Dear Friends,

We begin April with encouragement.

We all could use a big dose of it these days.

It's easy to see that the base word of encouragement is "courage." The word itself conjure up being inspired by courage, spirit or hope.

Everything we offer at Middleway stems from our hearts in a spirit of inspiring you to have the courage and hope of finding out how much God loves you.

This month we offer you encouragement both in our daily hours and in our special offerings such as our breadmaking class, "Dones" group, mindfulness meditation, drumming, chanting and book club.

We hope to see you.

Spirituality of Breadmaking

The first in the 2024 Spirituality of Breadmaking series will be Herbal Encouragement Bread on April 6, 9:30-Noon.

REGISTER (BELOW) by Wednesday April 3 so we can reserve your space.

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 needs encouragement.

The event includes meditation exercises during the making, kneading and rising times.

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.

Are you Done?

Are you “done” with participating in a church, but looking for a place for spiritual community and conversation? Come on Wednesday, April 17, 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.

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 time: Friday, April 19.

Drum Circle for Meditation

The next Drum Circle is Sunday, April 21 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, April 21, 2-3 p.m.

Book Club April

In-person and on Zoom

Can one person's actions make a difference in the world? That's one of the themes in the novel "The Girl Who Saved the King of Sweden," by Jonas Jonasson.

Join us for great conversation on the book Tuesday, April 23, 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.

"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.