PLATTSBURGH — Local Christians' faith-oriented responses to Halloween cast a different light on the second most popular holiday in the United States.

On and off for the last 20 years, First Assembly of God in Plattsburgh has held a "Hallelujah Night."

"We have a program for boys and girls and give them an alternative to the Halloween emphasis," said Elizabeth SanSoucie, an administrator at the church. "When you go to the history of how Halloween started with the druids, witches and the demonic influence that was there at the time, we didn't feel it was a Christian celebration at all."

The First Assembly of God wanted to give its members a faith-based, fun, family alternative. In the past, there have been such activities as Pin-the-Tie-on-the-Pastor, bean toss and bowling.

This year, a golf course will be set up based on the nine fruits of the spirit, among them love, joy and peace. Hallelujah Night attendees will leave with gift bags filled with treats.

"We're trying to build family relationships and have something fun for families to enjoy," SanSoucie said. "It's not a costume dress-up. We don't do costumes."

CHRISTIAN TWIST
There will be costumes up at Praise Night at Bible Baptist Church in Plattsburgh, however. The event will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Oct. 29 for ages 4 to 11.

"We have a theme every year," said Cathy Sterling, who established the event eight years ago. "I just pick a theme. The first thing we did was Bible characters. That's this year's theme. Some kids have thought of some interesting things to be. It has to be an original costume you make up."

There will be a prize for the best theme-oriented costume. Snacks will be served.

The mother of five — ages 8, 6, 5, 3, 2 — and one on the way, Sterling wanted to avoid the Why-can't-we-do-Halloween? conversation with her kids. Praise Night gives them a choice with a Christian twist. She selected the third Thursday for the event.

"I didn't want people to think we were having our own Halloween," Sterling said. "It's a Praise Night. We have a Bible lesson, a fun one. We sing songs. We have a fun time downstairs with lots of games. For each game, we give out candy."

She's thinking of dressing her sons — Peter, Luke and Andrew — in costumes that reference their biblical names. And maybe her daughter, Katie, will portray Miriam.

"I'm going to be Sarah who got pregnant at 100. I got a can of gray hair spray."

Growing up, Sterling didn't participate in Halloween. Her parents read about the Gaelic origins of Samhaim (summer's end) and its festival-of-the-dead elements. When trick-or-treaters knocked at their door, they not only received candy but a Tracts booklet about Jesus.

"Our church had fall-festival nights," Sterling said. "It was an alternative to going out, something planned inside, and the activities were safe."

Sterling concedes there are pagan roots to other holidays, including Christmas.

"But this one (Halloween), there was nothing good about it," she said.

COLLECTING CANS
Young parishioners of St. Peter's Church in Plattsburgh will be out among the ghouls and goblins saying, "Trick-or-Can." At 4 p.m. Halloween, the Rev. John Yonkovig will bless them before they go door-to-door to collect canned goods and non-perishable food items for the Interfaith Food Shelf.

"A lot of people don't agree with a lot of things to do with Halloween and don't like their kids to dress up as scary monsters and that kind of thing," said Alison Crystler, St. Peter's youth director. "A lot of parents are not comfortable with their kids going out on Halloween."

Trick-or-Can is a giving-is-better-than-receiving alternative.

"We could help fill (the food pantry) shelves and feed the less fortunate while we're out in the community raising awareness about the needs in our community," Crystler said. "It would be a good night to do something like this. People are already expecting people to show up at their front door. A lot of people really do appreciate the opportunity to give in that way."

The children will return to the church with their bounty and warm up with hot cocoa and cider. The Trick-or-Can food drive couldn't be better planned. In June, the Food Shelf served 1,400 people including 54 new households. In July, there were 75 new households then 63 in August.

"We're seeing a lot of people," said Mark Bennett, president of the Greater Plattsburgh Interfaith Council. "I think it's the economy. People may not have come to the Food Shelf before, but they need a little supplement on a monthly basis. People who may have donated before are now finding themselves using the Food Shelf."

At St. Peter's Soup Kitchen, Bennett has noticed a rise.

"We consistently have 65 people every Monday night," he said. "This Monday was up. We had 70. It has spiked as high as 90. In cooler months, we see the numbers increase. Absolutely at this time of year, we can always use all the support we can get."

E-mail Robin Caudell at: rcaudell@pressrepublican.com