Tag Archives: street ministry

Two nickels.

Posted on March 17, 2014 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

This past Sunday a man, whom I don’t recall meeting before, approached me during the peace. “Mother Beth,” he said with a sense of purpose that made me wonder what he wanted. He held up his hand. “When is the … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, congregational development, Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, faith, Grace, Uncategorized, unity | Tagged church without walls, community, compassion, generosity, grace, healing, holy ground, hope, street ministry, vulnerability | 5 Comments

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

Falling away.

Posted on December 22, 2013 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Yesterday, the first day of winter, it was warm enough for Evening Prayer in the backyard and then for Morning Prayer this morning. We will need ice water for outdoor church with an expected high of 81 degrees. In a … Continue reading →

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

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

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

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

What matters.

Posted on August 29, 2013 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Recently, at one of our post-worship picnics, I enjoyed watching a local church youth group distribute lunches to the congregation. We had been able to have our service outside, under the sycamore tree, but then decided to come inside our … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Grace, Uncategorized, unity | Tagged church without walls, compassion, holy ground, homelessness, hope, street ministry | 4 Comments

Together, a dwelling place for God.

Posted on August 23, 2013 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Last night, a cadre of folks who have been participating in various aspects of our “church without walls” ministry came together to reflect on what God might be doing in us. We took time to think and share about how … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, faith, Grace, Interfaith, unity | Tagged Christianity, church without walls, community, grace, holy ground, homelessness, hope, hospitality, spiritual growth, street ministry, vulnerability | Leave a comment