Creative arts ministry will visit Bluff City

By Anastasia Harbuck

Published: June 17, 2008

Puppets with a Purpose, a creative arts alternative ministry, will visit First Presbyterian Church Saturday, June 28, at 4 p.m. for a special workshop.

Lynn Helms, director of Puppets with a Purpose, said the purpose of the upcoming workshop is to plant the seed for a puppet ministry in Eufaula.

Helms has been the director for Puppets with a Purpose for eight years. The program is made up of 12 dedicated junior and high school students from around Plant City, Fla., where the program is based. The program is non-denominational and involves kids from all walks of life.

The program involves much more than puppets, says Helms. Black lights, miming and American sign-language are also a big part of the program. Participants also perform music and drama in both Spanish and English.

“We try and do it on the lighter side,” said Helms, adding that someone not attracted to a traditional sermon would be inspired by her unconventional Bible-based program.

Puppets with a Purpose is a non-profit program and has traveled throughout the Southeast. Helms’ team has performed at nursing homes, hospitals, festivals and churches.

“We really jumped at the chance to host them,” said First Presbyterian Pastor Dave Burgess.

“The program is open for kids and youth of all ages,” he went on to say.

During the June 28 workshop, the Plant City team will teach the Eufaula audience some pointers like sign language and, of course, puppetry. On Sunday, June 29, the team’s audience will show off what they learned to family and friends during a presentation at 4 p.m.

Puppets with a Purpose is a year-round program that not only does summer programs, but Christmas and other holiday programs as well. Helms says her teams also raises its own funds and helps out with food drives and other community service.

“They put a lot into it,” she said. “For some of them, this is the only form of church they get.”