Dear Middleway Urban Monastery friends, "Done" can mean lots of things. It can refer to cooking, or when something is over, or when something is agreed to, for example. And even within those categories, "done" varies. In cooking, the way you prefer your dish determines when it is done. Some like food more "done" than others. Lately, "done" also has been used to describe one's religious status. And just as with all the other categories, being religiously "done" varies individually. Dr. Heidi Campbell, professor of communication at Texas A&M University and an affiliate faculty in religious studies, is conducting a study of people who have left the church in the last five years. These are often referred to as “dones," those who describe themselves as done with religious institutions but who still practice Christianity or another form of spirituality. You can be a part of that study. Find out how below. Read about all our events, then come enjoy some peace, comfort and hope. Middleway's Facebook Group
12-Step Community discussing "Breathing Under Water"
People in any 12-Step program and their friends and families are welcome to our study of Richard Rohr's "Breathing Under Water: Spirituality and the Twelve Steps." Gather with us Tuesday evenings through Dec. 13. The monastery is open from 5-8 p.m. and the book discussion component, led by Amy and Michael Thompson, is part of the evening.
Check out all our events
Something for everyone
Between now and January there surely is at least one special program of interest for you. When we say ALL are welcome, we mean it. In addition to the those described above, look ahead to these:
12-Step discussion – Breathing Underwater, Tuesdays 6-8 p.m. We'll continue through Dec. 13.
Friends of St. Joan - A monthly gathering for youth and young adults who identify as LGBTQIA+. Join us in a safe place to explore spirituality, third Mondays, 6-8 p.m. Next up: Nov. 21.
Wassail at the Monastery – Get a taste of our hospitality with a cup of this traditional holiday beverage. No agenda. We’ll open the doors for you to take a breather before the holiday rush, Dec. 3, 10:30 a.m.-Noon.
Blue Christmas - The season is not so merry for lots of people. If you're one of them, this is for you. Dec. 21, 7-8 p.m.
Post-Holiday – Celtic Women’s Christmas, Jan. 6, 1-3 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. Spiritual direction offered at Middleway A spiritual director is one who can listen to you with a holy ear and doesn't try to "fix" you with their solutions. Being listened to -- truly listened to -- is powerfully healing. You and your spiritual director normally meet monthly for an hour. Our current spiritual directors are listed at https://www.middlewayurbanmonastery.org/spiritual-direction. Email us at info@middlewayurbanmonastery.org if we can help you. 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