Dear friends, Some of you may remember running to a mailbox outside your home to see if anyone had sent you a letter. Oh, the delight when you found one, tore open the paper envelope, and devoured every word. Then came email and the similar, albeit less physical, response when the Internet of old would flash across your monitor screen "You've got mail!" The phrase even prompted movie with that name. Junk now proliferates our physical and virtual mailboxes, almost none of which is very exciting. But not so at Middleway. We have a mailbox with beautiful, inspiring letters written by many of our volunteers and most recently by Christine Havens, a writer and student of spiritual direction who lives in Austin. Come pick out one just for you in our reading area. Now, keep reading below to learn about other ways to enjoy Middleway.
Spirituality of breadmaking: Buns for the Grill What could be better than a home-grilled burger this summer? A home-grilled burger on a homemade bun. It's downright spiritual. Sign up by Aug. 1 for the Aug. 5, 10 a.m.-Noon event and experience the discipline of kneading the dough, waiting patiently for it to rise, the yeasty smell - and what that might have to do with God in your life. Each participant will leave with a dozen burger buns to bake at home. It's great for individuals, friends or families. Hot dogs - on homemade buns, of course - will be served at the conclusion of this event, so be sure to  Register for Breadmaking
Creativity with The Creator This is our last week of the summer to offer a meditative craft in our art center. These are simple creative projects you can d0 at your own pace. It's a meditative experience to sit in the art area while soft music plays and you unleash your creative side. Instructions are provided for each self-paced craft. There are no rules for each project's outcome. You be you. This week we feature Painted Bread. Yes! And it's edible. Come offer a toast to a gracious God! The art zone, like all of the monastery, is judgment free, and our projects work for school-aged children through adults. We've enjoyed watching all the creativity unfold in the art area this summer.
Spiritual directors lend a (holy) ear at Middleway
The backbone of Middleway is a team of spiritual directors, well trained by various schools, whose ministry is to listen to you with a holy ear. We are 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
We hope you'll find at least one special event to attend between now and August. Mark your calendars!
Aug. 5 – Spirituality of Breadmaking: Buns for the grill - 10 a.m.-Noon, with Kathleen Phillips.
Ongoing:
Weekly Creativity with The Creator in the art area, through Aug. 4.
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. 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! Come volunteer as one who welcomes others into this peaceful place. While there, you'll be able to enjoy the hope, peace and comfort as well. We especially need volunteer hosts and receptionists who'd love to greet people and help them get familiar with the monastery. 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
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