Hello Holden,

As Holden’s weather shifts to cooler autumn days, the connection, learning, and adventure continue through the seasons! The Village is ready to welcome you anytime this season, whether it’s a gathering you’ve planned months in advance or a spur of the moment weekend getaway. 

A Collective Justice restorative relations training challenged attendees to think critically about how to shift our perspectives and practices from retribution to healing and liberation. Fall Sojourners enjoyed a week filled with gatherings and teaching sessions. Holden excitedly welcomes the first Indigenous Artists-in-Residence, who enrich and enliven the community through art and conversation. We are so grateful to all who have made the beginning of fall programming so wonderful!

Every day, construction workers diligently build the new Portal Museum, explaining each exciting step of the process to Villagers as they walk by to admire the progress. The coming weeks bring Staff Alumni Weekend, the Jubilee Auction, and then Work Weeks in October. Although fall is much quieter than summer at Holden, the season is full of exciting and energetic invitations to be part of Village life. 

Some days are still warm enough for lunch on the Ark, and on cooler days, a cozy cup of tea in the Dining Hall feels more appropriate. Whether you are present in the Village for the shifting seasons or connecting from afar, you are a vital part of Holden Village! 

Faithfully,

Stacy Kitahata, Mark Bach, and Kathie Bach

SNEAK PEEK: Jubilee Auction!

We are less than one week away from the Jubilee Auction, which starts Wednesday, October 2nd at 8am Pacific Time!

All proceeds support Holden Village so enjoy bidding on fun items and experiences for yourself or as gifts, all while sustaining Holden’s mission. 

Take a sneak peek at a few of the auction items and special funds you can support, and register to bid NOW so you’re ready to go when the auction starts!

Portal Museum Construction

The gorgeous new Portal Museum is taking shape on the East end of Main Street, right next to Narnia and the basketball courts. For weeks, construction workers have joined Snack Bar gatherings, Trivia Nights, and social activities while working long days to finish the building by first snowfall.

You can watch the museum construction from the comfort of your own home. An onsite camera takes a picture every 30 minutes and uploads it to Holden’s website.

Spiritual Life

Fall brings more than golden larch trees and cold nights to our valley. Lower water flows mean less abundant power, and a smaller Village population to keep warm and fed. We continue to welcome guests while the pace of the schedule slows down. The spaciousness of time granted by the seasonal shift invites contemplation and consideration of where we put our energy. The community living here prepares for winter hobbies and occupations, as well as investing more deeply in relationships. 

We consider, "What skill would I like to acquire or improve?"; "Who are the people I will turn to when I need support?"; and “How will I be available and present for Villagers?” We also consider how we might draw closer to God and invest in our spiritual lives together. This winter, the Spiritual Life team will be introducing and exploring the Ignatian Examen as a spiritual practice.



If you'd like to learn more about the Examen, check out the explanation below and many examples to explore. As the nights grow longer, may you also experience rest and restoration. 

Spend the Holidays at Holden!

Registration is open for all visits through January 3rd, 2025, which means it’s time to plan your holiday visit to the Village! Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s are all magical times at Holden, filled with hilarity, time for adventure or reflection, and delicious food!

2025 REGISTRATION TIP: Plan ahead for a group visit in 2025! Register 15 or more people together, receive a discounted rate per person, and 50% off for the group leader. Watch for details in next month's newsletter or email registrar@holdenvillage.org for more info.

Hobbit Day!

Last week, Villagers celebrated Hobbit Day (Bilbo Baggins’ Birthday) with many yummy meals, whimsical games, and dancing! 

Live at Holden

Join the Holden team and experience a community and work environment like no other!

Open Long-Term Positions:

Director for Advancement

Village Musician

Heavy Equipment Operator

Registrar

Diesel Mechanic

Staffing Lead

Services Associate

Thank you for supporting Holden’s recent End-of-Summer campaign!

A special note to all Holden retirees: Did you know that when you turn 70½, you are eligible to make charitable gifts from your IRA without the distribution counting as taxable income? It’s called a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) and it’s a wonderful way to give directly to Holden Village from your traditional or Roth IRA. QCDs can be arranged through your financial advisor or the firm that holds your IRA accounts. You can also set up a QCD to Holden to occur automatically each year.

Consider giving before Dec. 15 to beat the end-of-year rush for IRA custodians and help ensure that your gift can count for the current tax year.

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