Tag Archives: healing

A Light for all people.

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

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, community, faith, Grace, holy, love, Ministry, Recovery, Uncategorized, witness | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A new age.

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

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Advent, Christianity, community, Grace, love, peace, reconciliation, unity | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“It is finished.”

“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

Posted in Christianity, compassion, Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, faith, Good Friday, Grace, holy, love, reconciliation, Recovery, Uncategorized, unity | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

We must do better.

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.

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

Words matter.

After the Christmas break, my son began attending a new elementary school. The decision to move was not made lightly but transitions can be challenging.  As we moved through the first few weeks, I prayed a lot and there were … Continue reading

Posted in Christianity, community, compassion, Episcopal church, faith, Interfaith, love, Ministry, reconciliation, unity | Tagged | Leave a comment

Rough edges and grace.

Today was a glorious day at Church Without Walls. The sun shone brightly, warming us up just enough after a chilly night. We had blankets and other items to share thanks to the generosity of our national church. Dear friends … Continue reading

Posted in 12-step spirituality, community, Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, love, reconciliation, Recovery, Uncategorized, unity | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Coming together.

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 , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A thing of beauty.

The past few months have been a time of rich movement in my life. I have been engaged on multiple levels, which would not be possible without a willingness to let go. The focus that this season requires has meant … Continue reading

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Diocese of Florida, faith, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Young dreams.

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 , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment