FLANNELGRAPH

FLANNELGRAPH

Flannelgraph: a word sure to bring wistful looks to the eyes of some and blank stares to the eyes of many others. If you were ever in a Sunday School class taught by one of the “Masters of the Flannelgraph,” you haven't forgotten it. Long before dvds, even long before video tapes had been dreamed of, Sunday School teachers were using cut out flannel figures and a black flannel background to illustrate scenes from the Bible. Perhaps it was the black background. Perhaps it was the wonder of the Biblical stories. Perhaps it was the bright colors used on the figures. Perhaps it was just the imagination of a young boy, but those scenes still play across my mind at times.

As the teacher told the story, she or he, but mostly she, placed figures on the flannel. She ususally began with a light blue strip across the top to represent the sky, sometimes with white puffy clouds. Many times a light brown or tan strip was placed across the bottom to show the ground, accompanied by small patches of grass, bushes, and trees. While setting the scene, the teacher would begin the story, keeping us wondering what would come next. As cast members entered the story, they were placed on the background. The conversations of these Biblical characters seemed real, and their movements across the scene, while not appearing lifelike, did make sense.

A real “Flannelgraph Master” could change scenes, completely removing the figures and background while retaining the attention of the class. The story of Joseph, from the coat of many colors, through imprisonment, to the second in command of Egypt kept the “Flannelgraph Master” busy and the class enthralled. For the entire class time. I still remember the vividness of the colors of Joseph's coat. I still remember the concern I felt when Joseph was sold and imprisoned. I still remember Joseph's faithfulness to the truth and to his God, and I still remember God's faithfulness to Joseph. AND, those memories still help me be patient today when I feel God isn't doing what I think He should be doing when I think He should be doing it.

The birth of Jesus, Daniel in the Lion's Den, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Noah's Ark, David and Goliath are all stories brought to life by one of my favorite “Flannelgraph Masters,” my mother. She transported us years and miles away to the times and lands of the Bible.

Somehow the “Flannelgraph Master” kept our vision focused on the message from God's Word. The flannel figures enhanced the message rather than detracting from it. Perhaps today's video technicians could learn some lessons from the “Flannelgraph Masters.”

Flannelgraph lives on! I just checked on line and found many sources for flannelgraph supplies. If you are interested, check out www.dotstots.com, www.thefeltsource.com, www.mychristianvalue.com. and even www.amazon.com. I just hope there are still some “Flannelgraph Masters” to tell the stories.