Dear Middleway Urban Monastery friends, An arbor. A vine. Plenty of space to crawl up one side and down the other. Can it be difficult to follow? Look closely. While most of the vines are wrapping themselves around the supporting metal scrolls of the arbor, a lot of new growth tendrils are stretching straight up rather than follow the pattern of the established vines. In a more formal garden, the haphazard vines might be forced to follow the shape of the arbor, or even snipped off if they were not growing in a like way with existing branches. Maybe that describes where you are spiritually. You want to stretch out in a new season of growth and experience news ways of exploring God in deeper ways. Your may be connected to a group but needing to try something different. We can journey along with you and listen to your thoughts and ideas as you go. The outstretched vines may eventually decide the arbor offers a good place to latch on to. Or they might tire of reaching and decide to relax with the others. Maybe they'll stand straight up their entire life. Any of that will be fine. For now, they are allowed to stretch and find their comfort zone. Keep reading to see how you might stretch your faith journey at Middleway. Middleway's Facebook Group
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.
New book study begins April 11
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. starting April 11 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.
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!
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 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