Dear Middleway Urban Monastery friends, Your schedule is packed, and you've ordered your to-do list so that you can cross off as many as possible for the day. Then you get a message from someone you haven't seen in a while asking you to join them for a fun event. It's sudden and spontaneous, which also might rattle you. Mixed thoughts argue in your mind. Go? Stay and finish the to-do list? The someone who invited you hopes you will accept. They want to spend time with you. You want to accept, but there are all those things you had planned to get done. Look at that to-do list again. What happens if those things aren't done today or get put off to another time in the coming days? Probably nothing. So go. Spend time with that person who wants your company. We would like the same for you. Our invitation is for you to set aside the to-do list for just a bit and enjoy an atmosphere of hope, comfort and peace that awaits at Middleway. The to-do list will still be there when you go home or back to work, but you will be more refreshed and ready. Check out some of the possibilities below. Middleway's Facebook Group
Book study continues on Tuesdays
If "Do I Stay Christian?" is the question you're asking―or if it's a question that someone you love is asking ― join us Tuesday evenings at 6 p.m. for a book study series.
"Do I Stay Christian?" publicly addresses the powerful question that a surprising number of people―including pastors, priests, and other religious leaders―are asking in private. Author Brian McLaren combines his own experience with that of thousands of people who have confided in him over the years to help readers make a responsible, honest, ethical decision about their religious identity.
NOW OPEN
THURSDAY EVENINGS
Middleway is now open on Thursdays until 7 p.m. Stop by to unwind after work.
Padre Ben Sanchez, an Episcopal priest, is hosting Thursday evenings. He will lead group prayer for Spanish speakers 6-7 p.m. each Thursday.
Become a Spiritual Director
FIND – School for Spiritual Direction and Formation is accepting applications for the Class of 2026 until June 30. The school, hosted by Middleway Urban Monastery in Bryan, TX, holds monthly Saturday classes for clergy and lay people 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. We are diverse and ecumenical without educational or age limits. Click the button for more information. FIND - School for Spiritual Direction
Spiritual directors lend a (holy) ear at Middleway
The backbone of Middleway is a team of spiritual directors, well trained by various schools, whose ministry is to listen to you with a holy ear. We are spiritual companions who are willing to meet with you monthly in a non-judging atmosphere as you discern where God is in your life. We don't try to "fix" you with our solutions. Being listened to -- truly listened to -- is powerfully healing. You and your spiritual director normally meet monthly for an hour. Some directors charge varying amounts, and others do not charge. Our current spiritual directors are listed at https://www.middlewayurbanmonastery.org/spiritual-direction. Email us at info@middlewayurbanmonastery.org if you need more information.
Planning ahead: note these on your calendar
Our Spring schedule is out, and we hope you'll find at least one special event to attend between now and July. Mark your calendars!
June 3 – Finding the Spiritual with Poetry and Nature, 10 a.m.-1 p.m, with Sandy Soghikian.
July 22 – The Enneagram for Growth, going beyond the basics to explore your spirituality, 9 a.m.-Noon, with Kathy and Jim Reiter.
Aug. 5 – Spirituality of Breadmaking: Buns for the grill - 9:30 a.m.-Noon, with Kathleen Phillips.
Ongoing:
Common Threads – Bring a thread art project (or not) and join in the discussion, second Wednesdays of each month at 1:30 p.m. Next gathering is May 10.
Book study - Tuesday evenings, 6 p.m.
How to experience the monastery While we offer a variety of programs you can attend, the monastery is also open at least four days a week and some Saturdays for you to just come for a dose of the relaxing atmosphere where no one will bug you. Read, retreat from the hectic pace of your world, use the free art supplies, or partake of any of our prayer techniques that are gently explained in materials throughout the monastery. Children are welcome to come with an adult and may find the art area or special children's spirituality area a way to peace away from electronic distractions. We need you at Middleway Come be one who welcomes others into this peaceful place. While there, you'll be able to enjoy the hope, peace and comfort as well. Middleway is 100 percent volunteer operated. Sign up at https://timecounts.org/middlewaymonastery/. After you've selected the areas you want to volunteer in, you'll be able to click the Opportunities tab, then Assignments, then Available Shifts. If you need assistance, please come by the monastery or email info@middlewayurbanmonastery.org. Middleway Urban Monastery's Guide for Life