This document describes a Halloween activity called "Peter Pumpkin" that uses a carved pumpkin to teach children about sin and forgiveness through Jesus. It involves carving a face on the pumpkin and telling a story where pieces of the pumpkin's face are removed to represent sins committed by the character Peter during his day. The pieces are put back in when the children are taught that Jesus forgives sins. A cross is then carved into the pumpkin to represent that with Jesus, the light will not go out.

1. www.CreativeYouthIdeas.com
www.CreativeHolidayIdeas.com
Halloween Party Activity
- Peter Pumpkin
Has your light
gone out because
of sin in your life?

2. www.CreativeYouthIdeas.com
www.CreativeHolidayIdeas.com
Theme
When the light of Jesus, shining
through us flickers and goes out
because of sin in our life, Jesus’
death can restore that light.
Materials
One pumpkin, ready to carve, sharp
knife, candle for inside of pumpkin,
matches

3. www.CreativeYouthIdeas.com
www.CreativeHolidayIdeas.com
Procedure
Have children offer their
suggestions on how to carve a face
in the pumpkin. Proceed to carve a
mouth, nose, and two eyes. Insert
the candle and light.

4. www.CreativeYouthIdeas.com
www.CreativeHolidayIdeas.com
Story
“Now let’s pretend that this
pumpkin is one of our friends.
Let’s name him Peter Pumpkin.
Pete Pumpkin is in (pick a grade
or class that matches your
group) like us.”
Peter woke up one morning
bright and happy and ready for
the day. His light was shining
and he felt good. Let’s see what
happens Peter’s day.

5. www.CreativeYouthIdeas.com
www.CreativeHolidayIdeas.com
“Oh, Peter!” cried his mother,
“Did you remember to brush your
teeth this morning?” “Yes,
Mother,” Peter lied. He really
hadn’t brushed his teeth, but if he
stopped to do it now, he’d be late
for school! So Peter lied. Peter’s
mouth wasn’t shining quite so
brightly any more. (Put the mouth
piece from the pumpkin back in
the mouth hole)

6. www.CreativeYouthIdeas.com
www.CreativeHolidayIdeas.com
So Peter went on his way to
school. He felt kind of bad lying to
his mother, but he wasn’t going to
let it spoil his day. When he got to
school, some of his friends were
playing with the toys already. Peter
went over, too, but they had
already started using the ones he
wanted. (you can adapt this to be
art supplies or whatever matches
your group) Peter wanted the toys
too. When one of the boys left, to
go talk to his teacher, Peter took
the toy. Oops, there goes part of
Peter’s happy face. (insert eye
piece)

7. www.CreativeYouthIdeas.com
www.CreativeHolidayIdeas.com
Continue with similar stories
for the remaining parts of
the pumpkin face, each time,
inserting another piece until
the whole face is back in
place. Watch what happens
to the light.
“Peter’s light has gone out.
His face is all dark and sad
now.”
(Relate this to sin in our
lives.)

8. www.CreativeYouthIdeas.com
www.CreativeHolidayIdeas.com
“There is a way for Peter’s face
to get bright and happy again.
It’s the same way that our sin
can get taken care of. Do you
know who helps our sin?”
With the answer of “Jesus” –
carve a cross into the other side
of the pumpkin. Pop out the
face pieces again, and light the
candle.

9. www.CreativeYouthIdeas.com
www.CreativeHolidayIdeas.com
“With Jesus in your life, your light
will never go out. The Bible tells us
that Jesus is our light and that
when He shines through us, our
sins are forgiven and His love shines
through instead!”
Relate how we may still sin (at this
point put the pieces back into the
face, except the cross) but with
Jesus, the light will not go out–He is
with us always!
Use your “Christian Jack-O-Lantern”
at home and shine the cross out
the window on October 31st. A
witness for all the passers-by!

10. Holiday Collection
Games and Activities in Celebration
of common Holidays.
Creative Holiday Ideas has over 300 pages of
ideas to help you plan your next New Year’s
Day, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s
Day, Halloween or Fall Festival, and
Thanksgiving event. If you’ve ever wondered
what you’re going to do for all these holidays
and how you’re going to do it, this resource is
for you.
=> Tell me more about the Holiday Collection
www.CreativeYouthIdeas.com