Dear Friends,

  It's the time of year at the monastery when we regularly check the weather forecast to find out if it will be spring-like or wintery.

Either way, whatever the forecast predicts for the next 10 to 14 days will determine a flurry of activity.

If warmth is predicted, we go about tending to things that can be done outdoors or without having to bundle up. When cold weather is on the way, we turn our attention to making sure we and our belongings don't freeze.

It's kind of the same when we think about our spirituality. It can run cold or hot. No matter what your personal spiritual forecast is right now, there's something for you at Middleway.

Our schedule of spiritual events offers a variety of ways to warm up or cool down. We welcome you.

Drum Circle

February dates for the Drum Circle are Sunday, Feb. 4 and 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.

Are you Done?

Are you “done” with participating in a church, but looking for a place for spiritual community and conversation?  

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 on Wednesdays at 7-8 p.m, starting Feb. 7. 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, Feb 16. Additional times this spring are March 15 and April 19.

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.

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.