Reformation Day Celebration is a great alternative to traditional Halloween. The month leading up to October 31 can be a time where we learn about our Reformation heritage culminating in a lively and fun, costume-oriented celebration party. The background: the monk, Martin Luther, pinned his 95 theses on the Wittenburg Door in Germany on October, 31, 1517 in anticipation of the crowds of people coming into town on All Saints Day (November 1st). His grievances against the established Roman church escalated into a firestorm of protest that most historians see as the beginning of the Protestant Reformation. 

 
John Calvin and John Knox were among the many men and women who were products of that time and were the foundation of modern Presbyterianism. Also, the great "solas" flowed from this Reformation: "By Christ Alone, By Grace Alone, By Faith Alone, Scripture Alone, to God Alone be the Glory." Why not celebrate these great truths with a Reformation Party? The kids (and adults, too; I come dressed as John Calvin most years) can dress up and the fun activities are limited only by your imagination.
 
Children’s Ministry International (CMI) has put out a booklet for kids, "The Heroes of the Reformation" to help churches and families celebrate this historical period. The lives of ten reformers are looked at with hold up pictures to educate, a timeline of the Reformation is presented as a craft along with a map showing where these men lived and ministered. The appendix explains "How to do a Reformation Party." This material can be used many times over. 
 
To order online, go here or call 1-888-345-4264. This booklet can also be used for Sunday classes.