Middleway Urban Monastery -- Our mission is to provide space for those seeking hope, comfort and peace as they explore ways of experiencing God’s love.
Dear Friends If you've never realized that your soul can both pound and ponder, we've got some treats in store for you this fall. Quiet your soul with our new Friday Meditation and Mindfulness monthly during the noon hour, beginning Sept. 29. Or stir up your soul with our new Drum Circle, beginning Oct. 7. You'll also find a book study, chanting, a community for dones (when you've had enough of church but want to circle yourself with a community of spiritual friends) and a self-professed nerdy group that likes to chat it up about ancient theologians (and yes, we can still learn from them). Whatever you do, may you find peace, comfort, and hope - along with pounding and pondering - this fall at Middleway.
Middleway in motion
Several videos are now available to help visualize Middleway Urban Monastery and how you might experience it.
The videos include an overall walk through the monastery as well as a separate video on each of the specialized areas (such as those in the photo). Watching these videos will give you an idea of what to expect at Middleway. Find our playlist, "Visiting the Monastery" at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2EVBvcnJDMufsGI-GBPfJY3e0EA7LLht
Please share them with others so they, too, will know what it's like to visit. All of our space is open to all and free to visit.
Also, see how the monastery was mentioned by Bishop Andy Doyle of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas videocast "Hope: A Church Alive" at https://youtu.be/HmSCiKsjvW8?feature=shared Doyle said efforts such as Middleway are a reason for hope.
Community for Dones
Are you “done” with participating in a church, but looking for a place for spiritual community and conversation? This group seeks to create space for those who would describe themselves as “done” with church, or those who no longer feel at home or accepted in church settings for a variety of reasons but still want to grow in their faith. Be part of building a supportive and safe space for spiritual conversations and contemplation with others. The group is led by Heidi Campbell, with her husband Troy Shepherd, Wednesdays, 7-8 p.m.
Book Study Begins Sept. 26
"Rising Strong as a Spiritual Practice" by Brene Brown is the choice for the fall book club, which will meet weekly. The first meeting will be Sept. 26 at 6 p.m. It will continue on Tuesday evenings through the fall. Brown writes that her research has shown without exception the concept of spirituality is a critical component for resilience and overcoming struggles. The book group will discuss chapters each week.
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. Sept. 29, Oct. 27, Nov. 10, and Dec. 15.
Grupo de Oracion
The monastery is open until 5 p.m. on Thursdays with an emphasis on prayer time in Spanish, led by Rev. Ben Sanchez. All are welcome to come and offer or seek prayers.
Pet Blessing
We are partnering with St. Andrew's Episcopal Church to offer a pet blessing on Oct. 1. Pets of all kinds are welcome. The blessing, by The Rev. Daryl Hay, will be in the church's parking lot, 217 W. 26th St., Bryan. The traditional pet blessing is offered around St. Francis Day, because the saint is remembered for being a lover of animals and nature. Middleway is considering a Dog and God group, which would include owners with their dogs at the monastery. If you are interested, let us know at info@middlewayurbanmonastery.org. We also will have a response form available at the blessing.
Drum Circle
Join us for Drum Circle on 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. Yeah, I'm in!
We have matching funds!!!
That means that if you give $10, it becomes $20, thanks to our partner donor. Point your smart phone's camera at the QR code above and it will take you directly to our page on the Brazos Valley Gives site. Help us meet our matching funds!
We are excited to be one of 165 area nonprofits in the localized campaign for charitable giving. Early Giving just began 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. Monastery's Giving Link
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.
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 www.middlewayurbanmonastery.org/spiritual-direction. Email us at info@middlewayurbanmonastery.org if you need more information. 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. You are welcome to come and enjoy the space even if another program is going on - we've got room for you! We need you! Three hours a month, week, or day. Regular or now -and-then. You pick what's convenient for you, then volunteer to hang out at the monastery to help welcome 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, but there are other tasks such as tending to the art area, cleaning and assisting with plants or the library, to name a few things. While there, you might spot other ways to use your talents to serve the monastery. We are 100 percent volunteer operated. NEW SIGN UP URL: Go to timecounts.app/middlewayurbanmonastery/. Create an account there to select the area(s) you'd like to volunteer for. If you signed up under the former URL, you will need to change your password. Choose "Forgot my Password" to establish a new one. Once signed in, you will see a picture of the blue meditation room. Click on that picture and you will get a page with Applications, Events and Shifts. Select shifts to find out what is available in the Circle you are signed up for. If you want to add more areas, select Applications to add your choices. Once you are accepted into the system, you will be able to see what times are available by clicking on the Shifts icon. 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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