It's only natural

It's only natural

Our mission is to provide space for those seeking hope, comfort and peace as they explore ways of experiencing God’s love.

Dear Friends, 
      Native plants set out this year are beginning to bloom. Flame acanthus sports a slender bright orange tubular flower that ultimately will cover the bush making it look like it's burning. The rock rose pops with larger pink blossoms that open flat.  Both plants attract honeybees and hummingbirds.
     So today's visit to the flame acanthus by a hummingbird shouldn't surprise. The native plant is growing a few hundred feet from where two feeders filled with fresh nectar hang. No one announced to the local hummingbirds that a new natural source was now available a short flight away. It just came instinctively.  Hopefully, it'll bring a flurry of fellow hummers to the natural source.
      We're sort of like that at Middleway. We're a relatively new way to experience God adapted to what feels most natural to you. Art, music, reading, quiet time, conversations, community. Any or all of it can be found at Middleway so that you can be spiritually fed. Studies have shown that people who tend to their spiritual needs have "positive relationships, high self-esteem, are optimistic, and have meaning and purpose in life." Humans are instinctively spiritual. We seek it.
     You obviously found us. Now tell others in your flock. There's plenty of spiritual fodder at Middleway.  
 
      

Religion in Aggieland Displayed
We wrap up this August with our display of unique religious items found at thrift stores and resale markets in and around the Brazos Valley.
        An exhibit of "unexpected religion" will be viewable in August. All other items featured this summer are still on display. An explanatory talk will be Aug. 7 at 6:30 p.m.
      “Finding Religion in Aggieland” is part of a project led by spiritual director Heidi Campbell, who is studying where religion shows up in thrift stores and what stories secondhand culture tells about contemporary religion in Texas. 
       Each month new items are added to the display related to a theme about prayer.   May's jewels and beads are still on exhibit with June's prayer stools and tools and July's icons.

Are you Done?
Is faith an important part of your life, but you feel that you are “done” with church?  If so, come meet with others on a similar journey.
The “Dones Group” will meet Wednesday, Aug.  7 at 7 p.m. at Middleway. This group is for anyone who is looking for spiritual community outside the traditional structures of a church or formal religious organization. 

August's Book Club
In person and on Zoom
 
 "The Berry Pickers" by Amanda Peters is the selection for our August book club gathering Tuesday, Aug. 20, at 6 p.m. Come in person, or join us via zoom. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85791528587?pwd=UU9EcDRYeFFiaVRmc1lNS2VIdnNhUT09
Meeting ID: 857 9152 8587Passcode: 431978

Spiritual directors lend a (holy) ear at Middleway
A team of spiritual companions whose ministry is to listen to you with a holy ear are the backbone of Middleway. One of us can meet with you monthly in a non-judging atmosphere as you discern where God is in your life.  We actively listen without trying to "fix" you. It's powerfully healing.  See www.middlewayurbanmonastery.org/spiritual-direction. or email us at info@middlewayurbanmonastery.org for more information.
 
How to experience the monastery
Attend any of our programs for sure. But also know the monastery is also open weekdays Tuesday-Friday and some evenings, Saturdays or Sundays for you to come use the library, art area, or various sitting areas in a 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 to volunteer and help welcome others into this peaceful place. We are 100 percent volunteer operated, and you can make a meaningful impact just be being present.
 
To sign up, please come by the monastery or email info@middlewayurbanmonastery.org. 
 
 Middleway Urban Monastery's Guide for Life
 
Week of July 29-Aug. 4, 2024
     Events are at the monastery, 309 N. Tabor, Bryan. Our rhythm of prayer on open days includes morning at 10:15 a.m., noonday at 12 p.m., and closing at 3:30 p.m.
     Facebook group page offerings include daily Current Issues Prayer, plus a weekly meditation on Thursdays, and "Becoming aware of the Beloved" videos on Friday.
       
Monday
The monastery is closed. 
Tuesday
The monastery is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Religion in Aggieland Exhibit (viewings daily)
Wednesday
The monastery is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Thursday
The monastery is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Friday
The monastery is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday
 The monastery is closed.
 
A quick glance at what's coming
Aug. 7 - Finding Religion in Aggieland, 6:30 p.m. (other objects)
Aug. 7 - Dones, 7 p.m.
Sept. 14 - Setting the Spiritual Woman Free, 9 a.m.-Noon.

Follow Us

info@middlewayurbanmonastery.org