Dear Middleway Urban Monastery friends, "Life is a journey." That oft-used analogy could make us think of a dream vacation, but more than likely it is a trip where some luggage is lost, a flight is cancelled or you get sick while travelling and can't enjoy what you planned. How you work around the snags and still find ways to appreciate what you see along the way is what matters. Same with life. Sometimes that requires us to be creative. Not creative, you say? Actually, we all are creative, it's usually just been snuffed out along life's journey. At Middleway, we offer a variety of ways to explore God's love. Creativity is a big part of that. Keep reading to find out what areas you might want to check out. Then come and let us offer hospitality. Middleway's Facebook Group
March workshop: In the beginning...
"In the Beginning: Joining Creativity with the Divine," is the theme for our March 5 workshop.
The first five words of the Bible are well known: "In the beginning God created ..." and it's been said that our "highest communion with the Divine can be found right at our fingertips, in the simplest expressions of human creativity." While many people claim not to be creative, experts say creativity often gets suppressed at an early age. Everyone, they say, is creative.
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In this workshop, led by Kathleen Phillips, attendees will explore the connection with 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 like the one picture above as well as a couple of other activities aimed at understanding their life journey.
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.
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
We need you at Middleway
Come be a part of the Middleway community! 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.
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.