In some places, Trunk or Treat is being used to replace the more conventional trick-or-treat Halloween tradition. At Lititz United Methodist Church, it's being used to praise God, celebrate everything that is the fall season and bring the community together.

At 201 Market St., Lititz United Methodist Church will again be hosting its indoor/outdoor Trunk or Treat event from 4 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28. The event is free, and everyone is welcome.

Lititz's annual trick-or-treat night will take place three days later, on Halloween, Tuesday, Oct. 31, from 6 to 8 p.m.

"Our focus is always on Jesus," said Denise Rosario, Lititz United Methodist's children and youth ministries director. "He offers us so many blessings. Halloween is associated with the harvest, and the harvest is a reminder that God can do big things. It's about people getting together. Everyone's focus is on shining the love of Jesus. We choose not to be scary. We're very family friendly, because God is in all things."

The last Saturday in October promises to be a fun-filled evening complete with activities, conversation and fellowship. There will be games, refreshments and music, while members of the local police department, fire department, local businesses and ministries are expected to be on hand.

"Going house to house is fun, but not everyone can participate," said Rosario. "This is a safe place for kids to trick-or-treat. Sometimes with an event like this, it allows the community to be together in one place. There can be hanging-out time. It's a time of fellowship and community. We have a lot of people meeting up here and sometimes making new friends. There's very little stress or strain."

If children are the stars of Lititz United Methodist Church's Trunk or Treat show, then car trunks are the co-stars. Kids are welcome to visit each of the 15 decorated trunks and help themselves to treats, candy and surprises.

"Some members of our congregation really enjoy decorating their trunks," said Rosario. "We see everything from fall decorations to interactive trunks. Some have games. It's all about the creativity of the trunk holder."

"Our church has a lot of love to give," continued Rosario. "This event is just about giving and sharing the love of Jesus. We want to create a safe, fun and exciting place for families to come. The parents also get to connect. We're honored that God uses us in this way."

The Trunk or Treat evening is also an outreach of Lititz United Methodist's children and youth ministries program. About 40 kids are involved in the program, from infants to high school seniors.

"The goal of any outreach is to show God's love in a giving way," said Rosario. "Everyone who comes here, we want them to feel valued. To reach out in this small way is truly a blessing. God can sometimes use us to help others feel His love."

"It really comes down to relationships, first and foremost with God, but also the relationships with themselves," Rosario added. "It's helping them to know who God made them to be and how valuable they are. The goal is to be that support and to help them navigate all that."