Category Archives: peace

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

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

A glorious final movement.

Posted on October 25, 2012 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

This morning my cousin Beverly (actually my mother’s cousin Beverly) walked me to my car as I prepared to drive back to Florida. She and her family graciously hosted me for two nights as family gathered this week to celebrate … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, faith, peace, unity | Tagged Christianity, community, grief, healing, holy ground, hope, inner darkness, Moravian, mourning, spiritual growth, vulnerability | Leave a comment

Withholding nothing.

Posted on October 22, 2012 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

In my early twenties, I dropped a rock that I fully intended to carry with me to the grave. On this particular evening, I was riding around in my beater car (the “Red Rocket”) with one of my friends. Suddenly … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, faith, Interfaith, peace, Recovery, Uncategorized | Tagged 12 Steps, 12-step spirituality, 5th Step, Christianity, community, holy ground, hope, inner darkness, mercy, recovery, spiritual growth, vulnerability | 3 Comments

A new voice rings out

Posted on October 18, 2012 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

My Great Aunt Katie passed away early this morning, just a few days shy of being “104 and ½.” It is hard to be too terribly sad, knowing that she had a full and adventurous life, marked by love of … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, faith, peace, Uncategorized | Tagged All Saints Day, community, holy ground, hope, Moravian, shame | 2 Comments

Forever reliant on God.

Posted on October 9, 2012 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

When my dear friend Kim saw this photo of one of God’s more colorful creatures, she shared this acronym with me: “FROG: forever reliant on God.” What does it mean to be forever reliant on God? As this “introvert-intuitive-feeler” comes … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, faith, Interfaith, Ministry, peace, Recovery | Tagged 12-step spirituality, Christianity, community, healing, holy ground, homelessness, hope, simple prayer, spiritual growth | 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

A gust of wind.

Posted on September 24, 2012 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

A few days ago, I found myself seated on a plane next to a life-filled young man who was traveling to visit his girlfriend, whom he’d met while serving in Kuwait. He was one of those unusual folks who says … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, faith, Interfaith, peace, Recovery, unity | Tagged Christianity, family, healing, Holy Spirit, reconciliation | 4 Comments