St Mary Magdalene Church in Gorleston took a unique approach to Halloween by hosting a ‘Battle Zone’ event where participants faced various challenges against the forces of darkness. The church was filled with smoke and darkness as children and families bravely entered to take on tasks such as shooting a witch and finding a diamond in a slime-filled bath. Despite not being able to win any challenges, participants followed a trail of footsteps marked with blood and encountered symbolic items related to Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.
After completing the challenges in the ‘Battle Zone’, participants were directed to the Light Zone where they were welcomed with victory music and decorations. They were greeted by a wounded volunteer who explained that they had been victorious through Jesus and could now enjoy being in the light. The room was filled with activities such as decorating chocolate-covered apples and making cardboard shields of faith, allowing visitors to relax and celebrate their victory over darkness.
Vicar Rev. Matthew Price highlighted the importance of engaging with the community during Halloween and sharing the message of Christ in a positive way. He emphasized the power of Christ’s death on the cross in defeating darkness and the significance of celebrating this victory. Strategic Community Manager Anna Price encouraged parents to teach their children about spiritual realities and the battle between good and evil, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of the forces at work in the world.
The event at St Mary Magdalene Church aimed to challenge the typical Halloween celebrations and provide a meaningful experience for attendees. By creatively engaging with the theme of darkness and light, the church was able to share the message of Christ’s victory over evil in a way that resonated with participants. Through activities, music, and decorations, the church created a welcoming space for families to come together and celebrate the triumph of light over darkness.
