Tag Archives: Christianity

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

Boundaries.

Posted on January 28, 2015 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Got a call today from a well-meaning Christian person who has a “really cool project idea,” making videos to send to family and friends from whom individuals may be estranged. They have a great idea – they just need access … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Diocese of Florida, faith, Grace, Uncategorized | Tagged Christianity, church without walls, community, compassion, holy ground, mercy, street ministry, vulnerability | Leave a comment

“I was sick and you visited me.”

Posted on January 10, 2015 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Last night I had a troubling dream. This dream is not about Bishop Heather Cook of Maryland though the tragic, heart-breaking events that resulted quite appropriately in her arrest no doubt got my subconscious riled up. Be forewarned that this … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, faith, Uncategorized | Tagged Christianity, compassion, grace, healing, holy ground, hospitality, inner darkness, Matthew 25:31-46, mercy, shame, vulnerability | 1 Comment

The girl without hands.

Posted on December 6, 2014 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Lately I have been thinking about this fairy tale, which I encountered years ago. In the past, it helped me in the “in-between times,” when the realization that old ways of being and doing no longer served me. Our 12-step … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, peace | Tagged 12 Steps, 12-step spirituality, Christianity, church without walls, community, compassion, grace, healing, holy ground, hope, inner darkness, Justice, mercy, street ministry, vulnerability | 6 Comments

The heart of God.

Posted on November 27, 2014 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

The following sermon was preached this Thanksgiving Day at St. John’s Cathedral, Jacksonville, FL. (Deuteronomy 8:7-18; Psalm 65; 2 Corinthians 9:6-15; Luke 17:11-19) May we experience that Love which is no respecter of persons. In the name of God, Father, … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Diocese of Florida, faith, Grace | Tagged Christianity, church without walls, community, compassion, grace, gratitude, healing, holy ground, homelessness, hope, mercy, Thanksgiving, unity, vulnerability | 6 Comments

Commit your way.

Posted on October 23, 2014 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

This afternoon, a couple of us from Church Without Walls will travel to a meeting of folks committed to ministry on the fringes. Nearly three years ago now, many of these saints graciously received me as a visitor when I … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Episcopal church, faith, Grace | Tagged Christianity, church planting, church without walls, community, hope, new ministry, radical hospitality, renewal, street ministry, vulnerability | Leave a comment

A habit and a habit.

Posted on October 12, 2014 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

The image that has stayed with me the most powerfully today came when I glanced over towards a new brother (a Benedictine monk) who had come to Church Without Walls for the first time. He was standing in his all-black … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, Episcopal church, faith, Grace, Recovery, Uncategorized | Tagged 12 Steps, 12-step spirituality, Christianity, church without walls, community, inner darkness, mercy, radical hospitality, recovery, shame, vulnerability | 4 Comments