Instead of debating whether Halloween is a satanic holiday or merely a secular one, churches can find middle ground and "out-narrate" a negative perception of Halloween with the tradition of All Saints, says a Duke Divinity School professor.

Jo Bailey Wells, who was ordained in the first wave of women priests in the Church of England, says it is a mistake to underestimate how serious the forces of darkness and chaos are, yet equally to dwell on them.

"Halloween comes from 'All Hallows'E'en [Eve], the Christian festival commemorating All Saints or those who have died and gone ahead of us into the heavenly realms," she said. "Remembering the dead opens the door to those who choose to focus on the unsettled souls, the bodies that do not rest in peace, thus the interest in ghosts, witchcraft and the forces of darkness."

Wells notes that churches typically face challenges in engaging with the contemporary popularity of Halloween. She points to constructive ways some churches mark the holiday by offering an All Hallows Eve party for children that celebrates the communion of saints or by hosting a performance of one of the great requiems.

"There are those who choose to see the 'costume and candy' as harmless, who may be in danger of not taking the spiritual realm seriously enough," she said. "Then there are those who take it so seriously that there is a danger that their very abhorrence is counterproductive, drawing more to it by their negativity than Christmas or Easter might get in the positive direction."

All Hallows Eve service will be held at 10:30 p.m. tonight in Duke Chapel. The service will usher in the feast of All Hallows, also known as All Saints.

This has long been the feast day in the Western church for remembering and celebrating the communion of the saints, those of every generation.

This is an annual candlelight worship service at the chapel. All are invited and Halloween costumes are welcome.

Holyween at Hope Valley

"Holyween" at Hope Valley Baptist Church, 6900 Garrett Road, means fun for the whole family today from 4 to 6 p.m. at the church. Among the attractions are game booths, Bouncy House, cake walks, Bingo, prizes and trunk or treating. And, of course, hotdogs will be sold.

Boxes will be available for those who want to make donations to the Yates Association Food Pantry or to the association's Christmas Toy Store (new toys only).

Admission is free and the event is open to the neighborhood. Proceeds will go to the church's music ministry.

An opportunity for witness

St. Titus Episcopal, an inner-city church at 400 Moline St., continues to provide an "opportunity for witness" as the congregation hears the stories of folks who have been blessed to make a difference in the world.

A group of speakers will lead the 10 a.m. forum on Sunday, Nov. 1. They will talk about their experiences as a Re-entry Team, a group that helps those recently released from prison find a place for themselves in society.

LeJhoyn Holland, who was incarcerated at Orange County Correctional Facility, had the support of a group of church members who helped him re-enter society. Holland, who was released a couple of months ago, is now employed, has an apartment and a car and is doing well. He will talk about what a Re-entry Team is and how it can support someone in his or her journey to a renewed life after prison.

Ashley Lucas, an assistant professor in dramatic art at UNC and a member of the St. Titus congregation, said the church is now considering the organization of a re-entry team as a part of its ministry.

Busy month for Judea Reform

Several activities of note are scheduled at Judea Reform Congregation, 1933 W. Cornwallis Road.

Dr. Malachi Hacohen, a Duke University associate professor of political science and religion, will lecture on "Reform and Orthodoxy in 19th Century Central Europe" on Friday, Nov. 6, at 7:30 p.m.

The Russian Duo, Terry Boyarsky and Oleg Kruglyakov, will perform on Sunday, Nov. 8, at 1 p.m. in a concert that is free and open to the public.

From Russian roots to classical favorites, from vocals to ragtime, the Russian Duo is a collaboration between virtuoso balalaika and concert piano. Their partnership results in a cross-cultural musical experience, so the audience can expect compelling interpretations of world favorites, classical gems and beloved folk songs.

Turning to drama and comedy, Odyssey Stage's Reader's Theatre Under Your Roof will present "Oy!," a comedy by Rich Orloff on Sunday, Nov. 15, at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door. The show includes Yiddish terms explained through a hilarious set of sketches.

For those who prefer dancing, Dick Levin & Friends Band will provide live music as they play songs spanning the generations on Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 7 p.m.

All these events at Judea Reform Congregation are open to the public.

Watts Street bazaar

The annual Fall Bazaar at Watts Street Baptist, corner of Urban Avenue and Watts Street, is set for Saturday, Nov. 7, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Expect to find a variety of crafts, needlework, holiday décor and the popular Second Hand Treasures Room. Food, of course, will include breakfast sandwiches, soup, sandwiches and baked goods.

Moravian Bazaar

The annual Moravian Bazaar at Christ the King, 4405 Hope Valley Road, is set for Saturday, Nov. 7, from 9 a.m. to noon.

As in past years, the chicken pies are expected to be hot selling items. This year, church members have baked 500 pies that will sell for $11 each. If you are a pie customer, plan to line up by 9 a.m. or earlier, said Ginger Ehmann, a member of the congregation.

Other traditional items on sale will include Moravia sugarcane, cookies and stars. There will also be beeswax candles, artwork, knitted items, felted wool handbags, jewelry, pottery, cards, ornaments and an assortment of baked goods.

New items this year include tile mosaics, quilted items, gourmet-flavored popcorn and miniature Christmas trees decorated with a traditional Moravian theme.

The youth group will sell ham and sausage biscuits, coffee and other breakfast foods.

Proceeds from the event will go to support the women's ministry as well as community ministries such as Meals on Wheels, Senior Pharm/Assist and the Durham Rescue Mission.

As usual, the bazaar will be accompanied with music provided by the church's brass ensemble and the piano.

St. Luke's yard sale

St. Luke's Episcopal, 1737 Hillandale Road, is holding a yard sale in Johnson Hall today at 8 a.m. A variety of items, children's toys, books and games, household items and a few pieces of furniture will be for sale. Proceeds will go to support youth preparing for a mission pilgrimage to Belize nest summer.

Next Saturday, Nov. 7, the church will host a performance by Ashes the Clown (also known as assistant rector Joe Hensley) at 4:30 p.m. in Johnson Hall.

The show that combines physical comedy, juggling, fun and foolishness will last about 45 minutes. Admission is $5 per person with ages 3 and under getting in free. This event, open to the public, will also benefit the youth trip to Belize.

Jewish film festival

The 10th annual Triangle Jewish Film Festival at Galaxy Cinema in Cary will begin Thursday, Nov. 5, with a reception at the RTP Hilton, including the Carolina debut of "Waves of Freedom," a powerful true World War II story of daring rescue. Special guest filmmaker/director Alan Rosenthal will be on hand to discuss his film and answer questions.

Featuring a wide variety of genres, the festival continues on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 7-8. Eleven highly acclaimed and award-winning films will be showcased, including entries from N.C., Israel and Germany.

Select screenings will include post-film events. The Saturday screening of "Blessed is the Match" will be followed by a discussion led by N.C. State assistant professor Ora Gelley.

After Sunday's screening of "Down Home: Jewish Life in North Carolina," a Q&A session will be hosted by Leonard Rogoff, research historian/ writer; Steven Channing, the film's executive producer; Lue Simopolous, director of the Jewish Heritage foundation of North Carolina; and Henry Greene, president of the Jewish Heritage Foundation of North Carolina.

Karen Schectman is festival coordinator. "Movie-goers will see films that offer universal themes from a Jewish point of view," Schectman said.

Galaxy Cinema is located at 770 Cary Towne Blvd. near Cary Towne Center. The cinema that has hosted the festival for four years is one of the state's largest arthouse theaters.