Dear friends, School supplies are stacked in the aisles of many retail stores, and there even have been sightings of Halloween and Thanksgiving displays. While it is almost a hopeful reminder that soon the oppressive heat wave will turn to fall, it's also a sign that calendars will once again be jammed. Even if you live alone or are in a household with no one in any level of school, academic calendars and associated activities impact everyone. All the more reason to enjoy one last ... cookout, picnic, bit of recreation? Look no further. Read below to enjoy one last piece of summer at Middleway.
Spirituality of breadmaking:
Buns for the Grill
What could be better than a home-grilled burger this summer? A home-grilled burger on a homemade bun. It's downright spiritual. Join us on Aug. 5, 10 a.m.-Noon to experience the discipline of kneading the dough, waiting patiently for it to rise, the yeasty smell - and what that might have to do with God in your life. It's great for individuals, friends or families. Hot dogs - on homemade buns, of course - will be served at the conclusion of this event, so be sure to register in advance. 
Creativity with The Creator
This summer we're providing simple creative projects you can d0 at your own pace. It's a rather meditative exercise to sit in the art area while soft music plays and you unleash your creative side.
Instructions are provided for each self-paced craft. There are no rules for each project's outcome. You be you.
This week we feature Prayer Beads. Touching each bead can help you focus by avoiding distractions that seem to come to mind the minute you begin to pray. It's an ancient practice.
The art zone, like all of the monastery, is judgment free, and our projects work for school-aged children through adults.
Here's what you can create with us the rest of this this summer:
July 18-21 - Prayer beads
July 25-28 - Greeting cards to share
Aug. 1-5 - Painting bread (and yes, it's edible)
Deeper Wisdom of the Enneagram:
Centers of Intelligence and Stances
We're looking forward to seeing all who've registered for this workshop on the three Centers of Intelligence as well as the three Stances of the Enneagram. It will be July 22, 9 a.m.-Noon, led by Kathy Reiter
Chanting the Psalms and Contemplative Sit
Our group of chanters is growing, and we'd love to have you as well. Deepen your spirituality by chanting the psalms. Led by Amy Thompson, this features Anglican and Gregorian chants using Psalms, followed by a 20-minute meditative sit (or centering). The next gathering is July 30 at 2 p.m. Let us know you're coming!  I'm coming to chant
Become a Spiritual Director
A few days remain if you want to apply to learn the art of holy listening is Christian spirituality. This may lead to you becoming a spiritual director or one who leads spiritual formation in a variety of contexts. FIND is accepting applications for the Class of 2026. The school, hosted by Middleway Urban Monastery in Bryan, TX, holds classes on one Saturday a month, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., September-June, for clergy and lay people. We are diverse and ecumenical without educational or age limits. Click the button for more information.
Spiritual directors lend a (holy) ear at Middleway
The backbone of Middleway is a team of spiritual directors, well trained by various schools, whose ministry is to listen to you with a holy ear. We are 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
We hope you'll find at least one special event to attend between now and August. Mark your calendars!
July 22 – The Enneagram for Growth, going beyond the basics to explore your spirituality, 9 a.m.-Noon, with Kathy Reiter.
July 30 – Chanting and meditative sit, 2 p.m., with Amy Brunt Thompson.
Aug. 5 – Spirituality of Breadmaking: Buns for the grill - 9:30 a.m.-Noon, with Kathleen Phillips.
Ongoing:
Weekly Creativity with The Creator in the art area, through Aug. 5
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 evenings, Saturdays or Sundays 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! Come volunteer as one who welcomes others into this peaceful place. While there, you'll be able to enjoy the hope, peace and comfort as well. We especially need volunteer hosts and receptionists who'd love to greet people and help them get familiar with the monastery. 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
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