Dear Middleway Urban Monastery friends, This week focuses on love. More people listen to music at Valentine's Day than any other time except Christmas, according to David Pogue, CBS News. Love songs, or maybe loved lost songs. Either way, they speak to the complicated emotion of our hearts. So listen to your favorite this week. But then keep listening, because love makes the world go around, love is a many splendid thing, and so on. Love is what we hope to show every day, this week and all year. We hope that is music to your ears. Come be a part of our community and see. Keep reading to find what you might just love to attend. Middleway's Facebook Group
It's a wrap!
Explore various material items that have been and still are used to enhance prayer. Feb. 15, 7-8 p.m., led by Heidi Campbell. Click below to register.
“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 talks about the value of rest and shares ways to include rest in our busy lives. Feb. 25, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Click below to register. Yes, I need a rest!
Calling all pastors,
religious leaders
Professor Scott Thumma, program director at the Hartford Institute for Religious Research in Hartford, CT., will speak on "Reimagining Religious Communities: Challenges and Possibilities in a Post-Pandemic World" March 7, 10:30-Noon at the monastery, 309 N. Tabor Ave.
The event, hosted by Middleway Urban Monastery, is for pastors and religious leaders. The session is free, but registration is required in advance by email, info@middlewayurbanmonastery.org.
Thumma, a noted sociologist and author, will present his research on how religious communities have faced multiple challenges in recent decades, and which the pandemic greatly amplified. His comments draw from an ongoing national study of U.S. churches but also explore multiple opportunities for reimagining congregational life for the future.
This lecture is sponsored by the Melbern G. Glasscock Center for Humanities Research, Religious Studies at Texas A&M University, and the Tech in Churches During Covid-19 research project.
Introduction to the Enneagram
In a world full of personality assessments, the Enneagram stands apart for the ways that it not only describes our behavior (and the basis of that behavior) but for the ways it also prescribes practices which can help us live more resourcefully.
Kathy and Jim Reiter present this introductory workshop in a manner that offers the Enneagram as tool for spiritual transformation - an enriching step on the journey to resourceful, True Self living. The background of this ancient personality inventory will be explored; a narrative orientation to the nine personality types will be presented; results of an online assessment will be discussed; and a sense of next steps in the journey to True Self will be offered.
Saturday, March 25, 2023 - 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Coffee and tea provided. Bring a sack lunch for yourself
There is a $15 fee prior to the event in order to obtain your personal assessment which will provide insight about your Enneagram style. Please register by March 17 at middlewayurbanmonastery.org/register-for-events and you will receive instructions for payment and next steps.
Get ready for short-sleeve weather with a new T-Shirt
It's almost short-sleeve weather, and a new T-shirt is ready for you. And here's the deal: 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 this possible!
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. 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 7 – Reimagining Religious Communities, Prof. Scott Thumma, 10:30 a.m.-Noon.
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 March 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