Dear Friends,
We're excited to learn this week about a celebration practiced by many of our neighbors - Dia de los Muertos. On Tuesday, we will build an altar, called La Ofrenda, similar to the one pictured. That will begin three days of remembrance for our loved ones. On the third day, Nov. 2, we will learn more about the custom from Padre Ben Sanchez, priest of a Latino Episcopal church in Bryan, experience an evening service in which the names of our loved ones are spoken, and end with a tamale feast. Read more below to find out how to enjoy this and many more events at Middleway through the end of the year. Join our Facebook Group
Dia de los Muertos
Here's how you can experience and learn more about Dia de los Muertos: Tuesday Oct. 31 - help create La Ofrenda at 1 p.m. Bring pictures of loved ones and items that remind you of them to put on La Ofrenda. Pray for those who died from illnesses. Wednesday Nov. 1 - pray for those who died from tragedies, including suicide. Bring pictures/items as noted above. Thursday Nov. 2 - pray for those who died from natural causes. Bring pictures/items as noted above. Also on Thursday Nov. 2 at 6 p.m., Padre 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. Please RSVP for the meal below. I'm coming for the service with Tamales!
God and Dog
The God and Dog Gathering will meet on the first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. The first will be Nov. 7. Bring your dog(s) and join in the conversations and activities aimed at understanding what it is about dogs that help us relate to God. Spread the word to let your dog-loving friends and family know, too.
Friday Meditation and Mindfulness Center yourself and find peace in the midst of your busy life. Friday Meditation and Mindfulness meets monthly during the noon hour at 12:30 p.m.
Next times are Nov. 10 and Dec. 15.
Chanting the Psalms and Contemplative Sit 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. Nov. 26, and Dec. 17. Let us know you're coming!
Drum Circle
Join us for Drum Circle on Sunday, Nov. 26 at 3 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 are provided. Click below to let us know you're coming.
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.
Spiritual directors lend a (holy) ear at Middleway The backbone of Middleway is a team of spiritual companions, well trained by various schools, whose ministry is to listen to you with a holy ear. A spiritual companion meets 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. 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. Children are welcome to come with an adult. 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. We are 100 percent volunteer operated. NEW SIGN UP URL: Go to timecounts.app/middlewayurbanmonastery/. If you need assistance, please come by the monastery or email info@middlewayurbanmonastery.org. Middleway Urban Monastery's Guide for Life