‘The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.’ John 1:5
Each 31 October since 2010, Churches in Woking in Surrey have set up Light Beacons in local community spaces to redeem Halloween night.
Andrew Bates, Outreach Team Leader at New Life Church in Old Woking, who created the Light Beacons website takes up the story…
The original vision came back in 2010 from a leader in another local church. He was angry that darkness always seemed to take over on Halloween and he had a vision of South Woking being bathed in light on 31 October. Following his vision, a number of key players in local churches got together to pray and the idea of setting up Light Beacons in the community came about.
Several churches in the Woking area have collaborated on this initiative over the years. We have a joint worship and prayer meeting on the Sunday evening before the 31 October and we have had members of different churches serve at our Light Beacons.
The key to this idea is going to where people in the community are on 31 October. So, we set up gazebos on our local recreation ground, from which we give out hot dogs, hot chocolate and loads of glow bracelets; we also offer a ‘light’ themed children’s activity as well as a listening ear and prayer. Our local community look forward to us being out there and offering a positive alternative to Halloween and a safe place to gather. We welcome approximately 200 people to our Light Beacon each year.
I set up the website because I wanted to help other churches create Light Beacons. On the site it:
- explains what a Light Beacon is
- why a local church or churches together group might consider running one
- offers a timetable/checklist for how to go about it
Explore the Light Beacons website.
Other church leaders also share Andrew’s enthusiasm for light beacons.
George Osborn, Pastor at Hope Church Kensington, Liverpool (formerly an Elder at Send Evangelical Church) 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! The Light Beacons do just that; go for it!”
Rev Jonathan Thomas, Vicar for the Parish of St. Peter, Woking, said,
“St Mark’s Church Westfield has been running a Light Beacon since 2010 on Westfield Common. It has grown significantly over the years and we now welcome over 150 people. 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 Halloween event as a positive influence for their children. We have some great conversations about all sorts of things including our Christian faith and it has helped us build and develop really good relationships with families in our community.”
For questions about how to set up a Light Beacon in your area please email Andrew Bates.