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Hello Holden,
Summer is here!
The familiar rhythms of summer are beginning to settle into the Valley. Villagers gather for conversations over ice cream, hikers enjoy days exploring the wilderness, and the dining hall is once again filled with the vibrant joy of community. Already, we have begun to explore the summer theme of "Life Anew" as we welcome new energy and life to the Village.
As we do each June and throughout our life together, Holden Village celebrates LGBTQIA+ Pride Month. Together we honor and rejoice in the sacredness of each person, recognizing the beauty and diversity of creation. During Pride we reaffirm our commitment to full inclusion of all people, created in the image of God. Speaking boldly for the dignity of every person, pursuing justice in the name of God’s love, especially in solidarity with trans siblings whose identities are cruelly denied. This year, Holden Village and the Fullness of God congregation are proud to mark forty years of Reconciling In Christ, meaning that we affirm and welcome all LGBTQIA+ individuals.
This June, we cultivate courage and vulnerability through loving community–welcoming relationships with God, the Earth, and one another that challenge us to experience the Divine in profound ways and make us whole. If you are planning a visit this summer, the Village is excited to see you. Wherever you are, we thank you for your support and engagement that keeps Holden a place of welcome for all.
"And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who dwells in love dwells in God, and God in him." –1 John 4:16
Faithfully,
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Stacy Kitahata, Mark Bach, and Kathie Bach
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This is Christ's church. There is a place for you here.
We are the church that shares a living, daring confidence in God's grace. Liberated by our faith, we embrace you as a whole person – questions, complexities and all.
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"O sing to GOD a new song; sing to GOD, all the earth.” Psalm 96:1
As we celebrate a summer of Life Anew, we join all of the earth in singing to God. In this time when so many around the world face injustice, our community has appreciated John Hermanson’s liturgy “Isaiah: Is this the Fast We Choose?”, newly edited and arranged by Maren Haynes Marchesini.
Both John and Maren are returning again this year as guest musicians in Week 4 (June 30-July 3). We will be delighted to share this renewed liturgy throughout the summer, including the new song, "We Will Go Out in Joy," which John composed for this new edition. The liturgy is available at John Hermanson's website and will soon be listed online at the Holden Store.
Pastor Abby
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May Term
Students from Texas Lutheran University joined the Village for two weeks of exploring, service, and plenty of Holden fun. Topics of study included environmental and social change, identifying plants and creatures, and vocational discernment!
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May Youth Weekend
So much joy was felt this weekend as over 150 high schoolers participated in art, music, fun service projects, and more. Youth washed buses with a fire hose, worked in the gardens, and each created a tie-dye masterpiece!
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Alumni Weekend
This weekend Holden welcomed back past Village staff and their families for Alumni Weekend! Alums performed service projects, created postcards and linocut print tote bags, and shared their Holden stories.
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Summer Programing & Faculty
Holden Village Summer programming begins June 8, and there is still plenty of time to register!
Every year, Holden invites dozens of faculty to the village, creating community through storytelling, play, music, and scholarship. Summer faculty are community organizers and writers, scientists, theologians, artists, musicians, and so much more.
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Copperstock 2025
Join Holden Village for Copperstock, our annual summer music festival! Join many talented staff and guests on the stage or relax, listen, and enjoy the mountains. Copperstock 2025 will be held on Thursday, August 7. Musicians are invited to bring their instruments and join in festival!
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Help us welcome all to the wilderness this summer — Give by June 10!
Holden is coming alive again. Villagers are preparing trails, tuning instruments, and setting the table for a season of joy, renewal, and community. But we can’t do it without you. Your gift to the Spring Appeal by June 10 helps us launch another unforgettable summer in the wilderness — one where all are truly welcome.
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Share your time and talents
with the extended Holden community!
The Holden B&B and Fields Point Landing are getting ready for the summer season! Are you interested in volunteering at the Holden B&B and/or Fields Point? Work Groups receive free housing at the B&B and two meals a day.
There are a few items on our to-do list to get ready for the influx of seasonal guests. Contact Roberta at downlake@holdenvillage.org to coordinate dates and availability.
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Join the Sustainers Circle
Simplify your giving through monthly giving.
Holden creates space for life anew in courageous community because of your generous support. Donations keep guest registration fees affordable, provide stipends to volunteer staff, and offer meaningful experiences for all. To join the Holden Village Sustainers Circle visit the secure Sustainer Circle Giving page. Choose gift amount, frequency of giving, and a start date. Options for dedications are also available. All major credit cards are accepted.
Important: If you are already giving to Holden on a recurring basis via Thrivent’s Simply Giving program, we thank you! You’re automatically part of the Sustainers Circle, and there is no need to sign up at our Sustainer Circle giving page.
Questions or concerns? Drop a line to eric.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: Ellen Callender, Carl Norquist, Elli Vegdahl-Crowell, Emei St Laurent, Beck Dengler, Berit Kirkegaard
Newsletter edited by Ellen Callender, Carl Norquist
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