MA Safe Halloween
by Dave Nock
We are coming up to a point on the calendar that is a favorite for kids and some adults. We really enjoy greeting the gools and goblins that cheer “Trick or Treat”. If you take that as a question, I would like to pick trick and see what happens next.
All kidding aside, how can we make a safe Halloween for all? A safe Halloween comes down to visibility, supervision, smart walking habits, and careful treat handling. Here’s a clear, structured set of steps grounded in the latest guidance from pediatric and safety authorities.
Have fun - But be safe out there.
All kidding aside, how can we make a safe Halloween for all? A safe Halloween comes down to visibility, supervision, smart walking habits, and careful treat handling. Here’s a clear, structured set of steps grounded in the latest guidance from pediatric and safety authorities.
- Choose flame‑resistant costumes (polyester/nylon) and avoid long, dragging pieces that cause tripping.
- Use bright colors, reflective tape, glow sticks, or LED accessories so drivers can see kids.
- Prefer face paint or hats instead of masks that block vision; test makeup 24–48 hours ahead for allergies.
- Avoid sharp props (swords, canes, sticks) that can injure if a child falls.
- Young children should always be accompanied by an adult. Older kids should stay in groups and follow a set route.
- Walk on sidewalks, cross at crosswalks, and avoid mid‑block crossings. Child pedestrian injuries spike on Halloween.
- Carry flashlights and stay on well‑lit streets; only visit homes with porch lights on.
- Teach kids to avoid distracted walking
- No texting or headphones. (headphones limit situational awareness – while out having fun they need to be able hear what is around them, like the car coming up behind them)
- Drivers should slow down, use headlights early, and expect unpredictable child movement. Kids are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car on Halloween night.
- Avoid alcohol entirely if supervising or driving.
- Remove tripping hazards (hoses, toys, wet leaves) and ensure outdoor lights work.
- Keep pets restrained to prevent jumping or accidental bites. (Pets do not like odd looking people coming up to the door, they do not understand)
- Use battery‑powered candles in pumpkins to avoid fire hazards.
- Don’t eat candy until it’s inspected at home. Look for torn wrappers, discoloration, or pinholes.
- Remove choking hazards for toddlers (gum, peanuts, hard candy, small toys).
- For kids with food allergies, check labels carefully and carry prescribed emergency meds (e.g., epinephrine).
- Avoid homemade treats from strangers.
- Encourage moderation—too much candy can cause stomachaches, nausea, or constipation.
- Let kids decorate, not carve. Adults should handle knives.
- Use flameless candles or glow sticks inside jack‑o’-lanterns.
- Kids should never enter a stranger’s home or car.
- Teach children when and how to call 911 if they get lost or feel unsafe.
Have fun - But be safe out there.
Thanksgiving turkey boxes
The Mission Committee is planning to prepare 25 Thanksgiving boxes to bless families in our community and congregation. Each box will include everything needed for a full Thanksgiving Day meal — including a turkey.
We will begin collecting donations October 11 and continue through November 20. You may donate food items or contribute financially toward the purchase of turkeys.
A donation box will be located in the narthex, along with a list of all items included in each box. You may also email the church office to receive a copy of the list.
For more information, please see Nathaniel Jennette or any member of the Mission Committee.
We will begin collecting donations October 11 and continue through November 20. You may donate food items or contribute financially toward the purchase of turkeys.
A donation box will be located in the narthex, along with a list of all items included in each box. You may also email the church office to receive a copy of the list.
For more information, please see Nathaniel Jennette or any member of the Mission Committee.
TURKEY BOX SHOPPING LIST
Instant potatoes (family size)
Canned yams
Cranberry sauce
Canned corn
Canned peas or green beans
Instant stuffing
Canned/Jarred gravy
Baked goods (pie, cookies, brownies, etc.)
Rolls
Turkeys (10 – 12 lb.)
Foil roasting pan
Banker boxes (for packing)
Instant potatoes (family size)
Canned yams
Cranberry sauce
Canned corn
Canned peas or green beans
Instant stuffing
Canned/Jarred gravy
Baked goods (pie, cookies, brownies, etc.)
Rolls
Turkeys (10 – 12 lb.)
Foil roasting pan
Banker boxes (for packing)
The Food Donation Box is in the Narthex
Wednesday October 21, 2026
5:30 - 6:45pm
John Ortberg
Everybody’s Normal Till You Get To Know Them
Chapters 2 & 3
Pages 27-62
All ladies are welcome to join us at any time. We meet on the first and third Wednesday of each month.
The side door by the ramp is unlocked by 5:15. There is always some chit chat and hugs as people arrive and by 5:30 we settle in with sharing our prayer requests. We keep these prayer requests confidential and we don’t discuss them with our friends or family. I write a summary of the requests and share them in an email only to the people who were in that room at that time. A written summary is intended to help us remember our stepsisters in our daily prayers.
By 6:00 we turn our attention to the book that we’re reading. It’s a time to share our insights, questions, things we like, and things we might disagree with. You are welcome to come even if you haven’t read the current chapter of the book.
At 6:45 we close with a group prayer, lifting up the prayer requests shared at the beginning.
The side door by the ramp is unlocked by 5:15. There is always some chit chat and hugs as people arrive and by 5:30 we settle in with sharing our prayer requests. We keep these prayer requests confidential and we don’t discuss them with our friends or family. I write a summary of the requests and share them in an email only to the people who were in that room at that time. A written summary is intended to help us remember our stepsisters in our daily prayers.
By 6:00 we turn our attention to the book that we’re reading. It’s a time to share our insights, questions, things we like, and things we might disagree with. You are welcome to come even if you haven’t read the current chapter of the book.
At 6:45 we close with a group prayer, lifting up the prayer requests shared at the beginning.
Percy’s Conversation with David (Just a Hint…)
It’s Percy here, and I had the most interesting conversation with David Sadler on Wednesday afternoon before the Session meeting. He paused to tell me a little about the upcoming Stewardship Campaign, and I’ve been thinking about his words ever since. This year’s theme, “Gather and Restore Hope,” really struck me. David said it’s about how our shared gifts help strengthen our church family and bring hope to our church and community.
Well, you know how I am — the moment he finished talking, I hurried back to my little kitchen and started gathering up all my loose change for my 2027 pledge. I even circled November 22 on my calendar for Pledge Sunday so I won’t forget. It reminded me that even the smallest offering can help restore hope when it’s given with love.
David mentioned that more information will be coming soon, so keep your eyes open. In the meantime, I’ll be saving my coins and praying that together we’ll truly gather and restore hope.
Well, you know how I am — the moment he finished talking, I hurried back to my little kitchen and started gathering up all my loose change for my 2027 pledge. I even circled November 22 on my calendar for Pledge Sunday so I won’t forget. It reminded me that even the smallest offering can help restore hope when it’s given with love.
David mentioned that more information will be coming soon, so keep your eyes open. In the meantime, I’ll be saving my coins and praying that together we’ll truly gather and restore hope.
More Fall fun!
