How do churches engage with cultural traditions that don’t sit with who they are?  

This is something, Lyall Bay Community Church (LBCC), thought about this year as they approached Halloween. The ghoulish costumes weren’t their jam – so they were planning to ignore and avoid.  

That was, until they came across a podcast by Caesar Kalinowski called, ‘Halloween: Your Neighbourhood Mission.’ This episode encouraged them to understand how the Gospel can redeem culture instead of avoiding it and encouraged them embrace Halloween as an opportunity to engage with their community. It resonated with their desire to be known as a safe, generous, and Jesus-loving community. 

So, in response, LBCC decided to move the monthly community meal they hold in the St Jude’s Hall and relocate to their Community Garden in front of their vicarage.  

They added a bouncy castle, thanks to the Lower North Whānau Trust, provided a free BBQ meal, and offered plenty of high-quality candy. The event was an excellent opportunity to connect with people as they passed by, extending warm hospitality. 

Caesar Kalinowski has some incredible insights to being an ‘everyday disciple’. Over the weekend he ran a workshop in Tawa and has another planned for Whānganui on Thursday.  

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more and stimulate your church in making your home and neighbourhood a mission field.  

  
Whanganui: 
9 - 5 pm - Thursday 9 November  
St Peter's Anglican Church, 
71 Koromiko Road, Gonville, Whanganui