Tag Archives: homelessness

Grace breaks in.

Posted on May 26, 2014 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

There is no doubt in my mind that many sacred things are happening around us at any given time. They may be small, almost imperceptible events. Or they may be life-changing, seminal happenings. I am also convinced that I often … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Diocese of Florida, faith, Grace, peace, unity | Tagged church planting, Communion, community, grace, gratitude, holy ground, homelessness, hope, hospitality, inner darkness, mercy, street ministry, vulnerability | 3 Comments

The gift of the shadow of death.

Posted on April 2, 2014 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

This morning I saw my friend Abe for the first time in weeks. He looked bright-eyed and well-tended. As we spoke, I noticed a body brace peeking out from his windbreaker and asked him what had happened. “I got beaten … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Baptism, Christianity, Diocese of Florida, faith, Uncategorized | Tagged 12-step spirituality, Christianity, church without walls, compassion, healing, homelessness, hope, inner darkness, mercy, recovery, street ministry, vulnerability | 1 Comment

Fully alive.

Posted on February 16, 2014 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

This sermon was offered this morning at San Jose Episcopal Church where I was blessed to preach and celebrate. (Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Psalm 119:1-8; 1 Cor 3:1-9; Matt 5:21-37) “Fully alive.” A few weeks ago I had an opportunity to meet … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, congregational development, Diocese of Florida, Grace, Recovery, Uncategorized, unity | Tagged 12 Steps, 12-step spirituality, Christianity, church without walls, community, compassion, grace, holy ground, homelessness, hope, inner darkness, radical hospitality, street ministry, vulnerability | Leave a comment

To be despised.

Posted on February 5, 2014 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

“Sometimes laws are used to push people aside, to get rid of people we don’t like. To make them go away.” At Bible study this morning one of our friends from the street made this observation as we reflected on … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Diocese of Florida, faith, Grace, Uncategorized, unity | Tagged Christianity, church without walls, community, compassion, grace, homelessness, hope, inner darkness, mercy, option for the poor, street ministry, vulnerability | 2 Comments

Becoming friends.

Posted on January 30, 2014 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

This past Wednesday morning was one of our coldest yet this year. It was drizzly and the wind blew right through the patio area outside Clara White Mission, where we host a weekly Morning Prayer and coffee fellowship. “Good morning,” … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, faith, Grace, Ministry | Tagged Christianity, church without walls, community, compassion, grace, gratitude, holy ground, homelessness, hope, hospitality, inner darkness, street ministry | Leave a comment

In the moment.

Posted on January 17, 2014 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Last night I had dinner with a friend, and we chatted about a number of significant life events. My friend has taken a new job after spending many years at the same non-profit. Times like these tend to inspire us … Continue reading →

Posted in congregational development, Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, faith, Grace | Tagged church without walls, community, compassion, healing, holy ground, homelessness, hospitality, vulnerability | Leave a comment

The light shines.

Posted on December 29, 2013 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

The following is a sermon preached at St. John’s Cathedral, Jacksonville, FL. First Sunday after Christmas St. John’s Cathedral, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013 Judges 6:36-40; Ps. 147:13-21; Gal 3:23-25; 4:4-7; John 1:1-18 May I speak in the name of God, … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, faith, Grace, peace, Recovery | Tagged Christianity, church without walls, community, grace, healing, holy ground, homelessness, hope, inner darkness, option for the poor, vulnerability | 2 Comments

Finding family.

Posted on December 10, 2013 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

This afternoon I had a challenging phone conversation with a woman I met at a shelter several months ago. She has struggled to find stability, moving from shelter to street to couch-surfing and back again. She has done many of … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, faith, Grace, Ministry, peace, Recovery | Tagged Christianity, church without walls, community, grace, grief, healing, holy ground, homelessness, hope, inner darkness, mercy, simple prayer, street ministry, vulnerability | Leave a comment

“hungry feeding hungry”

Posted on November 28, 2013 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

The following is a sermon preached on Thanksgiving morning 2013 at St. John’s Cathedral, Jacksonville, FL. (Deuteronomy 26:1-11; Ps 100; Phil 4:4-9; John 6:25-25) May I speak in the name of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Diocese of Florida, faith, Grace, Recovery, Uncategorized, unity | Tagged Christianity, church plant, community, grace, healing, holy ground, homelessness, hope, hospitality, inner darkness, mercy, radical hospitality, reconciliation, renewal | Leave a comment

Love and company.

Posted on October 19, 2013 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

“Love and company,” said Bear, “are the adornments that change everything.” These are the words from a beloved dog, as imagined or otherwise interpreted by poet Mary Oliver (Dog Songs, p 13). A simple statement — endearing and enduring — … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, congregational development, faith, Grace, peace, Recovery, unity | Tagged 12-step spirituality, Christianity, church without walls, grace, healing, holy ground, homelessness, hope, inner darkness, radical hospitality, street ministry, welcome | Leave a comment