Dear Friends,

  Summer is approaching and for many that means a different type of schedule will steer life choices. Breaks from school and/or work may be a welcomed change.

Take advantage of the change of pace to explore Middleway, where you can learn to listen to your heart and soul.

We offer a variety of free experiences designed to help you learn more about your self and where God is for you. Our community of spiritual companions are available to truly listen to you. And we even host a school for seekers who want to learn the art of holy listening.

In addition to our regular open hours, check out one of the many special events and programs coming up.

Learn to listen with a holy ear

Active listening: being heard and learning to listen deeply to others is a gift.

When stories are shared about one's journey in life, it reaches the core of our souls.

Middleway Urban Monastery, guided by a community of spiritual directors, hosts FIND - School for Spiritual Direction and Formation to train people in the art of spiritual direction and formation.

People attend from across Texas as well as from neighboring states. Applications are being accepted now. Learn more by clicking the button.  

Friday Meditation and Mindfulness

Center yourself and find peace in the midst of your busy life. Friday Meditation and Mindfulness, led by Becky Burks, meets monthly at 12:30 p.m. The next time: Friday, May 17.

Drum Circle for Meditation

The next Drum Circle is Sunday, May 19 at 1 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. Percussion instruments are provided.

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 next gathering is Sunday, May 19, 2-3 p.m.

Book Club April

In-person and on Zoom

Are communities of people necessary? This novel gives a look at "just how vital communities can be. The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store takes place in small town Chicken Hill, Pa. where Black, Jewish, and European immigrants, rich and poor, old and young, collide—defending, fighting, entertaining, feeding, and sheltering one another. This cacophonous melody of characters with all of their schemes and dreams reveal how home is where you make it—and how all of these 'outsiders' are anything but."

 Join us for great conversation on the book Tuesday, May 21, at 6 p.m. Come in person, or join us via zoom. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85791528587?pwd=UU9EcDRYeFFiaVRmc1lNS2VIdnNhUT09

Meeting ID: 857 9152 8587

Passcode: 431978

Also, bring your ideas for other books we might all enjoy discussing in future months.

Religion in Aggieland Displayed

From May to August, Middleway is hosting a display of unique religious items found at thrift stores and resale markets in and around the Brazos Valley.

“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 will be added to the display related to a theme about prayer.   

• May-Prayer Beads and Sacred Symbols

• June-Prayers Stools and Tools

• July- Icons and devotional objects

• August - Unexpected Religion

Are you Done?

From May through August the “Dones Group” will meet the first Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. (June 5, July 3 & August 7) at Middleway. This group is for anyone who is looking for spiritual community outside the traditional structures of a church or formal religious organization. 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.

Summer events - mark your calendars

Several special events are set for the summer at Middleway.

In addition to the ongoing displays - described above in this newsletter and , viewable daily - we have two retreats set.

July 20 - Spirituality of Breadmaking - Decorated Focaccia, 9:30 a.m.-Noon. A delectable Italian bread decorated with fresh seasonal herbs and vegetables, with a good mix of rest and meditation mixed in. Led by Kathleen Phillips

Aug. 17 - Soul Collage - a prayer discipline with time for creating and reading prayer cards in community. This event will be the beginning of a monthly time for creating collages as a prayer technique. Led by Harriet Knowles of Sun City.

Registration for these events will begin soon.