As the days grow shorter, the leaves turn golden, and Halloween draws near, it is a wonderful time to pause and reflect on the changing seasons. For Christian families, this time of year offers a unique opportunity to embrace the beauty of creation and to remember the hope we have in Christ.
We are excited to share a new resource designed to help you and your family engage with this season meaningfully: An Autumn Prayer Tree and Halloween Guide.
Here is a look at what you will find inside:
1. Create an "Autumn Prayer Tree"
This hands-on craft is a beautiful way to combine creativity with reflection. You can make your tree in several ways - by tracing your child’s arm to create a "handprint" trunk, using finger-paints, or collecting real fallen leaves from outside.
As you cut out and decorate the printable leaves, take a moment to write a prayer on each one, or write the name of someone you would like to remember or pray for. It’s a lovely activity to do together as a family, perhaps inviting friends to add their own prayers to the branches!
2. Understanding Halloween: All Hallows' Eve
Halloween is shortened from "All-hallow-evening," the eve of All Saints' Day (November 1). While the modern holiday is often filled with costumes and parties, its roots are deeply connected to the Christian calendar - a time to give thanks for all faithful people who have lived and died in Christ.
The guide explores the history of the season, including the ancient Gaelic festival of Samhain (which marked the end of the harvest) and how early Christians offered a different focus at this time of year. Instead of focusing on fear or the spirits of the dark, the Church pointed toward the hope of the resurrection and the light of Christ.
3. The Pumpkin Prayer & Scripture
Included in the resource is a wonderful "Pumpkin Prayer" that uses the carving of a pumpkin to share the Gospel - asking God to open our minds, clean out our sin, and let His light shine through us so others can see.
As the guide reminds us, "Christians believe God's love is stronger than death. Christ brings light and life." We can celebrate with joy and kindness, giving thanks for creation, and looking forward to the final harvest when "God shall be all-in-all" (1 Corinthians 15:28).
4. Take Our 'Halloween Sweets Prayer Challenge' -
For each different-coloured sweet you get, say a little prayer — give thanks, pray for friends and family, those who are sick, our leaders, and anyone who needs a helping hand.
Join Us in Celebrating Hope
We warmly invite you to use this resource to remember with love, give thanks, and share hope this Halloween.
[Download the An Autumn Prayer Tree and Halloween PDF here]
[Download the Halloween Sweets Challenge here]
