Dear Friends, Sometimes first-time visitors tour the monastery - our library with 1,600 books on spirituality, a fully stocked art area free to use, several cozy sitting areas, a centering prayer room, the icon room, and the serve-yourself refreshment table with beverages and snacks. They hear about spiritual companionship, the many programs we offer to aid one's soul, and how the monastery is open to all. All. And several times lately, visitors hearing this ask "Are y'all Christians?"
It's hard to know what is behind that question. But no matter, yes, we are Christians. We are Christians, and we welcome everyone. We pray with everyone. We extend hospitality to everyone. We're OK with questions and thoughts from everyone. We don't judge. We sincerely want to co-exist peacefully with everyone. Mainly, we hope everyone will know we are Christians by our love. So come. You may find it hard to believe that such a place of peace, comfort and hope exists in your community. But that's ok. We'd like to prove it. Read more below to find out how to enjoy Middleway.
Holiday Closings We're taking leave Nov. 19-27 to allow our dedicated volunteers time away from the monastery. When we reopen on Tuesday Nov. 28, plenty of soulful programs are planned through Dec. 23 in addition our regular hours. Stay tuned!
Spirituality of Breadmaking: Holiday Breakfast Bread Our third in the Spirituality of Breadmaking series this year is all about crafting a delicious delight for holiday mornings. Gather on Saturday Dec. 2, 9 :30-Noon to share ingredients, utensils and good conversation, with a soulful exercise in the mix, led by Kathleen Phillips. You'll leave with a batch ready to bake at home. Let us know you're coming so we have supplies ready. 
Interfaith Prayer Gathering Join us as we remember God in Unity. Dec. 2, 1 p.m.
God and Dog Tuesday is the day. Get your favorite pup and come to the God and Dog Gathering, Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. The group meets monthly on the first Tuesday, led by Kathleen Phillips. Together with our dog(s), we talk and engage in 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.
Common Threads Common Threads 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. The next meeting is Wednesday, Dec. 13 at 1:30 p.m.
Friday Meditation and Mindfulness Center yourself and find peace in the midst of your busy life. Friday Meditation and Mindfulness, led by Becky Burks, meets monthly during the noon hour at 12:30 p.m. Next time is Friday, 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 next gathering is Sunday Dec. 17, 2-3 p.m. Let us know you're coming!
Jingle Mingle Calling all volunteers, friends, supporters, those who've attend a program or ever walked inside, and those who want to be any of the above. Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2 p.m. In other words, everyone is invited to come mingle amongst good people, seasonal music, wassail, and nibbles. It is our thank you for everyone who has made another year possible at Middleway!
Drum Circle Join us for Drum Circle on Sunday, Dec. 23 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 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 help welcome others into this peaceful place. We are 100 percent volunteer operated, and you are definitely needed. To sign up, please come by the monastery or email info@middlewayurbanmonastery.org. Middleway Urban Monastery's Guide for Life
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