Dear Middleway Urban Monastery friends, A new year is here, at least as far as the calendar is concerned. The turning of the page not only to a new month but a new year can carry a mixture of emotions. Some celebrate. Some are saddened. Some anticipate events in the months ahead. Some dread both known and unknown challenges ahead. Some decide to free up commitments and others begin filling up the slots in a new planner. Many make resolutions aimed at doing something better than in yesteryear. Whatever your approach to Jan. 1, 2023 is, we hope you resolve to fill in a part of your calendar with visits to Middleway. Come for some personal time or for one of our programs. Then make visits to Middleway a regular part of your 2023. Check out many of our upcoming plans are below.
January's featured events: Women's Christmas on Jan. 6
and Spirituality of Gaming on Jan. 14.
An Irish tradition comes to Middleway Jan. 6 The 12th day of Christmas is known as the Feast of Epiphany but also as Nollaig na mBan (Gaelic), or "Women’s Christmas." It is meant to reward women for the efforts they’ve made for others' Advent and Christmas seasons. Middleway Urban Monastery will host a casual Women's Christmas party Jan. 6, 2-4 p.m. This is a casual time to gather, relax, and conclude the holiday season with laughter and merriment, led by Kathy Reiter. Common Threads discussion group Jan. 11 Discussions in this group center around sharing where God has been obvious in one's life each month - or where we realized the need for God. We find lots of common threads in tales from our lives. Some also bring actual threads of various sorts to work on projects such as knitting, crochet, embroidery or crewel. The next meeting is Jan. 11, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Gaming can be a spiritual outlet They're known to improve hand–eye coordination, problem-solving skills, and the mind's ability to process information, but video games can also have a spiritual side. Come play with us Saturday, Jan. 14, 10 a.m.-Noon at a free workshop led by Amy Thompson and Heidi Campbell. Registration is required at https://www.middlewayurbanmonastery.org/register-for-events 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 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. What's up? 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!
Jan. 6 – Women’s Christmas, Jan. 6, 2-4 p.m., with Kathy Reiter.
Jan. 14 – The Spirituality of Gaming, 10:30 a.m.-Noon, with Amy Brunt Thompson and Heidi Campbell.
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