Dear Middleway Urban Monastery friends, Rest is more than sleep. It's been shown to improve mental health, increase concentration and memory, nurture a healthier immune system, reduce stress, improve your mood and even lead to a better metabolism. Even our devices, if they could talk, might ask for a snooze on a pillow. Every day is restful at Middleway, but this month we'll focus on ways to get rest in our busy lives, and we'll also demonstrate some ways to wrap ourselves around stress-reducing prayer. Leave your burdens behind for a bit and come inside to refresh your soul. Keep reading to find out how. Middleway's Facebook Group
It's a wrap!
Explore various material items that have been and still are used to enhance prayer. Keep reading to find out more.
Feb. 1 and 8, 7-8 p.m. Yes! I need to rest
“Give It a Rest!! Pondering Sabbath in a 24/7 World” Put this on your calendar and then come and set your calendar aside as Becky Burks shares ways to include rest in our busy lives. Feb. 25. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. You need this!
It's short-sleeve weather and you need a new T-Shirt
What to wear in the "winter" around here is always an issue. Like now. It's too hot to dress in heavy clothes.
So how about a black, short-sleeved T-shirt? YOU get to name the price. Come by and get one for any amount you want to donate to Middlway.
Thanks to J&J Creations owners Wayne and Lenora Johnson in Somerville, Tx, for making them available. Donate for a T-shirt
Book club returns with "Life of Pi"
Our monthly book club returns on Jan. 24 with a discussion of "The Life of Pi," by Yann Martel. The group meets at 10:30 a.m. in person and also offers a Zoom link for those who want to join virtually.
Here's how to attend from afar:
Zoom book club
Meeting ID: 835 9335 0838
Passcode: 838813
Thanks for the support
After last week's list of needs was published, several spoke up to offer to bring items. Thanks so much! There are still some needs unspoken for, so if you are interested, email info@middlewayurbanmonastery.org
BCS Area Spiritual Directors meeting Jan. 25
Anyone who is attending or has graduated from a school for spiritual direction is encouraged to attend monthly meetings of the Bryan-College Station Area Spiritual Directors. Each month a topic is brought by a member who moderates the group discussion. The next meeting is Jan. 25 at Noon.
Material Prayer: Shawls and other traditional aids to prayer
In this two-part workshop, we will explore how ordinary objects and religious artifacts can be used as tools to help us pray. Both sessions are onWednesday evenings, 7-8 p.m. at Middleway.
On Feb. 1, we will discuss the history of prayer shawls and how they can be used in different ways to inspire prayer. Different types of prayer shawls will be available for use and for you to take away, or bring your own!
Then, on Feb. 8 we will learn about different traditional prayer and meditation aids (from prayer nuts to meditation stones) and how you can use them.
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. 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!
Feb. 1 & 8 – Material Prayer: learn to use prayer shawls and other traditional aids in prayer, 7-8 p.m., with Heidi Campbell
Feb. 25 – “Give It a Rest!! - Pondering Sabbath in a 24/7 World,” 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., with Becky Burks.
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! With Kathleen Phillips
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:
Journaling One’s Story – Learn to write about your life to bring deeper spiritual meaning. Monthly on fourth Saturdays, 10:30 a.m.-Noon.
Book Club – A different book is discussed each month on the fourth Tuesday at 10:30 a.m.
Common Threads – Bring a thread art project and join in the discussion, second Wednesdays of each month at 1:30 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 Middleway is 100 percent volunteer operated. 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. 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