Halloween. Trick or treating. Candy. I’m hoping one of those words sparks a fond memory of a time when you were trick or treating. Or, when you were out with your children seeking candy. Either way, Halloween is when kids are super excited to put on a costume–either homemade or store-bought–and hit the streets to go from house to house asking for candy. It’s a night that is ripe with possibilities of fun and maybe a little magic.

How lucky it is that First Church Boston sits in a neighborhood that goes “all in” on Halloween. Marlborough Street is closed to traffic for blocks and blocks. Kids, families, and sometimes pets in costume fill the streets. (Former sexton Ken Hudson reports that a dressed-up pig was walking around one year.) The normal street noise of UPS and FEDEX delivery trucks are replaced with excited voices of small kids and families enjoying a fall night. Participating in this event gives First Church Boston a chance to show our neighbors and the neighborhood that we care about families. A crew of volunteers and our minister, Rev. Stephanie, will be onsite to answer any questions from people thinking about joining the FCB community on a Sunday morning or another time. After all, we now have a story teller twice a month and childcare every Sunday.

This year, there has been behind the scenes organizing in order for First Church to be visible for the Halloween festivities. Decorations are being sought. Candy has been ordered. Signage discussed. There are volunteers in place to hand out candy and also offer FCB bathrooms as a rest stop during the festivities. It has all the possible ingredients for a fun night. What a great way for FCB to be a neighbor on Marlborough Street.