Dear Friends,

  If you were in charge of the messages on candy hearts, what would you put?

The colorful little candies are tiny so you can't write much.

While you ponder your words, here are ours for you:

We love you.

You are great.

Let's be friends.

The little candies are abundant right now. But our monastery is here for you well beyond the focus of Valentine's Day this week.

May we offer you a heart-felt welcome at Middleway always.

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 during the noon hour at 12:30 p.m. The next times: Friday, Feb. 16. Additional dates this spring are March 15, and April 19.

Drum Circle

The next Drum Circle is Sunday, Feb. 18 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, Feb. 18, 2-3 p.m.

Book Club Tuesday

In-person and on Zoom

Mardi Gras - it's this month, so our book of the month has that as its background.

"The Moviegoer" by Walker Percy was first published in 1961 and won the U.S. National Book Award. Then Time magazine included it in its "100 Best English-language Novels from 1923 to 2005."

It'll generate great conversation at our book club Tuesday, Feb. 20, at 6 p.m. Wonderful if you can come in person, but if not, we'll be glad to see you via zoom. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85791528587?pwd=UU9EcDRYeFFiaVRmc1lNS2VIdnNhUT09

Meeting ID: 857 9152 8587

Passcode: 431978

March's book is "The Secret Life of Sunflowers" by Marta Molnar.

Interfaith Prayer Gathering

 We welcome all denominations and all from other religions to join us in prayer on Saturday, Feb. 24 at 1 p.m.

Are you Done?

Are you “done” with participating in a church, but looking for a place for spiritual community and conversation? Come on Wednesday, Feb. 28 and March 20, 7-8 p.m. to visit with others who feel the same.

We're gathering a group that seeks to create space for those who would describe themselves as “done” with church, or those who no longer feel at home or accepted in church settings for a variety of reasons but who still want to grow in their faith.    

Led by Heidi Campbell, with her husband Troy Shepherd, the group meets monthly. Come help us build a supportive and safe space for spiritual conversations and contemplation with others.

Spirituality of Breadmaking

So much fun was had making bread together last year, that we'll have another series in 2024.

The first will be Herbal Encouragement Bread on April 6, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

This recipe is the creation of Fr. Dominick Garramone, also known as the Bread Monk. Ingredients have symbolic meanings, making it good to share with someone going through a tough time.

The group includes meditation and sharing times during the making, kneading and rising times. Watch for registration dates soon, but mark your calendar now. Two more breadmaking events will be held later in the year. Events are open to all and children with adults are welcome as well.

Register for the April event below.

"Setting the Spiritual Woman Free"

An exploration of the spirit-fed source of strong women will be the theme of a retreat May 4, 9-Noon.

Led by Dr. Vivian Dawkins, a spiritual director from Spring, the event will explore ways to discover the links we have to all the Mary's in the bible, and all the Martha's in our world.

Participants will reflect on their strengths as women of God, Dawkins said.

Register for the May event below.