SUNDAY SCHOOL CARDS AND CHURCH FANS

At age one and a half I made my first appearance in church. How do I know? The Sunday School Card that I received at church that day. My mother dated it and noted that it was my first appearance at church.

Made of light cardboard, the Sunday School cards were a staple at our church through the primary years. They brought to life Bible characters and stories and served to reinforce what we were hearing.

Made of heavier cardboard and also picturing a Bible scene complete with scripture reference was the hand held church fans. Often times these were supplied by an area funeral home. They served an additional purpose, advertising not counted. You didn't get a new one every week, but people who didn't like to fan with their Sunday School cards or bulletins (I think we had those back then, though the plaque on the wall in the sanctuary indicated offering amount from last week, attendance for worship service and Sunday School, the attendance the prior week, and even number of visitors were displayed. You know, I still like that plaque or board, so I guess I must be really old fashioned.) brought theirs every week necessary. They kinda looked stuffy to me (pun), but I was just a kid, and I didn't mind sweating in public back then.

I actually miss the cards. I guess I'm pretty visual. I used to always buy scorecards at baseball games, too. Just give me some cardboard for validation. To say, "I was there." "See?"