Hell Houses, Trunk or Treat, Reformation Day: 5 ways churches are recognizing Halloween this year

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Trunk or Treat

A commonly observed celebration tied to Halloween that many churches in the United States observe is “Trunk or Treat.”

This particular observance involves the usual Halloween customs of costumes and handing out candy to children, with the trunks of cars in place of houses.

Church of the Resurrection, a United Methodist megachurch based in Kansas City, had Trunk or Treat events at four of their five Kansas City area campuses, with around 6,000 participants.

COR spokesperson Cathy Bien described the event as “family-friendly, safe and fun” as well as a good way to reach out to neighbors and friends.

“Members decorate the trunks of their cars with different themes, and the children go trick or treating from car to car. The church also provides fall crafts and treats for the children,” Bien said.

“We approach this as an opportunity for our congregation to enjoy fellowship together, and to reach out and welcome families who may not have a church home.”