Tag Archives: community

Prepare to feast.

Posted on April 14, 2024 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

This sermon was preached on the Third Sunday of Easter at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Jacksonville, FL. For more information on St. Mary’s click here. Acts 3:12-191 John 3:1-7Luke 24: 36b-48Psalm 4 In the name of God,Father, Son and … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, community, Episcopal church, faith, holy, hunger, sabbath, street ministry, Uncategorized, urban ministry | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

A Light for all people.

Posted on January 1, 2024 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

This sermon was offered on the First Sunday after Christmas (Dec. 31, 2023) at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Jacksonville, FL, by the Rev. Cn. Beth Tjoflat. Isaiah 61:10-62:3Galatians 3:23-25; 4:4-7John 1:1-18Psalm 147 It was not uncommon for teachers of John’s … Continue reading →

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A new age.

Posted on December 4, 2023 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

This sermon was offered by The Rev. Canon Beth Tjoflat at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Jacksonville, FL, on Dec. 3, 2023, the First Sunday of Advent (Year B). Isaiah 64:1-91 Corinthians 1:3-9Mark 13:24-37Psalm 80:1-7, 16-18 May I speak in the … Continue reading →

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“It is finished.”

Posted on April 8, 2023 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

“It is finished.”Jesus speaks these words.Bows his head.Gives up his spirit. It is finished. Those words must have been confusing to hear.Terrifying for his few followers,close enough to hear, or for thosewho soon would learn of this tragic outcome. It … Continue reading →

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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 , , , , | Leave a comment

A gentle giant.

Posted on August 12, 2022 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory, Dear One.  This dear saint –The Rt. Rev. Charles Lovett Keyser — served as the fourth Bishop Suffragan for the Armed Forces and, upon retirement, served generously in the Episcopal Diocese of Florida. … Continue reading →

Posted in Baptism, Christianity, community, compassion, Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, faith, Grace, holy, Interfaith, love, reconciliation | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

America’s national crime.

Posted on August 1, 2022 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Recently my son and I went on a 3-day pilgrimage to Selma and Montgomery. We were part of a small, diverse group of clergy leaders from Jacksonville. This gracious group welcomed my son, who joined us everywhere, including in the … Continue reading →

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Wailing wall.

Posted on April 24, 2020 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

A decade ago I was blessed to visit the Holy Land.  One of the most moving experiences for me was visiting the Western Wall in Jerusalem, an exposed section of a retaining wall built by Herod.  Jews and other pilgrims … Continue reading →

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“We’re starving.”

Posted on April 10, 2020 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

These words yesterday, coming from one of our “church without walls” congregants, chilled me to the bone. At great inconvenience and physical hardship for herself, she made her way from a camp site to our food pantry, located about one … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, community, compassion, Diocese of Florida, Grace, holy, hunger, Interfaith, love, Ministry, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Believe in the light.

Posted on April 7, 2020 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

In today’s Gospel reading (John 12:20-36), Jesus told his disciples: “Believe in the light so that you may become children of light.” Jesus spoke these words at a time when his own soul was troubled. He understood what was to … Continue reading →

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