrey, KT3 3HB
Tel: 0333 123 0880 (local rate call)
Website: www.thegoodbook.co.uk
or use the Contact Us form on the website: www.thegoodbook.co.uk/contact-us
Trick or Treat
Tract available to read free online and available for purchase to give away to callers on 31st October price 15p each. Bulk discounts also available.
One Day Wonders
One Day Wonders includes everything you need to run Bible activity events at Christmas, Easter and Halloween. The flexible material includes a wide range of fun activities to choose from. Some of the activities featured in the book are available as free downloads from http://eauk.co/okQgY5 otherwise the whole pack is available for £10 from the address above.
The Fright of Your Life
This colourful evangelistic tract is designed for use with early teens (11-14s), and aims to show that Jesus is the Lord of Heaven and Earth. It is Him we should truly fear. It is designed either to hand out at the door on Halloween, or as part of an 'alternative' Halloween party. It focuses on three passages from the Bible where people meet Jesus and are afraid. http://eauk.co/ndgz90
Resources from Damaris Trust*
Damaris Trust, PO Box 200, Southampton, SO17 2DL
Tel: 023 80 682 750
Website: www.damaris.org
Email: office@damaris.org
Damaris have produced a set of resources focused around All Hallows' Day, the day after Halloween, from which Halloween gets it's name. All Hallows' Day (or All Saints Day) is traditionally a time of focusing on heroes and heroines of the Christian faith. The resources include a video countdown calendar, which churches and individuals can republish on their website or blog, as well as audio podcasts.
www.damaris.org/allsaints
Other Resources
Books
Better than Halloween - bright alternatives for churches and children
Aims to provide lots of advice and ideas around organising a meaningful alternative Halloween event for children aged 5-11. It includes a free CD-ROM, and is fully photocopiable. By Nick Harding. Published by Church House Publishing, 2006, £9.99. ISBN 0715141015. Available from Christian bookshops or www.chpublishing.co.uk/halloween (includes sample chapter and CD material).
Fright the Good Fright
Alternative ideas to traditional Halloween celebrations. Three party packs included, each introducing a different aspect of the Bible with games, masks and dressing up. By Steve English, published by Kevin Mayhew Ltd, 2004, £10.99. ISBN 1844172937. Available from most Christian bookshops or online at www.kevinmayhew.com
The facts on Halloween - What Christians need to know by John Ankerberg and John Weldon
Outlines the origins of Halloween and discusses Christian responses. Also examines the issues surrounding ghosts and witches. Published by Harvest House Publishers, 2003, £3.99. ISBN 0736911200. Available from most Christian bookshops or online Christian retailers
Halloween: What's a Christian to do? by Steve Russo
Discusses the Christian response to Halloween. Published by Harvest House Publishers, 1998, £6.99. ISBN 1565078519. Available from most Christian bookshops or online Christian retailers
Halloween What you need to know: Quick Reference Guide by Ron Rhodes
Published by Harvest House £2.99 Available from most Christian bookshops or online Christian retailers
I'm not Scared of Halloween Night by Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton
This is a children's life the flap storybook that shows young children that Jesus will always protect them. Published by Zondervan £3.99 Available from most Christian bookshops or online Christian retailers
Mommy Why Don't we Celebrate Halloween by Linda Hacon Winwood
This children's book will help parents answer tough questions simply, biblically, and lovingly. Published by Destiny Image £3.99 ISBN 9781560438236 Available from most Christian bookshops or online Christian retailers
Other Resources/Websites
Scripture Union*
The Scripture Union has a Halloween information page on the families section of their website that includes advice on how to talk about Halloween with your children.
http://eauk.co/q3Ze9n
The Scripture union have some lesson plans and suggested activities suitable for Sunday School or other children's school available for free download
http://eauk.co/nVGYmL
Philo Trust
A useful article from J. John entitled Handling Halloween Wisely http://www.philotrust.com/blog/2010/10/handling-halloween-wisely
Christianity Today
Christianity Today has included features and some ideas for alternative Halloween activities towards the end of October in past years. Use the site search facility to find relevant articles at www.christianitytoday.com
* Member of the Evangelical Alliance.
NB Details of the above organisations/resources are provided as information only & do not indicate endorsement or official recommendation.
Compiled by the Evangelical Alliance Information and Research Office, September 2011.
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