Note: for many of the most common questions about Holden Village, please see our FAQ
Holden Village is a center for renewal, a Lutheran ministry welcoming all people into the wilderness to be called, equipped and sent by God. Thousands of visitors come to Holden each year to experience learning, worship, hilarity and renewal. Hospitality is at the center of Holden's mission. Here is some of what your visit to Holden Village might include:
Learning, Teaching and Discussion
Holden is a place of dialogue. Ideas and opinions are shared through mutual conversation. Holden is often described as a place not of answers, but a place where we learn to ask better questions. In the summer, daily education sessions, beginning with Bible study, are offered by a diverse and accomplished group of volunteer teaching staff. Each week during the summer, five to eight teachers lead sessions on such topics as theology, prayer, ethics, social justice, the environment, literature, interpersonal and family issues, global and multicultural issues, daily life, the sciences, and economic concerns.
Holden's teaching staff come from all over the country — even from around the world — to share their gifts and expertise. Teachers include seminary and college professors, authors, scientists, pastoral counselors, activists, artists, musicians, and others. Classes, lectures and studies will differ depending on the rotating staff and program schedule.
Each day, you may choose from up to ten different sessions that might be offered, including evening forums, concerts, special performances, and home-made entertainment.
In the fall, winter and spring, the village continues its programming at a more deliberate pace -- daily sessions are replaced by longer retreats and study opportunities.
Recreation, Creation and Hilarity
While at Holden, you are invited to find your own pace and pursue your own unique renewal and interests. You may participate in many of the offered classes, events and other opportunities, or very few. The choice is always yours. Relaxation and rest are what many seek at Holden, and these are readily available in the peace and quiet of the wilderness.
You may wish to sample some of the many opportunities offered in Holden's arts area: hand-built and wheel thrown pottery, basket weaving, weaving on various looms, paper making, paper marbling, relief printing, silkscreening, needlecraft, drawing, painting, lapidary and other classes offered by visiting artists and craftspersons.
Holden is blessed to be surrounded by the indescribable beauty of God's creation. We are located on the border of the Glacier Peak Wilderness. Area hiking, fishing and (in winter) back-country skiing are all world-class. Our surroundings and remote location are both a great gift and a great responsibility. Holden cares for our local and global ecosystems in a number of ways, including by limiting our use of non-recyclable, non-biodegradable items and processing our waste in a unique way.
At Holden we are all called into God's joyful creation. You will find that Holden is a place of extravagant (and at times, absurd!) celebration based on humor and joy. The Village celebrates all that is good as a means of worshipping, giving thanks, and strengthening us for the journey ahead.
Worship
Christ Jesus is the source and center of Holden's life. When registering to come to the Village, guests and volunteer staff accept the community discipline of attending the community's daily worship. Each day is framed by worship: Spoken Prayer at breakfast and Evening Prayer as twilight comes. Each week begins with Sunday, a day of rest and gladness when we celebrate God's endless embrace and Christ's presence for us in the Eucharist.
You may read much more about Holden's worship life here
Children and Families
From June to August, Holden offers part-time programs for children and youth accompanying their families. The Narnia program provides age-appropriate activities for infants and children through those entering grade five. On weekday mornings, volunteer staff lead games, hikes and a host of fun and educational activities, some which complement the summer theme. Parents using this service are encouraged to volunteer one morning a week during their stay. The Jr. Miners/Miners program provides activities for youth entering grade six through grade twelve, led by adult volunteers.
For summer 2010, Narnia will run from June 7 - August 27.
Facilities, Accommodations and Food
Holden's facilities include a sauna, hot tub, children's playground, bookstore, post office, ice cream snack bar, historical museum, library, first aid station, Hike Haus, pool hall and bowling alley. Access to some of these facilities depends on the time of year (some are closed October-May for electrical conservation) and on the availability of staff to maintain and operate them.
Most guests are housed in comfortable lodge rooms accommodating 2-4 people, each with a sink. Bathrooms are down the hall. Families are typically housed in one bunk/family room. A limited number of wheelchair accessible rooms are available.
We celebrate food at Holden Village! Guests and staff all eat together family-style. Known especially for its homemade soups and fresh bread, the Holden kitchen will provides three nutritious, carefully prepared meals a day. Holden's diet utilizes mainly fresh vegetables (much of it organic), whole grains and legumes, nuts, beans and dairy products. Bread, peanut butter, fruit and milk are available between meals. |
