Category Archives: love

A Light for all people.

Posted on January 1, 2024 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

This sermon was offered on the First Sunday after Christmas (Dec. 31, 2023) at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Jacksonville, FL, by the Rev. Cn. Beth Tjoflat. Isaiah 61:10-62:3Galatians 3:23-25; 4:4-7John 1:1-18Psalm 147 It was not uncommon for teachers of John’s … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, community, faith, Grace, holy, love, Ministry, Recovery, Uncategorized, witness | Tagged 12-step spirituality, community, Faith, grace, healing, holy ground, hope, inner darkness, jesus, love, mercy | Leave a comment

Shepherd to shepherd.

Posted on December 27, 2023 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

This sermon was offered on Christmas Eve night (2023) by the Rev. Canon Beth Tjoflat at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Jacksonville, FL. Readings: Isaiah 9:2-7; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-20; Psalm 96) May I speak in the name of God,Father, Son … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, community, compassion, faith, Grace, holy, love, urban ministry | Tagged Christmas, Christmas Eve, Faith, holy ground, hope, jesus, mercy | 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

Getting on board.

Posted on December 10, 2023 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Isaiah 40:1-112 Peter 3:8-15aMark 1:1-8Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 This sermon was preached on the Second Sunday of Advent, Dec. 10, 2023, by the Rev. Canon Beth Tjoflat at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Jacksonville, FL. May I speak in the name of … Continue reading →

Posted in Advent, Baptism, compassion, faith, Grace, holy, love | Tagged Christianity, holy ground, hope, mercy, Polar Express | 2 Comments

A new age.

Posted on December 4, 2023 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

This sermon was offered by The Rev. Canon Beth Tjoflat at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Jacksonville, FL, on Dec. 3, 2023, the First Sunday of Advent (Year B). Isaiah 64:1-91 Corinthians 1:3-9Mark 13:24-37Psalm 80:1-7, 16-18 May I speak in the … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Advent, Christianity, community, Grace, love, peace, reconciliation, unity | Tagged 12-step spirituality, art, community, healing, hope, inner darkness, inspiration, poetry, travel, writing | 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

We must do better.

Posted on October 27, 2022 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Recently I spent several hours in a pediatric Emergency Department waiting room, seeking care for my son. Many things struck me as I reflected on that evening, but one thing stayed with me: the crowded waiting room included many young … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, compassion, holy, Interfaith, love, Ministry, reconciliation, St. Clare of Assisi, Uncategorized, unity | Tagged community, equality, healing, healthcare, 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

Perspective.

Posted on August 5, 2022 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Sometimes, when we are in the thick of a struggle or crisis, we lose perspective. That is perfectly normal. When we are able, stepping back can help us find new eyes to see. This can be a great gift of … Continue reading →

Posted in community, compassion, faith, Grace, holy, love, sabbath | Tagged grace, holy ground, hope, mercy, vulnerability | Leave a 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