Tag Archives: Christianity

The gate.

Posted on May 2, 2020 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

In this week’s Gospel reading (John 10:1-10), we encounter Jesus, the good shepherd. And yet in this passage he does not refer to himself explicitly as the good shepherd. Instead he tells his followers, I am the gate. I am the … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, community, compassion, Diocese of Florida, faith, Grace, hunger, Interfaith, love, Ministry, Uncategorized | Tagged Christianity, food pantry, Fourth Sunday of Easter, Good Shepherd, John 10:1-10, The Episcopal Church, Wendell Berry | 1 Comment

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

Lasting impressions.

Posted on May 21, 2016 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

This week I was blessed to spend time with folks from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures and life experiences. In spite of our differences, we share a common desire to live in the life-giving flow of the One who … Continue reading →

Posted in community, faith, Uncategorized | Tagged 12-step spirituality, ACPE, Christianity, church without walls, community, grace, hope, radical hospitality, Relationship, spiritual growth, unity, vulnerability | Leave a comment

Young dreams.

Posted on January 23, 2016 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

This beautiful picture was created by the son of a friend and former colleague. His inspired interpretation of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I have a dream” speech captures the best of humanity and speaks to the best in each … Continue reading →

Posted in Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, faith, peace, Uncategorized | Tagged Christianity, church without walls, grace, healing, holy ground, hope, radical hospitality, unity, vulnerability | Leave a comment

Made holy.

Posted on November 7, 2015 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

At Church Without Walls, we often end the service with a blessing attributed to St. Clare. It includes the words: “Your Creator loves you, made you holy…” What does it mean to be loved, to be made holy? And how … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, faith, Grace, holy | Tagged 12-step spirituality, Christianity, church planting, community, compassion, grace, holy ground, hope, hospitality, inner darkness, mercy, option for the poor, renewal, simple prayer, St. Clare of Assisi, St. Francis of Assisi, street ministry, vulnerability | 3 Comments

A Third Way.

Posted on October 20, 2015 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

My tendency is often to sort things out, deciding what fits where, as I attempt to order my own life and seek to make sense of the world around me. I know I am not alone in this endeavor. I … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, faith, peace, Recovery, Uncategorized | Tagged Christianity, church without walls, community, compassion, grace, healing, holy ground, hope, hospitality, inner darkness, mercy, radical hospitality, recovery, unity, vulnerability | Leave a comment

May hatreds cease.

Posted on June 21, 2015 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so move every human heart that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace; through … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, faith, Grace | Tagged 12-step spirituality, Christianity, church without walls, community, compassion, grace, grief, healing, mercy, reconciliation, renewal, shame, unity, vulnerability | 1 Comment

“Through the wall of flame.”

Posted on May 26, 2015 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

As a frightened man in a burning boat has only one way to the rest of his life, we must move with courage through the wall of flame into the greater sea. — Mark Nepo, Book of Awakening, p 172 … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, faith, Grace | Tagged 12-step spirituality, Christianity, compassion, grace, gratitude, grief, healing, holy ground, inner darkness, John of the Cross, mercy, vulnerability | Leave a comment

“It is finished.”

Posted on April 3, 2015 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

This reflection was offered as part of a series of readings and reflections on the last seven words of Christ at St. John’s Cathedral, Jacksonville, FL, April 3, 2015. When Jesus had received the wine, he said, ‘It is finished.’ … Continue reading →

Posted in Baptism, Christianity, faith | Tagged baptism, Christianity, compassion, Good Friday, holy ground, John 19:30, Last seven words, mercy, shame, simple prayer, street ministry, vulnerability | 1 Comment

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