Comments on: Happy Hallow….Harvest Festival. http://jesushatespapyrus.com/church-marketing/happy-hallow-harvest-festival/ helping the church become the most creative place on the planet. Mon, 02 Jan 2012 01:05:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Matt Norman http://jesushatespapyrus.com/church-marketing/happy-hallow-harvest-festival/comment-page-1/#comment-548 Matt Norman Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:28:22 +0000 http://jesushatespapyrus.com/?p=506#comment-548 I agree with some of what has been said here. However, much of it I disagree with. Halloween is specifically a Pagan holiday. So, should churches have events that celebrate a pagan holiday? I don’t think so, however, I do think that we should offer an alternative. If we are going to offer an alternative to the usual Halloween activities, why not call it something different. If churches have Halloween parties, then aren’t we then giving at least the appearance of supporting what is a pagan celebration? I find it interesting when Christians take a strong stance one way or the other in regards to Halloween. Some take the stance the author of this blog has taken and say that we should give up our lame attempts at offering an “alternative that is not much of an alternative”. Others say that we should do nothing at all. However, I think that before taking a string stance one way or another one should get as much information as possible. For instance, Christmas was not always about Christ. Christmas as we know it today actually started as an alternative to pagan celebrations that took place in December on, or around the winter solstice. Also consider Easter. Some sources say that Easter has a similar story with the word be derived from Eostre, the goddess of fertility and spring. Many argue of that church sponsored fall festivals are nothing more then lame alternatives to real Halloween celebrations. This same argument could be made for Christian music. Perhaps Christian music is little more then a lame alternative to real music. How about recovery programs such as Celebrate Recovery. One could argue that it is “not very alternative” when compared to AA, or NA, or other such primarily secular recovery programs. I would agree that if we are going to do these kinds of fall festivals we should do them with excellence. I also agree that these events should be designed to reach the unchurched, and not just be an event for church people to come and hang out together. Lest Talk About Costumes I agree that advertising and event to the community and then restricting the costumes that you will “Allow” is wrong. As Casting Crowns says, “He has to change their heart before he changes their shirt”. For this reason I don’t think we should put anything in the promotional materials that go out to the public that restricts their costumes. However, I don’t think there is anything wrong with ENCOURAGING our church members to wear costumes that might be less offensive. Ultimately, I would say if a church is going to do it, I agree with you, knock it out of the park. Make it a chance for the people in your community to experience the love of Christ while having a great time. Make it an event that the community will talk about and will look forward to coming back to next year. I agree with some of what has been said here. However, much of it I disagree with. Halloween is specifically a Pagan holiday. So, should churches have events that celebrate a pagan holiday? I don’t think so, however, I do think that we should offer an alternative. If we are going to offer an alternative to the usual Halloween activities, why not call it something different. If churches have Halloween parties, then aren’t we then giving at least the appearance of supporting what is a pagan celebration? I find it interesting when Christians take a strong stance one way or the other in regards to Halloween. Some take the stance the author of this blog has taken and say that we should give up our lame attempts at offering an “alternative that is not much of an alternative”. Others say that we should do nothing at all. However, I think that before taking a string stance one way or another one should get as much information as possible. For instance, Christmas was not always about Christ. Christmas as we know it today actually started as an alternative to pagan celebrations that took place in December on, or around the winter solstice. Also consider Easter. Some sources say that Easter has a similar story with the word be derived from Eostre, the goddess of fertility and spring.

Many argue of that church sponsored fall festivals are nothing more then lame alternatives to real Halloween celebrations. This same argument could be made for Christian music. Perhaps Christian music is little more then a lame alternative to real music. How about recovery programs such as Celebrate Recovery. One could argue that it is “not very alternative” when compared to AA, or NA, or other such primarily secular recovery programs. I would agree that if we are going to do these kinds of fall festivals we should do them with excellence. I also agree that these events should be designed to reach the unchurched, and not just be an event for church people to come and hang out together.

Lest Talk About Costumes

I agree that advertising and event to the community and then restricting the costumes that you will “Allow” is wrong. As Casting Crowns says, “He has to change their heart before he changes their shirt”. For this reason I don’t think we should put anything in the promotional materials that go out to the public that restricts their costumes. However, I don’t think there is anything wrong with ENCOURAGING our church members to wear costumes that might be less offensive.

Ultimately, I would say if a church is going to do it, I agree with you, knock it out of the park. Make it a chance for the people in your community to experience the love of Christ while having a great time. Make it an event that the community will talk about and will look forward to coming back to next year.

]]> By: Matt Norman http://jesushatespapyrus.com/church-marketing/happy-hallow-harvest-festival/comment-page-1/#comment-1404 Matt Norman Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:28:00 +0000 http://jesushatespapyrus.com/?p=506#comment-1404 I agree with some of what has been said here. However, much of it I disagree with. Halloween is specifically a Pagan holiday. So, should churches have events that celebrate a pagan holiday? I don’t think so, however, I do think that we should offer an alternative. If we are going to offer an alternative to the usual Halloween activities, why not call it something different. If churches have Halloween parties, then aren’t we then giving at least the appearance of supporting what is a pagan celebration? I find it interesting when Christians take a strong stance one way or the other in regards to Halloween. Some take the stance the author of this blog has taken and say that we should give up our lame attempts at offering an “alternative that is not much of an alternative”. Others say that we should do nothing at all. However, I think that before taking a string stance one way or another one should get as much information as possible. For instance, Christmas was not always about Christ. Christmas as we know it today actually started as an alternative to pagan celebrations that took place in December on, or around the winter solstice. Also consider Easter. Some sources say that Easter has a similar story with the word be derived from Eostre, the goddess of fertility and spring. Many argue of that church sponsored fall festivals are nothing more then lame alternatives to real Halloween celebrations. This same argument could be made for Christian music. Perhaps Christian music is little more then a lame alternative to real music. How about recovery programs such as Celebrate Recovery. One could argue that it is “not very alternative” when compared to AA, or NA, or other such primarily secular recovery programs. I would agree that if we are going to do these kinds of fall festivals we should do them with excellence. I also agree that these events should be designed to reach the unchurched, and not just be an event for church people to come and hang out together. Lest Talk About Costumes I agree that advertising and event to the community and then restricting the costumes that you will “Allow” is wrong. As Casting Crowns says, “He has to change their heart before he changes their shirt”. For this reason I don’t think we should put anything in the promotional materials that go out to the public that restricts their costumes. However, I don’t think there is anything wrong with ENCOURAGING our church members to wear costumes that might be less offensive. Ultimately, I would say if a church is going to do it, I agree with you, knock it out of the park. Make it a chance for the people in your community to experience the love of Christ while having a great time. Make it an event that the community will talk about and will look forward to coming back to next year. I agree with some of what has been said here. However, much of it I disagree with. Halloween is specifically a Pagan holiday. So, should churches have events that celebrate a pagan holiday? I don’t think so, however, I do think that we should offer an alternative. If we are going to offer an alternative to the usual Halloween activities, why not call it something different. If churches have Halloween parties, then aren’t we then giving at least the appearance of supporting what is a pagan celebration? I find it interesting when Christians take a strong stance one way or the other in regards to Halloween. Some take the stance the author of this blog has taken and say that we should give up our lame attempts at offering an “alternative that is not much of an alternative”. Others say that we should do nothing at all. However, I think that before taking a string stance one way or another one should get as much information as possible. For instance, Christmas was not always about Christ. Christmas as we know it today actually started as an alternative to pagan celebrations that took place in December on, or around the winter solstice. Also consider Easter. Some sources say that Easter has a similar story with the word be derived from Eostre, the goddess of fertility and spring.

Many argue of that church sponsored fall festivals are nothing more then lame alternatives to real Halloween celebrations. This same argument could be made for Christian music. Perhaps Christian music is little more then a lame alternative to real music. How about recovery programs such as Celebrate Recovery. One could argue that it is “not very alternative” when compared to AA, or NA, or other such primarily secular recovery programs. I would agree that if we are going to do these kinds of fall festivals we should do them with excellence. I also agree that these events should be designed to reach the unchurched, and not just be an event for church people to come and hang out together.

Lest Talk About Costumes

I agree that advertising and event to the community and then restricting the costumes that you will “Allow” is wrong. As Casting Crowns says, “He has to change their heart before he changes their shirt”. For this reason I don’t think we should put anything in the promotional materials that go out to the public that restricts their costumes. However, I don’t think there is anything wrong with ENCOURAGING our church members to wear costumes that might be less offensive.

Ultimately, I would say if a church is going to do it, I agree with you, knock it out of the park. Make it a chance for the people in your community to experience the love of Christ while having a great time. Make it an event that the community will talk about and will look forward to coming back to next year.

]]> By: Paul Steinbrueck http://jesushatespapyrus.com/church-marketing/happy-hallow-harvest-festival/comment-page-1/#comment-533 Paul Steinbrueck Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:58:19 +0000 http://jesushatespapyrus.com/?p=506#comment-533 Hey Michael, I just saw your post here while catching up on some blog reading. On the topic of "harvest festivals" and the like, I posted this bit of satire last week: After Halloween, The Top 5 Pagan Holidays Ripe for a Christian Takeover http://blog.ourchurch.com/2009/10/29/after-halloween-the-top-5-pagan-holidays-ripe-for-a-christian-takeover/ Not particularly well received by those in the harvest festival fan club. :) Hey Michael, I just saw your post here while catching up on some blog reading. On the topic of “harvest festivals” and the like, I posted this bit of satire last week:

After Halloween, The Top 5 Pagan Holidays Ripe for a Christian Takeover
http://blog.ourchurch.com/2009/10/29/after-halloween-the-top-5-pagan-holidays-ripe-for-a-christian-takeover/

Not particularly well received by those in the harvest festival fan club. :)

]]> By: Paul Steinbrueck http://jesushatespapyrus.com/church-marketing/happy-hallow-harvest-festival/comment-page-1/#comment-1403 Paul Steinbrueck Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:58:00 +0000 http://jesushatespapyrus.com/?p=506#comment-1403 Hey Michael, I just saw your post here while catching up on some blog reading. On the topic of "harvest festivals" and the like, I posted this bit of satire last week: After Halloween, The Top 5 Pagan Holidays Ripe for a Christian Takeover http://blog.ourchurch.com/2009/10/29/after-halloween-the-top-5-pagan-holidays-ripe-for-a-christian-takeover/ Not particularly well received by those in the harvest festival fan club. :) Hey Michael, I just saw your post here while catching up on some blog reading. On the topic of “harvest festivals” and the like, I posted this bit of satire last week:

After Halloween, The Top 5 Pagan Holidays Ripe for a Christian Takeover
http://blog.ourchurch.com/2009/10/29/after-halloween-the-top-5-pagan-holidays-ripe-for-a-christian-takeover/

Not particularly well received by those in the harvest festival fan club. :)

]]> By: Michael Buckingham http://jesushatespapyrus.com/church-marketing/happy-hallow-harvest-festival/comment-page-1/#comment-519 Michael Buckingham Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:10:48 +0000 http://jesushatespapyrus.com/?p=506#comment-519 Right on. Be known as the christians who hand out the best candybars, have the most fun events, etc. Right on. Be known as the christians who hand out the best candybars, have the most fun events, etc.

]]> By: Michael Buckingham http://jesushatespapyrus.com/church-marketing/happy-hallow-harvest-festival/comment-page-1/#comment-1402 Michael Buckingham Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:10:00 +0000 http://jesushatespapyrus.com/?p=506#comment-1402 Right on. Be known as the christians who hand out the best candybars, have the most fun events, etc. Right on. Be known as the christians who hand out the best candybars, have the most fun events, etc.

]]> By: JoeSindorf http://jesushatespapyrus.com/church-marketing/happy-hallow-harvest-festival/comment-page-1/#comment-518 JoeSindorf Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:52:29 +0000 http://jesushatespapyrus.com/?p=506#comment-518 Hi, I'm Joe, and I like Halloween. One church I'm working with did a Neewollah party (halloween spelled backwards). Lame, but at least they had good candy. My wife and I love giving out candy to the neighborhood kids, and having our girls bring their friends over for a big bonfire... smores, apple cider, hot tub... you get the idea. We don't want to be the weird Christian parents, we want to be the fun Christian parents. Hi, I’m Joe, and I like Halloween.

One church I’m working with did a Neewollah party (halloween spelled backwards). Lame, but at least they had good candy.

My wife and I love giving out candy to the neighborhood kids, and having our girls bring their friends over for a big bonfire… smores, apple cider, hot tub… you get the idea.

We don’t want to be the weird Christian parents, we want to be the fun Christian parents.

]]> By: JoeSindorf http://jesushatespapyrus.com/church-marketing/happy-hallow-harvest-festival/comment-page-1/#comment-1401 JoeSindorf Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:52:00 +0000 http://jesushatespapyrus.com/?p=506#comment-1401 Hi, I'm Joe, and I like Halloween. One church I'm working with did a Neewollah party (halloween spelled backwards). Lame, but at least they had good candy. My wife and I love giving out candy to the neighborhood kids, and having our girls bring their friends over for a big bonfire... smores, apple cider, hot tub... you get the idea. We don't want to be the weird Christian parents, we want to be the fun Christian parents. Hi, I’m Joe, and I like Halloween.

One church I’m working with did a Neewollah party (halloween spelled backwards). Lame, but at least they had good candy.

My wife and I love giving out candy to the neighborhood kids, and having our girls bring their friends over for a big bonfire… smores, apple cider, hot tub… you get the idea.

We don’t want to be the weird Christian parents, we want to be the fun Christian parents.

]]> By: Michael Buckingham http://jesushatespapyrus.com/church-marketing/happy-hallow-harvest-festival/comment-page-/#comment-517 Michael Buckingham Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:56:45 +0000 http://jesushatespapyrus.com/?p=506#comment-517 And the thing to ask Jae is who does that appeal to, and who is it for. Often these events are classified as "outreach events". But something like "holywin" is attractive to those doing the reaching. On the other hand if this is an exclusive party for christian kids to get together then "holywin" is probably very effective...though probably not life changing or even healthy. If we keep the end in mind it will help drive what we do with the event, the language we use, etc. And as so many things, admitting we have a problem is the first step. :) And the thing to ask Jae is who does that appeal to, and who is it for.

Often these events are classified as “outreach events”. But something like “holywin” is attractive to those doing the reaching.

On the other hand if this is an exclusive party for christian kids to get together then “holywin” is probably very effective…though probably not life changing or even healthy.

If we keep the end in mind it will help drive what we do with the event, the language we use, etc.

And as so many things, admitting we have a problem is the first step. :)

]]> By: Michael Buckingham http://jesushatespapyrus.com/church-marketing/happy-hallow-harvest-festival/comment-page-1/#comment-1400 Michael Buckingham Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:56:00 +0000 http://jesushatespapyrus.com/?p=506#comment-1400 And the thing to ask Jae is who does that appeal to, and who is it for. Often these events are classified as "outreach events". But something like "holywin" is attractive to those doing the reaching. On the other hand if this is an exclusive party for christian kids to get together then "holywin" is probably very effective...though probably not life changing or even healthy. If we keep the end in mind it will help drive what we do with the event, the language we use, etc. And as so many things, admitting we have a problem is the first step. :) And the thing to ask Jae is who does that appeal to, and who is it for.

Often these events are classified as “outreach events”. But something like “holywin” is attractive to those doing the reaching.

On the other hand if this is an exclusive party for christian kids to get together then “holywin” is probably very effective…though probably not life changing or even healthy.

If we keep the end in mind it will help drive what we do with the event, the language we use, etc.

And as so many things, admitting we have a problem is the first step. :)

]]>