Category Archives: Recovery

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

Waiting open-endedly.

Posted on December 18, 2023 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

This sermon was preached on the Third Sunday of Advent, Dec 17, 2023, at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Jacksonville, FL, by the Rev. Canon Beth Tjoflat. Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 John 1:6-8,19-28 Psalm 126 May I speak in … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Advent, Christianity, community, faith, Grace, holy, hunger, Recovery, Uncategorized | Tagged 12-step spirituality, Advent, Advent 3, bible, Christianity, grace, Holy Spirit, jesus, mercy | 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

There is only now.

Posted on May 30, 2021 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

This sermon was offered on Sunday, May 30, 2021 — Trinity SundaySt. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Jacksonville, FL Isaiah 6:1-8Romans 8:12-17John 3:1-17Psalm 29 In the name of God, Father Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. “There is almost no such thing as … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, community, compassion, Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, faith, Grace, holy, love, reconciliation, Recovery, unity, urban ministry | Tagged Trinity Sunday | 1 Comment

Compassion crucifies fear.

Posted on April 5, 2020 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

God makes that possible. We begin our Palm Sunday, singing Hosanna, as Jesus rides into Jerusalem, bringing hope as a compassionate king, a merciful gracious leader who cares for all people, even and especially those who find themselves on the … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, community, compassion, Diocese of Florida, Grace, hunger, love, Recovery, Uncategorized | Tagged compassion, food assistance, Palm Sunday | 2 Comments

Come from the four winds, O breath.

Posted on March 29, 2020 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

This morning the prophet Ezekiel reminds us that God is with us, that we can call on the One who created everything that is, even when it may seem, at moments at least, that we are left alone to face … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, community, Diocese of Florida, faith, Grace, Interfaith, love, Recovery, Uncategorized, unity | Leave a comment

Woke by Jesus.

Posted on April 9, 2019 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

This sermon was offered at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Jacksonville, FL, on Sunday, April 7, 2019 Fifth Sunday in Lent Isaiah 43:16-21 Philippians 3:4b-14 John 12:1-8 Psalm 126 May I speak in the name of God, Father, Son … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, community, Episcopal church, faith, Grace, holy, love, Recovery, Uncategorized | Tagged Lent, woke | 3 Comments

Rough edges and grace.

Posted on October 23, 2016 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Today was a glorious day at Church Without Walls. The sun shone brightly, warming us up just enough after a chilly night. We had blankets and other items to share thanks to the generosity of our national church. Dear friends … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, community, Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, love, reconciliation, Recovery, Uncategorized, unity | Tagged church without walls, compassion, grace, grief, healing, homelessness, inner darkness, mercy, radical hospitality, street ministry, vulnerability | 2 Comments

Coming together.

Posted on June 13, 2016 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

In the aftermath of the mass shooting in Orlando (and every other recent and incomprehensible tragedy), it is hard to feel anything other than profound sadness. I want to make room for this overwhelming sense of grief and yet I … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, community, faith, peace, Recovery | Tagged 12-step spirituality, Christianity, compassion, grief, healing, holy ground, hope, unity, vulnerability | Leave a comment

From expectation to wonder.

Posted on December 19, 2015 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

This year I have approached the holidays by deciding to take pleasure in small things. By moving from a place of expectation to a place of wonder. We talk a lot at Church Without Walls about how, while there is … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, faith, Grace, peace, Recovery | Tagged 12-step spirituality, Advent, church planting, church without walls, community, grace, gratitude, grief, healing, holy ground, homelessness, hope, inner darkness, street ministry, vulnerability | Leave a comment