A Light Beacon is an opportunity to create a welcoming, visible presence in your community on Halloween — bringing light, joy, generosity and hope to a night often associated with darkness and fear.

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Here’s a simple timeline to help you get started.

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ASAP - Get the Vision in Place

• Share the vision with your leadership team and agree what you want to do.

• Set a budget and identify what resources you already have.

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September - Start Planning

• Complete any necessary risk assessments and create a simple site plan.

• Check whether you need council permission to use the space and, where appropriate, inform the local police.

• Make your first call for volunteers, including a dedicated prayer team who can pray behind the scenes on the 31st.

• Arrange to borrow or hire equipment such as gazebos, tables, lighting or sound equipment.

• Order any giveaways or resources you plan to use.

• Send a team briefing email, including practical information, expectations and details of the team briefing and prayer gathering.

 

October - Prepare the Team

• Make a final call for volunteers and confirm team roles.

• Hold a team briefing and prayer. We’ve found that the Sunday afternoon / early evening, before the 31st works particularly well. It gives everyone time to prepare without adding pressure on the day itself.

• Check your equipment, resources and site plan so you’re ready to go.

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31 October - Go and See What God Does

• Go out, have fun and welcome people!

• Create an atmosphere of warmth, joy and generosity. Be ready to listen, build relationships, pray and share something of Jesus when opportunities arise.

• And remember, you don’t have to make something happen. Simply be present, be welcoming and see what God does.

 

November - Reflect, Celebrate and Learn

• Debrief as a team. What worked well? What would you change?

• Record what you’ve learned while it’s still fresh, ready for next year.

• Share stories and testimonies with your congregation — celebrate what God did and the conversations and connections that began.

• Thank your volunteers and prayer team for their part in making the Light Beacon possible.

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Above All, Pray

From the first conversation in February to the final debrief in November, keep prayer at the centre.

Pray for your team, your community, the families who will come, and for opportunities to share the light of Jesus.

Plan well. Pray boldly. Welcome generously. See what God does.