News (December 2, 2008)

(An occasional E-Newsletter of current thoughts and programming of the Sexuality Ministry of the Christian Association at the University of Pennsylvania.)

Sexuality Ministry Spreads to Chicago

Ms Ellie and the Little Girl in “Uncle John and Me” visited a class of seminarians at Chicago Theological Seminary on Election Day to tell their sexual stories. After each presentation, Rev Dale led a discussion with the soon-to-be pastors about the various sexual and theological issues of each piece such as how congregations can protect children from abuse, how our theology of obedience can be detrimental for children, how the image of God dictates how we hear and interpret God’s messages to us, sexual orientation, and sexual self-confidence. The class, taught by Professor Scott Haldeman, is called “Ritualizing LGBT lives.” The members and their guests were enthusiastic about the importance of this work and suggested it be expanded to include LGBT youth at camps and other seminaries.

Virtual Sexuality Ministry Begins

Rev Bev Reviews is Launched

After much planning and various prototypes screened by CA staff and students, the first online review of current movies was launched on YouTube. “I wanted very much to begin with one of the more popular movies of the younger generation called “Superbad.” It is not only a delightful movie but it served as a wonderful way to discuss the way alcohol use and abuse gets into sexual decision-making,” says Dale. This review can be seen at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKtTUVNRwtY. In the meantime, watch for more movie reviews reflecting a clergy’s response to and critique of the sexual content and the intimacy lessons in current film.

Podcasts Take a Sexy Turn

Though podcasts are not new we have just released the first in a ten week series called the “Hot Tub Series.” In these "Hot Bod" podcasts Rev Dale specifically addresses the intersection of the physical and the spiritual in life-affirming and positive ways. The first topics include: Jesus in the Bedroom, Why the hot tub? When I dislike my Body, When I Experience Body Guilt. We average 1400 ‘hits’ a month on the podcasts. It will be interesting to watch these numbers once the new sexuality podcasts catch on. They are available on our website, from iTunes, and by RSS feed.

Sex on Tap: Drinking Socially and Responsibly

Sixty people attended our second beer tasting which was hosted at the CA House for the over-21 student crowd. The event evaluations show that we are succeeding in creating an atmosphere where students can socialize while drinking responsibly. All of those evaluated reported that they had an enjoyable time and are all planning to return for our future tastings. One student wrote, “Thank you for a great time last night. The CA House was open and inviting.”

Passion Works Begins Fundraising

“We are starting our first annual appeal, even though I feel like we just got started with this work,” Dale remarked. “We know there are people who are excited about the idea of a Christian movement that is clergy led and that is both sex affirming as well as sensitive to the nuances of sexual decision-making.” Our first mailing which summarizes this work is being sent this week. If you do not receive it, that means we do not have your address. If you want to keep current with this work (and have something to give to someone whom you think might be interested), just let us know.

The Naked Truth

Rev. Dr. Beverly has written two articles recently, part of a series entitled The Naked Truth. Use the links below to read them............

The Naked Truth|Tell Me Again, Why Should We Get Married?

The Naked Truth|Superbad: Imagining Sexuality without Machismo

Local Pastors and Resource People Give Advice

At the conclusion of the one-woman show in late October, audience members were invited to give names of groups and pastors or other interested community people who might benefit from hosting the performance or seeing various monologues. Our staff is now finding contact information and following up on those suggestions as a way to begin to strategize about getting this word out. WE are always open to ideas if you want to help out here.

Donate on line: The Christian Association is a separate 501(c)3. As such we do not receive any funding from the University. We rely on the support of people like you who understand the importance of countering the sexual repression in our culture with a liberating message. To support this ministry, please make a donation .

To unsubscribe from the PassionWorks News, send an email to passionworks-unsubscribe (at) upennca (dot) org

For assistance, please contact upennca@dolphin.upenn.edu