Dear Middleway Urban Monastery friends, We're ba-ack! Spring breaks and trips are fun but also usually exhausting. That's all the more reason to set aside some quiet time now. With this in mind, Middleway has two events upcoming. The Intro to the Enneagram class will be offered March 25. If you hurry, we can still fit you in. And on April 1, we offer our first Spirituality of Breadmaking with a workshop on hot cross buns. More information on these two events is below. We also are thrilled to offer an expansion of our open hours on Thursday evenings and the inclusion of Latino spirituality, and a new offering for Chanting once a month. Keep reading to find out how Middleway can bring you peace, comfort and hope as you explore God's love.
In a world full of personality assessments, the Enneagram stands apart for the ways that it not only describes our behavior (and the basis of that behavior) but for the ways it also prescribes practices which can help us live more resourcefully. Kathy and Jim Reiter present this introductory workshop in a manner that offers the Enneagram as tool for spiritual transformation - an enriching step on the journey to resourceful, True Self living. The background of this ancient personality inventory will be explored; a narrative orientation to the nine personality types will be presented; results of an online assessment will be discussed; and a sense of next steps in the journey to True Self will be offered. Saturday, March 25, 2023 - 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Coffee and tea provided. Bring a sack lunch for yourself There is a $15 fee prior to the event in order to obtain your personal assessment which will provide insight about your Enneagram style. You can register as late as March 23 at middlewayurbanmonastery.org/register-for-events and you will receive instructions for payment and next steps. Intro to the Enneagram
The Spirituality of Breadmaking: Hot Cross Buns Whether it's kneading the dough, waiting patiently for it to rise, or the yeasty smell, making bread can be a very spiritual exercise. We plan several experiences with bread this year, and the first is Hot Cross Buns, April 1, 9:30 a.m.-Noon. It's great for individuals, friends or families. The cost is $10 per registering unit (individual, friend teams or families) which will provide each unit with at least one dozen hot cross buns to take home. Hot cross buns are centuries-old recipe and are known to have been traditionally eaten on Good Friday perhaps since the 14th Century. So we can have enough supplies, let us know you/your group is coming by registering at the button below by March 25. Hot Cross Buns Day
Thursday evenings and Latino offerings
Middleway will now be open on Thursday evenings, 3-7 p.m., for those who cannot come during the day. The space will be available to all.
We also are pleased that Padre Ben Sanchez, an Episcopal priest with Colombian origins who studied in Mexico and Rome and who has served Latino and Anglo congregations in Louisiana, will be present on Thursday evenings.
Sanchez, who is now located in Bryan, and his family are pictured here.
Ideas for exploring Lent
Lent continues until Easter (April 9). Some of us sort of ease into observing this holy season, so now is a good time to explore any of the resources at Middleway to help you make this time more meaningful. The library has numerous books, some of which have been pulled and placed on the top shelf for easy picking. Come check one out to take with you. You also might make time for regular visits to Middleway to be prayerful, journal, use the art area, or even add some service to your journey by volunteering time at the monastery.
Chanting the Psalms and Contemplative Sit
Deepen your spirituality by chanting the psalms. Led by Amy Thomopson, this time will feature Anglican and Gregorian chants followed by a 20-minute meditative sit (or centering) on the pslams chanted. First meeting is Sunday, April 2, at 2 p.m.
Common Threads finds similar themes on where God is
It isn't everywhere that we can meet just to share with others about where God is in our lives (even if it feels at the moment like God is absent). But when we do, there's usually a serendipitous theme - a common thread - that brings about empathy through shared stories. Common Threads at Middleway is that. Some bring thread projects - crochet, knitting, stitching, mending, etc. - to do while talking and listening, but that is not required. Common Threads next meeting is April 12 at 1:30 p.m.
Spiritual directors lend a (holy) ear at Middleway
The backbone of Middleway is a team of well-trained spiritual directors whose ministry is to listen to you with a holy ear. Think of us as 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!
March 25 – Intro to the Enneagram, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., with Kathy and Jim Reiter. *Register for $15 to take the online test prior to meeting.
April 1 – The Spirituality of Breadmaking: Hot Cross Buns, 9:30-Noon. Make and take a dozen home! Led by Kathleen Phillips
April 2 – Chanting the Psalms and Contemplative Sit, led by Amy Thompson, 2 p.m.
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.
Ongoing:
Common Threads – Bring a thread art project and join in the discussion, second Wednesdays of each month at 1:30 p.m. Next gathering is April 12.
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