Category Archives: unity

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

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

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

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

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

Becoming friends.*

Posted on January 31, 2015 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

It was my privilege to preach this sermon at the 172nd Convention of the Diocese of Florida at Holy Trinity Church in Gainesville, Fl, on Jan. 30, 2015. Micah 6:6-8 Hebrews 12:1-2 Matthew 25:31-40 Psalm 15 O Lord, may only … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, faith, Grace, Recovery, Uncategorized, unity | Tagged 12-step spirituality, Christianity, church planting, church without walls, community, compassion, grace, holy ground, homelessness, hope, hospitality, inner darkness, Justice, Matthew 25:31-46, mercy, new ministry, option for the poor, radical hospitality, recovery, renewal, street ministry, unity, vulnerability | 4 Comments

Grace breaks in.

Posted on May 26, 2014 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

There is no doubt in my mind that many sacred things are happening around us at any given time. They may be small, almost imperceptible events. Or they may be life-changing, seminal happenings. I am also convinced that I often … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Diocese of Florida, faith, Grace, peace, unity | Tagged church planting, Communion, community, grace, gratitude, holy ground, homelessness, hope, hospitality, inner darkness, mercy, street ministry, vulnerability | 3 Comments

Unity in diversity.

Posted on April 9, 2014 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

My Lenten discipline of making confession became something much bigger. It resulted in a challenging and amazing conversation with a monk who also is a Catholic priest. While on retreat, I had scheduled time to make my confession – a … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, faith, Grace, reconciliation, unity | Tagged Christianity, community, compassion, grace, grief, healing, holy ground, hope, hospitality, reconciliation, street ministry, unity, vulnerability | 4 Comments

Two nickels.

Posted on March 17, 2014 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

This past Sunday a man, whom I don’t recall meeting before, approached me during the peace. “Mother Beth,” he said with a sense of purpose that made me wonder what he wanted. He held up his hand. “When is the … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, congregational development, Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, faith, Grace, Uncategorized, unity | Tagged church without walls, community, compassion, generosity, grace, healing, holy ground, hope, street ministry, vulnerability | 5 Comments

Fully alive.

Posted on February 16, 2014 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

This sermon was offered this morning at San Jose Episcopal Church where I was blessed to preach and celebrate. (Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Psalm 119:1-8; 1 Cor 3:1-9; Matt 5:21-37) “Fully alive.” A few weeks ago I had an opportunity to meet … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, congregational development, Diocese of Florida, Grace, Recovery, Uncategorized, unity | Tagged 12 Steps, 12-step spirituality, Christianity, church without walls, community, compassion, grace, holy ground, homelessness, hope, inner darkness, radical hospitality, street ministry, vulnerability | Leave a comment