How to Create a Memory Book for Church
Church memory books are scrapbooks created to hold memories of a specific church. They are usually created by a church member or as a collective effort of the churches members. They offer a journey back into the shared histories, fun times and important events of the church and congregation. They are also an excellent tool for a church to show new members or interested visitors what the church stands for and what is important to that specific church.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- 3-ring binder Individual scrapbook pages Individual plastic sheath pages (optional) Notebook paper or printer paper Cutouts Photos Glue Pens
Instructions
-
-
1
Create a list of questions for all of the church members about their memories and experiences attending the church. Include questions about when they joined, any favorite church activities and happy memories. Other questions might be about times when the church helped during a rough time, a favorite sermon or memories of other members. Invite them to share anything about the church that they would like in addition to the questions. The more questions that you include, the more material you will be able to choose from for the memory book.
-
2
Print the questions and stories out and give each member a copy. Include the deadline for answering the questions at the top of the page. Gather the questionnaires once they have been completed. If the photos are to be returned, make copies of them for the memory book.
-
-
3
Purchase an empty three-ring binder at any office supply or department store. Also purchase some empty scrapbook pages and plastic sheaths, photo pages and blank paper. These and any other scrapbook supplies can be found at craft and hobby shops. The plastic sheaths are like the pages of a photo album and can protect the memory book's contents.
-
4
Read all the answered questions and memories. Try to find some themes commonly mentioned, such as a church activity that everyone loved or a special sermon. Maybe there is a person mentioned over and over who is cherished by other members of the church. Once you have some common themes based on the members' answers, you can start on your pages.
-
5
Gather your supplies together. Start on your first section or page. Many church memory books start with a small history of the church. For example, you could do a page with a picture of the church, some memories of the churches beginnings from lifelong members or a mention of anything important in the history of the church. Other sections might include a traditional yearly activity like Bible school or church fundraisers. The contents can be handwritten in or you can type the information and print it out.
-
6
Continue creating subsequent pages. Decorate as you go with stickers, words and cutout shapes if desired. Do not put too much on each page or it will look cluttered. Have a focal point on the page, such as a photo, and add a few things to accentuate it.
-
7
Make the church memory book more personal if you wish by adding the actual questionnaires in addition to the themed pages you have created. In this section, each page of answered questions can be slipped inside the plastic sheath pages. If you use this method, every church member will have a section with their memories in their own words.
-
8
Decorate the memory book cover is desired with a church photo, name address or other details. Assemble all of the finished pages together and place in the three-ring binder in the order preferred.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Double check each page for accuracy, for example that you have the correct pictures with the correct names. Add a few blank pages at the end in case anybody wants to add anything. The plastic sheath pages can also be sold and known by the name laminated sheets
Do not use the original photos people give you. Keep any pictures organized by family name and ask each family to sign the back of their photos. That way you be sure to give back the originals to the rightful owners after making copies. Use glue sparingly to avoid ruining the page.
Resources
- Photo Credit http://www.flickr.com
