IT IS not an obvious location for a Halloween party, but every year Rosewood Baptist Church puts on a wonderfully freaky event.
It’s somewhat of a tradition and it’s one that Pastor Phil Gibbs enjoys immensely.
He said this year was the sixth time his church has hosted a Halloween event.
“We noticed the town was celebrating Halloween pretty big time and started thinking in terms of [trick or treaters] wandering down the roads, maybe we can serve them,” he said.
“We do this by supplying a free meal and having jumping castles set up.
“It’s a completely no strings attached way of connecting with the people in our community.”
As the years went by, church volunteers noticed what worked and what didn’t.
They perfected the art of connecting with Rosewood residents while ensuring no pressure or push to come to church leaves anyone feeling awkward.
“Our statement is not about Halloween, it’s about family,” he said.
“God is for family and their life situations matter.
“We say to them ‘come out, enjoy yourselves and be blessed’.”
Children were given lolly bags and inside that, just a small handout with a Christian message.
“At the end of the day, we just want to see people encouraged and drawn to Jesus and not pushed away,” he said.
“It is totally no strings attached, we just want people to have a good time.
“The church is an important part of the community and we should be engaging with people.”
Each year, the event brings more people to the church grounds.
This year more than last.
“We had around 700 hot dogs and had to buy more because 800 people came through the gates,” he said.
“The lady on the gate had a little hand-held counter and diligently counted as people came in.
“Last year there was around 600, but that’s just an estimate.”
