Category Archives: Episcopal church

Prepare to feast.

Posted on April 14, 2024 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

This sermon was preached on the Third Sunday of Easter at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Jacksonville, FL. For more information on St. Mary’s click here. Acts 3:12-191 John 3:1-7Luke 24: 36b-48Psalm 4 In the name of God,Father, Son and … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, community, Episcopal church, faith, holy, hunger, sabbath, street ministry, Uncategorized, urban ministry | Tagged 3rd Easter, Christianity, community, easter, Faith, feast, grace, holy ground, jesus, sermons, spirituality, urban ministry | 1 Comment

Mary.

Posted on December 26, 2023 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

The following is a sermon preached by seminarian Catherine Montgomery, postulant for holy orders, at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church,Jacksonville, FL, on Sunday morning, Dec. 24, 2023. On the fourth Sunday of Advent, we have one more opportunity to soak in … Continue reading →

Posted in Advent, Christianity, community, compassion, Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, faith, Grace, holy, love | Tagged Advent, Advent IV, Christmas, sermons | Leave a comment

“It is finished.”

Posted on April 8, 2023 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

“It is finished.”Jesus speaks these words.Bows his head.Gives up his spirit. It is finished. Those words must have been confusing to hear.Terrifying for his few followers,close enough to hear, or for thosewho soon would learn of this tragic outcome. It … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, compassion, Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, faith, Good Friday, Grace, holy, love, reconciliation, Recovery, Uncategorized, unity | Tagged Christianity, community, grace, healing, holy ground, hope, inner darkness, mercy | Leave a comment

A gentle giant.

Posted on August 12, 2022 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory, Dear One. This dear saint –The Rt. Rev. Charles Lovett Keyser — served as the fourth Bishop Suffragan for the Armed Forces and, upon retirement, served generously in the Episcopal Diocese of Florida. … Continue reading →

Posted in Baptism, Christianity, community, compassion, Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, faith, Grace, holy, Interfaith, love, reconciliation | Tagged 12-step spirituality, community, healing, holy ground, hope, inner darkness, mercy | 1 Comment

Words matter.

Posted on February 16, 2022 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

After the Christmas break, my son began attending a new elementary school. The decision to move was not made lightly but transitions can be challenging. As we moved through the first few weeks, I prayed a lot and there were … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, community, compassion, Episcopal church, faith, Interfaith, love, Ministry, reconciliation, unity | Tagged healing | Leave a comment

There is only now.

Posted on May 30, 2021 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

This sermon was offered on Sunday, May 30, 2021 — Trinity SundaySt. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Jacksonville, FL Isaiah 6:1-8Romans 8:12-17John 3:1-17Psalm 29 In the name of God, Father Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. “There is almost no such thing as … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, community, compassion, Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, faith, Grace, holy, love, reconciliation, Recovery, unity, urban ministry | Tagged Trinity Sunday | 1 Comment

Wailing wall.

Posted on April 24, 2020 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

A decade ago I was blessed to visit the Holy Land. One of the most moving experiences for me was visiting the Western Wall in Jerusalem, an exposed section of a retaining wall built by Herod. Jews and other pilgrims … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, community, compassion, Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, faith, Grace, holy, hunger, love, peace, Uncategorized | Tagged community, gratitude, pandemic, prayer, social justice, welcome | Leave a comment

Woke by Jesus.

Posted on April 9, 2019 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

This sermon was offered at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Jacksonville, FL, on Sunday, April 7, 2019 Fifth Sunday in Lent Isaiah 43:16-21 Philippians 3:4b-14 John 12:1-8 Psalm 126 May I speak in the name of God, Father, Son … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, community, Episcopal church, faith, Grace, holy, love, Recovery, Uncategorized | Tagged Lent, woke | 3 Comments

Rough edges and grace.

Posted on October 23, 2016 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Today was a glorious day at Church Without Walls. The sun shone brightly, warming us up just enough after a chilly night. We had blankets and other items to share thanks to the generosity of our national church. Dear friends … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, community, Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, love, reconciliation, Recovery, Uncategorized, unity | Tagged church without walls, compassion, grace, grief, healing, homelessness, inner darkness, mercy, radical hospitality, street ministry, vulnerability | 2 Comments

Young dreams.

Posted on January 23, 2016 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

This beautiful picture was created by the son of a friend and former colleague. His inspired interpretation of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I have a dream” speech captures the best of humanity and speaks to the best in each … Continue reading →

Posted in Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, faith, peace, Uncategorized | Tagged Christianity, church without walls, grace, healing, holy ground, hope, radical hospitality, unity, vulnerability | Leave a comment