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Sure. Was a fertility/marriage ritual - whoever managed to catch the apple (a long-time symbol of fertility) with his/her teeth would be married within the year. The tub of water (optional) may have some connection with "scrying" or seeing the future in a reflective surface such as a mirror or pool.

One tried-and-true technique is for a couple who are an "item" to approach the apple from opposite sides and catch it between them. Works every time. :-D

Other related customs involve "bobbing" for an apple suspended on a string rather than floating in a tub of water, or managing to peel an entire apple in one long strip, then throwing the peel over your left shoulder while reciting a certain rhyme. The peel is supposed to form the initial of your true love's name.

I think some folks get a little too exercised over these old customs and superstitions. England is absolutely chock full of them . . . there is an entire book devoted to them. The Customs and Ceremonies of Britain by Charles Kightly. It's a great and entertaining book -- one important thing he points out is that EVERY doggone silly custom and pastime in Britain is asserted by its supporters to have "pagan origins", while most of them really don't and can be traced no earlier than the 18th or 19th centuries, when all that stuff became fashionable.

So I think the folks at the church are wasting their time attacking the secular customs of Hallowe'en, and this silly woman is wasting HER time getting so upset about it. When I get collared by an overzealous religionist, I smile and respond politely. Drives 'em nuts!