A Seminar on Human Sexuality for Fifth- & Sixth-Graders

 Fifth- and sixth-graders are growing physically, mentally, and socially at a rapid pace, and many are full of questions and emotions about human sexuality.  You and your child are invited to participate in a special upcoming event, "Created by God," a seminar with a Christian foundation for fifth- and sixth-graders and their parents, that talks about human sexuality.    

Created by God offers you and your child an opportunity to learn, grow, and celebrate the fact that we have each been wonderfully created by God, and are called to responsible living as sexual beings. It acknowledges parents as important role models who serve as their children’s primary sex educators and strives to support them as they talk with their children about this aspect of their lives.  The seminar is intended to assist parents and churches in communicating a word of grace and peace to young people who are moving into a fast-paced and sometimes confusing period of growth, and serves as an antidote to messages promoted by the media on the topic of sexuality. 

We are fortunate to have our Senior Pastor, Lynn Barton, leading this seminar. Having taught this program throughout the Southwest Texas Conference for several years, Pastor Lynn combines this experience with a natural ability to cover the subject matter in an age-appropriate and Christian manner, using games, his guitar, and gentle humor to make everyone comfortable and ready to learn in a non-coercive atmosphere. Books help continue the discussion at home.

The seminar materials have a biblical foundation that affirms human sexuality as a gift of God, a gift that we are to express responsibly.  The seminar addresses many of the questions that older elementary girls and boys have about their physical development and growing awareness of sexuality.  The seminar also addressses social issues that fifth and sixth graders will be facing---social stereotypes, peer pressure, the influence of the media, and the consequences of irresponsible sexual behavior---and affirms the importance of learning to make sound decisions.  The facts are presented with honesty, compassion, and affirmation.

Participation in the seminar will provide basic biological and developmental information, build self-esteem in the students, strengthen communication skills among older elementary girls and boys and between them and their parents, and introduce participants to the fact that their sexuality is an integral part of being human.  Students will also focus on the real meaning of intimacy – a special closeness or friendship that grows as people get to know and learn to accept one another

Thursday night, February 3, 2011

6 p.m.      Pre-seminar mentor training

The fee for the event is $25 per child (scholarships available), covering the cost of books, meals, snacks, and supplies. To participate, please complete the enclosed form and return it, with the registration fee, no later than Monday, January 31, 2011. 

The seminar utilizes a highly interactive approach to learning that is a lot of fun for everyone involved.   Last year, we had an entire boys' sports team participate!

While this seminar will prove to be fun for your son or daughter, don't expect him or her to be wildly excited when you first approach them about participating. Resistance to a sensitive topic like sexuality is to be expected, but don’t let their initial hesitancy be the final word.  We believe that you will agree that the commitment of time will be well worth it in improved understanding and communication.  If you have questions, please call Hilary Martin, Event Coordinator, at 327-1335 x 24.

 We hope you and your family will be part of this fun and educational event as we experience anew what it means to be created by God!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR "CREATED BY GOD"