Category Archives: unity

Warm, generous and friendly.

Posted on January 29, 2013 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

When I googled “hospitality,” one definition that came up described it as “treating guests and strangers in a warm, generous and friendly way.” This suggests welcoming others unconditionally, helping them to feel comfortable and welcomed. Of course there are reasonable … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, congregational development, Ministry, Uncategorized, unity | Tagged 12-step spirituality, church without walls, community, healing, mercy, radical hospitality, welcome | 2 Comments

Fill the jars.

Posted on January 20, 2013 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Now standing there were six stone water-jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, ‘Fill the jars with water.’ And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, congregational development, faith, Ministry, unity | Tagged 12-step spirituality, Christianity, community, healing, mercy, spiritual growth, transformation, vulnerability | 8 Comments

A river of living water.

Posted on January 13, 2013 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Today as we celebrate the baptism of Jesus in the river Jordan, I have been thinking of how Jesus willingly, lovingly entered that muddy river, made his way to John and humbly presented himself. He was willing — and is … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, faith, peace, Recovery, unity | Tagged baptism, Faith, love, mercy | 5 Comments

‘O, the wonder of it all.’

Posted on December 24, 2012 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Ring the bells that still can ring. Forget your perfect offering. There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in. -Leonard Cohen This morning a beautiful man shared this simple expression with a small group of … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, peace, Recovery, Uncategorized, unity | Tagged 12-step spirituality, Christianity, grace, holy ground, inner darkness, mercy, simple prayer | Leave a comment

In our midst.

Posted on December 12, 2012 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands grow weak. The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, congregational development, Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, faith, Ministry, peace, Recovery, unity | Tagged 12 Steps, 12-step spirituality, Christianity, church plant, community, grace, healing, holy ground, homelessness, hope, mercy, radical hospitality, street ministry | Leave a comment

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