This past Thursday, Dr. Ellsworth Kalas went to be with the Lord he loved and served for over ninety-two years. He was a faithful supporter of our ministry, and served on the Blessed Earth board for the past five years. Many people knew Ellsworth as a homiletics teacher and the President of Asbury Seminary.… Continue reading Goodbye to a Friend
Author: Emma
Earn $1,000 for Doing the Right Thing!
When was the last time you got paid $1,000 for doing the right thing? This week, our son, Clark, and daughter-in-law, Valerie, learned that they will receive a $1,000 check from their local utility company. You heard me right: their electricity provider is paying them one grand for participating in an energy audit program and completing… Continue reading Earn $1,000 for Doing the Right Thing!
Announcement from Matthew About New Book
My son-in-law, Zach, gave me my Father’s Day present a little early this year. Before we moved into our townhouse, a large tree had died along the fence line dividing us from the neighboring apartment building. We got permission from our homeowner’s association to replant a tree. There was only one problem: a humongous stump–about… Continue reading Announcement from Matthew About New Book
Sleeths Commission One Hundred Stewardship Advocates
Today we hear so much in the news about what’s wrong with today’s young people: they’re selfish, apathetic, and easily distracted. They spend all their time on their phones, and little of it in nature. Recently, Matthew and I had the privilege of spending a few days in Colorado with several hundred college and seminary… Continue reading Sleeths Commission One Hundred Stewardship Advocates
Blessed Earth Launches First State Chapter
Ryan and Heather of Blessed Earth TN speaking at Belmont University Many years ago, when we were just beginning our ministry, Nancy and I were invited to speak at a clergy luncheon at Asbury Seminary. When I asked one of the attendees to tell me why he was there, the pastor was very honest. His… Continue reading Blessed Earth Launches First State Chapter
Dr. Sleeth Gives Keynote at Kentucky Governor’s Prayer Breakfast
Frankfort, KY, March 17, 2015 Dr. Sleeth recently gave the keynote address to a packed Frankfort Convention Center at the 2015 Governor’s Prayer Breakfast. The theme of his talk was “Be Still,” and Dr. Sleeth shared his personal story while connecting it with a call to keep the Sabbath to those in attendance. A variety… Continue reading Dr. Sleeth Gives Keynote at Kentucky Governor’s Prayer Breakfast
Matthew visits with Students in Chapel Hill, NC
One of the most frequent questions I’m asked is, “How many days a year are you on the road?” I don’t really know the answer. When I ask those responsible for my schedule, I get evasive answers such as, “Quite a lot,” or, “You don’t want to know.” My guess is that I’m away from… Continue reading Matthew visits with Students in Chapel Hill, NC
A Visit to Polyface Farm
There is nothing as lovely as a road trip with someone you love. Just before Christmas, I went on a road trip with my son-in-law, Zach. We headed east to Joel Salatin’s Polyface Farm in the Shenandoah Valley. Joel recently asked me to write the foreword to his upcoming book, and I wanted to see his farming… Continue reading A Visit to Polyface Farm
Green Christmas Boxes
by Emma Sleeth Davis It’s November, which, at least to me (and I’m sure to a lot of you, too!), means Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. I love packing shoeboxes every year with my best friend, Jenny, taking great care over each present that goes into the boxes—Which toy would we have liked more as… Continue reading Green Christmas Boxes
SSA News: Asbury Community Garden Feeds Both Students and Knowledge
The Community Garden/Eco-Seminary at Asbury Theological Seminary is a fast-growing component of their creation care plan. We talked with Ryan Smith, manager for the Global Community Formation, about this exciting project: “The Asbury Seminary Community Garden is a space where students and their families, staff, faculty and Wilmore community members can grow fresh, organic food… Continue reading SSA News: Asbury Community Garden Feeds Both Students and Knowledge
Dr Matthew Sleeth Spends Earth Day at Campbellsville University
by Linda Waggener Campbellsville University celebrated Earth Day April 22 at the Turner Log Cabin Park where CU students, guests, faculty and staff were joined by students from Campbellsville Independent Schools for the traditional planting of trees and flowers. President Michael V. Carter said, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve… Continue reading Dr Matthew Sleeth Spends Earth Day at Campbellsville University
April 22 – National Cathedral
Planted: A Story of Creation, Calling, and Community
“Leah Kostamo’s elegant memoir shares the story of A Rocha, an organization that lives out the principles of Christian stewardship and community. With humility, grace, and candor, Leah takes her readers along the creation-care journey, sharing how many small acts can and do make a difference.” – Matthew and Nancy Sleeth Using personal stories of… Continue reading Planted: A Story of Creation, Calling, and Community
November’s Monthly Challenge: Be a Hospitable Host!
The upcoming holiday season provides many chances to show hospitality to others and foster community. Whether you will be spending Thanksgiving with family or hosting a dinner for those in need, there’s something in this month’s challenge you can do. Below you will find some suggestions from the BE team, along with a printable checklist… Continue reading November’s Monthly Challenge: Be a Hospitable Host!
North Carolina Creation Care Year Continues to Inspire
Dr. Matthew and Nancy Sleeth had a diverse and productive visit to Asheville, North Carolina in early September. On Thursday, September 5, Dr. Sleeth gave the keynote address for the Western North Carolina Alliance Annual Conference. The Sleeths spent the next several days hiking and exploring Asheville. On Sunday, Dr. Sleeth preached at First Presbyterian… Continue reading North Carolina Creation Care Year Continues to Inspire
September’s Monthly Challenge: Celebrate the Sabbath!
Sabbath is about restraint—intentionally not doing everything all the time just because we can. Setting aside a day of rest helps us reconnect with our Creator and find the peace of God that passes all understanding. In this month’s challenge, we invite you to let go of the controls… Continue reading September’s Monthly Challenge: Celebrate the Sabbath!
August’s Monthly Challenge: Take Control of Your Computer!
Computers and other technology can be wonderful, but if we aren’t careful they can take up too much of our time and use too much energy. In this month’s challenge, we invite you to investigate your relationship with your computer. Below you will find some suggestions from the BE team: 1. Go on a weekend… Continue reading August’s Monthly Challenge: Take Control of Your Computer!
July’s Monthly Challenge: Live Locally!
Whether you live in the city or the country, the warm summer weather provides the perfect opportunity to get outside and explore your surroundings! In this first Blessed Earth Monthly Challenge, we invite you to spend as much time as possible close to home, in your community. Below you will find some suggestions from… Continue reading July’s Monthly Challenge: Live Locally!
Summoned Toward Wholeness: Food and Faith Conference
Blessed Earth, in partnership with Duke Divinity School, Wake Forest University School of Divinity, and Anathoth Community Garden, is hosting a gathering titled Summoned Toward Wholeness: A Conference on Food, Farming and the Life of Faith. The conference will be held September 27-28, 2013, at Duke Divinity School. Scripture portrays God as a gardener, farmer, and… Continue reading Summoned Toward Wholeness: Food and Faith Conference
Going Green in Scotland
by Keith Jagger For my little family, we’ve joined the many who’ve had an “out-of-country” living experience. For the last two years we have made a home in Scotland, far away from our Midwest roots. When we leave, we’ll share some fond memories of our adventures here, and we’ve already come to love some of… Continue reading Going Green in Scotland