The Puppets of Praise is an exciting "hands on" ministry of the First United Methodist Church. Twenty three enthusiastic puppeteers ages eight through seventy nine share God's love through song and story to audiences throughout the city. When the program began, it was thought the young children would be their most enthusiastic audience, but they soon learned that middle-aged and senior citizens were also delighted by their antics. They perform during children's time in their worship service, but also have been visiting in the area's care centers and retirement communities. They have been a popular attraction at "Living Windows" each year, and perform yearly at "Journey with Jesus," a retreat for Southeast Iowa Adults with Special Needs.
If you are in third grade or older and are interested in performing with the Puppets of Praise or would like to work behind the scenes with props, costuming, construction, sewing, transportation or the sound system, call the church office at 319-754-8421 or the director, Andree Halden, at 319-573-0667.
Below are some photos of the Puppets of Praise "in action" as they made their presentations at Rosebush Gardens Assisted Living Center and Sunnybrook Assisted Living Center of Burlington.
Here, in a lounge at Rosebush Gardens, Andree goes over the plan with the puppeteers and support staff before the show begins.
The residents at Rosebush enjoy the Puppets' presentation.
At Sunnybrook, the Puppeteers are performing their finale.
Another view of the finale at Sunnybrook. Andree looks like she's having a good time!
The kids and the adults all work together to make the puppets "come to life."
The flag is unfurled at the finale's climax!
The Sunnybrook audience gives a hearty round of applause!
After each show the puppeteers visit with the audience so they can "meet" the puppets. Here the Rosebush audience responds with enthusiasm.
The Sunnybrook residents get their chance to meet the puppets.
The Puppets of Praise experience allows young and old to interact and to share their faith.
The Puppets of Praise is an exciting "hands on" ministry of the First United Methodist Church. Twenty three enthusiastic puppeteers ages eight through seventy nine share God's love through song and story to audiences throughout the city. When the program began, it was thought the young children would be their most enthusiastic audience, but they soon learned that middle-aged and senior citizens were also delighted by their antics. They perform during children's time in their worship service, but also have been visiting in the area's care centers and retirement communities. They have been a popular attraction at "Living Windows" each year, and perform yearly at "Journey with Jesus," a retreat for Southeast Iowa Adults with Special Needs.
If you are in third grade or older and are interested in performing with the Puppets of Praise or would like to work behind the scenes with props, costuming, construction, sewing, transportation or the sound system, call the church office at 319-754-8421 or the director, Andree Halden, at 319-573-0667.
Below are some photos of the Puppets of Praise "in action" as they made their presentations at Rosebush Gardens Assisted Living Center and Sunnybrook Assisted Living Center of Burlington.
Here, in a lounge at Rosebush Gardens, Andree goes over the plan with the puppeteers and support staff before the show begins.
The residents at Rosebush enjoy the Puppets' presentation.
At Sunnybrook, the Puppeteers are performing their finale.
Another view of the finale at Sunnybrook. Andree looks like she's having a good time!
The kids and the adults all work together to make the puppets "come to life."
The flag is unfurled at the finale's climax!
The Sunnybrook audience gives a hearty round of applause!
After each show the puppeteers visit with the audience so they can "meet" the puppets. Here the Rosebush audience responds with enthusiasm.
The Sunnybrook residents get their chance to meet the puppets.
The Puppets of Praise experience allows young and old to interact and to share their faith.