Dear Middleway Urban Monastery friends, If this newsletter looks a lot like last week's, well, it is. This time a week ago as we were preparing for new options to offer in February, the weather took a turn. And that made all of us, in turn, take some time out. It was great for those who didn't lose power; not so great for those who were without for days. Middleway closed for two days, but you didn't miss anything because we'll start our special programs this week instead, and our open hours - we're pretty sure - will be back to normal. So come visit. Keep reading to find out what's up. 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. 8 and 15, 7-8 p.m. It's a wrap is for me!
“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. Yes, I need a rest!
Get yo ur style on with
a new T-Shirt
How about a new, black T-shirt? YOU get to name the price. Come by and get one for any amount you want to donate to Middleway.
Thanks to J&J Creations owners Wayne and Lenora Johnson in Somerville, Tx, for making them for us! Donate for a T-shirt
Material Prayer: Shawls and other traditional aids to prayer
This Wednesday, we begin a two-part workshop exploring how ordinary objects and religious artifacts can be used as tools to help us pray. This session, and another on Feb. 15, are 7-8 p.m. at Middleway.
On Feb. 8, we will feature 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 home. Or, you can bring your own!
Then, on Feb. 15 we will learn about different traditional prayer and meditation aids (from prayer nuts to meditation stones) and how you can use them.
Common Threads meets this Wednesday
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 Feb. 8, 1:30-2:30 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!
Feb. 8 & 15 – 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:
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 Feb. 8.
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