Our Whole Lives: Sexuality and Our Faith (OWL) for older adults is back again this fall at FCC for 15 lucky people who sign up soon! We will meet on Monday afternoons, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. in September and October at First Congregational Church.
The inaugural class last fall 2023 was very well received as informative, useful, evocative, and provocative (in the best sort of way). We explored ourselves as sexual beings and beings of faith at all stages of life, so exploration of the intersection of sexuality and faith is an interesting place! The seven sessions or workshops engage us in building awareness, meaning-making, exploration, values decision-making, risk-taking, play, passion, heartbreak, and a myriad of other experiences. The brilliance of the OWL curriculum is that it invites participants to reflect on our individual lived experiences as a basis for our values, expectations, and choices. Sharing within the group is optional and maintained confidentially. Participants last year shared their surprise at how much there was to learn, and how fun it could be to learn together.
Some fun facts to whet your appetite:
- Most older adults with partners have sex at least two or three times monthly, at least into their early 70s, a rate similar to that of people ages 18-59
- Most adults ages 57 to 85 consider sexuality an important part of life even if they do not have a partner
- Your doctor may not be the easiest place to get info because healthcare providers are reluctant to speak to patients about sexual issues, particularly when a large age difference exists between doctor and patient
- Your sexuality has biological, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects
The workshops use exercises and information designed to reduce shame, normalize age-related changes, and increase awareness of sexual choices. The program recognizes and celebrates the diversity of participants with respect to sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, and disability.
The 2024 class will meet on Mondays between September 9 and October 28 (except for September 30). Participants should prepare to attend all seven workshops. Targeted to persons age 55+, this closed group (meaning only individuals who start the class can participate) is capped at fifteem individuals to foster a sense of safety and familiarity for exploring this material. Each workshop session will be divided among brief presentations of material, reflections on the material from our own experience, and application to our emerging and future selves. Jon Vigne and Sara Qualls enjoyed the highly-engaged fall 2023 participants and anticipate with joy the next group experience. Emily Bond is taking registrations; please contact her to register your place: emily@fcucc.org / 719.635.3549.
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