Dear Middleway Urban Monastery friends, If you had to go anywhere Dec. 24-25, you might have noticed how empty the streets were. Almost everything closed, if only for a few hours, and even most places that remained open were not crowded. Everything got a rest. As we are a place that honors peace, comfort and hope, we are modeling the importance of stepping back this week. We volunteers will be ready to welcome you back to Middleway on Jan. 3. Watch for upcoming plans in next week's newsletter. We have a full season planned for January-June.
Holiday Schedule
We're taking the week off. Middleway is operated 100 percent by volunteers, so we're using this time to rejuventate and be ready to welcome you back in 2023!
And we have LOTS planned, so stay tuned!
Check out all our events
An Irish tradition comes to Middleway Jan. 6 The 12th day of Christmas is known as the Feast of Epiphany but also as Nollaig na mBan (Gaelic), or "Women’s Christmas." It is meant to reward women for the efforts they’ve made for others' Advent and Christmas seasons. Middleway Urban Monastery will host a casual Women's Christmas party Jan. 6, 2-4 p.m. This is a casual time to gather, relax, and conclude the holiday season with laughter and merriment, led by Kathy Reiter. View our weekly schedule
Done with church but not your faith?
If you have left the church during the past four years but still describe yourself as "Christian," a study led by Texas A&M communicators professor Heidi Campbell needs your input. Campbell, who also is a spiritual director and founding member of Middleway, is accepting surveys through Jan. 1 at http://bitly.ws/w9S9 It takes 30-45 minutes to complete the survey.
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. Our current spiritual directors are listed at https://www.middlewayurbanmonastery.org/spiritual-direction. Email us at info@middlewayurbanmonastery.org if you need more information.
Something for everyone
Beginning in January, there surely will be at least one special program of interest for you. When we say ALL are welcome, we mean it. All of the planned events will be here next week. Here's just a glimpse:
Women’s Christmas, Jan. 6, 2-4 p.m.
The Spirituality of Gaming, Jan. 14, 10:30 a.m.-Noon.
Journaling One’s Story – This monthly event takes place on 4th Saturdays, so it will take a break for the holidays in November and December, then return on Jan. 28.
Book Club – We will take a hiatus for November and December, Then in January our book is "Life of Pi" by Yan Martel, We'll discuss it on Jan. 31, 10:30 a.m. Participants can attend in person on via Zoom.
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 Middleway is 100 percent volunteer operated. 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. 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