A Nottingham church attracted hundreds of local children and adults to its annual Halloween alternative – using light and activity to give the night a very different feel.
Bulwell United Reformed Church held its fifth annual Light Night on Saturday 31 October. For children and adults who didn’t want to focus on Halloween trick-or-treating, the event offered a fun night in.
Taking the theme “Be a Light in Our Community”, the event brought together over 450 people, including 270 children and teenagers, from a wide range of backgrounds, and demonstrated the important role a local church can play in creating opportunities for families and communities to meet and build relationships.
Dave Dennis, Children, Youth and Family Worker at Bulwell URC, said: “Light Night offered a safe, welcoming and positive space where people of all ages could spend time together and connect with others in their community.
“Craft activities proved popular throughout the evening, while refreshments and plenty of cake gave people the opportunity to sit, chat and enjoy being together.”
There were four activity stations around the building, which was lit up with fairy lights and coloured gels. Activities ranged from glow-in-the-dark picture-making to craft candles. Every child also received a goody bag to take home, containing more activities and a copy of the storybook Jesus is the Light, helping families to continue exploring how each of us can share light through kindness, hope, friendship and welcome.
Special guests this year included Dr Jo Griffiths, URC Head of Children, Youth and Intergenerational Discipleship, and Nottingham City Council Lord Mayor Cheryl Barnard, who both joined in the activities alongside families and members of the community. “It was absolutely great”, Jo said afterwards, “and is the sort of event that other churches could think about putting on next year.”
Light Night was more than just an evening of activities, Dave says. “It was an opportunity for Bulwell United Reformed Church to open its doors, welcome its neighbours and put its message into action: being a light at the heart of the community.”