Hello Holden,



All across the Railroad Creek Valley, just as the creatures and first shoots emerge into the growing warmth and light, Holden’s Village human community re-orients toward the energy of spring and summer. In just a few short weeks, the Village welcomes dozens of work weekers to help to de-winterize and prepare to greet hundreds of guests and new staff with open arms. 

This movement is an invitation to engage in metanoia–a transformation of our hearts and minds as the world around us transforms as well. Recently, the winter community at Holden intentionally reflected on metanoia through art sessions, mindful movement, and small-group conversations–asking ourselves and each other, how can we step more fully into hospitality? How can we use the gifts of the changing season to cultivate change within ourselves? 

Holden is excited to welcome you to the Village this summer. We invite you, too, to tune in to the offerings that unfold with the changing season–perhaps through meaningful work, creativity, prayer, or a shared meal. We look forward to being together in community soon. 

Peace,

Stacy Kitahata, Mark Bach, and Kathie Bach



Transgender Day of Visibility - March 31, 2025

March 31, 2025 was the annually observed Transgender Day of Visibility, a day to raise awareness, celebrate the lives and contributions of transgender and non-binary people, and advocate for full inclusion, the end to discrimination and violence. Holden Village proclaims transgender and non-binary folks as beloved children of God, and we are committed to cultivating a space where all individuals are embraced as their authentic selves.

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalm 139:13-14)

More than 60 years ago, Holden Village established itself as a community formed by the rhythms of work, Christian worship, and the joys and challenges of shared daily life in the wilderness. Though remote, Holden is integrally connected with the entire world. In solidarity, Holden strives to fulfill its commitment to justice, in order to become ‘the community for which God longs.’

Action Items and Education from the ELCA:

• Oppose cuts to hunger programs - If implemented, proposed cuts through the U.S. budget reconciliation process could slash SNAP food assistance that currently serve over 40 million people.
• Protect clean energy jobs and investments - Join us in asking Congress to keep investments in clean energy for individuals and churches
• AMMPARO Migrant Ministry - For more information on advocating for justice for migrant families. 
• Call on Congress to pass robust funding for migration and refugee programs here.
• SUMUD - For more information about justice in Palestine 
• Reconciling Works - For resources from Reconciling Works, LGBTQIA2S+ Lutherans who are gathering at Holden in September for Queer Renewal: Wilderness and Homecoming. Holden is proud to have been a Reconciling in Christ community for 40 years!

Letter from the Pastor

Last summer I had a delightful conversation with first time guests to Holden. They had been together for decades, but as a same sex couple, for many years were not allowed to marry. They remarked on how comfortable they felt to hold hands in public in the Village. Weeks before, a long-time Villager shared with me that Holden was the first place he had been able to be fully himself as a gay man. He and friends would come for retreats, and for many, this was the only place they were out. Holden Village has a long history of welcoming all to the wilderness. 

On April 4, Fullness of God Lutheran Church, the Holden Village congregation, celebrates 40 years as a Reconciling in Christ congregation. Since 1983, the Reconciling in Christ program has been a public way for faith communities to see, name, celebrate, and advocate for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions in the Lutheran church. Together with congregations across the United States, we proclaim God’s love for each person and full inclusion of all in the life and leadership of ministry. 

Commitments to RIC have challenged Holden Village to examine all our practices, the cultural assumptions we have made about who God is and how God is living and active in the world. Being an RIC congregation has expanded our welcome to anyone who has been “othered” by society and the church. Learn more about publicly expressing your welcome here, and join us on the journey of God’s expansive and live renewing love.

Pastor Abby

Men's Retreat (February 28 - March 3)

Women's Retreat (March 21 - March 24)

In March, Holden Village co-hosted its first Men’s Retreat with Illuman of Washington. The Village hosted a second women’s retreat. Both weekends teemed with guests engaged in spiritual growth and renewal. 

Coming up in April:

Holden Village thrives because of the incredible people who come to serve, learn, and grow together. You make the difference in recruiting passionate individuals to join the summer staff!

How You Can Help:

Share Your Love for Holden – Tell friends, family, and community about your experience at Holden and why they should consider joining staff. A personal story goes a long way!

Personally Invite a Young Adult – Your direct invitation to a college student, recent grad, or adventure-seeker looking for a meaningful summer makes all the difference.

Spread the Word on Social Media – Share Holden’s recruitment posts or create your own, tagging friends who might be interested.

Thank you for being part of this community! Let’s work together to bring in an amazing staff for a transformative summer.

Join the Team!

Holden Village is ready to welcome you for short-term, seasonal, or long-term positions! Access to hiking, art studios, learning sessions, and more make your time on Holden staff unforgettable. Click on each position for more information.

• Backup Medic
• Accountant Lead
• Registration Lead
• Registrar Associate
• Director for Advancement
• Diesel Technician
• Head Driver
• Head Maverick
• Utilities Lead
• Garbologist
• Village Musician

• Education Lead
• Program Associate
• Summer MS/HS Head (Youth Program ages 11-17)
• Summer Narnia Head (Youth Program ages 4-11)
• Summer Naturalist
• Summer Youth Program Coordinator
• HR/Staffing Lead
• Head Cook

Family Option

Holden welcomes families and their children to join the Village as two week volunteers. Through the Narnia program, children ages 4-11 attend fun and inspiring programming while their parents work. Older kids have tasks of their own. The Family Option welcomes families who might not otherwise be able to live and work at Holden. During summer 2024, 18 families joyfully participated in the Family Option!

The 2025 Family Option terms begin on June 6th. A few spots are still available, and the Village continues to accept rolling applications. Click the link below to learn more and apply!

Reference herein to any specific commercial products or services does not necessarily constitute or imply its

endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by Holden Village.



PHOTOS: Jeffrey Batstone, Elli Vegdahl-Crowell, Berit Kirkegaard, Carl Norquist, Anny Joy Berntsen

Newsletter edited by Ellen Callender, Carl Norquist