Dear Friends,

  "I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more."

That's what John Adams wrote his wife Abigail as the U.S. Congress passed the Declaration of Independence, which he co-authored.

Sure enough, we're still celebrating in many of those ways 248 years later. Thus, the monastery will be closed Thursday and Friday so you can celebrate as you "ought."

Though it's a short week, we're packing a lot of opportunities in this month, so check the schedule below.

WEDNESDAY: Religion in Aggieland Displayed

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

  An exhibit of Icons and devotional objects will be viewable in July.

  “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's jewels and beads are still on exhibit with June's prayer stools and tools.

• August - Unexpected Religion

July's Book Club

In-person and on Zoom

Fact and fiction are combined to tell this story of how C.S. Lewis was inspired to write "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe." The book intersperses visits a college student made for tea with Lewis and his brother in order to find out the inspiration for Narnia. She's on this mission at the request of her ailing little brother, with whom she shares the stories Lewis tells of his childhood.

 Join us for great conversation on the book Tuesday, July 16, 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

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, July 19.

REGISTER BELOW

Spirituality of Breadmaking

Decorated Focaccia

  Delicious, fresh herbs and vegetables will become art on a delectable focaccia "canvas" July 20 at summer's Spirituality of Breadmaking class.

The event is 9:30 a.m.-Noon. Everyone leaves with a ready-to-bake loaf. Registration is required so that enough ingredients will be available. It's free, but donations are appreciated to pay for supplies.

Along with the beautiful Italian bread, participants will be treated to a good mix of rest and meditation, led by Kathleen Phillips.