Dear Middleway Urban Monastery friends,
Sometimes we get stuck in a routine. Whether it's a good routine or a not-so-good routine, life can start to look the same all the time. We think "same ol' same ol'" as if there are no other options. A soul can feel rather dull and gray.
Middleway provides options to explore as you seek to release the vibrant colors of your soul in new and fresh ways.
Our space offers various ways to pray, that is, ways to communicate with God who loves your "same ol'" as well as the person you are developing to be. Come find out for yourself.
March workshop: In the beginning...
"In the Beginning: Joining Creativity with the Divine," is the theme for our March 5 workshop.
Whether or not the first five words of the Bible resonate: "In the beginning God created ..." just knowing that creativity is honored and central to each of our being can be a connection to the Divine, the Greater Power.
Creativity is at our fingertips, though many insist they are not creative. That's because creativity often gets suppressed at an early age.
.
In this workshop, led by Kathleen Phillips, attendees will journey through their own spirituality and creativity through hands-on activities. The workshop is suitable for adults as well as school-aged children. Participants will make a hand-held labyrinth and a couple of other activities.
All supplies will be provided. The cost is $10 per person. Reservations are required and may be made by emailing info@middlewayurbanmonstery.org. Payment can be made at the door.
Book club's hybrid gathering set for Feb. 22
After months of reading non-fiction books on spirituality, the book club is taking a turn to fiction for Febraury. Our selection is "The Alchemist," by Paulo Coelho. It's about a journey that begins in search of material goods but turns into a meditation on treasures found within. Our discussion of this book will be Tuesday, Feb. 22 at 10:30 a.m. We will use questions found at https://www.coloradovirtuallibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/Alchemist-Discussion-Questions-Branded.pdf
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 are the fourth Saturday of each month, guided by Amy Thompson. The next meeting is Saturday, Feb. 26 at 10:30 a.m. All are welcome.
We need you at Middleway
Many of you good souls are asking what you can do to help Middleway and we so appreciate that!
The biggest need is your presence. 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.
We also will have some needs for supplies from time to time and we will begin to put them here. Right now, we would accept rolls of toilet paper and paper towels. We also could use someone willing to bring jugs of water for our automatic dispenser from time to time. Contact us at info@middlewayurbanmonastery.org to get details.
You also can offer your talents in administration, reception, hospitality, plants/greenery, library, arts, technology/information, worship, cleaning, and growth/sustainability. Each of these areas are called Circles of Stewards, which are groups of people within the community who share similar interests and want to help make Middleway as special, sacred space for all. If you're not sure which area you'd enjoy most, just pick general interest, and we'll let you know what volunteer opportunities are open.
You can sign up at https://timecounts.org/middlewaymonastery/. Simply fill in the form and make your choices for February. Then when opportunities become available in the Circle(s) of your choice, you will be notified and can decide if you are able to participate at particular times.
These opportunities are more than volunteering -- they are community forming. Being at Middleway will be less of the typical "doing" associated with most volunteer activities and more of the "being," that is, being present to welcome visitors and enjoy the surroundings yourself! With this in mind, our volunteers are in community with the Middleway Urban Monastery's Guide for Life:
Conversion of Life “Conversatio”: Living our life as if it were a conversation with God, in a commitment to personal spiritual disciplines.
Humility: Living our life in perspective, in a commitment to assess and honor one’s own gifts and those of others.
Hospitality: Living our life in service of others, in a commitment to welcome guests in love and a spirit of prayer.
Prayer: Practicing a spiritual discipline that includes daily prayer.
Ecumenism: Honoring all expressions of Christian faith and respecting in Jesus’ name all persons of other religions and faiths.
Other ways to experience Middleway Urban Monastery Ready to dig a little deeper spiritually? Join our Facebook group page. Doing so will let you receive notices about events as well comment and see what others in the Middleway community are saying. Come to our website and explore the offerings, including links to our Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube accounts, if you like those formats and want to follow. Pass the word. Ask your frieds to subscribe to this newsletter by going to https://www.middlewayurbanmonastery.org/contact Enter the email address at the Subscribe button on the lower right.