Wesley UMC hosts Trunk-or-Treat event

Trunk or Treat, a ninth annual safe alternative to traditional Halloween door-to-door trick-or-treating, was held at Wesley United Methodist Church in Aurora on Sunday, Oct. 29.

From 1 to 3 p.m., church volunteers offered candy and gift bags from holiday-decorated trunks of 25 cars in the church parking lot.

Last year, about 20 cars parking lot.

In addition to candy, a bounce house and science experiments were included.

Rev. John Bell, church pastor, invited the public. Admission and parking were free. All were encouraged to dress in costumes.

Trunk or Treat is among several church outreach programs Bell said.

He added that the United Methodist Church does not have an official statement or position regarding Halloween. Church members are free to make their own decisions about participating in Halloween activities.

"More and more churches," Bell said, "are offering alternatives to traditional activities, choosing events that celebrate life rather than death, offer safe fun for children or make the day one to give as well as get."

While some churches offer safe alternatives, others turn the focus to more on giving than receiving. Collecting for UNICEF or giving fair trade chocolate are ideas for using the occasion to "treat" or give to others Bell explained.

Call (630) 896-1033 for more information.