First Church Phoenix UCC fellowship hall
Sunday, January 26, 2025 at noon
The discomfort with the sexual body within Christendom is rarely openly and honestly addressed in ways that could lead to personal insight and possible healing. Led by an experienced clergy facilitator this workshop will identify common problematic body issues that have their basis in shame and harmful theology such as aging, gender roles, and diversity, self-esteem and body image, and trauma. In an environment of acceptance, non-judgment, and grace, and, with not a little laughter, participants will be guided through a variety of reflective exercises that juxtapose these commonly experienced concerns with theologically grounded and healing correctives. This workshop leans heavily into the imagination - both with the imaginative scenarios of the participants and the imaginative and intuitive abilities of the group.
The objectives of the workshop are to help participants
o To identify the commonality of body discomfort in the wider church and culture
o We are not alone
o To recognize the social structures that promote individual body discomfort and injustice
o The personal is also political
o To name a healing statement to use as a healing affirmation post-workshop
o Sacred healing is available to me
o To identify at least one individual body concern to address post-workshop
o What can I continue to do to heal?
While this is not considered therapy and cannot address deeper body concerns, the individual experiences in a safe group setting are conducive for receiving both personal affirmation and experiences of grace. Participation in the exercises is voluntary and observation is considered full participation.
This workshop uses the text, Who Told You That You Were Naked? Meditations on the Sexual Body by Beverly Dale (Pilgrim Press 2024)
Whether you’re a lifelong church member, new to First Church and curious about our community, someone navigating a journey of faith deconstruction, or a member of another UCC congregation in the area, this workshop offers a brave space to explore, reflect, and grow. Lunch will be provided, so come with an open mind, a hearty appetite, and a friend as we reclaim the joy and wholeness of living as beloved, embodied children of God.
Rev. Bev’s book, Who Told You That You Were Naked, will be on sale at the church starting in early January for $25 or is available via Amazon or Pilgrim Press.
Rev. Dr. Beverly Dale is a published writer, vocalist, performer, and ordained minister. Her ministry has taken her from being a pastor in a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) parish in Illinois for 6 years to 21 years of campus ministry at the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn). As a provider of spiritual care at UPenn, her presence at rallies with sexual minority communities, people of color, and women survivors of sexual assault informs her understanding of the intersections that are at the heart of all work for body justice.
Her ministry has a particular and unique focus: (1) to help people of faith heal from the sexual wounding that occurs when they are taught to separate the spirit from the body and also (2) to provide tools for those who are developing a Christian theology that affirms the body and pleasure as God-given. One of the many projects she has undertaken is founding the Incarnation Institute for Sex & Faith, an educational non-profit that teaches an inclusive, science-friendly, and sex-positive Christianity.
Rev. Bev lives in Philadelphia with her partner and in her spare time enjoys flower gardening and expanding her culinary skills as well as plotting to shift the culture and the church away from the toxicity of body objectification and sexual repression to a more pleasure-centered, women-friendly, joy-filled world.