Tag Archives: renewal

A thing of beauty.

Posted on May 15, 2016 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

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 community, grace, gratitude, healing, holy ground, renewal, simple prayer, vulnerability | Leave a comment

Silenced by love.

Posted on December 8, 2015 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Last night during our Church Without Walls Advent bible study, we reviewed the scripture for the third week of Advent. As we read from Zephaniah, we noticed a marked difference between translations. One stated that God will renew us in … Continue reading →

Posted in congregational development, Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, faith, Grace, love | Tagged Advent, church planting, church without walls, community, compassion, grace, holy ground, homelessness, hope, mercy, renewal, street ministry, vulnerability | Leave a comment

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

Hurry not.

Posted on September 19, 2015 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

This past week I was reminded that rushing is not necessary. It is not life-giving. It is not healthy. On Maui, no one seems to be in a hurry, even folks going through the motions and routine of day-to-day life. … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, faith, peace, Recovery, Uncategorized | Tagged 12-step spirituality, grace, gratitude, holy ground, hope, Maui, mercy, renewal, simple prayer, vulnerability | 2 Comments

Open and undefended.

Posted on June 30, 2015 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

This is a personal reflection on my experience as a first-time deputy to the 78th General Convention of The Episcopal Church, which is presently convening in Salt Lake City. We cannot receive new life — we cannot experience transformation — … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, faith, Grace, Recovery | Tagged #GC78, 12-step spirituality, 78th General Convention, community, compassion, grace, healing, holy ground, inner darkness, mercy, radical hospitality, reconciliation, recovery, renewal, The Episcopal Church | 2 Comments

May hatreds cease.

Posted on June 21, 2015 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so move every human heart that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace; through … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, faith, Grace | Tagged 12-step spirituality, Christianity, church without walls, community, compassion, grace, grief, healing, mercy, reconciliation, renewal, shame, unity, vulnerability | 1 Comment

A third way.

Posted on March 4, 2015 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Recently I was in a conversation with a friend, who expressed that he vacillates between two different ways of relating to me: blunt assertiveness or drawing back with a very passive stance. I understand where he is coming from. But … Continue reading →

Posted in faith, Grace | Tagged 12-step spirituality, compassion, grace, healing, holy ground, hope, mercy, radical hospitality, recovery, renewal, spiritual growth, vulnerability | Leave a comment

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

Commit your way.

Posted on October 23, 2014 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

This afternoon, a couple of us from Church Without Walls will travel to a meeting of folks committed to ministry on the fringes. Nearly three years ago now, many of these saints graciously received me as a visitor when I … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Episcopal church, faith, Grace | Tagged Christianity, church planting, church without walls, community, hope, new ministry, radical hospitality, renewal, street ministry, vulnerability | Leave a comment

Church Invisible

Posted on August 24, 2014 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Recently I reread a portion of Evelyn Underhill’s writing in which she speaks of the Church Invisible (those saints known only to God) and its role in making manifest the kingdom of God. She writes: Christian selves are simply parts … Continue reading →

Posted in congregational development, Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, faith, Grace, Uncategorized | Tagged Christianity, Church Invisible, church planting, church without walls, community, compassion, grace, holy ground, hope, mercy, radical hospitality, renewal, street ministry | Leave a comment