FORMULA FOR FUN: PROGRAM TEACHES CHILDREN DRAMATIC ARTS

With puppetering, drama and music sessions each Tuesday and Thursday afternoon, Parker Kohlfeld hasn't found anything about CODA that he doesn't like.

So far, learning to play handbells has been his favorite activity during the program offered each week at Centenary United Methodist Church.

CODA is an acronym for Children's Outreach through Dramatic Arts. It is an after-school program for children in kindergarten through sixth grade offered through the children's ministry at the church. Since it began in October, nearly 50 children have attended regularly and the numbers keep growing, program directors say.

Kohlfeld and several other fifth- and sixth-grade students spent part of Tuesday afternoon designing clown faces that they would transfer to their own face on Thursday.

Although the activities are designed to be fun for the students, "it really teaches you about God," said Allison Harold, a student.

The idea for CODA actually began as a way to improve the children's ministry offerings at the church, said Alice Harnes, one of the CODA directors.

"We've struck on a fine formula that stresses Christian behavior, fun times and learning," she said.

The program incorporates into its two-hour schedule a time for snacks, homework, drama and music.

"Some of the kids are so excited they never get CODA out of their heads," Harnes said. "What's surprised us is how it's reached into the community."

Adult sponsors pick up the children at Cape Girardeau schools, both parochial and public, and bring them to the church on North Ellis Street by 3:30 p.m. The children check in and get a name tag and incentive points for their folders. They have a snack and watch a short video before heading upstairs in the education building for the opening session.

"The program has really been invented as we go along," said Sis Erlbacher. "It's just whatever we think seems to interest them."

During the fall the theme was "Eyes on the Manager" as preparation for Christmas. The spring theme will be "Eyes on the Cross" and will likely incorporate lessons about sacrifice and Lent, she said.

Now the children are studying about the Ten Commandments, Moses and the Exodus.

Some have been asked to start memorizing the commandments, which could help them earn points for their folders. The points are incentives for the children, who can earn extra for bringing a friend, listening and following directions and remembering to bring their folder to each session. The folders hold music, notes and CODA announcements and any messages to parents.

During the opening session, program directors introduce the topic for the day. Tuesday it was a review of the previous Ten Commandments lessons.

The students sat on beach towels spread out on the floor while they sang a lively chorus.

Director Alice Harnes takes the stage to lead the students and searches through a cardboard box looking for instruments they can play. As she brings each one out, she explains what it is and how it should be played. She passes them around as the children raise their hands or excitedly jump up hoping to get an instrument.

After the music, Charlotte Reed of Puppet Power bring out puppets designed by the older children. Each child picks up their puppet and shows it to the other children before leading them in another song.

The puppets are dedicated with a prayer, led by the Rev. Karen Mustoe, one of the CODA directors. Each of the 12 children were allowed to select the hair color and clothing for their puppets, which are to be used in ministry roles.

While the older children are learning to use their puppets and finishing their clown designs, first- and second-graders downstairs are playing xylophones and metalophones -- and learning the differences of each instrument.

Harnes, who is also music minister at Centenary, teaches them how to count on the beat and how to properly hold the mallets.

Having a two-day schedule allows Harnes to incorporate lessons about music into the week that carry over into Sunday.

The CODA program strengthens the church, which is often seen as an older congregation because of its downtown location, she said. "It's good for people to see we have a vibrant children's program."