Blogs
Compromising or Selling Out? A Creation Care Christmas.
So, I’m feeling pretty virtuous. I buy 100 percent renewable electricity from the Energy Cooperative in Philadelphia; it’s the real deal, all wind and solar with a smidge of low-impact hydroelectric. So, when I switch on my Christmas lights, watch TV or run the central heating, I have a no-carbon, ultra-low pollution footprint. And it’s the same price as the 50 percent coal-sourced electricity from the regular supplier! AND – when I cook, I’m on propane, which is the cleanest … Continue reading
Sabbath in a 24/7 World
Earlier this week, Dr. Sleeth shared some reflections on the fourth commandment — remembering the Sabbath — with medical students at the University of Kentucky. It was clear that the message he shared was both a gift and a challenge to this hard working group of young people. The gift: to be reminded we are created by a loving God who longs for us to discover our place in His world and to be healed. The challenge: to wrestle with our … Continue reading
How the Blessed Earth Series Changed My Life
I first watched the presentation about Sabbath rest by Matthew Sleeth about a year ago (Session #7 in the Blessed Earth Film Series). At that time I knew it was something I should take seriously but instead I continued with my hectic pace. A few months later, I watched the video again as I was preparing to teach the session on Sabbath rest. This time I was struck by how much I had really not been taking a Sabbath. I … Continue reading
Consuming Less and Sharing More
Last week, my husband looked like an angel to me, up to his elbows in dishwater, scrubbing a seemingly endless stream of commercial-sized pots and pans. On Monday nights, we attend a worship service, take communion, and feed those in need. After the shared meal, we help distribute donated food. It’s become a regular highlight of our week. On this particular Monday, we had about twice as many people attending as usual. Extra tables were set up. Testimonies were shared. … Continue reading
The Gift of Place
“To love a place is to care for it, to keep it healthy, to attend to its needs as if they were my own, because they are my own. Responsibility grows from love. It is the natural shape of caring.” (Kathleen Dean Moore) As Christians catch a vision for creation care they are often inspired to take responsibility for their place. While this can be a delightful journey it can also be overwhelming. Where do we start? Lightbulbs, parking … Continue reading
First Tree Planting a Huge Success!
Thanks to the generosity of Blessed Earth friends and volunteers, the first day of the tree planting project was a resounding success. Church and community members gathered on a sunny autumn morning to help plant trees in an under-served neighborhood of Lexington, KY. A total of 33 trees are being planted, with requests already coming in to expand the project in other communities next spring. We still need your help! You can help us grow the project in four ways: … Continue reading
Gratitude: Sowing in Tears
I recently returned from a trip to Houston, Texas, a city I called home for 7 years. While living in Houston, I co-pastored Mercy Street, a group of people recovering from addictions and bad church experiences – often both. It was heart-breaking to drive around the city and see the effects of this summer’s drought – countless trees dead and dying and once-productive gardens left untended because of water restrictions. On Saturday night, I went to worship with Mercy Street. … Continue reading
The Longest (and best!) Sabbath of the Year
Thanks to the end of daylight savings time, last week was the longest Sabbath of the year. Matthew had a strong desire to see water flowing downhill, so we packed a picnic and happened upon a local park along Elkhorn Creek. What a delightful discovery! Not only was it one of the prettiest spots we have seen in Kentucky, but the time resting in green pastures and walking the trail along gently flowing waters most definitely restored our souls. The … Continue reading
The Death of a Sparrow
As I was preparing for the Asbury Seminary faculty retreat last month, I heard a loud thump against my study window. I opened the sash and looked out; seeing nothing amiss, I continued working. Two hours later, my wife Nancy came home. She told me there was a dead sparrow along the walkway, and asked if I could take care of it. It was as if God had dummy-slapped me on the side of my head: as I was writing … Continue reading
What does God require? Part 4: Creatures of the land
How does God view the survival and prosperity of the wild creature? Throughout the Bible, we read that even in a fallen world, God rejoices in the beauty and balance of his creation. We also read that God has designed the created order so that his wild creatures will have the food, water, and habitat they need to survive and prosper. It is Yahweh who “sent out the wild donkey free” and “gave to him the wilderness for a home” … Continue reading
Chickens and Discipleship
Next door to our home, the urban farm is alive with bees hovering, fruit trees growing strong, blackberries creeping up fence-posts, and watermelons expanding like balloons among the bright marigolds. While these are all beautiful to behold, we have new favorite subjects inhabiting this tenth of an acre lot. Two weeks ago nine 12-week-old chickens were delivered: four bold Barred Rocks and five regal Araucanas. These delightful birds are quickly making themselves at home in their new coop, and we … Continue reading
Q&A with Nancy
This Q&A with Nancy was originally posted September 14, 2011 on Jason Hess’s blog “Ecksermonator: Evolve Your Thinking.” It is reposted with permission. This month I was able to ask Nancy Sleeth, the co-founder of Blessed Earth, a few questions about the organization. With more and more people getting involved in the green movement, environmentalism and creation care efforts I just wanted to take a few moments to introduce you to a nonprofit that is worth your attention. Blessed Earth … Continue reading
Taking a Break from Consumerism
One of the most poorly understood realities in Christianity today is the connection between our lived faith and everyday consumption. Unfortunately, most of us (myself included) give little thought to what we buy–and even less to where it was made, who sold it, where our money goes, and the ethical implications of its production, consumption, and eventual disposal. Abetted by a tendency to separate our “spiritual” from our “everyday” lives, this consumer society drives us to buy without regard for … Continue reading
Practicing Water Awareness
My wife and I took some time this morning to water our ‘urban farm’ where young fruit trees grow roots deep into the ground and carrots push their orange tops above the soil line. I was reminded of the majesty of rain and how much less work it is for us when God’s irrigation system nourishes our plants. It’s easy to take water for granted until the earth cracks and life around us is parched. We have had a good … Continue reading
Why I Don’t Drink Bottled Water
During my sophomore year of college, I spent four months studying in France. I had to make many language and cultural adjustments, but one of the biggest surprises was the general lack of public water fountains. As I journeyed across Europe on weekends and vacations, I learned the necessity of carrying a bottle of water. Back home in the U.S., more people than ever are buying bottled water. Even in these difficult economic times, Americans purchase 500 million bottles of … Continue reading
The Gift of Water
With so many of our brothers and sisters around the world suffering from the effects of either droughts or floods, I cannot help but think about water–an indispensable building block of life. Our very bodies consist mostly of water. Without water, life on this planet would not exist. God was extravagant with water–he covered nearly two-thirds of the planet with it. Some people have described the earth as a “water planet.” But there’s a problem: 97 percent of the water … Continue reading
What Does God Require? Part 3: The Land & Warfare
Even in the midst of the crisis of warfare, we find that in Israel God’s people are commanded to treat creation with care. In Deut 20:19-20 we find an obscure, but very interesting law: When you besiege a city for many days, to make war against it in order to capture it, you shall not destroy its trees by swinging an axe against them. Indeed you may eat from them, but you shall not cut (them) down. For is the … Continue reading
Five Years in the Making
Greetings, my brothers and sisters. May the peace and joy of Christ be with you! I have never had bigger or more joyous news to share with you. Never has the gracious hand of the Lord been more clearly seen in our ministry. We are beginning two new programs which are the fruit of five years of work and seed planting. These programs will change the manner and the scale on which we operate. Before I begin telling you about … Continue reading
Blessed Earth partners with the National Cathedral
…and five other major churches in the next five years Last spring Matthew was invited to speak from the pulpit of the National Cathedral, the “Nation’s Church,” in Washington, DC. His talk and forum were the centerpiece of their Earth Day celebration. As a school child, Matthew had taken yearly field trips to visit with stonemasons and watch the Cathedral being built, so this was an especially meaningful moment for him. The Cathedral, which seats 3,000, was packed. As Matthew … Continue reading
Irresistible “Healthy” Cinnamon Rolls
My friend, Bethany, makes Sunday cinnamon roll a special treat. She bakes and slices it the night before, then leaves it out for breakfast so she and her husband can stay in bed an extra hour on Sabbath morning while her three young children enjoy a special meal. I always make two loaves when we have guests—if there are any extras, they make a very welcome care package! 1 1/8 cup warm water 2 tsp vanilla 1 tsp salt 3 … Continue reading
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