Category Archives: Episcopal church

Fresh perspective.

Posted on September 9, 2013 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

This week I am blessed to be able to attend a CREDO conference for Episcopal clergy. We have already done a heap of pre-work, taking stock of physical, spiritual, emotional, vocational and financial health. (That’s some pretty comprehensive inventory-taking.) As … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, Episcopal church, faith, Grace, peace, Recovery, Uncategorized | Tagged 12 Steps, CREDO, hope, reflection | Leave a comment

Under the sycamore.

Posted on August 5, 2013 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

This past Sunday, a dear, elderly man came to our outdoor service for the first time. He often frequents our Wednesday morning coffee & prayer fellowship. He is always gracious, always has a kind word, always a warm smile. The … Continue reading →

Posted in congregational development, Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, Grace, Uncategorized, unity | Tagged church plant, church without walls, community, grace, holy ground, homelessness, hope, mercy, option for the poor, radical hospitality, simple prayer, street ministry | 2 Comments

To begin again.

Posted on May 28, 2013 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

In my back yard, there are four sago palms that the previous owner for some reason planted together in a very tight space. Periodically the heavy fronds must be cut back at the base. It is not possible to do … Continue reading →

Posted in Episcopal church, faith, Grace, Recovery, Uncategorized | Tagged grace, healing, holy ground, hope, inner darkness, mercy, recovery, renewal, simple prayer, spiritual growth | Leave a comment

Washed with love.

Posted on March 28, 2013 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

This reflection is from guest blogger Louise Hardman. Louise had written this for no other purpose than to share it with me, but I convinced her to let me share it with you. Thank you, Louise! Maundy Thursday. Late morning … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, Ministry, peace, Recovery, Uncategorized, unity | Tagged Christianity, church without walls, community, healing, holy ground, homelessness, hope, inner darkness, Maundy Thursday foot washing, mercy, radical hospitality, simple prayer, street ministry, vulnerability | Leave a comment

That you would bless me.

Posted on February 7, 2013 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Today a new friend shared with me how the prayer of Jabez (1 Chronicles 4:10) has been a spiritual aid for her. The translation she has committed to memory is this: “Oh that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, congregational development, Episcopal church, Interfaith, Ministry, unity | Tagged blessing, community, congregational development, hope, peace, unity | 4 Comments

Calling them all by name.

Posted on December 15, 2012 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Lift up your eyes on high and see: Who created these? He who brings out their host and numbers them, calling them all by name; because he is great in strength, mighty in power, not one is missing. (Isaiah 40:26) … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, faith, Ministry, Uncategorized | Tagged community, grief, healing, holy ground, homelessness, hope, inner darkness, mercy, simple prayer | 3 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

The generous cross.

Posted on November 5, 2012 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

This reflection first appeared in the Fall 2012 issue of St. John’s Cathedral Quarterly, published by St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral, Jacksonville, FL. For several months, I worked as an on-call chaplain at an urban Level 1 trauma center. A typical … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Episcopal church, faith, Ministry, peace, Uncategorized, unity | Tagged community, holy ground, hope, Julian of Norwich, mercy, new ministry, option for the poor, radical hospitality, street ministry | 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