Category Archives: faith

The together.

Posted on February 20, 2013 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Recently I heard someone say that Jesus came to create “the together.” This resonates with me. We can find all kinds of examples in scripture where Jesus breaks down barriers and boundaries, bringing people together. He even confronts some of … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, faith, Ministry, Uncategorized, unity | Tagged Body of Christ, hope, peace, reconciliation, unity | 5 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

A river of living water.

Posted on January 13, 2013 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Today as we celebrate the baptism of Jesus in the river Jordan, I have been thinking of how Jesus willingly, lovingly entered that muddy river, made his way to John and humbly presented himself. He was willing — and is … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, faith, peace, Recovery, unity | Tagged baptism, Faith, love, mercy | 5 Comments

He who is becomes.

Posted on December 31, 2012 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

He who is becomes. The uncreated lets himself be created. He whom nothing can contain is contained in the womb of a thinking soul who stands midway between divinity and the heavy and brittle flesh. He who is the giver … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, faith, peace | Tagged 12-step spirituality, Christianity, healing, holy ground, hope, Incarnation, mercy, simple prayer, spiritual growth, vulnerability | 1 Comment

The holy “no.”

Posted on December 20, 2012 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

As we journey this last week toward Christmas, we celebrate the young girl Mary, who without respect to personal cost, said “yes” to the invitation to become the mother of Jesus. “Let it be with me according to your word … Continue reading →

Posted in faith, peace, Uncategorized | Tagged Advent, Christianity, healing, holy ground, hope, recovery, simple prayer, spiritual growth | 3 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

With power and great glory.

Posted on December 4, 2012 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

God has always been coming. He came in the creation of light, and he came yet more in Adam. He came in Abraham but was to come more fully in Moses. He came in Elijah, but was to come even … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, faith, peace, Recovery, Uncategorized, unity | Tagged Christianity, church planting, community, holy ground, homelessness, hope, inner darkness, option for the poor, 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