Holden is ministry

Holden Village is a center for renewal, a Lutheran ministry welcoming all people into the wilderness to be called, equipped and sent by God. The center of our lives is the Good News of Jesus Christ, which opens us to ourselves, each other and all the issues facing humankind.

Holden is community

Holden’s community includes all who care for Holden through their labor, gifts and prayers. Villagers of all kinds form a community of worship, learning, hospitality, celebration and service. Holden welcomes all of God’s children, regardless of denomination, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age or political opinion.

Holden is volunteers

Everyone gets to claim Holden as their own through volunteer opportunities. Volunteer staff play a large part in creating a place of welcome, celebration and hilarity in all aspects of village life. The staff supports this retreat by cooking meals, cleaning lodges, doing laundry, staffing the bookstore, pool hall, and snack bar, etc. Holden is able to offer reasonable rates to all who come here because of the dedicated volunteers and donors who support this ministry of hospitality.

Holden is real

At Holden, we live in a real flesh and blood community of forgiven sinners. In work, play and conversation – in disagreement and agreement – we offer ourselves to each other in mutual forgiveness and respect.

Holden is continually changing

Guests arrive and depart daily. Summer staff volunteer for periods of three weeks to six months. Greetings and farewells happen daily. As reported through the decades, some of the greatest gifts of serving at Holden are new and deeper friendships, introduction to new ideas and issues, spiritual and person growth, joy in service, participation in Holden’s excellent program, interaction with a diverse variety of staff and guests, and the chance to experience God’s creation in the mountain wilderness.

Holden operates year round

Although summer is the busiest time, many volunteers work at Holden during the off-season. In the “high” season from May to October, our learning program is expansive and varied. In the winter there are retreats, programs lasting several weeks, and creative residencies, all providing lots of learning opportunities. This is also a great time for sabbaticals.

Holden is an isolated wilderness setting

At Holden, communication with the outside world is limited. We have no phones or television, no cell phone reception, and limited radio. There are no roads connecting to Holden.