Dear Middleway Urban Monastery friends, In the plant world, those that show up where no one intentionally planted them are called volunteers. Their seed has somehow been dispersed, blown, dropped or otherwise arrived at just the right place and time to grow. Often unseen until they are vivid or large - like these yellow wildflowers - the volunteer plants don't demand special treatment. They simply live from being where they are and taking in what nature provides. Same for Middleway. We function 100 percent by people who volunteer their time, talents and treasures. Simply, purely, quietly, happily. As volunteers, we grow in many different ways, and the monastery grows, too. There's a place for you to volunteer at Middleway. Just let us know you'd like to volunteer and we'll welcome you! In the meantime, keep reading to check out what's coming up. Middleway's Facebook Group
The Spirituality of Breadmaking: Hot Cross Buns Rise to the occasion! Whether it's kneading the dough, waiting patiently for it to rise, or the yeasty smell, making bread can be a very spiritual exercise. We plan several experiences with bread this year, and the first is Hot Cross Buns, April 1, 9:30 a.m.-Noon. It's great for individuals, friends or families. The cost is $10 per registering unit (individual, friend teams or families) which will provide each unit with at least one dozen hot cross buns to take home. Hot cross buns are centuries-old recipe and are known to have been traditionally eaten on Good Friday perhaps since the 14th Century. We're getting full, but could add if you let us know by March 28, so click right now to register. Hot Cross Bun Retreat
Chanting the Psalms and Contemplative Sit
Deepen your spirituality by chanting the psalms. Led by Amy Thomopson, this time will feature Anglican and Gregorian chants followed by a 20-minute meditative sit (or centering) on the pslams chanted. First meeting is Sunday, April 2, at 2 p.m. I'm Coming to Chant!
Thursday evenings and Latino offerings
Middleway will now be open on Thursdays until 7 p.m., for those who cannot come during the day. The space will be available to all.
We also are pleased that Padre Ben Sanchez, an Episcopal priest with Colombian origins who studied in Mexico and Rome and who has served Latino and Anglo congregations in Louisiana, will be present on Thursdays, 3-7 p.m. to serve hispanic, Spanish-speaking people in the areas of spiritual growth.
Common Threads finds similar themes on where God is
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 that. 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 April 12 at 1:30 p.m.
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!
April 1 – The Spirituality of Breadmaking: Hot Cross Buns, 9:30-Noon. Make and take a dozen home! Led by Kathleen Phillips
April 2 – Chanting the Psalms and Contemplative Sit, led by Amy Thompson, 2 p.m.
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.
Aug. 5 – Spirituality of Breadmaking: Buns for the grill - 9:30 a.m.-Noon, with Kathleen Phillips.
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 April 12.
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 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. 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