A little less frightening

Going to church on Halloween is as natural as traveling door to door for many kids. Fall festivals and trunk-or-treats at places of worship attract families within the churches and their communities for a safe alternative to trick-or-treating.

While some churches offer the festivals to replace Halloween's pagan origins, others such as Mary's Chapel in Lexington, view fall celebrations primarily as a way to connect to the community.

"Our lives are so busy, you know, we live next door to each other, but we don't know who we are," said Randy French, pastor of the church. The festival takes place 4-8 p.m. Oct. 31.

"It's really not so important for the church as it is for the community. I've made this clear to my congregation. This is not a church event. It has nothing to do with the church."

In fact, one of the few spiritual overtones of Mary's Chapel's festival is that it takes place in a church.

"It's not a ministry opportunity at all," French said. "Will there be people that come here in need of ministry? Absolutely ... I'll be here for them, but that's not what the purpose of this event is."

Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church in Leighton views Halloween a bit differently.

"We really quote unquote don't believe in Halloween," said Terrell Brown, who's organizing the Joy Night Carnival at the church. It takes place at 5 p.m. Oct. 31.

Children may dress in costume, but scary attire is

discouraged.

Brown sees the evening of food, games and a visit from Winnie-the-Pooh bear as much-needed outreach.

"Bring the children in because out in the streets people are so wicked these days abusing children," Brown said. "We want them to have a safe environment and to encourage them in the lord and let them know they can have fun in the Lord."

While Mary's Chapel and Pleasant Missionary's festivals are free, Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church in Florence is using 25 percent of the money raised from its Harvest Celebration to fund future outreach events.

The remainder covers fees for food, a cake walk, bake sale and inflatable jumping space for children.

Extinguishing Halloween is not the church's point.

"It's not necessarily an alternative to Halloween," said Melissa Black, who's organizing the event. "Our (church) members get together and go trick-or-treating as a group effort."

The church charges for $5 all-you-can-eat chili and a ticket to the cake walk. Venders will sell mums, pumpkins and baked goods.

The three festivals cater to all ages and families. Mary's Chapel will have a dunking booth where $1 buys three tries to sink local police officers, principals and a doctor. Proceeds benefit the North Alabama Children's Home in Greenhill. All other activities including banjo picking and rock climbing are funded by the church.

This will be French's eighth harvest fest, but his first at Mary's Chapel.

He hopes to make them an annual community staple. But he's fine with ghouls and goblins.

"Halloween, I believe, has gotten a bad rap," he said. "I'm not trying to do away with Halloween. I'm just trying to use this time of year to have an alternative."

Jennifer Crossley can be reached at 740-5743 or

jennifer.crossley@timedaily.com.

Want to Go?

To find out times, dates and addresses for fall festivals, see the Religion Calendar on Page 2D.