Tag Archives: Advent

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

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

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

Silenced by love.

Posted on December 8, 2015 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Last night during our Church Without Walls Advent bible study, we reviewed the scripture for the third week of Advent. As we read from Zephaniah, we noticed a marked difference between translations. One stated that God will renew us in … Continue reading →

Posted in congregational development, Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, faith, Grace, love | Tagged Advent, church planting, church without walls, community, compassion, grace, holy ground, homelessness, hope, mercy, renewal, street ministry, vulnerability | Leave a comment

The holy “no.”

Posted on December 20, 2012 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

As we journey this last week toward Christmas, we celebrate the young girl Mary, who without respect to personal cost, said “yes” to the invitation to become the mother of Jesus. “Let it be with me according to your word … Continue reading →

Posted in faith, peace, Uncategorized | Tagged Advent, Christianity, healing, holy ground, hope, recovery, simple prayer, spiritual growth | 3 Comments