Tag Archives: option for the poor

Made holy.

Posted on November 7, 2015 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

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 →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, faith, Grace, holy | Tagged 12-step spirituality, Christianity, church planting, community, compassion, grace, holy ground, hope, hospitality, inner darkness, mercy, option for the poor, renewal, simple prayer, St. Clare of Assisi, St. Francis of Assisi, street ministry, vulnerability | 3 Comments

Close moments.

Posted on August 2, 2015 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

It has become a spiritual practice for me to reflect upon my life experience and to identify “close moments with Christ” – those times when I sense the presence of the Holy Spirit in the midst of day-to-day living. Today … Continue reading →

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

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

A letter from jail.

Posted on June 18, 2014 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

The name on the envelop was unfamiliar, but I recognized the return address from the local jail. The letter was sent to the attention of “Mother Beth” of Church Without Walls and made its way to St. John’s Cathedral. It … Continue reading →

Posted in Episcopal church, faith, Ministry, Uncategorized | Tagged Christianity, church planting, church without walls, community, healing, holy ground, homelessness, hope, Matthew 25:31-46, option for the poor, radical hospitality, street ministry, vulnerability | Leave a comment

“Nothing bad.”

Posted on May 17, 2014 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

This week I visited with a friend who has become very interested in our “church without walls.” Her heart for those on the edge – for those who have been lost, forgotten or rejected – is not new. She has … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, Uncategorized | Tagged Christianity, church planting, church without walls, community, compassion, holy ground, Matthew 25:31-46, mercy, option for the poor, radical hospitality, reconciliation, street ministry, unity, 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

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

Public trust.

Posted on November 3, 2013 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

This morning I woke up just after 4 a.m., with the words “public trust” clearly in mind. I asked God what this was about and immediately my cousin Fred came to mind. Fred has a deep and abiding love for … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Baptism, Christianity, Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, faith, Grace, Ministry | Tagged 12-step spirituality, All Saints Day, church planting, church without walls, healing, holy ground, hope, mercy, option for the poor, street ministry, unity, vulnerability | 2 Comments

Under the sycamore.

Posted on August 5, 2013 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

This past Sunday, a dear, elderly man came to our outdoor service for the first time. He often frequents our Wednesday morning coffee & prayer fellowship. He is always gracious, always has a kind word, always a warm smile. The … Continue reading →

Posted in congregational development, Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, Grace, Uncategorized, unity | Tagged church plant, church without walls, community, grace, holy ground, homelessness, hope, mercy, option for the poor, radical hospitality, simple prayer, street ministry | 2 Comments

With power and great glory.

Posted on December 4, 2012 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

God has always been coming. He came in the creation of light, and he came yet more in Adam. He came in Abraham but was to come more fully in Moses. He came in Elijah, but was to come even … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, faith, peace, Recovery, Uncategorized, unity | Tagged Christianity, church planting, community, holy ground, homelessness, hope, inner darkness, option for the poor, radical hospitality, street ministry | Leave a comment