Tag Archives: welcome

Wailing wall.

Posted on April 24, 2020 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

A decade ago I was blessed to visit the Holy Land.  One of the most moving experiences for me was visiting the Western Wall in Jerusalem, an exposed section of a retaining wall built by Herod.  Jews and other pilgrims … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, community, compassion, Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, faith, Grace, holy, hunger, love, peace, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Communion happens.

Posted on August 7, 2015 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Last night my dear friend Ian, who a couple of weeks ago staged a production of Godspell to benefit Church Without Walls, shared a wonderful story with me: This week he was downtown with several Godspell cast members as they … Continue reading →

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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 , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Warm, generous and friendly.

Posted on January 29, 2013 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

When I googled “hospitality,” one definition that came up described it as “treating guests and strangers in a warm, generous and friendly way.” This suggests welcoming others unconditionally, helping them to feel comfortable and welcomed. Of course there are reasonable … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, congregational development, Ministry, Uncategorized, unity | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Silence is not always a virtue.

Posted on September 4, 2012 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Last week the Rev. Benedict Groeschel was criticized for making a statement that some victims of child sexual abuse were responsible for causing the abuse, that these youngsters were the “seducers” and that first-time pedophiles do not deserve to go … Continue reading →

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