Current News
Last update March 27th, 2010
Characters For Christ begins practice for their 8th season.
The group has just finished recording our 8th Christmas show, A Good Old Fashioned Christmas. written by our fearless leader Rev. Eddie Nutt. Practices will begin as soon as the production process is complete.
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the scripts has been recorded and the practices have begun. Characters for Christ opens its 8th season. This seasons show "Notes of Praise" is an adaptation of a program created by the fine folks at One Way Street puppets. Great music that praises God. Looks like another fun filled year!
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The team got together this weekend to record the script for our newest Christmas special North Carolinas Got Talent...full rehearsals will begin in October. Be sure to check the calender for a how near you, or you can send a request to our tour request address. Just be sure you dont miss it!
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More great news...a few weeks ago www.onewaystreet.com sponsored a " Behind the Scenes" contest asking for creative ideas to be submitted for a chance of winning a special prize from the website. Characters for Christ won the competition with their idea....the following is the write up found in thier online newsletter...
| Behind the Scenes Contest | |
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Behind the Scenes Contest The winning entry in our Behind the Scenes Contest was submitted by Eddie Nutt of Henderson, North Carolina. His team, "Characters for Christ," has found the use of backdrop scenes to be one of the greatest additions for their ministry. Learn their secrets to creating, storing and changing scenes. As Eddie puts it, "Imagine if you watched your favorite television show, and the actors only stood in front of a black screen." Backdrops are a creative and inexpensive way to set the scene and add a new dimension to your performance. |  |
| Eddie's team uses backdrop kits to trace and paint the scenes onto canvas. You could also create scenes on your computer, draw them on paper, or use clip art. Project them onto the canvas, trace them, and paint them. A lightweight rod is used to hang the canvas backdrop from the puppet stage, just like hanging a curtain.They purchased two extra crossbar connectors from One Way Street to hang the backdrops. Characters for Christ came up with their own method to store scenes and change backdrops quickly, without being seen by the audience. When not in use, the scenes are hung onto a bracket that they made with PVC pipe and metal hooks. This keeps the scenes off the floor and ready to be used. They also created a special tool to use during scene changes. They took 48" dowel rods, screwed "U" screws into the end, and painted them all black (see photo at right). These tools allow the puppeteers to change the backdrops quickly and without showing themselves above the curtain. |
Eddie and his team win an orange Fluorescent Fish Puppet for submitting the winning entry. Congratulations!
.......click here for the full article...
http://www.onewaystreet.com/category/319/?r=%5bEN0609%5d
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In May Characters for Christ traveled to Fredericksburg for the One Way Street Puppet Festival. The team entered two competitions, the musical program and the skit program. After each of the competitions the team received silver medals for thier performances. But the icing on the cake was receiving the peoples choice award for not one of our performances, but BOTH of them. God has truly been good to this team. Please pray that we continue to be blessed.
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The team have begun production on their seventh season. Creation Investigation is a musical the sets out the facts about the theory and evolution and sets the records straight. Please go to our tour information guide for dates near you...or write us at the address listed there to schdule us to come to your church or function.
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Special Thanks from the good people of Scotland Neck...
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Another season gone....
Season 6, "How the West Was Saved" has ended...but please be sure to catch our Christmas show, " Christmas Under the Sea" done completely in black light.
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More good news from Royston De Zilva of Sri Lanka!!
Royston advised Pastor Eddie that our second package has finally arrived. Im told Royston followed his e mail with a phone call the Eddie...Please continue to pray Roystons ministry in a truly dangerous part of the world...
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Wonderful letter of encouragement from the folks at Mt Olive Baptist ChurchSandra Waverly, Youth Advisor
June 19, 2008
Scott Cable
Dear Scott and Church Family:
The presentation your church family gave yesterday on Characters of Christ was excellent. Everyone is still talking about how wonderful the show was. Your ministry is so helpful as it allows others to learn as well as have fun.
Your willingness to except our invitation and bring this ministry to our church was so thoughtful and appreciated. We look forward to worshiping and fellowshiping with you all again. If we can ever be of any assistance to you all, please feel free to call upon us.
Thank you again for such an informative and pleasant afternoon.
Sincerely, Sandra Waverly Youth Advisor
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Great NEWS!...Royston got our package...
no small feat in a place in the world where the mail doesnt always find its legal destination. The following is Roystons response to getting the package.
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Characters for Christ became aware of this gentlemans mission work in Sri Lanka through a newsletter from One Way Street...We have been in contact with Mr. Royston de Zilwa and have sent him some items to support his ministry. Please pray with us for the success of his service in this part of the world. The following is part of a letter we received from Royston about his ministry...
16th January 2008
Dear William
Your mail of assistance is so much appreciated, I firstly thanked Amie & Todd of One Way Street for giving me such exposure..
Yes the article gives you briefly of what I have been doing to "Glorify the name of Jesus "
I really started with some Illusions juast to keep children occupied in our family camp till Pastor Norman Hewitt came to Sri Lanka in 2005 and the doors were opend to my delight to use Illusions Puppetry & Ventriloquism In Church. Ever since I am able to educate children with Bible Stories & so much activities using such tools, they are magnificent.
A few days ago I did such a programme for a group of Christian reformed drug addicts & their families with the Minister of Social service in attendance, he just did not beleive that I spoke for my Vent partner, he thought it was computerised??? now he says he wants me to attend other such programmes, mind you he is a Buddhist...
I am able to manufacture Puppets myself, but I am not able to get any Material for Blacklight, firstly I need a few puppets, ( Used disscarded are quiet ok ) then material I have got plain colours such as Yellow Green Orange, and looking for the multicoloured BL material type such as used in the Springy & Deluxe flo & Strech A Belly type. I did purchase some BL paint. Next is Musical BL instruments I got a Trumpet and made much use of it in my last programme.Please I do not need all of these just what you could spare only.
You see my idea is not teach many this art, and they will not have funds to purchase these, & I must be able to fill their needs too.
I cannot explain how such Puppet programmes excite our kids who have NEVER seen such.....& I am amazed that this helps them to remember.....
Will keep you updated of what's happening with us over here in Sri Lanka...There is so much we have to do...
I always said " God will provide " and HE did. Praise be to HIS name.
May God Bless you abundently for the quick response to help us in this hour of need.
I am chosen and ordained by Christ to bear fruit...John 15:16
royston ................Sri Lanka.............." .Eager to serve "
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Production begins on next years program!
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Up From Bethlehem our new Chirstmas service rehearsals are now underway...
Look for a perfomance near you to catch our latest service. A child falls asleep on Christmas Eve and wakes up in Bethlehem on the first Christmas Eve...Lots of great music and good humor abound...wont you join us?
Reaction from the NC State General Assembly...
We received this letter from State Senator Doug Berger regarding our recent spotlight article in the Henderson Daily Dispatch...
North Carolina General Assembly Senate
Senator Douglas E. Berger
June 19, 2007
Characters for Christ Puppet Team Middleburg Baptist Church 80 North Plummer Ave. Middleburg, NC 27556
Dear Team Members:
I enjoyed reading about the Characters for Christ Puppet Team at Middleburg Baptist Church. I think you are performing a wonderful service for the community in reminding us all that "Jesus Christ is always there for us."
From the aricle, I gather that this ministry is truly a labor of love as well as fun for the team. Your goal, as Rev Eddie Nutt notes, is to present the gospel in a way that draws men, women, and children to Christ. I commend you for your dedication.
Best wishes to the Characters for Christ Puppet Team and to everyone at Middleburg Baptist Church!
Sincerely,
Doug Berger
DB:lsl
C4C featured in the Faith section of the Henderson Daily Dispatch
Saturday June 16th, The Characters for Christ was featured on the front page of the Faith section of the paper. To see the story go to www.hendersondispatch.com , search the archives for Saturday June 16th section C1
Off and running....
Well with our first two performances behind us in the new season, we now head to our home church Middleburg Baptist. Its never failed to be our best audience and that always reaps a better performance from the team. From the Characters For Christ team we'd like to thank the congregation at Middleburg Baptist for all the love and support youve given us through the years. You may never know how much it means to us. God Bless you all...
To God be the glory!...The All Star tour begins soon...
We have tallied the votes from our team members and the our line up is set. In this years tour you will see the best skits and songs from all our previous seasons. For many of our friends we hope it will bring back some fond memories. If youve never seen our show before then get ready, csause your about to see the best of our best. To God be the glory!
See You Next Year!!
With our regular season well behind us and our Christmas season drawing to a close we want to thank each and every one of you that have invited us into fellowship with you. Each place has a special memory for us and the feedback we continue to receive is so encouraging.
Most important we want to thank our loving Father God for calling us into what has become such a rewarding and challenging ministry. God has truly been good to us in our mission and we ask that he please continue to bless our efforts.
We also ask that you keep us in your prayers that we may touch more and more souls all for the glory of God.
The new Christmas Show for 2006 has been recorded!
God Moves in Mysterious Ways has been recorded and the team began practice of the new show last Sunday, August 27th,. There have been some new voices used this year and its exciting to see some new talents come to our show.
The team is always underway, practicing the musical skit for competition in Charlotte this year. They will be taking a song from the upcoming Christmas show with them to Charlotte. 3 Kings performed in the fashion of the hip hop hit Bust-A-Move is sure to be a show stopper at the convention. Watch this website for pictures of the convention this year.
Stay tuned to be up to date on how the Lord is working in this fun and creative ministry.
Letter of thanks from Murdoch Chapel
We received a letter of thanks and appreciation from the Murdoch Chapel after our show in April of this year....
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities
and Substance Abuse Services
Murdoch Center
Post Office Box 3000
1600 East C Street
Butner, North Carolina 27509
Michael F. Easley, Governor Alexander M. Meyers, PhD., Director
Carmen Hooker Odom, Secretary (919) 575-1000
July 10, 2006
Characters for Christ Puppet Team
C/o Middleburg Baptist Church
P.O. Box 57
Middleburg, N.C. 27556
To the Saints gathered at Middleburg,
Thanks again for the wonderful blessing your puppet group provided recently…Our individuals and staff alike thoroughly enjoyed the skits and music as performed by your very talented puppet troupe. We are very excited about having you back around Christmas and look forward to seeing how your puppets exalt the Risen Savoir at His birth.
Because of your hard work and faithfulness, god has certainly been glorified and the cause of Christ has been advanced here among our population. Do not hesitate to call on us at any rime we may be of service to you, and may God continue to bless and keep you.
In Christ Service,
Reverend Willis Lee Herman
Chaplaincy Services
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We have recently received a letter of thanks and appreciation from our sister church in Barclod City...
Sent: Wednesday, June 28, 2006 6:02 AM
Subject: - Thank you Pastor.
HI Pastor,
Everything is fine here in Philippines.
Puppeteers, are going to have a general workshop here at church July 07, 2006 on both building. Because we create a both out of PVC pipes. so we are going to learn to build it. and also we are introducing to the puppeteers the dubbing, and making props to make the presentation more good and clear.
Also we are going to make some HILIGAYNON scripts, this is our language, we are to record it too and have it dub during the shows.
Thanks for calling my aunt, You are much appreciated!
Jesus Bless you!
In Christ Jesus our Lord,
JOHN
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We received word the other day that all of our supplies have made it to our friends in Barcolod City, Negros. Please continue to pray for the success of this fledging troupe on the other side of the world.
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We have made contact with a puppet ministry in the Phillipines. We have been talking through e-mail with the pastor at the Mansilingan First Baptist Church in Barcolod City, Negros. Our first shipment of puppets were lost unfortunately but God has shown us another way. The gentlemans aunt is visting the States in Arizona and we have made plans to ship some puppets and pre-recorded scripts to her to take back with to him. Just in our correspondence we have learned of the extreme poverty of this area. The pastor had told us that the mere cost of picking up a parcel post in his country is as much as a months salary for him. The very thought of bringing some bright spot to the lives of those children is a blessing in itself. Please help to support their endeavor with your prayers.