A new website has been launched to inspire and equip churches to reach out to their communities on 31st October.
The site, named Light Beacons, was created by Andrew Bates, outreach team leader at New Life Church in Old Woking. He said the aim is to help churches “redeem the 31st of October".
The vision dates back to 2010, when a local church leader felt grieved that Halloween was so dominated by darkness and imagined South Woking being “bathed in light".
That vision led churches in the area to pray together and develop the concept of Light Beacons, which they described as safe, positive community gatherings run on Halloween night.
Light Beacons events typically take place outdoors, often under gazebos, and include free hot dogs, hot chocolate, glow bracelets, light-themed activities for children, as well as a listening ear and prayer. Around 200 people attend the Old Woking Light Beacon each year.
Andrew explained: “We are redeeming the 31st October – we go out to freely give rather than get, to bring light in darkness and offer a safe place for people to mingle. This is one night when many people come out of their houses. We can join them in the fun ‘treating’ aspect and offer them a taste of the best treat ever — a relationship with Jesus.”
The outreach also helps empower young people in their witness.
Bates added: “When all their friends are asking them at school what they are doing on Halloween, rather than be on the back foot, they can say, ‘We are running a Light Beacon, come and join us!’”
Other church leaders have shared the enthusiasm. George Osborn, pastor at Hope Church Kensington in Liverpool, said: “I love the Beacons because it means getting out there and engaging with people rather than retreating on what is seen as a ‘dark night’. Let’s take the ground Jesus has already won and be out there engaging with people without judgement but armed with the gospel and Christ’s love!”
Rev Jonathan Thomas, vicar for the Parish of St. Peter, Woking, added that the Light Beacon at St Mark’s Westfield has grown significantly since 2010, drawing more than 150 people annually.
“Local families remember we are going to be there and look out for us, with some who don’t like celebrating Halloween making it their event as a positive influence for their children," he said. "We have some great conversations, including about our Christian faith, and it has helped us build and develop really good relationships with families in our community.”
Churches interested in running a Light Beacon can find resources and guidance at lightbeacons.org.uk.
You can listen to the full interview with Andrew Bates here:
