The Well Ministries

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Since 1991 “Puppets for the King” has been ministering with songs, skits, and stories to children of all ages as well as to adults. It began as a ministry of Kephart United Methodist Church in McKeesport, PA. In December 1999 the puppet ministry was transferred to The Well Ministries, Inc.

With over 100 different puppets their programs consist of a variety of themes and music styles including children’s fun songs, Country, Southern Gospel Quartet, Contemporary Christian, as well as parodies of popular secular songs with Christian words. Their unique style also includes audience participation, live interaction, object lessons, and more. One of the most repeated comments they get is from the adults who say they thought puppets were only for kids but who, in fact, were blessed by the program – sometimes even more than the children.

Programs last 30-90 minutes but can be modified to accommodate a particular theme, event, or time frame. The average program is 45-60 minutes.

Puppets for the King is available with or without Chalice to provide a more complete family program. Keep in mind when booking both groups together, neither will be able to do a complete program but rather each group will do a partial program. When booking both groups together time may need to be adjusted and extra time added to accommodate the extra program.

The faces behind the curtain are Kris and Lou Rhoades and their two youngest children, Steven and Emily. Steven started doing clowning as “Bugsly” and also does gospel illusions; Emily has been singing with the ministry since she was 4½ years old.

Lou is featured as the voice for many of the puppets including “Jeremy,” the Master of Ceremonies for each program.

Kris also learned face painting in 2002 as an optional addition to their programs or as a seperate event. Her very first entry in a contest offered by the manufacturer of the face paints won her an “Honorable Mention” in their Christmas 2002 contest.

Including Face Painting in the program may require additional time and expenses. Kris can paint approximately 15-20 kids per hour, separate from the puppet program time.

The puppets are available for Nursing Homes, Kid’s Crusades, Church Picnics and Events, Revivals, Banquets, and more.

There may be a fee required to have this ministry appear for your organization. A “love offering” and possibly a guarantee to cover travel expenses and overnight lodging if needed is usually asked but occasionally there are other expenses involved. Whenever financially possible some programs are provided completely free of charge. Please contact the ministry office for more information or to discuss arrangements.

Some specialty characters are available for certain events and special situations.

The one man strolling stage can walk through a crowd and talk to kids. Also Ralph, a puppet costume is available. He is great to pass out treats to the kids.

Visit the schedule of events to see if we will be appearing at a location near you.

If you have seen one of the programs, be sure to sign the guestbook and tell others what you thought.