Dear Middleway Urban Monastery friends, While our wonderful spiritual directors always come up with a variety of programs on different days and at different times in hopes of providing a choice for people, we know there are larger issues looming. Beyond our programs, Middleway offers a peaceful space for you to walk into to pray, think, and set yourself apart from busy-ness for as little or long as you need. Most likely the situation in our world at this time, and concern for the people of Ukraine, is weighing heavy. Step into Middleway to offer your prayers. We are open this week Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Middleway's Facebook Group
Common Threads to share personal parables
Those times when you witness a simple event in life and see a connection to a moral or a spiritual lesson can be powerful. Parables didn't stop with the stories in the Bible. We all can experience personal parables, if we take time to observe our surroundings and events.
At Common Threads Group Spiritual Direction gathering this week, we'll share some of the parables we've observed in our lives. The gathering is at 2 p.m. Wednesday.
Common Threads welcomes you to bring a thread project to work on while we talk, but it isn't necessary. The main idea is to share each other's spiritual journey through story and active listening.
Lenten offerings continue
Daily, weekly, online and in-person programs are available through Easter, which is April 17.
"Take 5 at 2 for prayer" will be on the Facebook group page at 2 p.m. daily under the guidance of Heidi Campbell. "We encourage you to join us in contemplating radical change and hope in your Lenten journey," Campbell said.
"Lent: A Musical Journey to the Cross" is the topic for Amy Thompson. This offering also will be on the Facebook group page. Amy will lead attendees with the album "Lent by Liturgical Folk." Her audio divina - meaning one listens to music prayerfully and meditatively - changes on Sunday each week through April 10 plus on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday before Easter, which is April17.
An interfaith, in-person option is offered on Wednesdays at Middleway anytime from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. A new topic each week from "The Greatest Invitation: Your Handbook for Hope," by Rev. David Ottsen, will give individuals a question to ponder in the peacefual atmosphere at the monastery. It is a self-guided exercise for those who are "utterly exhausted, completely worn out, depairing under the weight of burdens, or immobilized and find it impossible to move without adding to your burdens." Kathleen Phillips will oversee this offering.
Children's, adult programs offered on Thursday evenings Centering prayer is offered monthly on first and third Thursdays beginning at 5:30 p.m. Adults are encouraged to join in the 30-minute quiet prayer time led by Rich Nelson. At the same time, children's program leader Aneya Elbert will engage children in activities and conversation about their spirituality using a variety of fun tools and topics. The next date for both activities is Thursday, March 17. Book club's hybrid gathering set for March 22 "Braving the Thin Places: Celtic Wisdom to Create a Space for Grace" by Julianne Stanz is our March book. Our discussion will be Tuesday, March 22 at 10:30 a.m. Our gatherings are hybrid, meaning we will have Zoom for those unable to be in person while others will gather in a room here at the monastery, 309 N. Tabor Ave., Bryan. Together we discuss our book of the month. The link for Zoom attendance: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86289918385?pwd=SjcwUW5NMlZnWUtlNFFYd01waVZzUT09 Journaling and group spiritual direction Journaling as a way to tell one's story -- and sharing that walk in community with others -- is the aim for this group spiritual direction meeting. Monthly gatherings normally are the fourth Saturday of each month, guided by Amy Thompson. But this month's meeting is Sunday, March 27 at 10:30 a.m. All are welcome. We need you at Middleway Many of you dear souls are asking what you can do to help Middleway, and we so appreciate that since we are 100 percent volunteer! We especially need receptionists and hospitality volunteers. It's as simple as being present to welcome others into this peaceful place. While there, you'll be able to enjoy the hope, peace and comfort as well. You can 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. Other ways to experience Middleway Urban Monastery Join our Facebook group page. Come to our website and explore the offerings, including links to our Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube accounts. Ask others to subscribe to this newsletter by going to https://www.middlewayurbanmonastery.org/contact. Middleway Urban Monastery's Guide for Life