At Mill City Christian Church (MCCC), the annual Trunk or Treat event has become a tradition that keeps getting bigger and better. What started as a fun, simple community outreach a few years ago has now blossomed into an event that draws over 1,000 people to our little church. Last year, the parking lot was packed with creatively decorated cars and excited kids in costumes, and I swear half the town came through for candy and fellowship. If you’ve never seen a parking lot full of themed trunks, let me tell you, it’s a sight to behold. There’s something special about seeing Noah’s Ark parked next to the… orange street cone head guy? Don’t ask me—I just raised the kid that decided to be an orange street cone.
It’s More Than Candy; It’s Community Outreach
Our Trunk or Treat isn’t just about loading kids up with more candy than they’ll ever need (though let’s be honest, they love that part). It’s about inviting our neighbors to come together in a fun environment, one that gives families an opportunity to engage with the church in a light-hearted, welcoming way. Every year, I see new faces—people who might not come to a regular Sunday service but are more than happy to stop by for some community fun. And really, isn’t that what we’re here for? Building connections and sharing the love of Christ, one Snickers bar at a time.
I remember my first year helping out. I figured I’d slap some Christmas decorations—yes, Christmas decorations—on the car and call it good. Fast forward to last year, and I had the pleasure of being Santa Claus, fully amused as a 3-year-old child yelled, “I know you! I know you! I love YOU!” As the family laughed, I was able to invite them to our Sunday service. Moments like that remind me just how much joy this event brings to our community.
Creative Fun for the Whole Family
Let’s face it—this event is as much fun for the adults as it is for the kids. Every year, church members go all out with their trunk decorations, costumes, and interactive games. One of my favorite parts is seeing how people work biblical themes into their setups. Maybe this year, we’ll have a trunk that features a giant rainbow for Noah’s Ark, complete with pairs of stuffed animals like a mini zoo! Or perhaps a car decked out as Jonah in the belly of the whale, with the trunk transformed into a giant whale’s mouth.
And of course, the costumes! There’s always a wide range, from superheroes to princesses, but what I’m really hoping for is a family that dresses up as the entire cast of The Wizard of Oz—even turning their car into the yellow brick road! Whatever people decide to do, it’s a joy to watch families get into the spirit of things and create memories that will last long after the sugar rush wears off.
Let’s Promote Fun and Life
Beyond the fun and costumes, our Trunk or Treat is also a fantastic opportunity for us to introduce our church’s activities and programs to the community. Every year, we have people who stop by, ask questions, and want to know more about what MCCC has to offer. Trunk or Treat becomes a bridge for families to learn about upcoming services, community programs, and youth events. It’s one thing to talk about ministry, but it’s another to experience the warmth and love that’s present at an event like this.
I hope people will say, “I came for the candy, but I stayed for the people.” That really sums it up. Trunk or Treat gives us a chance to welcome new faces, invite people to join us for more than just one night, and show them that MCCC is more than a church—it’s a community.
So, whether you’ve been with us for years or are planning to join for the first time, get ready for another incredible evening of fun, fellowship, and faith. And who knows? Maybe this year we’ll see a “Moses Parts the Red Sea” trunk or, dare I say, a “David vs. Goliath” bean bag toss. Whatever you come up with, we can’t wait to see you there!
