THE PEPPY PUPPET POSSE MINISTRY @ OUMC

Puppet Ministry began at the Onalaska United Methodist Church around 1996.
They were used in Super Church, which was the last Sunday of every month. All
the Sunday school classes would meet in Fellowship Hall and there were puppet
skits, plays, games, songs and prizes…it was fun for all ages..

There have been two puppet teams in the past 11 years, the first was the Raised in
Praise Puppet Team and the present is the Peppy Puppet Posse Puppet Team which
includes 1st grade to 9th grade. Together they work as a team to spread God’s word
and to praise Him.

There are puppets to fit every occasion from talking candles and an Advent wreath
to singing sockles, which are basically sock puppets done differently throughout the
years.

Presently the Peppy Puppet Posse has been working on producing a DVD. There
are skits that the puppets have done for children’s time during the 2007 year. This
should be ready to go by the end of October.

Adults also perform with the puppets, there is Yubba and Maribel who are grown
up sockles…they teach a Bible verse to the congregation and then sing a song about
that verse.

The crow sisters have been around the church for almost 8 years! They have been
trying to learn about Christianity and what it means to be a good Christian. They
have gone through the best mentors starting with the Pastors and presently they are
working with a kind-hearted German puppet (wearing lederhosen) with a huge
handle-bar mustache named Gustoff. Gustoff is trying to keep them on the straight
and narrow, which has been a real challenge. The crow sisters are also developing a
DVD which will be ready by December 1st so mark your calendars!

The puppet team has been to other area churches doing 45 minutes worth of skits
with certain themes for Sunday school time and also during church services. They
have also visited nursing homes to sing with their puppets.

Along with learning how to properly work the puppets, like lip synchronization,
believable actions , proper entrances and exits, the puppeteers have made their own
sockles and also large puppets. We practice every Wednedsay from 5:15-6:15. It is
hard work but we have fun doing God’s work. When we are behind the stage, we
feel that God is working through us to touch others with His love as we try to send
his message to others.

Anyone, young or old or inbetween who would like to try puppet ministry is always
welcome!!!!

Please contact Peggy Benz for more information.