John White’s vision for Hazelnut Community Farm is deeply rooted—both in the soil and in a fresh expression of church. What began as a seed of an idea has grown into a thriving, nature-based community where faith, sustainability, and creation care intertwine.
Rather than gathering in a traditional building, Hazelnut Community Farm centers its life around the land itself. With weekly gatherings on Sundays and drop-in gardening sessions on Thursdays, people come together not just to nurture plants, but to nurture their faith through hands-on engagement with creation. For many, digging in the soil, planting seeds, and simply being still in the garden becomes an act of worship—one that acknowledges the sacredness of the earth as part of God’s creation.
One of the core elements of Hazelnut’s approach is its emphasis on eco-conscious living. Through the newly formed Hazelnut Network, the community now supports others in establishing their own ecological Christian communities. The network equips local groups with the tools, resources, and training needed to transform underutilized land into biodiverse, productive spaces that serve both people and the planet. From growing food to fostering conversations about climate justice, Hazelnut’s work is a response to the pressing environmental challenges of our time.
At its heart, Hazelnut Community Farm is about connection—connecting with God, with nature, and with each other. It welcomes a diverse mix of people, from those exploring faith for the first time to those seeking a deeper, more embodied expression of spirituality. The community has also become a gathering space for newly arrived residents from Hong Kong, offering them opportunities to cultivate not just gardens, but friendships and belonging in a new land.
John White and the Hazelnut team believe that the Christian community must be forward-thinking, responding to both spiritual and societal needs. They see ecological engagement not as a side concern but as a vital part of faith, a way to care for God’s world while reimagining how Christian communities can flourish outside traditional models. By putting hands in the soil and hearts in prayer, Hazelnut is growing something truly transformative—one seed, one conversation, and one act of care at a time.
Further Reading & Resources
- Hazelnut Community Farm – Learn more about the community and its network.
- Fresh Expressions UK – Explore more creative and contextual Christian communities.
- Eco Church – A resource for integrating environmental care into faith communities.
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