Tag Archives: inner darkness

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

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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

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“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

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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

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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

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Marked by love.

Today many of us will participate in Ash Wednesday services, offering ourselves – our brokenness and failure and our highest hopes — to the One who created us all. Today we enter the penitential and reflective season of Lent. Church … Continue reading

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From expectation to wonder.

This year I have approached the holidays by deciding to take pleasure in small things. By moving from a place of expectation to a place of wonder. We talk a lot at Church Without Walls about how, while there is … Continue reading

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“Who are we?”

This sermon was preached this morning at Church of Our Saviour, Jacksonville, FL Christ the King Sunday 2 Samuel 23:1-7; Psalm 93; Rev 1:4b-8; John 18:33-37 Today we are invited to be boisterous and jubilant as we celebrate Christ the … Continue reading

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Made holy.

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

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A Third Way.

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

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