At the South Dakota Cluster meeting in Pierre with Counselor Birkland, he suggested that we begin using the old standby -- FELT BOARDS. He had one there and told us how effective it has been with all ages. Especially during home visits and firesides.

So for the 3 Pre-Youth books that we studied over the Memorial weekend, here in Bloomfield Hills, MI, one of our activities was preparing A DRY ERASE/FELT BOARD for each collaborator. We went to Home Depot (or any large lumber yard) and had them cut a 4 x 8 foot board into 10 PIECES 19" X 24", for $10.00 . Using either clear double face tape or spray adhesive(best used out doors! on newspapers), we carefully placed the felt (takes at least two people working together )on the back of the dry erase board. Art and craft stores have the narrow metal frame kits with which to finish them. Wal-Mart, Michael's, and sewing stores all have felt. Felt comes by the yard. You will also need 9 x 12" sheets, with or without sticky back; and stiff 12 x 18" sheets. Table top and floor easels can be found at office supply stores.

So what do you put on a felt board?? Counselor Birkland had the Ruhi Pyramid, the Expanding Circle of Interest, and the pool of Baha'is.

Here Are a few that I have come up with-----I'm sure you can think of many more!!

1. " I am, O my God, but a tiny seed, which Thou hast sewn in the soil of Thy love..." This is very simple. Start with a strip of dark felt, brown or "earth" color; this is the dividing line between the Physical realm and the Spiritual realm. Add the "seed" which could be a face or circle, on the strip. Place the "roots" -our physical body, below the seed. Now finish with a branched tree above the seed, add little bits of colors in flower or fruit shapes for the virtues and good qualities we have developed.

2. "The Nightingale of Paradise singing upon the twigs of the Tree of Eternity." This bird should have wonderful plumage. The Tree is used by Baha'u'llah so many times that there are endless possibilities in the quotations in the Ruhi books.

3. The Iroquois Great Law of Peace. This uses the Sacred White Pine as a background to explain Degonawida's Teachings. And it can be used also to help explain the Laws for this age. The Tree itself stands for the Law; the branches are the shelter under which the people are safe and secure. The four White roots of peace spread out in the Four Directions from underneath to include all people; and the weapons of destruction are thrown underneath and swept away. The Eagle at the top of the Tree is on guard against anything that would bring about disunity or war. The Great Law of Peace is the basis for the US Constitution and Bill of Rights; and from them, the United Nations Constitution and Bill of Rights.(See: The Iroquois Book of Life: White Roots of Peace, by Paul Wallace, Amazon.com has it used for $3.90+-)

4. The Scales of Justice. This has a separate cross piece and 2 hanging "Dishes". Make up opposites--women>men; good> bad; light > dark; 2 Ears and 2 Eyes> 1 Mouth; hatred> Unity and Love; etc

5. The Administrative Order: A white Shrine of Bahiyyih Khanum-- the steps represent the Local Spiritual Assemblies around the world; the columns represent the National Spiritual Assemblies and the dome stands for the Universal House of Justice.

6. Central Figures/institutions: The Bab and Baha'u'llah- maybe a picture of Their Room? Picture of `Abdu'l-Baha and Shoghi Effendi, typed names and stations of all four.. Place contact paper or laminate pictures for protection and use Tacky glue or rubber cement to stick to the felt, or sticky back felt. Picture of the Houses of Worship; World Center etc. Pictures of the lives of the Bab and Baha'u'llah from Ruhi Book 4.

7. The Stairsteps of the Manifestations: Each Manifestation added in chronological order.
The Messengers to the Americas; the Messengers to Africa and Asia. Ending with Baha'u'llah, but with room for more at the top.

8. Black Elk's Vision of the Twin Holy Beings carrying the DayBreak Star. I made 2 9 pointed stars and between them placed the Daybreak Star with 8 Points. These Holy Beings gave him the Daybreak Star Herb and told him that where ever he scattered the seeds of the Daybreak Star, there would be peace and harmony. The Daybreak Star Herb has a Red Petal, a White Petal, a Black Petal and a Yellow Petal...for the Four Directions and Four colors of people.