Hello Holden,

The first half of summer programming at Holden has been beautiful, filled with joy and courage!

As Week 6 of programming wraps up, Villagers are embracing Holden’s summer theme of Becoming Courageous Community. Strangers become friends in the Snack Bar line, groups of children organize games on the Village Green, and worship gatherings and teaching sessions spark meaningful conversation and action. This past week, teaching sessions moved from Koinonia Fireside to the Village Center because of such large class sizes!

July has been filled with celebrations of all kinds: a Fourth of July parade and bubble wrap fireworks, a fairy garden party, and Copperstock (Holden’s annual outdoor music festival). 

Holden continues to celebrate and support the hard-working firefighters who are managing the Pioneer Fire burning on the other side of the lake (and which  poses no threat to the Village). Holden is sharing water resources with the crews camping lakeside at Lucerne and praying for all affected by the fire.

Whether you are joining us at Holden this summer or participating from afar, thank you for supporting the community through your enthusiastic engagement, dedication, and generous giving — you are what makes Holden the uniquely special place that it is!

Blessings,

Stacy Kitahata, Mark Bach, and Kathie Bach

Support Summer at Holden!

Support the Village in Becoming Courageous Community and donate today!

Your gift today makes it possible for Holden to provide staff for dynamic youth programming, activities for all ages and host stellar faculty who expand our worldview and empower faithful practice through exciting and challenging sessions. In addition, your gifts support the art studios, outdoor activities, and delicious food and ice cream all summer long.

Donations from generous individuals like you account for nearly half of the annual cost to keep Holden humming. With your help, Holden can provide many more summers of memorable gatherings.

COPPERSTOCK!

Holden hosted its annual summer music festival last week! Talented musicians shared a variety of acts while Villagers gathered on lawn blankets and danced on the Village Green. This tradition began in 2018 and has been a highly anticipated event every year since!

Spiritual Life

Sacred Space is a beautifully collaborative effort in the summer season! Faculty, guest musicians, guests, and staff all work with Holden’s Spiritual Life Team to contribute to the daily rhythm of worship. Faculty-led services have involved breathing exercises, acting out scripture through tableau, choreographed liturgical dances, and thoughtful reflections on what it means to work towards Becoming Courageous Community. Guest musicians share their talents with us daily and often invite musical Villagers to join them — last week’s Mountain Vespers included over 20 people in the band! Others contribute to services by reading, leading songs, serving communion, or adding their voices to the collective chorus. 

Holden’s sacred practice of gathering each day is made possible by so many who enter the community during this season and throughout the year!

Fairy Garden Party

The Lawns and Gardens team hosted a fairy garden party with cookies, “sun and moon” tea, crafts, and dancing! For those of you missing Holden garden parties, here’s an easy “sun and moon” tea recipe:

5 T fresh mint leaves

5 T fresh lemon balm leaves

4 cups water

Steep leaves in water outside in a glass container for a day (sun) and a night (moon). Remove leaves, add ice, and enjoy a refreshing fairy garden drink!

JOB ALERT: Director for Advancement

Holden Village seeks a Director for Advancement to lead Holden’s fundraising and outreach efforts! The ideal candidate demonstrates fundraising experience, skills in relationship building, experience in leading and managing teams and has a passion for Holden’s mission of community, wilderness, and spiritual growth.

New Podcast Episode!

Pamela Adams, teaching faculty and self-proclaimed beaver advocate, recently sat down for a conversation with Nic Caddell, Holden’s Naturalist! Listen to them talk about all things beaver and nature in the newest episode of the Holden Podcast.

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

endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by Holden Village.



PHOTOS: Elli Vegdahl-Crowell, Berit Kirkegaard, Anny Joy Berntsen