Dear Friends, The ditch digger and the toad were mutually startled.
The digger had disturbed the soil to position a drain extender from the sink of a shed. The toad had settled in just under the moist soil and leaves to enjoy the late-fall warm spell. They found each other at opposite ends of a shovel.
The toad tried blending in with the soil and stones to avoid being detected.
Online searches told the digger that the toad was common but sometimes captured and sold in other areas to live out life in makeshift aquariums. But in its true self, the search noted, a Gulf Coast Toad seeks insects around its habitat and otherwise mostly goes unnoticed except when singing in the spring and summer.
With that, the two silently marveled at how they could co-exist - even help each other make a better place to share.
At Middleway, we hope to provide a space that helps you be your true self, the one God made you to be, and where all can peacefully co-exist. Read more below to find out how to enjoy Middleway. Join our Facebook Group
God and Dog Tuesday is the day. Get your favorite pup and come to the God and Dog Gathering, Nov. 7 at 6 p.m. The group meets monthly on the first Tuesday. Together with our dog(s), we'll 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 Conversation. No big agenda. We meet just to share with others about where God is in our lives (even if it feels at the moment like God is absent). And there's usually a serendipitous theme - a common thread - that brings about empathy through shared stories. Common Threads at Middleway 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. Common Threads next meeting is Wednesday, Nov. 8 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 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 Sundays at 2-3 p.m. Nov. 26, and Dec. 17. Let us know you're coming!  I'm coming to chant
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.
Spirituality of Breadmaking Holiday Breakfast Bread Our third in the Spirituality of Breadmaking series this year will be 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. You'll leave with a batch to finish baking at home. We need to know that you're coming so we have supplies ready.
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
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