"Halloween"
October 26th, 2020
by Keli Shipley Cooper
Photo from by SALT Project
Halloween has never been my favorite holiday. I think this may stem from the time I was dressed as tinker bell... or a cat... or any of the outfits I wore where the Halloween costume picture is of me- dressed up- sobbing. As I get older and my blood sugar spikes when I think about sour patch kids or because I'm prone to cavities, even the idea of candy doesn't really excite me. Last year, we set out organic snack packs for kids to pick up. Only one was taken and I was told it was probably because they felt bad for us. Again, not my favorite holiday.

HOWEVER. As some of you may know, my spouse and I are expecting our first child this upcoming Easter Weekend (early April 2021). Suddenly, the idea of dressing up our tiny human as an avocado has never seemed more exciting. We've lived in our neighborhood (Woodland Heights) for a little over two years and this neighborhood loves a good Halloween celebration. On the north side of Semmes, there are homes decorated to the nines (some even with pyrotechnics) where swarms of children walk throughout the streets to hang out with friends and get pillowcases full of Halloween goodies. Last year, my spouse and I went to his cousin's house and passed out candy with them. They have three children and honestly, it made me see the excitement of Halloween. I realized it was much less about the candy and much more about the community.

This week, I invite you to read this interesting article about "A Brief Theology of Halloween." For those of you, like me, who enjoy listening rather than reading lately, consider using this text to speech website.

One of my favorite portions of this reading is: "At its best, then, Halloween amounts to a vivid portrait of what 'neighborhood' actually looks like. That alone is worth celebrating. And after all, what better way to honor the dead, prepare to celebrate the saints, and enter together the darkest time of the year than to embody — with equal parts creativity and joy — the 'loving our neighbors as ourselves' to which Jesus calls us every day?"

How can you reimagine what Halloween looks like this year?

How can you connect with neighbors while remaining safe?

How can we, as Christians, celebrate these holidays and recognize how they call us into community?

A prayer for this week from the Book of Common Prayer from the Service of Light: Lord Christ, your saints have been the lights of the world in every generation: Grant that we who follow in their footsteps may be made worthy to enter with them into that heavenly country where you live and reign for ever and ever. Amen.

**As a note, I will be away from e-mail until Tuesday, November 3rd. There will NOT be a Spiritual Focus next Monday, November 2nd. I encourage you to check the St. Paul's website for prayer and worship resources to be used throughout this Election Season.
My name is Keli Shipley Cooper and I am the Director of Adult Faith Formation at St. Paul's. We are excited to share stories, readings, Scripture, and practices with you all. In this time of physical distancing, we still join together through prayer and technology as we continue to be the church from at least six feet apart. 

We are glad that you are here. 

If you would like to respond to or discuss any piece of this devotion, reply directly to this e-mail to connect with Keli Shipley Cooper.
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Outdoor Contemplative Worship | Wednesdays in October @ 6:00 p.m.

We know that coming together for worship is important to you and are excited to begin offering a small and intimate outdoor worship service on Wednesdays in October at 6:00 p.m. (weather permitting). Held in the St. Paul’s Memorial Garden, we will pray together, hear scripture, and listen to music. To maintain social distancing guidelines from the Diocese and provide a safe contemplative space, these services will be limited in size and signing up to reserve your spot is necessary. Unfortunately, we are not able to provide childcare for this service and masks will need to be worn throughout the service. You may also watch on Facebook Live. Thank you for your flexibility as we explore outdoor worship options and the particularities of limited seating. 

To RSVP Online - CLICK HERE. We encourage online RSVP, but if you cannot RSVP online, you can RSVP with Carter at 804-643-3589 x 5401. For More information - CLICK HERE.
Reminder of Opportunities

Check our website under the ChurchAway page for more information.


For a complete schedule of offerings, visit This Week @ St. Paul's.