by Sis. Danielle Benjamin
Though the unusual drop in weather, which brought early snow flurries and rain to the northern Virginia area, postponed the large-scale Saturday event, the Holiness Tabernacle COGIC Hallowed One’s Day turned out to be a great success for kids, adults and visitors alike!
"It was really important to us that we have something planned for the kids, even though we weren’t able to have the moon bounces, giant slides and other big items like we have in the past," said Sister Delia Pruitte, a member of the Youth Activities Group. "At the end of the day, it’s about providing an alternative to Halloween for the kids – and they just want to eat candy and have fun!"
And if the giggles and laughter which filled the evening sky was any indication, it was clear that all those who came out indeed had a great time.
"It was exciting to see so many people come," said Sister Crystal McCown of this year’s event. "I really liked the face painting and popcorn!" Another bonus to this year’s event was the hot dogs, hamburgers, popcorn, drinks and candy – free on the menu for all who came out.
"Yeah, it was pretty fun!" remarked Brother Deion Moses, one of the teenagers at the church. "I got to play basketball and everything."
But it wasn’t just the youth that had a good time this year. The annual cake walk – where players walk around a giant square and hope that the numbered box they land on is called when the music stops – saw lots of youth and adult participants. In fact, a few people spent a considerable amount of time there, hoping to win one of the delicious baked goods donated by various members of the church.
One of the newest members of the church, Sister Joanne Orhue was also pleased with the youth-focused activity. "Hallowed One’s Day was a real blessing. I really appreciated that the church put something together as an alternative to Halloween."
When asked about her favorite part of the evening, one little girl, Sister Ziann Wheeler, put it plainly, "[I liked] popping the balloons and jumping into the balloons!"
Which just goes to show that there are lots of ways to get young people involved and excited about what’s happening at their church without having to compromise to the world’s standards. Just a few balloons, some candy and lots of fun activities can demonstrate how to have fun in a God-honoring way. And that truly is the recipe for a successful Hallowed One’s Day!