Scrapbooking Ministry

[DeepSigh]

Hey, fellow scrappers!

I have just been asked to do a "Spiritual Scrapbook" ministry for a local group home that ministers to women who have just gotten out of jail and have nowhere to go. This is an awesome ministry (the home) that only takes those women who are committed to trying to turn their lives around, and it is heavily infused with Bible teaching.

So I'm wondering if any of you have ever done any kind of ministry similar to this? Even if you just did a "spiritual scrapbook" ministry. I mean, what I would do for my own spiritual scrapbook would be vastly different from what I would do for these women. They're all at different points in their "walks" -- some of them are fresh out of jail and don't even have a "walk" yet, some are about ready to graduate the program and have really made a turnaround with Jesus as their savior.

My idea is to keep it pretty simple -- maybe 8-1/2 x 11, with spaces for photos if they want to include them, or if they don't they could maybe stamp an appropriate image there. The majority of each page I want to be taken up with journaling. I may let them use brads, ribbon, etc., if they want to.

I'll have about three hours a week with them, and I'm worried that I won't be able to fill up the whole three hours. I want to do just one "theme" per week. Maybe the Fruit of the Spirit and what that means to them. Or I have a list of other ideas for pages:
I Believe
Prayers and Meditations
People Who Inspire Me
Blessings
Verses That Strengthen Me
Lessons I'm Learning

Something like that.

What do y'all think? Any advice? Any comments?

I could DEFINITELY use prayer for this. I want so badly for this to be something meaningful for these ladies, something they can look back to when things aren't going the way they want them to. I'm the kind of person who's always afraid of failure, so prayer would be appreciated! I'll be starting the first Tuesday in September.

 

[scraparcs]

Did you pose this question just recently on Two Peas? (I just read the same idea there yesterday, I think.)

Anyway, let me ponder it - suffice it to say scrapping my faith probably wasn't a great idea for me, but it can be for others.

 

[scraparcs]

Oops, wrong one! Here's a similar query on another board: http://twopeasinabucket.kaboose.com/mb.asp?cmd=display&thread_id=2326201

Praying for ya...and with these lives they have lived, are they ready for such deep and bright themes? What about ideas like "Thanking God for My Survival" or "Keeping Life Turned Around" or such? I just wonder how much they'll identify with stuff like blessings or people who inspire them. I suspect they haven't had much of either.

 

[DeepSigh]

No, that wasn't me on Two Peas ... interesting that there are others with similar queries!

I hadn't thought of that, but you're right ... "bright" or really deep topics might be a bit much. Hmmm. Of course, I should probably ask their director what she thinks of when I say "spiritual scrapbook". That might give me some clues!

I just ordered a whole sheet of rubber stamps with really awesome scriptures on them. Most of them are about God strengthening us, etc. There are a few others I want to order, as well, that have the same theme. I'm trying to think of a way to incorporate those into the scrapbooks. (Have to justify the purchase, y'know? lol)

So I do appreciate the prayers. And any ideas -- keep 'em coming!

 

[scraparcs]

Ideas? Sales and coupons

 

[DeepSigh]

lol -- most definitely! I do have a ton of stuff that I don't use much that I can donate, and I have a few friends who are willing to chip in with some of their stuff, too. And an offer of financial help, as well. I just really want to be a good steward of all of it, so, yes, coupons and sales are right up there!

I did e-mail the director with a few questions about what she has in mind today, but she doesn't check her e-mail often, so I don't know when I'll hear back. I think with this kind of thing it's easier to "discuss" it via e-mail, but if I don't hear from here by next week I'll have to call. She's just so busy, I hope I can get some good "discuss-time" with her!

 

[WannaBeReal]

Wow I would love to learn how to scrap book is it easy as it seems like a lot of fun. I would love to do something like scrap booking as my job is very stressful and need something to keep my mind busy. Is there somewhere on the net where you can learn how to scrapbook or show peoples scrapbooks to get ideas from them etc. Looking forward to a reply

 

[scraparcs]

Tons, WBR - what are you looking to do with scrapbooking? Any ideas where you want to start?

 

[WannaBeReal]

I was thinking maybe a photo album would be a good item to start. I would love to be able to make some albums for Birthday gifts etc.

 

[warriorofprayer]

One time you could spend time making cards with them...

Spiritual cards for Birthdays, Thank you etc...

It is always nice to have cards (especially handmade ones) to give to people.

This will give them a sense of accomplishment and be able to spread their joy to others.

 

[scraparcs]

I was thinking maybe a photo album would be a good item to start. I would love to be able to make some albums for Birthday gifts etc.

Cool! Got any themes or ideas in mind?

One time you could spend time making cards with them...

Spiritual cards for Birthdays, Thank you etc...

It is always nice to have cards (especially handmade ones) to give to people.

This will give them a sense of accomplishment and be able to spread their joy to others.

Oooh, making cards is great too! I need to start on my card stash soon!