Category Archives: congregational development

Warm, generous and friendly.

Posted on January 29, 2013 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

When I googled “hospitality,” one definition that came up described it as “treating guests and strangers in a warm, generous and friendly way.” This suggests welcoming others unconditionally, helping them to feel comfortable and welcomed. Of course there are reasonable … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, congregational development, Ministry, Uncategorized, unity | Tagged 12-step spirituality, church without walls, community, healing, mercy, radical hospitality, welcome | 2 Comments

Fill the jars.

Posted on January 20, 2013 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Now standing there were six stone water-jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, ‘Fill the jars with water.’ And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, congregational development, faith, Ministry, unity | Tagged 12-step spirituality, Christianity, community, healing, mercy, spiritual growth, transformation, vulnerability | 8 Comments

In our midst.

Posted on December 12, 2012 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands grow weak. The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, congregational development, Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, faith, Ministry, peace, Recovery, unity | Tagged 12 Steps, 12-step spirituality, Christianity, church plant, community, grace, healing, holy ground, homelessness, hope, mercy, radical hospitality, street ministry | Leave a comment

Without walls.

Posted on November 24, 2012 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Below is a sermon I was privileged to share at St. John’s Cathedral, Jacksonville, FL, on Thanksgiving Day. I share it here because it helps describe and capture the spirit of new urban ministry as we strive to “build a … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, congregational development, Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, faith, Interfaith, Ministry, peace, Recovery, unity | Tagged 12-step spirituality, Christianity, community, holy ground, homelessness, mercy, option for the poor, recovery, street ministry | 6 Comments

Equality.

Posted on November 16, 2012 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

This reflection was written by guest blogger Dawn Leskoske, a new participant in our “church without walls” ministry in Jacksonville, FL. Thank you, Dawn for sharing your gifts! “Or what woman who has 10 silver coins, if she loses one … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, congregational development, faith, Ministry, peace, Uncategorized, unity | Tagged Christianity, church planting, community, equality, grace, holy ground, homelessness, hope, mercy, option for the poor, radical hospitality, simple prayer, street ministry, vulnerability | 2 Comments

A program of action.

Posted on November 12, 2012 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Last Thursday afternoon, the folks who planned to show up for a devotional time at a local shelter didn’t. That is not particularly unusual. My job is to show up, I remind myself, and then to adjust accordingly. So, after … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, congregational development, faith, Ministry, Recovery | Tagged 12 Steps, 12-step spirituality, Christianity, community, holy ground, homelessness, hope, mercy, option for the poor, recovery, spiritual growth | 2 Comments

It’s autumn somewhere.

Posted on October 1, 2012 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

We are officially in the fall season, though with recent days in the 90s it has been hard to recognize. Dawn is coming later, which is always a good sign things are turning. And Wednesday morning should see temperatures in … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, congregational development, Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, faith, Interfaith, Ministry, peace, unity | Tagged baptism, Christianity, church planting, community, holy ground, homelessness, hope, mercy, new ministry, option for the poor, radical hospitality, simple prayer, street ministry | 4 Comments

A taste of shalom.

Posted on August 16, 2012 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

God showed up again today. I was early for a new devotional gathering and watched for the women who said they would be joining me. None of them came. I couldn’t help but notice three women huddled around a nearby … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, congregational development, Diocese of Florida, faith, peace, small group ministry, Uncategorized | Tagged Christianity, church planting, community, homelessness, hope, inner darkness, mercy, option for the poor, simple prayer, street ministry | 6 Comments

What was lost is now found.

Posted on August 4, 2012 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Yesterday I had an amazing morning, walking around for a spell to get a sense of the streets and make some new friends. I had some friendly encounters, including a rather deep conversation with a very faithful man who, in … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, congregational development, faith, Ministry, peace, Recovery | Tagged Christianity, church planting, community, holy ground, hope, mercy, new ministry, street ministry, vulnerability | 4 Comments

Between jobs.

Posted on July 31, 2012 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

We get so used to the way we expect things to look that we often are unable to see how they actually are. At times, we get so used to how we expect God to behave that we are unable … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, congregational development, Diocese of Florida, faith, Interfaith, Ministry, Recovery, Uncategorized, unity | Tagged 12-step spirituality, Christianity, community, holy ground, homelessness, hope, mercy, option for the poor, recovery | Leave a comment