Holden Programming in 2026 | | |
Holden Village may be closed to visitors and staff, but Holden’s community is very much alive. Already, we have seen numerous gatherings and events around the country, as Holdenites come together in support, in joy, in fun, and in grief during these trying times.
We gather where we are because Holden is more than a place, and more than a singular experience in the Railroad Creek Valley. Holden is this beloved, courageous community we are called to, and these connections are much stronger than a destroyed road.
As we continue to navigate an unpredictable 2026, our staff have been working hard to reimagine how we can continue to bring Holden’s programming and activities to you. We are excited to share new opportunities for you to get involved and stay connected to this community. Keep reading for more of what’s coming up and ways you can take part.
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A Word from Holden & Programming off the Road
Holden off the Road is a new programming initiative intended to bring Holden values of connection and community directly to you. It comes in two flavors:
A Word from Holden shares Holden news and relationships beyond Railroad Creek Valley. Through storytelling and shared reflection, Holden representatives share updates from the Village, answer questions, and invite communities into ongoing connection and support
Programming off the Road serves as a home for Holden-inspired gatherings, carrying our shared practices of community, creativity, and connection into new and familiar places.
| | For general questions about Holden Village Programming in 2026, contact Taylor Wiese at hr@holdenvillage.org | | | Note: Your email may clip sections of this newsletter. Scroll to the bottom to view the entire message | | |
A Word from Holden is an initiative created in response to an unexpected evacuation from Holden Village. As we travel beyond Railroad Creek Valley, we are carrying the story of Holden into our partner congregations to share how intentional community transforms people and why sustaining this place matters.
This is your opportunity to ask questions, hear updates, and learn how you can continue to be part of our community. Events are designed to fit the needs of the congregation as well as the gifts of the staff member involved.
Get Involved
For current or former Holden staff:
You are invited to tell your story and share updates from the Village. We will work with you to match you with a congregation, provide resources, and help you plan.
For congregations:
Congregations who would like a visit from Holden are invited to reach out. We are happy to work with you to host a Word from Holden event and coordinate a speaker, resources, and planning support.
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February 12
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Presented by Steve Johnson and Kristin Story
Hosted by Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church
7500 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle, WA
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A Word from Holden - Seattle, WA
April 11
5:00 p.m. Bread and Soup Meal
6:00 p.m. “Holden Evening Prayer” with Director’s Report
Presented by Bjørn Peterson and Eric Bosell
Hosted by Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church
2400 NW 85th St, Seattle, WA
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April 19
9:30 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship
11:00 a.m. Adult Forum Hour
Presented by Bjørn Peterson and Eric Bosell
Hosted by Christ the Servant Lutheran Church
2600 Lakeway Dr., Bellingham, WA
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Programming off the Road is a shared effort of the Holden community, offering what has been formed at Holden as an invitation into deeper connection wherever we find ourselves. Using our Programming Menu as a place to start, we partner with hosts to build gatherings that fit your particular space and people. Offerings include creative, playful, and relational experiences rooted in classic Holden traditions.
This spring, there will be additional opportunities for Holden faculty to share virtual and in-person educational sessions. These sessions will include teaching, creative practice, or experiential learning rooted in Holden’s commitments to theology, sustainability, community life, the arts, and social transformation. Stay tuned to our newsletter for upcoming communications about faculty sessions.
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Join Holdenites from all over Minnesota to enjoy the most Minnesotan sport of all - Ice Skating! Just in time for the winter Olympics, practice your moves at Groveland Ice Rinks on Saturday, February 7!
No skates? No Problem! Skates can be borrowed from the warming house FREE of charge.
Presented by current Holden program staff Ingrid & Izzy
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Get Involved
If you have a space to offer:
Congregations and community groups with space such as churches, homes, coffee shops, retreat centers, or other gathering places are invited to partner with us. We will work with you to design an event that fits your context and community.
If you have a community you would like to gather:
If you are dreaming about bringing people together around creativity, music, play, or shared stories, we can help you shape an event using the Programming Menu and provide planning support, communications, and resources.
If you are teaching faculty or a program leader:
Current or former Holden faculty and program leaders who would like to partner on off-the-road events are invited to connect. We are excited to explore collaborations that translate education and practices into new settings.
| | If you would like to host or partner with a Programming off the Road event, please contact Izzy Delaney at program@holdenvillage.org | | |
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The Winter Olympics are a time-honored J-term winter tradition at Holden Village. Students, staff, and guests compete in Synchronized Snow Ballet, Hot Cocoa Spitting, Snow Sculpture, Maverick Triathlon, and more!
This year, Winter Olympics are taking place ONLINE and the Holden Community wants to see your face AND your HOLDEN HILARITY!
Week 1 is already finished! Watch the competition here. Details about each event will be posted the week before on Facebook and Instagram. Submissions are due the Wednesday before each event.
Keep following our social media channels for photos and videos from the Holden
| | | | Holden Evening Prayer Around the World | | |
Holden Village is still exploring ways to bring back Holden Evening Prayer Around the World in 2026. This event started as a way to connect with the extended Holden community while the Village was closed for several years due to mine remediation and the Wolverine Creek Fire in 2015.
The event is scheduled for late April and will feature Vespers ‘86 (often called Holden Evening Prayer) to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Marty Haugen’s beloved service.
This is a "virtual" event, in which churches, communities, and individuals sign up to host an evening prayer service at their church, home, or another venue on or around the same date. A suitable date for this event will be announced soon, and an online signup form will be provided for group leaders to register their event. Holden will promote these events through an online map.
Stay tuned for information about registration and additional readings.
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Looking for a cozy winter getaway that also supports Holden Village? Consider staying at the Holden Bed & Breakfast during the Village’s closure!
February in Chelan means special wine and chocolate pairings, curated flights and cheese bites, live music, specialty retail, art shows, and amazing wine dinners throughout Historic Downtown.
Bring a Valentine or gather a few friends and enjoy a winter stay at the Holden B&B.
Winter Rates: $50 per person per night, or $400 per night for the entire house
Meals are on your own. Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are provided, and the kitchen is open for guest use.
To make your reservation, call or email Roberta at 509-687-9695 or BandB@HoldenVillage.org
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Our Jubilee Auction is powered by community creativity! As we prepare for Holden’s March 25-29 auction, we’re inviting friends near and far to donate items or experiences that reflect generosity, beauty, and care for the world.
From handcrafted items to getaways, meals, or unique experiences, your gift helps bring Holden values into the world—thank you for being part of the community. Submit your gift here before March 1.
Please provide several clear photos, an enticing product description, an estimated gift value, and pickup instructions to the winning bidder will be a great help to us! Questions? Contact Advancement at development@holdenvillage.org
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Reference herein to any specific commercial products or services does not necessarily constitute or imply its
endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by Holden Village.
PHOTOS: Quinn Johnston, Abby Russeth, Ingrid Lindgren, Carl Norquist, Beck Dengler, Berit, Kirkegaard, Hannah Lauber
Newsletter edited by Carl Norquist
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