There’s no doubt that this Halloween will look a little different than it has in years past. But as you see more and more of our regular activities return to schedules, it’s exciting to think about the opportunities to connect with our neighbours in unique and meaningful ways.
This year, given the uniqueness of the season we are in, there are some really fun things that we can do to be FOR our neighbours this Halloween. Creativity is the key right now, but we’ve done the work of doing the creative thinking for you 
Remember before your neighbours know that Jesus is for them, they have to know that you are for them too!
1. Try “Ghosting” Your Neighbours
Not the kind of ghosting you’re probably thinking of. Ghosting your neighbours around Halloween is a great way to let another family know you’re thinking of them, and it’s really as simple as can be! It’s also a great way to get your kids involved in showing love to your neighbours – you could even let them choose who you’re going to Ghost 
First, put together a little basket or loot bag of treats (make sure to buy the good stuff!) to drop off on your neighbour’s porch. Some people have used decorated paper bags made to look like ghosts, jack-o-lanterns, or other festive characters. The more festive, the better!
Second, write an anonymous “You’ve Been Ghosted!” note to leave with your treats that gives them a few simple instructions on how to pass along the fun surprise to another neighbourhood friend.
And finally … it’s time to Ghost! Simply sneak up to your neighbour’s door, leave the treats and the note, ring the doorbell, and sneak off quickly so you don’t get caught! Of course, this is lots of fun to do after dark – but if you’ve got littles – pick a time that’s good for them to be involved
2. Invite Your Neighbourhood Friends to the Mega Awesome Costume Party
That’s right. This year, the tradition returns on Sunday, October 31st, at our in-person locations as our incredible kid’s ministry team is hosting the annual Mega Awesome Costume Party!
This is an event that kids look forward to every year, plus it’s also such an easy thing for your kids to invite their friends to! The team is planning a crazy, fun morning of costumes, games, and prizes, all designed with the intention that kids would use this as an opportunity to bring a family to Connexus with them, maybe even for the first time
So, take time to talk as a family about who you could invite and pray for that invitation to go well. Your kids may surprise you at just how eager they are to invite their friends to church!
Now, this could easily spin-off of the first idea, too. You could add an invite to your note … but maybe don’t make your note anonymous
3. Don’t just turn on the lights this Halloween. Meet them at the end of your driveway!
If you’re going to participate in trick-or-treating, make sure your outdoor lights are turned on (especially around your walkways and door) and that you’ve got the good, individually wrapped candy ready to hand out. However, if you want to be extra intentional about using this opportunity to connect with your neighbours, not just their kids, why not meet them at the end of your driveway?
That little setup you keep just inside your door on a regular year? Move it to a table at the end of the driveway, bring your pumpkin down with you, and be ready to meet kids at the end of the driveway. To up the experience, even more, plan to have coffee or hot chocolate ready at your table for parents to take as they walk with their kids.
With Halloween falling on a Sunday this year, kids will be extra eager to get trick or treating this year. So, make plans to set up early so that you’re ready to greet kids and their parents when they arrive.
Let’s be praying for your neighbours as you turn your heart towards them this month. Who knows what God might do through you as you get in their corner. Here’s to the new connections you could make this Halloween!
