It Worked for Us
It's time for many churches to plan for Trunk or Treat. As some volunteers are gathering treats and preparing to decorate their trunks for the Halloween season festivity, others are thinking of "extras" to enhance the event.
For the past nine years, children of all ages have been celebrating Halloween in the parking lot at West Heights United Methodist Church in Wichita, Kansas. The first few years, the event featured candy bars, hard candy, gumdrops, gum and other goodies.
"In 2009 or 2010, we added free hot dogs," said Jackie Jewett, children's ministry director. "Each year it evolves as we see other things that can make it more inviting."
In 2014, church members donated new and gently used books to add to the candy in 12-20 trunks and give to the 400-500 costumed children who attended.
Jewett said they also have prizes and allergen-free treats.
"One of the things I absolutely love about Trunk or Treat is that it serves so many purposes," she said. "It provides an amazing fellowship for the volunteers and those attending. It allows us to serve others and teach them that people who go to church can be kind, fun and loving."
Serving the hot dogs, chips, hot apple cider and cocoa in the church's foyer lets guests become familiar with the inside of the building.
Jewett and volunteers at the church serve with gladness as they see excited children receiving their treats and other goodies. They plan to continue Trunk or Treat annually – complete with treats, books and possibly other items for the children.
AT A GLANCE West Heights United Methodist Church | 745 N. Westlink, Wichita, KS 67212 | 316-722-3805 | [email protected] | westheightsumc.org | Lead pastor: The Rev. Randy Quinn | Average worship attendance: 284 | Great Plains Conference
"It Worked for Us" is written by Christine Kumar, a freelance writer and administrator, Baltimore Metropolitan District, Baltimore-Washington Conference. Send story ideas to [email protected].