"Scary Animals" owls, spiders, bats, even snakes are rumored to be leaving their homes and invading a Mahoning Valley church.

Actually, it's all part of the fun. St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church of Mahoning Township is having its annual Sunday School Halloween Party for all ages from 5 to 8 p.m. this Saturday. The church has invited the Carbon County Environmental Education Center to bring its "scariest animals" to the church's auditorium and give a special program on these sometimes misunderstood creatures."Yes, it will be a little scary," says the Rev. Chris deForest, pastor. "But we also want people to celebrate all of God's creation, and think about how we are all on this planet together for a reason and a purpose."The church also wants to make it clear that science and faith don't have to be on opposing sides. St. John's of Mahoning has sponsored programs at the environmental education center in recent years, encouraging children and adults alike to explore the wonders and mysteries of the natural world.This Halloween event is also part of the new Christian Education program coming to life at St. John's. According to deForest, Sunday school attendance has been increasing dramatically this fall."A lot of kids and families are excited to engage in conversation, study and service that involves the whole community, and brings faith out into the world to work on real interests and problems for real people."There is no cost to attend, but a freewill offering will be taken up to benefit the programs at the Carbon County Environmental Education Center.All are invited to this community party, featuring dinner and shared desserts, traditional arts and crafts, hayrides (dress warmly) and the "scary animals" of the CCEEC.St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church of Mahoning is located at 826 Mahoning Drive West, Lehighton. Contact the church office for more information at 570-386-9960 or visit

www.stjohnsmahoning.com.