Halloween is a “pretty big deal” in Romeo, MI. Romeo UMC joined the community spirit on October 25 when they went off to see the Wizard.
DEVIN SMITH
Pastor Romeo United Methodist Church
Halloween is a pretty big deal around Romeo, MI. There are decorations up and down Main Street and throughout the neighborhoods. Many activities lead up to Halloween night. In particular, Tillson Street is a destination where thousands of people come each year to see the creative decorations that nearly every house on the street displays.
This year, the Christian Education team at Romeo UMC wanted to get in on the fun. For worship on October 25, they invited everyone, those young in age and young at heart, to wear costumes to worship. The team came up with a “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” theme, and it was used in various parts of the worship service, for the special music, the children’s time, and in the message for the day.
It was wonderful fun to see all the creative costumes. I almost lost it when he glanced down the hallway and saw a Dinosaur making its way into the sanctuary shortly after service had started!
After the service, everyone was invited to go on a journey down the Yellow Brick Road. There were many favorite characters along the road who had wisdom, love, courage, and hope to share, along with some great treats, of course. Use of masks, hand sanitizing, and social distancing were were observed.
The planning started when Christian Education Director, Linda Schenburn, received an email from The United Methodist Church of Evergreen, CO, and Pastor Deb Olenyik. They were planning a similar event. Linda presented the idea to her team, and they were off and running. They organized a truly memorable and fun event for all who came.
One of the treats they gave out was candy corn. The bag included a card that showed how candy corn, three different colors all together, are like the Trinity, three different persons making one God. There were also pumpkins available for people to take home. Folks received a sheet describing, “How being a Christian is like being a pumpkin.”
It was a great time to have some safely-spaced fellowship and share some of our Christian beliefs in different and exciting ways. One of the young attendees told her mom as they were heading home, “WOW! That was so much fun. I want to write every character there a thank you card!”
The cherry on the top of the entire day was the hot air balloon sighted overhead, right over the church. We are pretty sure it was the Wizard making his appearance!
More pictures of the event are available on the Romeo UMC website and Facebook page.
Last Updated on October 31, 2023