Who says church can't be fun? Certainly not us! Halloween is one of those holidays that brings communities together in wonderfully playful ways. Children dress up, neighbors open their doors, families carve pumpkins, and for one evening, the world becomes a little more colorful, imaginative, and full of laughter. And while some churches shy away from Halloween, we've always believed there's no reason the church can't join in the fun! After all, joy, laughter, creativity, and community are all things worth celebrating.

            Here at Athol Congregational Church, we have a rather unusual tradition. On the Sunday before Halloween, we invite everyone to come to worship wearing either a costume or their pajamas! It's a tradition that grew out of the COVID years, when so many of us attended church from the comfort of our living rooms, often still wearing our pjs. When we finally returned to worshiping together in person, we decided there was no reason to give up that particular perk entirely! So, once a year, you can roll out of bed, skip getting dressed, and come to church just as you are—slippers and all!

            Of course, those who prefer a little more creativity are welcome to arrive in costume. And those who would rather wear their usual Sunday clothes are just as welcome. The point isn't what we're wearing. It's the joy of being together.

            We often say that we are a church family, and families celebrate holidays together! We share traditions, make memories, laugh at ourselves, and find reasons to enjoy one another's company. Halloween is simply another opportunity to do just that.

Faith doesn't have to be solemn to be sacred. Sometimes God's presence is found in a quiet prayer or a beautiful hymn. And sometimes, just maybe, it's found in a sanctuary full of superheroes, fuzzy slippers, and people who are perfectly comfortable being a little silly together.

            After all, when you belong to a church family like ours, there's room for reverence, room for laughter, and always room for one more!

Journeying together in faith and love,

Rev. Candi