OWL: A Space to Ask Questions, Grow & Connect
Back-to-school season brings a lot of information, so we’ll keep this one simple: St. Paul’s UCC is offering OWL (Our Whole Lives) this year for youth in grades 7–9!
OWL is an interactive, age-appropriate human sexuality curriculum that gives young people a safe and supportive place to learn, ask questions, and have honest conversations about growing up. Together, we’ll explore topics including relationships, puberty and sexual health, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, consent, communication, social media, and the ways culture shapes our understanding of sexuality.
But OWL is about more than information. It’s about helping young people build the skills, confidence, and respect they need to navigate relationships and the world around them. Our goal is to create a space where every young person feels welcome, respected, and comfortable being curious.
The class will be led by two trained St. Paul’s facilitators, Luke Pacha and Karin Egge, who are excited to spend this time with our youth. Parents are welcome to reach out to either of them with questions.
📅 OWL at a Glance
Sundays • 12:00–1:30 p.m. • After Worship
September 20: Parent Meeting
October 11: OWL Kickoff — What Is Sexuality?
October 25: Anatomy, Physiology & Puberty
November 8: Gender, Sexual Orientation & Ability
November 22: Guest Panel
December 6: Relationship Skills
December 20: Sexuality, Social Media & the Internet
January 10: Responsible Sexual Behavior
January 24: STIs, Pregnancy & Parenting
February 7: Flex Week
February 28: Communicating About Sexuality
March 14: Celebration & Consent Ice Cream Sundaes! 🍦
Youth Group will also meet on the opposite Sundays from 4:30–6:00 p.m., giving our 7th–9th graders plenty of opportunities to connect, have fun, and grow together.
💛 Ready to Join Us?
We ask that youth and families make OWL a commitment by attending a majority of the sessions. St. Paul’s invests significant time and resources in making this program possible, and consistent participation helps create the trusting community that makes OWL so meaningful.
Feel free to share the registration form with other families who may be interested—OWL is open to more than just our current St. Paul’s families!
And don’t forget: our annual Children & Youth Registration Form must be completed each year for all children and youth participating in Youth Group, Sunday School, or Nursery.
We’re excited to create a space where our young people can learn, laugh, ask the hard questions, and grow together. We hope your 7th–9th grader will join us!
Questions? Luke Pacha and Karin Egge are happy to help.
Note: Confirmation will take place next fall instead of OWL. We hope to continue this rotation in the years ahead!