Music Beyond the Mountains

Far up in the mountains above Lake Chelan, the small caretaker crew at Holden Village is celebrating Sun Over Buckskin. It’s the period when the sun finally crests above Buckskin Mountain, banishing winter’s cold and darkness, and marking the unofficial start of Spring. 


The joy of spring is felt all across the Holden Community. This season, people will lend their voices to a series of musical events happening outside Holden Village.


Keep reading to learn about upcoming events and an update on Holden Evening Prayer Around the World!

(ABOVE) Sun Over Buckskin celebration at Holde Village, (LEFT) the sun rises above Buckskin Mountain, (RIGHT) Sun Over Buckskin celebration in St. Paul, MN. If you have springtime photos you'd like to share, send them to Abby Russeth at podcast@Holdenvillage.org

Holden Evening Prayer Around the World takes place April 26-May 2. During the week, Holden Village welcomes Villagers across the globe to come together through music and worship. 


Last held in June 2024, Holden Evening Prayer around the World is a virtual event which invites congregations, communities, and families to participate in a shared sacred space. This year, Holden is recognizing the 40th anniversary of Vespers ’86, (Often simply called "Holden Evening Prayer") the beloved service composed by Marty Haugen. If you don’t have a copy of Vespers ‘86, you can order it here.


To help you plan, we have made suggested readings available at the link below. You are welcome to use any number of these readings or use your own. 

How to Host a Holden Evening Prayer Gathering


You can find a Holden Evening Prayer Event happening near you by exploring the map on our website. We would love for you to organize a service in your community. Most any venue will do– a family room, church, community center or senior housing. Use this form to record the date, time, and location for your event so we can publish the information with the wider Holden Community.


Location information provided on the form will be public to anyone who accesses our website. If after submitting the form you need to make changes to your event, please email communications@holdenvillage.org


Open Mic Nights

Mark your calendars if you live in the Seattle-Tacoma area. There are two Holden open mics coming up. If you’re missing Holden and want to connect through a “Holden-style” activity this is a great way to share in music and fellowship. 


If there is a song in your heart that’s yearning to be free, you can connect with organizers using the links below. 

Open Mic & Potluck - Bothell, WA

March 13

6 p.m. PST


Come to First Lutheran Church in Bothell, WA on March 13! The event will be limited to two hours and ten acts. You don’t have to participate to have a good time!


Hosted by Holden staff Hazel Colver and Jack Williams. Donations to Holden are welcome and encouraged.

Open Mic & Benefit Concert - Tacoma, WA

April 11

2 p.m. PST


Come to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church by the Narrows in Tacoma for an afternoon of music and community on Saturday, April 11 at 2 p.m. Donations to Holden are welcome and encouraged.


If you’d like to perform, please reach out to Laura Elmquist at elmquistlaura@gmail.com with a proposal for your act BEFORE April 4. Act proposals submitted after April 4 will not be included in the lineup.



Other Upcoming Events

A Word from Holden is an initiative created in response to the unexpected and temporary closure of 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.

Holden Evening Prayer & A Word from Holden - Iola, WI

March 11

5 p.m. CST


Presented by Ingrid Lindgren and Pastor Gail Kenny

Hosted by Our Savior's Lutheran Church

395 E Iola St, Iola, WI

Holden Evening Prayer & A Word from Holden - Tacoma, WA

March 11

6 p.m. PST


Presented by Laura Elmquist

Hosted by Lutheran Church of Christ the King

1710 85th St E, Tacoma, WA 

Soup Meal & Holden Evening Prayer - Crystal, MN

March 18

5:30 p.m. CST


Presented by Ingrid Lindgren, Pastor Kyle Hanson, and Deanna Loken

Hosted by St. James Lutheran Church

6700 46th Pl N, Crystal, MN

Holden Evening Prayer & A Word from Holden - Scandia, MN

March 25

5:30 p.m. CST


Presented by Ingrid Lindgren and Pastor Seth Perry

Hosted by Elim Lutheran Church

20971 Olinda Trail N, Scandia, MN

Soup Supper & Director's Report - Seattle, WA

April 11

5 p.m. PST


Presented by Bjørn Peterson and Eric Bosell 

Hosted by Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church

2400 NW 85th St #120, Seattle, WA

A Word from Holden - Leavenworth, WA

April 12

9:30 a.m. PST


Presented by Quinn Johnston

Hosted by Faith Lutheran Church

224 Benton St, Leavenworth, WA

A Word from Holden - Bellingham, WA

April 18

4 p.m. PST


Presented by Frank Laulan, Bjørn Peterson, and Eric Bosell 

Hosted by Faith Lutheran Church

2750 McLeod Rd, Bellingham, WA

Peaching/Adult Forum - Bellingham, WA

April 19

9:30 a.m. PST Worship Service

11 a.m. PST Adult Forum


Presented by Bjørn Peterson and Eric Bosell 

Hosted by Christ the Servant Lutheran Church

2600 Lakeway Dr, Bellingham, WA

Our Jubilee Auction is powered by community creativity! Thank you to everyone who has donated an item or experience to this year's fundraiser.


Photos and descriptions of items will be posted on the auction page soon. You can register now to be notified when items are available. 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.

GRAPHIC: Kristin Anderson

PHOTOS: Nathan McClure, Gordy Moore, Carl Norquist, Elli Vegdahl-Crowell, Berit Kirkegaard

Newsletter edited by Carl Norquist