On Halloween, Thursday 31st October, we hosted our annual Light Party for the community of Wendell Park. Last year we hosted in the church hall, but this year, we wanted to improve on the success of last year, so we moved into the church itself, which allowed us more room to add improvements.

We had more children than ever come through our doors. Approximately 200 children and their families came in off the streets while they were trick or treating. Inside, we held a range of activities, including glitter painting, decorating glass jars for candle lanterns, a disco with themed music, tea and coffee, a prayer station with floating candles, and a soft play area.

Here’s what two of the visiting parents thoughts about it:

Amanda – ‘We heard about this party on Next door. My son is only two and he is old enough to enjoy a party like this, we thought it would be great to try. And honestly we are really impressed, my husband and I were talking about it and actually there is so much thought put into it, there is face painting, tea candle lights, my son has been playing with trucks for the last hour and a half, there is just so many activities going on. We really enjoyed it!’

Patsy: ‘I was actually just walking past, trick or treating in the area and the gentleman outside said there was a party going on inside. Yeah it was really good, I thought the kids enjoyed the soft play and lots of little activities for them so it was really good!’

A huge thank you to everyone who came, we hope to see you all again next year! A special thanks to all the helpers and people that made this event possible. To everyone that collected glass jars for the craft activity and to all the volunteers who ran stations, welcomed people and the ministry team at St Saviours: Rev Chris Lee, Children and Families workers Alice Ormondroyd, and Lauren McKenna.