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Halloween can be a difficult holiday to maneuver for many people who live in your neighborhood. If you’re looking for an alternative that allows you to stay at home and still be involved with your neighbors, here’s a great idea. It will bring you closer to your neighbors and give you the opportunity to be a light on a dark night.

Start by making an autumn treat for each of your neighbors, such as an autumn team mix or a plate of cookies. Attach invitation cards to each treat, and, before it gets dark, deliver them to all of your neighbors. The invitation card should repeat your verbal invitation to your home at about 8 or 8:30 p.m. for hot cider and pie. Make sure you include your name, address, and phone number.

As you deliver your invitations, you may discover you have elderly neighbors who live alone. Invite them to spend the evening with your family helping you prepare pie and hot cider.

Set up tables for your neighbors to sit around and talk and enjoy a hot cup of cider and slice of pie. You’ll be amazed at the relationships that develop around this fellowship experience. If you are consistent, this will become an event your neighbors look forward to!

Helpful hint: If your neighbors are interested, encourage them to bring a pie or other dessert of their own to share. Many neighbors are more likely to come if they are allowed to contribute.

Instant Intentions

Don’t be discouraged if only a small number of neighbors show up the first time you host this Halloween alternative. Persistence is the key to relationships that lead to opportunities to talk about Jesus with your neighbors. If you have made a neighborhood map (see last week’s bulletin), this event is an excellent opportunity to learn more about your neighbors and pray for them specifically. As you pray, God will give you more ideas of how to serve them and build deeper relationships.

-          From the book, Field Guide to Neighborhood Outreach by Group Publishing, 2007.

Note: If homemade preparation for this event is too time-consuming (or you’re just not a baker), consider going the simple route – you can get already-spiced apple cider in the juice aisle at the grocery store. Heat it in a coffee maker or by the cup in the microwave. Coffee is also a pie-compatible beverage many enjoy and you can make it interesting by offering decaf and caffeinated flavored coffees or creamers. Restaurants known for good pie, such as Bakers Square and Perkins, have specials on fall fruit pies this time of year, and many grocery store bakeries carry staples like apple pie for only a few dollars. Or, frozen pies like Mrs. Smith’s are a great alternative (and baking them will fill your home with delicious scents when your neighbors arrive – no scented candles needed!). Vanilla or cinnamon ice cream is also a great touch to serve a la mode over the pie!