Light Assembly (Halloween Alternative!)

Today we went into a new school to do an assembly.  Taking advantage of the fact that it is Halloween today, we thought we'd focus on All Saints day tomorrow and the Christian symbol of light in the darkness.

We started by explaining how Halloween got its name from All Hallows Eve (the day before All Hallows/ All Saints) and then talked about how Saints were people who had made the world a better place and brought light to dark situations.

We played a relay race with 2 volunteers

First they hopped to a parachute, crawled under the parachute, and then hopped to a light at the finish line that they then held in the air.  The first to hold up the light was the winner.

This symbolised the idea of how sometimes things in life could get scary and sad and feel dragged down (like going under the parachute) but there is light and hope at the end.

Next we told the story of the good Samaritan with bananas and oranges (see separate post!) to illustrate how others could help bring light to the life of people who were suffering in some way.  We linked the story to Jesus telling us that we could be light to others and bring them hope.  We showed this by setting fire to a dove pan and revealing some sweets!  As usual, the children loved this trick!

Finally, we asked the children to reflect on who they could bring light to and what they could do to do that.  We lit a candle and let them focus on the flame as they reflected.

Light of the World CD craft

I'm thinking about light at the moment, especially Matthew 5:14-16 where Jesus tells us that we are the light of the world and that we should '...let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven'.

This is a great, easy craft to to with the children when thinking about this passage.  I came across it first at a 'Light Night' Halloween alternative event at Southwell Minster a few years ago so I have no idea who thought it up, but it wasn't me!

You will need: Old or blank CDs, paint pens, blu tack, tea light candles

 Decorate the shiny side of the CD With paint pens, remembering to leave some of the shininess showing so you can talk about reflecting light!

Blu tack a tea light to the middle of the CD and light the candle!

Talk to the children about light being very visible and brightening up what is around it.  How can we help to bring light to the lives of the people around us?  How does what we do help the love of Jesus shine out to others?  How do we reflect who Jesus is?  Invite the children to light their candles and to think about what they can do to be light in the world.

Light Party Ideas!

For anyone planning a Light party/ Bright party as a Halloween alternative, here is my guest  blog on childrenswork.co.uk including a game, craft, food craft, mini talk and take home activity.  Have fun!