Category Archives: Grace

Love and company.

Posted on October 19, 2013 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

“Love and company,” said Bear, “are the adornments that change everything.” These are the words from a beloved dog, as imagined or otherwise interpreted by poet Mary Oliver (Dog Songs, p 13). A simple statement — endearing and enduring — … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, congregational development, faith, Grace, peace, Recovery, unity | Tagged 12-step spirituality, Christianity, church without walls, grace, healing, holy ground, homelessness, hope, inner darkness, radical hospitality, street ministry, welcome | Leave a comment

“Be still.”

Posted on October 2, 2013 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

This is what my new friend told me this morning, as we were wrapping things up at our Morning Prayer & Coffee Fellowship. Several weeks ago, I met this humble man by chance, in a Winn Dixie. Noticing his gentle … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, faith, Grace | Tagged 12-step spirituality, church planting, community, contemplative prayer, grace, healing, holy ground, hope, silence, simple prayer, vulnerability | 6 Comments

Marvelously made.

Posted on September 12, 2013 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Some weeks ago, a colleague suggested that I read Psalm 139 every day for a while. “How long,” I asked (not meaning to imitate the psalmist). “Read it until you believe that God cares about the details of your life. … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, faith, Grace, peace, Recovery | Tagged holy ground, hope, inner darkness, inner growth, mercy, prayer walk, renewal | 6 Comments

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

What matters.

Posted on August 29, 2013 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Recently, at one of our post-worship picnics, I enjoyed watching a local church youth group distribute lunches to the congregation. We had been able to have our service outside, under the sycamore tree, but then decided to come inside our … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Grace, Uncategorized, unity | Tagged church without walls, compassion, holy ground, homelessness, hope, street ministry | 4 Comments

Together, a dwelling place for God.

Posted on August 23, 2013 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Last night, a cadre of folks who have been participating in various aspects of our “church without walls” ministry came together to reflect on what God might be doing in us. We took time to think and share about how … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, faith, Grace, Interfaith, unity | Tagged Christianity, church without walls, community, grace, holy ground, homelessness, hope, hospitality, spiritual growth, street ministry, vulnerability | Leave a comment

Grace happens.

Posted on August 21, 2013 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Over and over again, I am humbled, amazed and touched at what God does to bring healing, connection and meaning into our broken world. A couple of days ago I was at a local shelter where I serve as a … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, faith, Grace, Interfaith, Ministry, peace, Recovery, Uncategorized, unity | Tagged church without walls, community, grace, healing, holy ground, homelessness, hope, mercy, radical hospitality, street ministry, vulnerability | 1 Comment

Better late than never.

Posted on August 12, 2013 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

For a moment today, I was upset with myself for overlooking the Feast Day of St. Clare of Assisi (yesterday, August 11). For Pete’s sake, this blog is named for Clare, about whom I became curious and to whom I found … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, faith, Grace, peace, Recovery, St. Clare of Assisi | Tagged 12-step spirituality, Christianity, church without walls, community, grace, healing, holy ground, hope, radical hospitality, St. Clare of Assisi, St. Francis of Assisi, street ministry, vulnerability | 2 Comments

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

Camp “do-over.”

Posted on July 29, 2013 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

This past week I was blessed with a doozy of a “do-over.” I spent a week at camp, serving as chaplain for a group of 97 beautiful kids, ranging in age from middle-school through high-school. It wasn’t until the last … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Diocese of Florida, faith, Grace, Ministry, peace, Uncategorized, unity | Tagged 12-step spirituality, Christianity, community, grace, healing, holy ground, mercy, mission, vulnerability, youth ministry | 4 Comments