Dear Friends
A playground for the soul. When you get right down to it, that's what Middleway is. If your soul feels like beating a drum, talking about a book, stitching up a yarn, dabbling with art, getting nerdy about historic theologians, hanging out with dogs, chanting, learning about another culture, meditating or just chilling out with no agenda, we're the place. Set aside some playtime for your soul this fall at Middleway. Join our Facebook Group
Rise Strong with this Book Study
"Rising Strong as a Spiritual Practice" by Brene Brown is the choice for the fall book club, which meets weekly. No worries if you didn't make the first gathering. You can catch up as you read the book. Different chapters are discussed each week. Meetings are at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays through the fall. Brown writes that her research has shown without exception the concept of spirituality is a critical component for resilinece and overcoming struggles.
Friday Meditation and Mindfulness
Center yourself and find peace in the midst of your busy life. Friday Meditation and Mindfulness will meet during the noon hour monthly at 12:30 p.m. Oct. 13, Nov. 10, and Dec. 15. Note: our previous schedule was to have Meditation and Mindfulness on Oct. 27. We moved that one to Oct.13. However, if you've already planned Oct. 27, come. We're always glad to meditate with you.
God and Dog
We're always looking for ways to be inclusive, so creating a time when people can bring their beloved dogs to the monastery is a natural. Several people have expressed interest in a God and Dog Gathering. We haven't decided on the best day and time or the frequency of it yet. So you can help decide. An email will go out soon to ask for input. If you haven't already indicated your interest, drop an email to info@middlewayurbanmonastery.org and we'll make sure you get the email. Spread the word to let your dog-loving friends and family know, too. We also will have a response form available at the monastery if you'd like to let us know in person..
Drum Circle
Join us for Drum Circle on Saturday, Oct. 7 at 2 p.m., led by Amy Thompson. Drumming is a way to connect with the rhythm of life and find balance, wholeness and connection. No musical experience is necessary. Drums will be provided. Click below to let us know you're coming.
Common Threads
It isn't everywhere that we can meet just to share with others about where God is in our lives (even if it feels at the moment like God is absent). But when we do, there's usually a serendipitous theme - a common thread - that brings about empathy through shared stories. Common Threads at Middleway is a monthly group for people to share life's stories. Some bring thread projects - crochet, knitting, stitching, mending, etc. - to do while talking and listening, but that is not required. Common Threads next meeting is Wednesday, Oct. 11 at 1:30 p.m.
We have matching funds!!! We are excited to be one of 165 area nonprofits in the localized campaign for charitable giving. Early Giving has started and will culminate with a communitywide day of giving Oct. 17. No matter where you are, no matter how much you have to give, it will go straight to our monastery. You can click on www.brazosvalleygives.org/middlewayurbanmonastery to see all of our information. On that link, you'll find ways to get involved as a volunteer, and a list of upcoming programs. We DO need you.
And, we have matching funds. That means that if you give $10, it becomes $20, thanks to our partner donor. And seriously $10 per person would be fabulous! Point your smart phone's camera at the QR code and it will take you directly to our page on the Brazos Valley Gives site.
Help us meet our matching funds!
Chanting the Psalms and Contemplative Sit
Dates for the monthly Chant and meditation are set for the fall. 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 upcoming fall gatherings will be 2-3 p.m. Oct. 29, Nov. 26, and Dec. 17. Let us know you're coming! I'm coming to chant
Theology Nerds
Take a deep dive into early church theologians starting with "Glory to Glory" featuring writings of Gregory of Nyssa. This is a great group for those who want to learn about and discuss people who've written on the nature of God through the centuries. Snacks provided, 3 p.m. Sundays on Oct. 29, Nov. 26, Dec. 17.
Dia de los muertos
Wondering what's the deal with painted skulls you're seeing in Halloween decor? Maybe you've heard Dia de los Muertos mentioned and maybe you even know that means day of the dead in Spanish. But why? Learn about this holiday during a weeklong recognition of Dia de los Muertos. We'll honor deceased loved ones all week. Then on Thursday Nov. 2 at 6 p.m., Padra Ben Sanchez from the Latino Episcopal Church in Bryan will teach the meaning of the celebration. He'll lead a service to remember loved ones at 6:30 p.m followed by a tamale feast. Stay tuned for more details.
Grupo de Oracion The monastery is open until 5 p.m. on Thursdays with an emphasis on prayer time in Spanish, 3-5 p.m. Thursday afternoons are led by Rev. Ben Sanchez. All are welcome to come and offer or seek prayers. Sanchez is an Episcopal priest.