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St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Lee Enterprises

Friday, October 12, 2007 12:16 AM CDT
Jaycees nix haunted house

By ROB STROUD,Staff Writer
rstroud@jg-tc.com

CHARLESTON — A shortage of volunteers has forced the Charleston Jaycees to cancel its annual haunted house, which has been a Halloween season tradition since 1994.

Nevertheless, the Jaycees plan to hold the annual children’s Halloween costume contest and parade Oct. 27 on the courthouse square. The Jaycees also plan during the months to come to increase recruitment efforts for membership and next year’s haunted house.

“We just don’t have enough volunteers to commit the hours it takes to build (the haunted house) and run it,” said Krista Snider, membership development vice president. “It’s becoming harder and harder every year to find people who want to run a room and do the scares.”

Snider estimated it takes nearly 400 manhours just to build the haunted house at the Coles County Fairgrounds, which includes unloading three trailers full of preassembled walls and other props.

The haunted house typically runs seven nights. Snider said it takes approximately 40 people per night to sell tickets, guide visitors, dress up as monsters, and repair walls that tend to take a lot of abuse from scared visitors.

Despite all the work, the haunted house yields many rewards. Snider estimated the house, the Jaycees’ biggest fund raiser, nets approximately $10,000 per year for charitable causes in the community.

In addition, Snider said the Jaycees members have a lot of fun every year meeting people from the community and giving them a good scare at the haunted house.

“We have a ball every year,” Snider said. “Just to see the reactions people have to the things we do is hysterical.”

Snider said the Jaycees know the haunted house is a big event for the community, so they are determined to revive the tradition. She said members plan to start by marching in the Oct. 20 Eastern Illinois University homecoming parade and handing out information about the Jaycees.

The Jaycees will keep their name out in the community by holding the children’s Halloween costume contest and parade, as well as other events in the year to come. The Halloween parade is scheduled for 11 a.m. Oct. 27 on the square.

Snider said civic groups in general seem to be having trouble finding volunteers in today’s busy world. She noted the Jaycees took over the Halloween parade and the Fourth of July children’s games from the Charleston Kiwanis Club after its membership waned, but the Jaycees did not have enough volunteers to put on the games this year.

The Charleston Jaycees includes members from the former Mattoon Jaycees.

Anyone between the ages of 21 and 40 can join the Jaycees. The group offers activities focusing on individual, community and management development. Other local projects include valentines for nursing home residents, an annual car show for Camp New Hope, and pictures with Santa Claus.

Snider said she learned leadership skills serving with the Jaycees. She said the prospect of organizing a car show or haunted house once frightened her, but no longer does, thanks to her experiences. She also said she has made friends locally and statewide with the Jaycees, which has chapters throughout Illinois and the country.

“That is what is great about the Jaycees. It travels with you wherever you go,” Snider said.

Contact Rob Stroud at rstroud@jg-tc.com or 348-5734.

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commentator wrote on Oct 12, 2007 7:48 AM:

" From 1994 to 1997, the Jacees had competition for their Haunted House from a campus fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon. The members converted their home at 2102 12th Street into a Haunted House, and at the time annually raised more than $3,000 for charity. During this period the Charleston Jaycees held their Haunted House in the Grand Ball Costumes Building. Both groups were told to stop their operations and clean up the sites immediately by the Charleston Fire Department Chief due to fire code violations. The Jaycees later found space at the County Fairgrounds to continue their operation. Since the Jaycees as an organization is very much like that of a fraternity, why not visit with members of the EIU Interfraternity Council (and NPC, NP-HC)at one of their Tuesday evening meetings to solicit for new Jaycee members. The undergraduates could benefit from the mentoring that the Jaycees could offer the students, and the Jaycees could benefit from the creativity and energy the fraternity men could offerthe Jaycees. "

The Truth wrote on Oct 12, 2007 11:20 AM:

" Yeah and they could also get first-hand experience on satan worship and attracting demons. True Christians do not support or visit haunted hauses. THey are not harmless fun, as most people ignorantly believe. "

Texas T wrote on Oct 12, 2007 12:41 PM:

" Very good idea commentator. I am sure they could solicit volunteers from all of the fraternities and sorrorities (sp?) in the Charleston area. They could also go speak at the High School. You don't need to join an organization to do volunteer work for them. I wish them well on all of their fund raising efforts in the future. "

HisChild wrote on Oct 12, 2007 1:56 PM:

" We agree with 'The Truth'. Why not have a Christmas house instead of a haunted house? Look at all the tons of people who get off work to celebrate Christmas, and a lot of them aren't Christians. We could use this for the good of everyone! :-) "

medic57 wrote on Oct 12, 2007 8:29 PM:

" I'm sorry The Truth, you couldn't be further from The Truth, pardon the pun. I am a Christian, believe in God and hate Satan, I was also involved in many Mattoon Jaycee's haunted houses in the 80's, I don't believe that I once heard anyone say, hey, let's pray to the devil before we start. The Jaycee Haunted Houses are nothing more than a fundraiser and entertainment for young people. They are great fun, we had people from all walks of the community involved, Mayors, Bankers, Insurance Agents, even the LakeLand College Cheerleaders, (that was pleasent) We had churches bring their youth groups through on certain nights. Think of them what you will, but they were nothing but good clean fun. And by the way, if you enjoyed watching the Mattoon Fireworks in the 1980's, they were paid for by the Jaycee's Haunted Houses. And also by the way, during the week of The Haunted House, vandalism dropped 80% in the City of Mattoon. "

smilininonu2 wrote on Oct 13, 2007 10:36 AM:

" Awsome idea commentator! Too late for this year but maybe someone will grab on to the idea for next year. The idea of combining a group from EIU with a group from the town is just what this place needs. Teamwork...what a concept!!! As far as you, The Truth, I feel alot of anger and hatred from your comment...is THAT a True Christian? If YOU choose to not go to a haunted house that is YOUR choice...but please do not tell me I am not a Christian because I do. "

pj1983 wrote on Oct 13, 2007 11:58 AM:

" wow. no one drink the kool-aid if truth or his child hand it to you. can you not be a christian without going to fanatic lengths? i was raised catholic, but am no longer a practicing catholic, i do however believe in god. i also celebrate halloween and read harry potter. does that really maky me less of a christian in Gods eyes? (you'll notice i said GOD'S eyes, not the eyes of religious nuts) how exactly does venturing into a haunted house make you un-christian anyway? it's a room where they have creepy and scary things to try to scare you....i'm not seeing anything pagan in that. it's like shouting BOO! or sneaking up on someone. it's fun, not satanism. "

Dohbaugh wrote on Oct 13, 2007 2:48 PM:

" I'll bet the kids in the Truthster's neighborhood stay clear of his house on Halloween. I'll bet all those little kids running around in their Superman suits, and the like, are really just looking for an excuse to worship Satan, and the candy bit is really a ruse. How about it, Truth, do you pass candy out to the little kids on Halloween? "

The Truth wrote on Oct 14, 2007 8:27 AM:

" Actually the SCRIPTURES (remember those?) point out that those who partake or celebrate any form of pagan festival aren't Christians so take it up with God, not me. Do what you want - you are just fooling yourselves. And NO - I don't pass out candy. Doesn't bother me one iota. Pleasing God is more important than cowtowing to the ignorant wishes of men. "

Dohbaugh wrote on Oct 14, 2007 6:02 PM:

" Oh come on, Truth. Do you really think those little kids running around trick or treating have any thoughts of pagan rituals. You are one sick, twisted and pathetic individual, and I'll bet most people reading this site will agree with me on this. You are to be pitied, not scorned, as I don't really think you have a single iota as to what religion is all about. You sort of remind me of the mom, in the movie and book "Carrie". Why are you so full of hate? The gospel, as preached by Jesus, was about love and not hate. "

The Truth wrote on Oct 14, 2007 8:15 PM:

" Okay if you say so. I know nothing about religion - does that make you feel better? Just don't send your snotty raggedy kids to my door. "

pj1983 wrote on Oct 14, 2007 9:41 PM:

" i think i'll have a cop stationed at my door this halloween to deter trick-or-treaters. i mean after all, they ARE criminals, right? trick-or treating is nothing more than blackmail. little wanna-be mobsters coming to your door to demand candy or they'll "trick" your house in some form. i think that's probably the best way to go. *huge eye roll* truth, do you celebrate christmas in the secular sense? do you buy presents for your children and say they're from santa? Because that would be lying and i think god frowned on that too. and what about easter? does the easter bunny come to your house and leave candy for your kids? "

Chad(USAF) wrote on Oct 14, 2007 10:03 PM:

" You should really learn how many "Christian" beliefs are based on old pagan ideals. If you aren't afraid of being even a touch open-minded, which I'm sure you likely are, try looking up some Christmas symbols and learn their true origins. Halloween is as much about Satan worship as Easter is to bunny rabbits. Oh wait... that's a pagan tradition too. Better ban Easter at your household too, Truth! "

Early Bird wrote on Oct 15, 2007 4:28 AM:

" Snotty raggedy kids? Such Christian love! I have to second the question about you being so full of hate. My challenge to you is: where does it say in the bible that you should be so hateful to your neighbors? Do you belong to any particular church? If so, I can't imagine it having many members, if the pastor and the rest of the congregation is as hate filled as you seem to be. I truly feel sorry for you. Your brand of religion seems to be similar to that of the Church out west that protests at military funerals. I find it very distressing that any one would preach such hatred in the name of religion. "

Dimples wrote on Oct 15, 2007 4:38 PM:

" It's people like The Truth that really erk me. I mean really do you actually believe yourself to be a "true" christian when all you do as I see it critisize others belief!? Who are you to pass judgement on anyone when you consider the next possible leader in this area as a snot nosed little brat....that my friend is no true christian that is what we all call "haters" At least if there is a haunted house those snot nosed childs wouldn't be reproducing and actually have something to do that was fun instead of TP ing or egging your house!! Some true christian you are I'm almost proud enough to say I same that same religion....but nah I'm a christian that enjoys life rather then hate it!!!!! "

Billie Brant wrote on Oct 15, 2007 10:03 PM:

" Right on Early Bird! You know my granddaughter who is 19 now still enjoys dressing up for Halloween!harmless fun. I guess she was one of those snotty raggedy kids! We went all out for her getting costumes together since she was a little girl... She STILL goes to church. She's STILL involved with her church youth group. She DOES NOT worship The Evil One! Her faith has not been destroyed over some harmless fun. Not bad for one of those snotty raggedy kids huh! "

medic57 wrote on Oct 15, 2007 11:52 PM:

" I can still remember trick or treating in Pine Acres when I was a kid (many years ago) myself, my brother and 2 sisters would go out Friday and Saturday night with large grocery bags (paper) and come back with our load and then sit there on the living room floor and trade with each other for our favorite candy, apples and popcorn balls. Yes, those thing were safe in those days. I don't remember praising Satan when we were done. "

Early Bird wrote on Oct 16, 2007 5:30 AM:

" I have really enjoyed watching my young co-workers excitedly discussing their Halloween costumes with each other. They are not going trick or treating, but are dressing up for parties and get togethers. Somehow, I have a hard time associating pagan rituals and devil worshipping from this bunch of wonderful young women. I think everyone of them has more love in their heart than our friend Truth. These young people help keep me young, at least in spirit. I truly wish our friend, The Truth, would open up his/her heart and get to know some young people. They are the future, and I feel sorry for anyone who simply reduced them to a bunch of snotty ragged kids. That was really a terrible and hateful thing to say, and to think it was said in the name of religion. "

The Truth wrote on Oct 16, 2007 8:32 AM:

" You all are so mislead. Satan has blinded the minds of the unbelievers. Why would you celebrate a holiday that GLORIFIES the demons? To say it doesn't matter to God is a cop-out. You are dressing up your children as demons, witches and sending them out in imitation of a pagan festival linked to demonism. You think that is OKAY with God? That he thinks it's "harmless"? Both the Hebrew scriptures and the Greek scriptures have passages strictly forbidding TRUE christians to have ANYTHING to do with spiritism, demonism and the like. To cop out and say it is harmless because it "doesn't mean that anymore" is ridiculous. Your caustic remarks mean nothing to me. Your snotty, raggedy kids are being taught to mix with the demons, and there is no getting around that. If you are a true Christian, you will have nothing to do with Halloween in any way, shape or form. You can justify it in your pathetic shallow minds until the cows come home - it doesn't matter. If you follow the Bible and it's teachings, you won't celebrate it. If you are a pansy that justifies things in your own mind - you will celebrate it. So when you go to church after defiling yourselves with the things of Satan, you can take comfort in the fact that God is watching, and isn't listening to those who worship the demons. Your poor children will be destroyed right along with you during his great day. How sad. You people are pathetic and ignorant, and refuse to see what the bible really says about such things. Too bad. Enjoy ripping me apart; I don't really care. Look into the origins yourselves. The celebration of Halloween is rooted in paganism, demonism, murder and bloodshed. Wow, I want my children to celebrate that. NOT! "

medic57 wrote on Oct 16, 2007 9:31 AM:

" The Truth wrote -- You are dressing up your children as demons, witches and sending them out in imitation of a pagan festival linked to demonism. -- And what of the little boys dressed up as Superman and Spiderman and the little girls dressed up as Barbie, are they evil too. ----- By the way, here is the official origin of Halloween ----- All Hallows' Eve The pagan origins of Halloween are so palpable that there is little wonder the holiday has generated considerable controversy over the centuries. Falling on October 31, Halloween history tells us that this celebration is only the herald of the holiday that medieval Christian Europeans were intended to celebrate -- All Saints' Day, November 1. And thus the story behind the term itself, which is short for "the eve before All Hallows' Day," the latter referring to the fact that saints of Christianity were "hallowed" individuals. It is thought that the Church decided All Saints' Day should fall on November 1 to make it coincide with its precursor, a Celtic festival of the harvest. By "overwriting" the pagan origins of Halloween, perhaps the new religion could steal some thunder from the lingering Celtic influence in Europe. "

RAK wrote on Oct 16, 2007 9:40 AM:

" The Truth: Do you put up a tree for Christmas? Mistletoe? Give presents? "

RH3 wrote on Oct 16, 2007 10:14 AM:

" Truth...I was really hoping you didn't have any children...in hopes that your hateful, judgemental ways may not be passed on to another generation. "

The Original Truth wrote on Oct 16, 2007 10:17 AM:

" Hey Truth. God doesn't actually exist. Stop wasting your time. "

beaches wrote on Oct 16, 2007 12:34 PM:

" The Truth: My daughter will be a princess this year - and it was really fun to hear her singing bible tunes while she tried on her costume. Do you know the history of religion? Have you studied where our rituals came from? You have every right to praise the Lord and follow him/her the way you see fit, but so do the rest of us, and on judgment day we will each learn our faith. But the Bible I read also says that the sin of pride is a bad thing - and that is something you appear to have a lot of. Do not judge lest you be judged. "

fchipper wrote on Oct 16, 2007 2:16 PM:

" Truth, I’m sorry your world is so limited that you can only see the bad in everything but the church. It’s not the children that dress up to celebrate a “pagan holiday”, it’s the parents that do this to see the joy in their children’s eyes when they get to dress up as their favorite cartoon persona and go through their neighborhood proclaiming “Trick or Treat” at every lit door. I would like for you to explain how a “Princess” costume, or Spongebob Squarepants for that matter constitutes Satan worship? As they get older they continue to do this not so much for their parents but to try to recapture the joy of their youth. The meaning of “Trick or Treat” has been lost over the years, no longer do you need to worry about something bad happening to your house if you don’t give out treats, just if you have a teenage son or daughter who’s friends seem to have an unlimited supply of toilet paper (oh the memories there). We will continue in our ways regardless of what you think of us, and I can imagine that there will be a prayer or two said on your behalf if not already then this Sunday. "

Dohbaugh wrote on Oct 16, 2007 4:48 PM:

" I can't wait till Halloween. I'm going to stand on my front porch and give all of those little devil worshipping pagans a piece of my mind. Instead of passing out candy, I'm going to give them all a sermon about how evil they are, and how they are all going straight to hell if they don't get their act together. Then we're all going over to Truth's house for some bible study. I'll show those little snot nosed ragged a$$ pangans a thing of two. "

medic57 wrote on Oct 17, 2007 12:52 AM:

" Toilet Paper and Corn, the staples of halloween night. Remember every year, Warehouse Sales would put Toilet Paper on sale in 10 packs just before halloween. And soaping car windows. Or your girlfriend TP'ing your house and you had to clean it up the next day, hoping it wouldn't rain. "

HeinekenMan wrote on Oct 17, 2007 8:42 AM:

" Yo Truth, go sell crazy somewhere else. We're all stocked up here. "

Collatine wrote on Oct 17, 2007 10:10 AM:

" Here's an idea that maybe The Truth will accept. Since Oct 31 is also Reformation Day, maybe we can make a Reformation House... a house that depicts the horrors of the religious wars and inquisitions sparked by Luther hammering the treatises on the cathedral door about 500 years ago... "

Chad(USAF) wrote on Oct 17, 2007 11:29 AM:

" Y'all may as well forget it. Truth will never listen to any of us anyway and is obviously too close-minded to do any actual research on the subject. As for everyone's "snotty little kids" comment, tsk tsk. People who live in glass houses, Truth... You may now return to your pristine, divine existence. Whatever color the sky is in your world, I hope it's at least sunny there! "

Gail wrote on Oct 17, 2007 12:16 PM:

" I had never heard of TP'ing until we moved out here 11 years ago. I guess people in other parts of the country are missing out on all the fun! "

just my opinion wrote on Oct 17, 2007 1:14 PM:

" I am a christian, and I do participate in Halloween activites. Some of the things being said on here are just crazy. I don't want to bad mouth anyone or their opinions but I would like to ask a question. "The Truth" I would like to know what scriptures you are refering to about Halloween? I have never been able to find one that actually can be proven to refer to Halloween. Just wanted to give you a chance to back-up the broad statements you are making. "

My Point of View wrote on Oct 18, 2007 7:28 AM:

" To Medic 57, you are a Pine Acres Bum? Me too. That was the best place. I remember Trick or Treat was on a Saturday night once( around 1969). My buddy and I spent the day riding our bikes and mapping out the best route to cover all of the houses. We had 2 full grocery bags apiece and never went to any house twice. That was the best place. In those days Trick or Treat was also 2 nights. "

hardworkinmom wrote on Oct 18, 2007 6:30 PM:

" WOW! I'm a christian and Santa Clause visits my kids. Does that mean I'm not a true christian? I don't think so because the reason for that season is never forgotten at my house. So because I allow my kids to dress up in costume makes me a non-christian? I don't think so again. God knows what's in my heart. He has to if he lives there. I haven't cared for Halloween for quite awhile just because of the idea of going door to door, holding out a bag and asking for treats, but my kids LOVE to dress up and enjoy seeing the other costumes around town. "History has taught us that Halloween descends from a Celtic festival known as "Samhain". These festivals occured over 2,000 years ago in what is now England, France and Ireland. The celebration occurred every Oct. 31, marking the return of the cold, dark season." That came from a site I read and I saw no reference to devil worshiping. (even in several other sites I read.) It was believed that the Lord of Death called all souls back to their homes that died the previous year. The dressing up was to ward off the souls. I would think if they were worshipping, they would want to be found. Well, Ok, so what? If people still dress up because they truely believe that some lost soul is going to invade their home, then so be it. Why should it be up to the "neighborhood moron" to say if he's right or wrong? Besides, I think all the reasons for all our holidays have lost all true purpose because of having to be "politically correct". All I have to say is this...We all have our thoughts and beliefs. Right or wrong, we all have the right to believe that as long as it's not hurting or damaging our neighbors or the community. I think it is very sad that the Jaycees couldn't put on the haunted house this year. It's harmless fun for those that enjoy getting scared outta their wits! And it's harmless for those who want nothing to do with it because they have every right to just not attend. What ruins it for everybody are those that take it to the extreme and hurt our neighbors and community. "

medic57 wrote on Oct 18, 2007 7:04 PM:

" The Real Saint Nick Given the decision making power of Santa Claus on the matter of gifts, my children make sure they leave Mr. Claus some seriously good cookies on Christmas Eve. However, most children don't know that there is much more to the real Saint Nick than toys and cookies. In addition to being generous, the jolly fellow could easily be considered the patron saint of purity. Recently looking into the legend of Saint Nick, I learned that Saint Nicholas lived early in the fourth century in what is now Turkey. He was orphaned as a young boy but left with substantial financial means by his parents. He used this inheritance to benefit others, especially children. Nicholas became the Bishop of Myra in Turkey and played an important leadership role in the church. Called the Wonderworker, he was well known for his generosity to children, hence his association with the legend of Santa Claus. The story of a benevolent soul giving gifts to children is a part of many cultures with many names. Saint Nick as another name for Santa Claus persists to this day. "

Dohbaugh wrote on Oct 18, 2007 7:43 PM:

" Oh no, don't tell me that Truth doesn't believe in Santa Clause either. I suppose he is some sort of a pagan too. I guess believing in the Easter Bunny is out of the question too. Bah humbug! "

pudgesmom wrote on Oct 19, 2007 7:16 PM:

" I've been reading the opinion section for a while now, both online and in print and it seems like more often than not the discussion ALWAYS turns to religion. Why is that? It seems like we're trying to be as open, accepting, and unbiased as possible, but we're sucking a lot of the fun out of being a kid! Here's a question to ponder: Why don't we cancel Christmas too b/c it's celebrating Jesus and since not EVERYONE believes in Jesus, we can't have the decorations around town and the Lightworks Display can't go up. How about that? How come we are accepting of the Christian holiday but not the others? Is it b/c those religions are distasteful to us? I say if we can tolerate those who are Christians and celebrate Jesus we need to also tolerate the celebration of secular holidays like Halloween. Remember...when you point the finger at one thing, three fingers are pointing back. And to the Jaycees: Back home when I was younger it was the local Masons (Aren't they religiously affiliated?) who built the BEST and BIGGEST haunted house. I spent 3 years of Octobers screaming until I was hoarse, trying to scare the "stuff" out of everyone (accept the wee ones!) and enjoyed every second of it! Boy, I miss those days! And of course, all proceeds went to charity. So perhaps partnering with another civic organization would help. Our Masons had members who were professional carpenters, electricians, and construction folks who did the building, and local hardware stores usually donated supplies. Hopefully next year the House will rise again! "

amomoftwo wrote on Oct 19, 2007 7:47 PM:

" Halloween is wrong. Christmas is wrong. Easter is wrong. All origins from pagans. You all will find out how ignorant you all are when God destroys you. Denial means nothing. Can't wait until he does. Of course, since you all are so ignorant it doesn't matter what true christians say to you. Farewell you pagan worshipers. "

Chad(USAF) wrote on Oct 19, 2007 9:47 PM:

" Wow. This topic has really opened up a whole jar of nuts! "

Early Bird wrote on Oct 20, 2007 6:07 AM:

" Amomoftwo seems rather gleeful at the prospect of God destroying those who post on here that disagree with her. I see that attitude as hateful, and certainly not the kind of thing one would expect to hear from a true Christian. I have to wonder what sort of a church preaches such hatred? We all know of the kooky bunch that protests at the funerals of fallen soldiers, but do we have a local church that also preaches intolerance and hatred? People like amomoftwo and The Truth must be getting their sick, twisted and hateful ideas from somewhere. I think the really sad thing is that those types actually think they are being good Christians, and all the while the are doing just the opposite of what Jesus tried to teach his followers. Lastly, while I disagree with their interpretation labeling Christmas and Halloween as pagan rituals, I have to really wonder how Easter got branded as a pagan ritual. That was a new one for me, and I really would love to have one of them explain that interpretation. "

pj1983 wrote on Oct 20, 2007 8:26 AM:

" amomoftwo: calling people ignorant isn't very christian of you. guess we'll see you in h-e-double hockey sticks. "

Dohbaugh wrote on Oct 20, 2007 11:32 AM:

" Please explain how Easter has a pagan origin to me. I don't get that one. I have to wonder why our so called religious experts left out Thanksgiving day from their list of sinful holidays. "

momof3 wrote on Oct 20, 2007 12:41 PM:

" Wow, I just have to comment to the "Christians" who are commenting on this topic. I am a Christian mom who lets my children trick or treat as did my Christian parents before me. A true Christian (momof2) doesn't wish God's wrath on someone and look forward to it after name calling. If you are that concerned for someones soul, why don't you pray for them. I have never read anywhere in the bible that Christians are going to Hell for trick or treating or celebrating Christmas or Easter. I think you sound like a sad person and very, very angry. "

HisChild wrote on Oct 20, 2007 3:32 PM:

" Amomoftwo...Fire & brimstone cram it down your throat cuz you're gonna die spirit always did make me throw up. I 'd forgotten about that until I read your comment along with a few others. God is Love, I hug you now in God's love. God bless everyone, know that you are loved! > "

Dohbaugh wrote on Oct 20, 2007 6:22 PM:

" I really hope there is adadoftwo to offset some of the hatred coming out of amomoftwo's mouth. You really have to feel sorry for those two kids. "

HisChild wrote on Oct 21, 2007 7:00 PM:

" We're praying for you...amomoftwo. Also we're praying for your kids, any brothers & sisters, & your parents. God bless you! "

Yawn wrote on Oct 21, 2007 7:23 PM:

" Satan worshipers, pray for yourselves. Mom is right. Halloween is Satan's holiday. True Christians do not celebrate it. If you say you are a Christian and celebrate halloween you are only fooling yourselves. You are pagans, not christians. "

HisChild wrote on Oct 21, 2007 7:44 PM:

" Well Hello Dohbaugh! *laughing* You just got 'sandwiched' in God's love! *LOL* God bless you, \0/ Peace, man! "

pj1983 wrote on Oct 22, 2007 11:47 AM:

" so yawn, so you celebrate christmas and easter? and by "celebrate" i mean are there presents from santa under the tree and does the easter bunny leave candy for the little ones? because if you feel that strongly about halloween then surely you don't participate in the heathenish ways we've warped the "true meaning" of the holidays. because if you do celebrate christmas and easter and there is a santa clause and easter bunny in your world, that would make you a hypocrite. and we just can't have that now can we? "

Yawn wrote on Oct 22, 2007 1:32 PM:

" All you Satan worshipers who call yourselves christians, your beloved Harry Potter now has a flaming homo in it. I bet you all are justifying that as well. You can read and glorify Satan and have your homos as well. Bet you all think you are still Christians, don't ya? Hmm. People who say homos are all right and call themselves Christian and celebrate a pagan holiday. Wow I want to go to your church. Do you offer human sacrifices too? "

beaches wrote on Oct 22, 2007 3:56 PM:

" Yawn: No human sacrifices at my church - but we also lack in the self-righteous area as well, so maybe you should visit. "

Dohbaugh wrote on Oct 22, 2007 5:24 PM:

" Thanks, HisChild. If I'm going to be sandwiched, I can't think of better company. "

medic57 wrote on Oct 22, 2007 9:33 PM:

" I noticed that J.K Rowling waited until after all the sales to mention one of the Harry Potter characters was gay, seems she didn't trust the buying public with this revelation until after she made all of her money, maybe she knew that a lot of parents worldwide wouldn't have bought the books if they had known that beforehand. "

pj1983 wrote on Oct 22, 2007 11:27 PM:

" or maybe she just realized that no one had picked up on what she was hoping they would. i read all the books and have seen all the movies to date and never once did the thought "he's gay" enter my mind. and it really doesn't matter if one of the characters is gay. she wasn't promoting the homosexual lifestyle. no one even figured out she was hiniting at it, it took her announcing it to the world for anyone to know. and does it matter? not one bit. those of you who are going to hate it without even reading it are gonna chalk it up as one more reason to do so. if anything, it's going to make people re-read the books and watch the movies again so they can say "oh yeah, why didn't i see it before" "

Chad(USAF) wrote on Oct 23, 2007 12:00 AM:

" Dohbaugh - The pagan link to Easter really depends on what you believe the origin of the holiday to be. Some say the bunny is an old pagan symbol of fertility. Others say that the name "Easter" derived from the Eastre, the Teutonic goddess of Spring. There are other references to the egg being a symbol of the pagan Mother Goddess, etc. but you can look that up for yourself if you are really interested. "

shelly kay wrote on Oct 23, 2007 9:57 AM:

" I really don't think that JK Rowling saying that she always thought of Dumbledore as gay would've affected book sales at all. It's not as if she went into details about him and a lover. Besides, thanks to previous threads, we Harry Potter fan's already know that we are bound for Hell!!! "

shelly kay wrote on Oct 23, 2007 10:00 AM:

" Also if she really kept Dumbledore in the closet because she didn't want to risk losing sales revenue, why didn't she wait until after the movies were done? "

beaches wrote on Oct 23, 2007 12:37 PM:

" So, Dumbledore is gay. Would we have known if she hadn't told us? Do we care? Does it change anything about the books? Dumbledore's preferences have nothing to do with the books, I guess I just don't understand what the big deal is about it. I read the books, they were pretty chaste as far as the "sex" issue, and it doesn't seem to make a difference at all. And just to make sure you all know that I understand your opinions - yes, I read Harry Potter and when my child is old enough I hope she will too - so yes, I am going down when I die. I also allow her to dress up in Halloween costumes and trick or treat (the first time this year will be at Church tomorrow night) - again, time to visit Satan when I die, and I obviously do not hate homosexuals or even care about the sex lives of others - another reason for me to burn in the eternal fires. :) "

Good Grief wrote on Oct 24, 2007 1:37 PM:

" You all need to back off. Check out the survey on page 1 - many many people believe and uphold that halloween is an evil holiday. I guess I don't understand why someone who says they are a christian and uphold good and right principles would celebrate a holiday that has to do directly with Satan and his evil hordes. And that for some reason God is okay with that. Isn't Satan God's archenemy? Why would we in any way want to glorify his archenemy? I for my part choose to not celebrate. What everyone else does is their business. But don't condemn those of us who don't - many many people choose not to celebrate this holiday. Sometimes people don't express themselves in a way that is pleasing to others, yet they are entitled to express their opinions as much as you are to flout and flaunt the fact that you CALL yourselves christians, yet thumb your nose at God by celebrating a satanic holiday. "

Chad(USAF) wrote on Oct 24, 2007 10:00 PM:

" Just for the record, not all of here call ourselves Christians. "

Early Bird wrote on Oct 25, 2007 6:30 AM:

" The list of hate mongers seems to be growing. It seems sort of suspicious that when another one shows up, one seems to disappear. Is this a tag team deal or what? I have to wonder if all of those little kids dressing up for trick or treating really know they are headed straight for hell if they continue with that pagan ritual and continue to read those evil Harry Potter books? I just hope those kids don't learn of the books written by the VP's wife, Lynn Cheney, that focus on lesbian eroticism. That kind of makes the Potter books look pretty tame, by comparison. "

sunbeam wrote on Oct 25, 2007 11:47 AM:

" for those of you who feel there is nothing wrong with scary stuff and you believe it to be fun to be scared or to scare someone else. the product of being scared is that you become afraid, have fear. Fear is the opposite of faith. The Word of God says that there is a Spirit of Fear and it does not come from God. The only place that leaves for it to come from is the devil. Selah. "

Dohbaugh wrote on Oct 25, 2007 7:38 PM:

" If we really knew the truth, it's probably all about people like sunbeam, the truth, amomoftwo and yawn just being too cheap to buy candy to pass out to the neighborhood kids. You know those little pagan worshiping little imps. And speaking about the on line survey, I'll bet some of those folks got a sore finger voting over and over on that one. Surely there are that many fanatical fundamentalist hate mongers in this area. "

HisChild wrote on Oct 25, 2007 7:58 PM:

" Very well put Sunbeam, Thank you & God bless you! :-) *hugs* "

HisChild wrote on Oct 25, 2007 8:05 PM:

" I'm sure that God also had nothing to do with it when many of us had cars & houses spray painted & egged. People say, it's just kids having fun...no, it is kids having no respect for others people's things and destroying them. You would not think it to be fun if you had to repaint your car because of all the damage, and were left with your just recently sided house permanently damaged and could not afford to re-side it just because some kids spray painted & egged it. "

HisChild wrote on Oct 25, 2007 8:52 PM:

" :-) A good many people who don't celebrate hallow een do actually take the time to prepare special vegetable dishes, fruits, and healthy foods to share with a good many of other people at our churches and children's schools for Harvest celebrations. It takes more money and time than going to Walmart to buy a few bags of candy, and it teaches tomorrows kids that giving and sharing is better than taking or demanding, and certainly better than destroying people's property. Fun can be had in many other ways, especially if you teach your children to each make a gift for someone else at Harvest time, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, & on their own Birthday. A Joyful Heart Gives & Shares. :-) "

pj1983 wrote on Oct 25, 2007 11:39 PM:

" and what exactly does egging and tagging someone else's property have to do with halloween and the devil? sounds like poor parenting to me. "

Dohbaugh wrote on Oct 26, 2007 7:34 AM:

" I have never heard anyone making excuses for outright vandalism. That's a crock and you know it. You can do better than that. Perhaps you need to stick to your pagan theme, for your hatred of kids having fun. Thanks to people like you, we all are now aware of God's hatred for kids having fun on a certain night of the year, which has no connection to it's original roots, and his hatred for his homosexual children as well. I have to wonder what any of these so-called Christians would do if one of their children turns out to be gay? How about it? Would you also hate your child, yawn? "