Sandpaper comes in sheets, 8 ½ x11. Choose a medium grit paper and cut each piece in half. Cut manila file folders in half along the fold line. Then into strips 2x11. A strip is used to make a handle/sleeve, of sorts, for each ½ piece of sandpaper. On the back of the sandpaper piece, in the middle, take a strip, fold over the end – enough to have a piece to glue to the back of the paper. Do the same on the other end. Check to make sure it will slide over the front cover of the hymn book. Make another for the back cover. Do this for all the hymn books in the church.
It is worth the effort!
Imagine, during the Season of Lent, holding a hymn book covered in sandpaper. The focus of Lent is repentance and the readings talk about sand, desert, and journey. Imagine participating in confession, singing “When in Dust,” or on Ash Wednesday hearing the words “You are dust and to dust you will return;” all while touching grit. The experience is tangible and the words/story ever more real. The scratchiness of being human and our relationship with others come into focus. The experience leads to serious conversations about sin and moving towards the suffering of the cross.
Leave the sandpaper covers on the hymnbooks from Ash Wednesday through Good Friday.