Waving their arms in the air and jumping from side to side weren't part of any exercise routine for the dozens of children gathered last week in the Family Life Center at Centenary United Methodist Church.

These children, part of "Kids Across Cape," were singing praises to God during a rehearsal for their upcoming musical performance at 7 p.m. Friday at the Arena Building.

The concert is free and includes a preshow performance by EC7 radical dance ministry formed by students at Southeast Missouri State University.

The combined choirs encompass about 85 children from four area churches -- Centenary, La Croix, Fruitland Community and New Bethel Missionary Baptist. Ages range from 5 to 17.

Selections for the concert range from hip hop to hymns, and all are "fun Christian music," said Shari Stroup, who heads the Helping Hand outreach ministry at La Croix.

Eight-year-old Brendan Newbern and his mother, Brenda, have been practicing the songs for the performance as they drive to school or run errands around town.

Brenda puts a CD of the recorded songs in the player and everyone can learn the music, she said. "It was the easiest way."

Teaching the music has been easy because the children all like the energy it brings to rehearsals, said Ruth Juhlin, who's been directing the choir.

"We come from all walks of life, and music unifies us. What we're doing is coming together from all across town for one cause," she said.

Stroup, an event organizer, said the choir rehearsals have helped build unity because the children represent different schools, neighborhoods and churches. The rehearsals have been reminders of Jesus commandment to love the Lord with all your heart, soul and mind and your neighbor as yourself, she said.

"We've learned to rejoice in our differences and love what makes us so different and what makes us so much the same," Stroup said.

ljohnston@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 126