This book is the high school participant’s guide to use during each session of the These Are Our Bodies program. It is filled with prayers, scripture, and reflection questions designed to help the participant see the connection between their sexuality and their faith. With lots of space for journaling, a glossary of important terms and words are included, as well as appropriate websites for further learning or help.
This book is the high school participant’s guide to use during each session of the These Are Our Bodies program. It is filled with prayers, scripture, and reflection questions designed to help the participant see the connection between their sexuality and their faith. With lots of space for journaling, a glossary of important terms and words are included, as well as appropriate websites for further learning or help.
These Are Our Bodies, High School Participant Book: Talking Faith & Sexuality at Church & Home (High School Participant Book)
88
These Are Our Bodies, High School Participant Book: Talking Faith & Sexuality at Church & Home (High School Participant Book)
88Paperback
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Overview
This book is the high school participant’s guide to use during each session of the These Are Our Bodies program. It is filled with prayers, scripture, and reflection questions designed to help the participant see the connection between their sexuality and their faith. With lots of space for journaling, a glossary of important terms and words are included, as well as appropriate websites for further learning or help.
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781606743331 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Church Publishing, Incorporated |
| Publication date: | 06/01/2017 |
| Series: | These Are Our Bodies |
| Pages: | 88 |
| Product dimensions: | 5.50(w) x 8.25(h) x (d) |
About the Author
Caren Miles is the Associate for Discipleship Ministries in the Diocese of California, previously having served in congregations in the Diocese of Dallas, New York, and California with children and youth. She ran the Children's Program at General Convention in 2012 and 2015. She has a BA in Political Science from the University of North Texas and over 15 years of life lessons learned in ministry helping children and youth find their identities as beloved children of God. She lives in Alameda, California.
Read an Excerpt
These Are Our Bodies for High School Participant Book
Talking Faith & Sexuality at Church & Home
By Samantha Haycock, Caren Miles
Church Publishing Incorporated
Copyright © 2017 Samantha Haycock and Caren MilesAll rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-60674-333-1
CHAPTER 1
SESSION 1: Our INTRODUCTION
You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.
— John 15:16–17
WORSHIP
Almighty God, the fountain of all wisdom: Enlighten by your Holy Spirit those who teach and those who learn, that, rejoicing in the knowledge of your truth, they may worship you and serve you from generation to generation; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
WORK
In this session you and your parents, guardians, or caregivers will be introduced to These Are Our Bodies. You will get an overview of the program. Also, you will have the opportunity to ask questions about what will be covered in subsequent sessions. As part of this session you will learn the regular rhythm of future sessions so you know what to expect. During the first session you will begin to consider how sexuality and spirituality intersect.
WORD
Read Luke 19:45–48. (CEB)
How This Is Related to Sexuality
Everywhere you look you can find "the church" talking about sex. There are so many mixed messages, many of them filled with shame and negativity, that it seems odd we would talk about sexuality in church in a positive way. In this passage from Luke, Jesus was upset with the state of things. In a similar way, we might be upset about the way we have heard sexuality talked about by the church, our schools, parents, peers, or the media. In this program we won't be yelling and flipping tables, but we can work to remove some of the more harmful narratives about sexuality. In doing so, we can bring our whole selves to God. We can only approach our sexuality in a prayerful way when we openly and honestly talk about sexuality in church.
Other Bible References
Here are some other pieces of Scripture that might help you think about the importance of the intersection of spirituality and sexuality in a new way:
• Luke 2:41–52 — The Boy Jesus in the Temple (your parents discussed this Scripture during the session)
• 1 Timothy 4:11–16 — A Good Minister of Jesus Christ
• Ephesians 4:1–16 — Unity in the Body of Christ
WONDER
Note: These questions won't be discussed in the large group, rather these are for your own personal reflection at a later time. You can write in this book, use the questions as prompts for your own journaling, or discuss them with your family over dinner.
Before you came to this class what did you think about the relationship between sexuality and spirituality?
The opening activity was called "An Interactive Museum." As everyone added their thoughts and ideas to the pages on the wall, you were given a glimpse into their thoughts, hopes, beliefs, and biases. How did it help you see the variety and diversity of the people and ideas in the room?
Can you take that understanding of others' perspectives out into the world with you? How?
You had an opportunity to listen to other people tell you what they think God has to do with sexuality. Were there any opinions that reinforced your perspective? That made you change your mind or altered your view?
The Bible passage you read told about a time when Jesus overturned tables in the temple in order to make room for people who wanted to worship and pray. Is there something in your life you need Jesus's help throwing away in order for you to be closer to God? Maybe there's something you need Jesus to bring to you instead.
If you had to explain this whole lesson to someone in one sentence, what would it be?
Questions to Ask Yourself
These are questions you might want to ask yourself now or you might want to save for later. Either way, they will help you to deepen your understanding and commitments. They might also help you address real-life situations as they arise.
• Are these concepts things you feel comfortable talking to your parents about?
• How will you respond when your parents ask you about sexuality and spirituality?
WORSHIP
Leader: The Lord be with you.
Participants: And also with you.
Leader: Let us pray.
From Psalm 139
O LORD, you have searched me and known me.
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from far away.
You search out my path and my lying down,
and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue,
O LORD, you know it completely.
You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is so high that I cannot attain it.
A Reading from Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God — what is good and acceptable and perfect.
A period of silence may follow.
Prayers may be offered for ourselves and others.
The Lord's Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy Name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those
who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
The Collect
O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
CHAPTER 2SESSION 2 OUR LANGUAGE
Desire without knowledge is not good, and one who moves too hurriedly misses the way.
— Proverbs 19:2
WELCOME
Read the Collect for Education found on page 11 of this book.
WORK
In this second lesson, you will learn some vocabulary about sexuality. But first we want to know what kind of words you use or know already. We will work on building a common vocabulary so that we are all on the same page and can fully comprehend what each other is saying. We hope by naming some of these things, both the clinical terminology and the slang, we will ease some of your anxiety and relieve some of the stigma of talking openly about sexuality.
WORD
Read Ephesians 4:25–32. (NRSV)
How This Is Related to Sexuality
When we were younger we would say, "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me." How much do we wish that were still true today? Words said in anger or with malice can cause wounds much worse than a broken bone. In this reading, Paul isn't telling us we can never get angry, but he is reminding us that we can express all of our emotions in ways that build up instead of tear down.
In a similar way, vocabulary around sexuality can be shocking for some people, especially out of context. That's why words related to sex make such powerful insults. If we are to "be kind to one another," we can work to use words correctly and gently correct those around us to do the same. We are also able to know each other more fully when we are specific and particular in our language use.
Other Bible References
Here are some other pieces of Scripture that might help you think about the importance of the way we use language in a new way:
• Matthew 18:15–20 — Reproving Another Who Sins
• John 1:1–5 — The Word Became Flesh
WONDER
What words or phrases come to mind when you think about sexuality?
During the activity we brainstormed lots of words and phrases. Were there any that surprised you? Any that you hadn't heard before?
Are there any words or phrases we used that need more explanation? That you are still unclear about what they mean or refer to?
Language is a powerful thing. When choosing which words to use as a group, were there any big disagreements? Which words were the most contentious? How did you come to a consensus?
How can choosing your words carefully when talking about sexuality help bring spirituality into the conversation?
Questions to Ask Yourself
These are questions you might want to ask yourself now or you might want to save for later. Either way, they will help you to deepen your understanding and commitments. They might also help you address real-life situations as they arise.
• What words do I use to describe my own body? My sexuality?
• What words do I use to describe others' bodies? Others' sexuality?
• What words or phrases cause me discomfort? Why?
• What words or phrases regarding sexuality offend me?
• How will I tell someone that their language bothers me?
• How will I tell someone how I want to be spoken about?
WORSHIP
Refer to page 15 for concluding prayers with this Scripture reading:
A Reading from Proverbs 19:2
CHAPTER 3SESSION 3 OUR VALUE SYSTEM
Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
— Philippians 4:8
WELCOME
Read the Collect for Education found on page 11.
WORK
In Session 3 you will talk about where your values come from and who or what teaches them to you. We receive messages about what is right and wrong or good and bad from many sources in our lives. In this session you will work to claim your own values by thinking critically about what you actually believe to be good or bad, right or wrong. When your values are well defined, it makes making decisions about your sexuality much clearer and easier.
WORD
Read Romans 7:14–25. (NRSV)
How This Is Related to Sexuality
Temptation is everywhere. David fell prey to it. Jesus wrestled with it. And here, Paul struggles with it. We are taught by our parents and youth ministers and teachers the choices God wants us to make. Society also tries to influence our decisions and values. How do we discern for ourselves what is right? How do you trust your gut? How do you know what God wants for you? Is it possible to live a holy life, in communion with God, and also be a sexual being? How can you use your sexuality, your whole self, in a way that glorifies who God made you to be?
Other Bible References
Here are some other pieces of Scripture that might help you think about personal and cultural values in a new way:
• 2 Samuel 11–12:15 — David and Bathsheba and Nathan
• Matthew 4:1–11 — Jesus in the Wilderness
• Colossians 3:1–17 — The New Life of Christ
WONDER
During the first activity, as you thought about what the different influences in your life say about some of the issues surrounding sex and sexuality, were there any answers that surprised you? How did they surprise you? Were your surprises based on assumptions you had made or misinformation you had been given?
When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways. (1 Corinthians 13:11)
In what ways do you feel yourself putting away childish ways? How has your reasoning changed in the last year or so?
Do you ever feel like adults don't treat you in age-appropriate ways? How can you show the adults in your life your mature decision-making skills?
When you know something is wrong and do it anyway, or you know something is right but fail to do it, how does it affect your self-esteem?
What are some of your personal values regarding sexuality? (Remember, they may change throughout your life.)
What would it take for you to do a better job of matching your actions to your values?
Do you think it's even possible for someone to make the right decision all of the time? Why?
Questions to Ask Yourself
These are questions you might want to ask yourself now or you might want to save for later. Either way, they will help you to deepen your understanding and commitments. They might also help you address real-life situations as they arise.
• How will I take what other people say and incorporate or discern how their messages hold up to my own value system?
• What will I do to make things right when I make a bad decision?
• How can I refrain from forcing my own value system onto other people?
• How can I be a good role model for others?
WORSHIP
Refer to page 15 for concluding prayers with this Scripture reading:
A Reading from Philippians 4:8
CHAPTER 4SESSION 4 OUR IDENTITY
For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes beheld my unformed substance. In your book were written all the days that were formed for me, when none of them as yet existed.
— Psalm 139:13–16
WELCOME
Read the Collect for Education found on page 11.
WORK
In Session 4 we will explore the multiplicity and complexity of our identities as sexual beings. You will be asked to think about your own identity and orientation. This may be something you have thought about before or it may be new territory. We will take some time to talk about what we present on the outside compared to who we actually are on the inside and how we can align these realities. Remember, your identity might shift and change throughout your life and that is perfectly normal.
WORD
Read 1 Corinthians 12:12–27. (NRSV)
How This Is Related to Sexuality
There are at least two ways to hear this reading. One is to take the almost literal description of your own body. How do all the parts of you — physical, mental and spiritual — play a part in making up your whole self? Remembering that we are interconnected, as one part of you changes or grows, the other parts are affected. Each part is of equal import and created specially by God. Remember that God loves your whole self even when you don't.
A second way to look at this passage is as if the church is the body and we are all parts within it. We are all connected in the body of Christ. So, even though at times it may feel like that one annoying person you know has to be the appendix (utterly useless until it tries to kill you), they, too, are worthy of honor and dignity. God is honored when we lift up the lowly. When we allow everyone to claim the dignity that God has given them, they are better able to live into who God called them to be.
Other Bible References
Here are some other pieces of Scripture that might help you think about identity and orientation in a new way:
• Genesis 25:19 — Jacob and Esau
• Genesis 37 — Joseph's coat and his brothers' hate
• Matthew 17:1–13 — The Transfiguration
WONDER
In the activity, we talked about lots of different spectrums: gender, gender expression, sex, sexual attraction, romantic attraction. Have you considered how all of these things relate to you before this session?
Were there any ways of describing sexuality that you had never heard of before?
How would you describe yourself in relation to each ...?
• Gender
• Gender expression
• Sex
• Sexual attraction
• Romantic attraction
How do you want to be known by others?
What does it feel like when someone assumes things about you from the outside?
What does it feel like when someone really knows you as your authentic self?
What do you do in your life to try to know others more fully?
Questions to Ask Yourself
These are questions you might want to ask yourself now or you might want to save for later. Either way, they will help you to deepen your understanding and commitments. They might also help you address real-life situations as they arise.
• If you need to "come out" about an aspect of your identity to your friends and family, how will you decide how and when to do so?
• Who in your support system loves you unconditionally? How can you nurture these relationships?
• What role models do you have who share your identity and orientation?
• What will you do if a friend "comes out" to you?
• How will you work toward living an authentic and integrated life?
WORSHIP
Refer to page 15 for concluding prayers with this Scripture reading:
A Reading from Psalm 139:13–16
(Continues...)
Excerpted from These Are Our Bodies for High School Participant Book by Samantha Haycock, Caren Miles. Copyright © 2017 Samantha Haycock and Caren Miles. Excerpted by permission of Church Publishing Incorporated.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Table of Contents
IntroductionSESSION 1: Our Introduction
SESSION 2: Our Language
SESSION 3: Our Value System
SESSION 4: Our Identity
SESSION 5: Our Self Image
SESSION 6: Our Relationship
SESSION 7: Our Health
SESSION 8: Our Dignity
SESSION 9: Our Theology
Resources
Glossary