What happened to Halloween?

Theological Column by Adrienne Greene

Q:                                                                                                                 

Dear Pastor,

Halloween used to be fun; spooky, mysterious…even exciting and joyful. Now it’s terrifying and demonic. How can Christians continue to celebrate it?

A:

I’ve been asking this question for two decades.

Let me tell you a story:

My father was a commercial artist in Cincinnati, Ohio for over fifty years. Halloween was one of my family’s favorite holidays because Dad made it truly creative.

Every year, near the end of September, our house hummed with excitement as Dad prepared to make paper-macheˊ Halloween masks upon our grinning faces. (There were no Walmarts then; no made-in-china, plastic costumes either.) We would each choose a typical Halloween character; a ghost, skeleton, witch or clown; and Mom would be duly informed that her sewing machine was now employed. A custom-made costume was then pieced and stitched into the best version of a Halloween stereotype for each of us. Yet the cherries on the top of our Halloween get-ups were always Dad’s masks; hand-applied strips of warm newspaper soaked in cornstarch and flour that were applied to our Vaselined faces. We sat on the kitchen counter while Dad toiled in layer after layer of paper-macheˊ as the masks slowly developed, then dried on the skin of our primary-school features. When finally peeled-off and set aside to cure for a day or two, Dad painted gorgeous renditions of the characters we chose on each one. They became magnificent works of art and are still preserved in cedar chests and tissue to this day. (My brother has them all.)

Trick or treating in the late 1970s; my brothers and I began to experience the slow demise of house-to-house candy stops and pillow cases full of sweet-loot. By the late 1980s it was becoming dangerous for children to walk the streets of small towns on Halloween night. During the latter ‘90s, the practice of knocking on a stranger’s door to proclaim “trick or treat!” would be considered rare. The world darkened and turned mean as Halloween was stolen and bent by thieves, abductions, serial killers, slasher movies, zombies and demons of the night. Why did this happen?

As an adult, seeking answers like these, I found Jesus Christ and discovered the real world of the supernatural. There are many things that live in the unseen dimensions of the spiritual world, and unfortunately, not all of them are benevolent. I learned that Halloween wasn’t child’s play; it also sat on the annual schedule-of-services for The Church of Satan. (Yes, Satan hosts a denomination in honor of himself.) Halloween, I found out, is the Black Sabbath which includes: human sacrifice, animal sacrifice and horrific practices you don’t want to know about. (Think “Christmas” and “Easter” wrapped into one, giant demon-fest for the Devil.)

Coupled with this new knowledge, I began to observe an uptick in Hollywood’s portrayal of evil on the screen coinciding with an appetite in our American culture to match it, demand it and even crave it.

Today, it isn’t uncommon to find children in elementary school enjoying demonic theology and horrific evils portrayed on the TV screen after homework…while their parents sit approvingly beside them. Harry Potter, a deep dive into the fantasy world of the occult; its wizards, warlocks, demons and crawling things; became standard reading for fifth graders. Soon, the ability to discern gateways of evil, threats to the welfare of our children, or observe an American Christian culture in flames…fell into hazy confusion.

Christians have been tasked by The Almighty to reflect and celebrate God’s goodness. How then, in celebrating Halloween as it is today, can our light shine? It isn’t matter of personal preference or pious-party-pooping. Nope, the plastic, dismembered body parts and blood-soaked masks sold in a Walmart aisle to first graders should silence the idea of the Halloween celebration for Believers. How is evil fun? How is that Christian? October has become Satan’s month. Why are we giving him any part of our calendar?

This is the Lord’s message: “Now come back to Me with all your heart. Cry and mourn and fast! Show that you are sad for doing wrong. Tear your hearts, not your clothes. Come back to the Lord your God. He is kind and merciful. He does not become angry quickly. He has great love. Maybe He will change His mind about the bad punishment He planned. Who knows, maybe He will change His mind and leave behind a blessing for you.” (Joel 2:12-14, ERV)Do you have a question or comment for Pastor Adrienne? Send your inquiries to: info@adriennewgreene.com or write to P.O. Box 214, Harrison, OH 45030. For more information, Christian apparel and spiritual resources, please also explore: www.askpastoradrienne.com

Obituary for Helen Eileen Schuck (complete)

HAZEL EILEEN SCHUCK

Hazel E. Schuck, age 98, of Oxford, Ohio, and a former longtime resident of Franklin County, died Friday, October 21, 2022, at the Knolls of Oxford in Oxford, Ohio.

Born on March 29, 1924, she was the daughter of Glenn and Carrie Beesley. She was united in marriage on September 11, 1946, to Harold J.  Schuck who passed away on March 4, 2016. She was a member of St. Michael Church in Brookville.

Hazel was a homemaker and worked side by side with her husband on their farm near Mt. Carmel. She loved nothing more than working in her garden which was a source of joy for her. She enjoyed sewing and making quilts and was an outstanding cook. Her popcorn balls were a favorite of the children in the community as a Halloween Treat. She enjoyed reading the newspaper and a day was not complete if she did not read the Cincinnati Enquirer from the front page to the last page every day of the year. Many summer days were spent on Brookville Lake on their pontoon boat. A favorite winter activity was riding snowmobiles through the farm fields and on the hills in their woods.  She never tired of spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Hazel is survived by two daughters and son-in laws, Diana and Vernon Bruns of West College Corner, and Linda and Tim Rosenberger of Brookville; three grandchildren, Brandi Bruns, Tony Rosenberger and Todd Rosenberger, as well as six great-grandchildren.

Family and friends may visit from 9:30 until 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 25, 2022, at the Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home in Brookville. Fr. Tom Bolte of St. Mary’s Catholic Church will officiate the Funeral Service at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 25, at the Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Holy Guardian Angels Catholic Cemetery in Cedar Grove. A lunch will follow at the Bernard Hurst Post #77 of the American Legion. 

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Drewersburg Volunteer Fire Department or Imagination Library of Franklin County. To send condolences or sign the online guest book go to, www.cookrosenberger.com.  The Staff of Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home is honored to serve Hazel’s Family.

Obituary for Hazel Eileen Schuck (complete)

HAZEL EILEEN SCHUCK

Hazel E. Schuck, age 98, of Oxford, Ohio and a former long-time resident of Franklin County, Indiana died Friday, October 21, 2022 at the Knolls of Oxford in Oxford, Ohio.

Born on March 29, of 1924 she was the daughter of Glenn and Carrie Beesley.  She was united in marriage on September 11, 1946 to Harold J.  Schuck who passed away on March 4, 2016.  She was a member of St. Michael Church in Brookville, Ind.

Hazel was a homemaker and worked side-by-side with her husband on their farm near Mt. Carmel, Indiana.  She loved nothing more than working in her garden which was a source of joy for her.  She enjoyed sewing and making quilts and was an outstanding cook.  Her popcorn balls were a favorite of the children in the community as a Halloween Treat.  She enjoyed reading the newspaper and a day was not complete if she did not read the Cincinnati Enquire from the front page to the last page every day of the year. Many summer days were spent on the Brookville Lake on their pontoon boat.  A favorite winter activity was riding snowmobiles through the farm fields and on the hills in their woods.  She never tired of spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Hazel is survived by two daughters and son-in laws, Diana and Vernon Bruns of West College Corner, Indiana and Linda and Tim Rosenberger of Brookville, Indiana; three grandchildren, Brandi Bruns, Tony Rosenberger and Todd Rosenberger, as well as six great-grandchildren.

Family and friends may visit from 9:30 until 11:30 AM on Tuesday, October 25, 2022 at the Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home in Brookville, Indiana.  Fr. Tom Bolte of St. Mary’s Catholic Church will officiate the Funeral Service at 11:30 AM on Tuesday, October 25th at the Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home.  Burial will follow at Holy Guardian Angels Catholic Cemetery in Cedar Grove, Indiana.  A lunch will follow at the Bernard Hurst Post #77 of the American Legion. 

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Drewersburg Volunteer Fire Department or Imagination Library of Franklin County. To send condolences or sign the online guest book go to, www.cookrosenberger.com.  The Staff of Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home is honored to serve Hazel’s Family.

Obituary for Fannie White

FANNIE WHITE

Fannie White, age 96, of Brookville, died Sunday morning October 23, 2022, at the Brookville Healthcare Center in Brookville.

Born May 28, 1926, in Oolitic, Indiana she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Mary (Sisino) Garofola. On August 10, 1948, she was united in marriage to Elza E. White, and he preceded her in death on October 3, 2006. 

Fannie was retired, having worked for many years at the former Jay Garment Works in Brookville, and in the deli at Brookville IGA.  She was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Brookville.

Survivors include two children, Judith Ann (Jerry) Sparks of Crossville, Tennessee, Richard Leniol (Vicky) White of Oklahoma; a daughter-in-law, Judy White of Brookville; a brother, Joseph Garofola of Bedford, eight grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, and husband Elza, she was preceded in death by a son, William David White, a sister, Frances Mosier, two brothers, Frank Garofola and Tony Garofola. 

Rev. Vincent Lampert will officiate Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, 11 a.m., at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 145 East St. Michael’s Blvd., Brookville. Burial will then follow in St. Michael Catholic Cemetery in Brookville.

Family and friends may visit from 9:30 till 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home, 1025 Franklin Ave., Brookville.   

The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home is honored to once again serve the White family.  To sign the online guest book or send personal condolences please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com.

Obituary for Urban John Nobbe

URBAN JOHN NOBBE

Urban John Nobbe, age 90, of Brookville, died Friday, October 21, 2022, at his residence in Brookville.    

Born September 12, 1932 in Batesville, he was the oldest of 11 children born to the late Aloys and Eva (Schebler) Nobbe. He was a United States Army Veteran of the Korean Conflict.

Urb was retired, having worked for many years as an over-the-road truck driver. He had also worked as a heavy equipment operator in the construction of the Brookville Lake.

He was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, the Bernard Hurst Post #77 of the American Legion, Fraternal Order of Redmen Oshawnee #220 of Brookville; as well as the Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association.

In his leisure time, he enjoyed the outdoors, and spending time with his family.

Survivors include two daughters, Tina Nobbe of Brookville, and Cindy Goodpaster of Peru; a son, Christopher Nobbe of Lawrenceburg; two sisters, Leona Martin of Brookville, and Rosalyn Volz of Oxford, Ohio; three brothers, Leonard Nobbe of Batesville, Clifford Nobbe of Greensburg, and Greg Nobbe of Brookville, as well as more than 20 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sons, David Scott Nobbe who died Nov. 29, 2004, Allan Eugene Nobbe who died Nov. 1, 2017; four sisters, Virginia Smith, Sylvia Rosenberger, Marilyn Poe, Bernice Burkhart; as well as his brother Virgil “Butch” Nobbe. 

Family and friends may visit from 4 until 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 27, 2022, at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home, 1025 Franklin Avenue, Brookville.

Rev. Vincent Lampert will officiate the Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, October 28, 2022, 10:30 a.m. at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 145 East St. Michael’s Blvd., Brookville. Burial with full military graveside honors by the Bernard Hurst Post 77 of the American Legion will follow in St. Michael Catholic Cemetery in Brookville.

Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Michael Catholic Church or Franklin County E.M.S..  The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home is honored to once again serve the Nobbe family, to sign the online guest book or send personal condolences to the family please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com.

Obituary for Pamela Kay Russell

PAMELA KAY RUSSELL

Pamela Kay Russell, age 71, of Cambridge City, passed away on October 19, 2022, at Rosebud Village in Richmond. Pam was born on October 31, 1950, in Connersville, the daughter of the late Charles M. Baker, Jr. and Julia Jeanette Lakes Baker Brown. 

Pam was united in marriage in 1984, to Ronald L. Russell. They spent 23 years together prior to his death.

She was a very spiritual person. Pam had attended several area churches throughout her life. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, and an activist for women’s rights. She was instrumental in starting the Fayette County Planned Parenthood. Pam had a huge love of animals.  She volunteered at the local shelters in any capacity that was needed. 

Pam worked at Ford Motor Company and was the Head Bartender at the Holiday Inn in Connersville for several years. Her passion for caring for others lead her to become an LPN. She loved all her residents that she took care of at what is now Caroleton Manor in Connersville. 

Those that she has left behind to love and cherish her memories include her son Thomas Keith (Kerri) French and granddaughter Breanna French; Cindi Darcy Neukam, who she thought of as her daughter and grandchildren, Chase Neukam and fiancé Kinsey Zinn, Chloe Neukam, and Claire Neukam; a nephew, Ryan (Brittany) Wells and their children, Madalynn, Kylie, and Lane; a brother Randy (Vivian) Brown and their children, Chad and Russell; and her very special friend of more than 50 years whom she thought of more as a sister, Mary Mehring. She will be thought of often by stepchildren Christopher Russell, Melissa Hanlon and Veronica Dent and step-grandchildren, Stephanie, Samantha, Michael, Gabrielle and Morgan.

Besides her parents and husband, she is preceded in death by a sister, Connie Jo Baker Wells; a brother, Rick Brown; and her stepfather, Joe Brown.

Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday October 26, 2022, from 4 to 6 pm at Urban Winkler Funeral Home, 513 W 8th Street, Connersville. Funeral services will be conducted at 6 pm. Respecting Pam’s wishes, cremation was chosen.

Memorial contributions in honor of Pam may be made at the funeral home to HELP the Animals or the Animal Care Alliance in Richmond or to the animal shelter of your choice.

Obituary for Carol Ruth Frye

CAROL RUTH FRYE

Carol Ruth Frye, 70, of Connersville, passed away Wednesday morning, October 19, 2022, at her home.

She was born October 27, 1951 in Frankfort, Kentucky to Lowell Krammes, Jr. and Betty Fox Krammes. She was a 1969 graduate of Connersville High School.

On January 1, 1971, she married John Frye in Connersville. Mr. Frye passed away December 5, 2015.

For a number of years, Carol worked as an aide for the Fayette County School Corporation and J & J Packaging.

In her leisure, she enjoyed quilting and tending to her African violets.

Survivors include two sons, Cory Frye and Johnny (Lori) Frye, both of Connersville; a granddaughter, Kailey Briar of Connersville; a brother, Gary Krammes of Richmond; an aunt, Rita (James) Marshall of Cambridge City; a sister-in-law, Evelyn Sue Frye; a brother-in-law, Hughie (Nancy) Frye; and several nieces and nephews.

Other than her parents and husband of 44 years, John Frye, she was preceded in death by a brother, Terry Krammes.

Friends may visit from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Tuesday, October 25, 2022, at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the funeral home to cover funeral expenses.

Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.

Obituary for Frederick C. Robinson

FREDERICK C. ROBINSON

Frederick C. Robinson, age 72, of Brookville, died unexpectedly Wednesday, October 19, 2022, in the emergency department at Reid Health Connersville.    

Born June 6, 1950, in Batesville, he was the son of the late Percy and Ann (Sherwood) Robinson. He was a graduate of Indiana University, Bloomington.

Fred was retired, having worked for many years for the Indiana State Highway Department.

Survivors include a son, Matthew Robinson of Harrison, Ohio; a sister, Jane Hollenbach of Brookville.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by Rosie Rosfeld.

Family and friends may visit from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 25, 2022, at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home, 1025 Franklin Avenue, Brookville.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m., Tuesday, October 25, 2022, at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home, with burial following in Maple Grove Cemetery in Brookville.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Franklin County Community Foundation. The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home is honored to serve the Robinson family, to sign the online guest book or send personal condolences to the family please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com.

Obituary for James H. Hodapp

JAMES H. HODAPP

James H. Hodapp, age 55 of Indianapolis, and formerly of Brookville, died Friday, October 14, 2022, in Indianapolis.

Born July 10, 1967, in Indianapolis, he was the son of James F. and Margaret (Kowalsky) Hodapp.

He worked in construction and farmed for much of his life. 

Survivors include his mother, Margaret Hodapp of Brookville; three children, Bailey Hodapp of Hamilton, Ohio, Allison Hodapp of Cincinnati, and Jake Smith of Brookville; a sister, Ruth Ann (Brent) Leffingwell of Brookville, a brother, Joseph C. (Brandy) Hodapp of Brookville; two grandchildren, Madilynn Loman and Kolton Loman. 

He was preceded in death by his father, James Hodapp who died June 19, 2018.   

A memorial gathering for family and friends will be held on Saturday, October 29, 2022, 1 p.m., at the Brookville American Legion, 1290 Fairfield Avenue, Brookville. In memory of Jim and his legacy, the family will be wearing tie dye, if you would like to join. They also will be sharing stories and memories of Jim throughout the years. His children are encouraging others to speak during the service.  

The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home is honored to once again serve the Hodapp family. To sign the online guest book or send personal condolences please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com.