In-person Holden retreats in Wisconsin and Minnesota | | |
Dear Friends
As Holden continues to reimagine how we gather our expansive community, we are also stepping beyond the Village itself and joining others who are exploring creative ways of cultivating connection and shared life.
This summer, that spirit takes us to Christine Center in Wisconsin, where Holden will partner in hosting a retreat grounded in contemplative practice and compassionate presence.
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June 18-21, 2026
Christine Center, W8303 Mann Road, Willard, WI 54493.
We invite you to step into a weekend of stillness, connection, and discovery in the wooded quiet of central Wisconsin. Together with Lama Ngawang Pema (Lisa Antoniotti) and Rev. Dr. Amber Mattingly, Holden staff will help guide a shared journey into the practice of loving-kindness.
At the heart of this retreat is a simple but transformative idea. The true nature of kindness is something we discover together. Through meditation, reflection, and conversation, participants are invited into a gentle and relational learning space where each person’s experience becomes part of the teaching.
Across the weekend, the group will move through four sessions that explore the foundations of loving-kindness, the practice of gentleness, the work of patience, and the cultivation of joy. Drawing from multiple spiritual traditions, each session invites participants to engage both inwardly and in community, discovering how compassion can take root in everyday life.
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A Daily Rhythm
The retreat follows a steady and spacious rhythm:
- Morning yoga from 7:00 to 7:30
- Breakfast at 8:00
- Retreat sessions with breaks from 9:00 or 9:30 to noon
- Lunch at 12:30
- Afternoons are open from 1:00 to 4:00 for rest, reflection, or time outdoors
- Dialogue with Holden staff from 4:30 to 5:30
- Dinner at 6:00
- Evening meditation at 7:00
Each day weaves together practice, rest, and conversation, creating space for both personal reflection and shared discovery.
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A Shared Commitment
As with all Holden offerings, this retreat is grounded in a commitment to belonging. Participants are invited into a space that honors diverse backgrounds, spiritual traditions, and lived experiences. Through shared practice, attentive listening, and mutual respect, we seek to cultivate a community where compassion extends into the ways we live and relate.
This retreat is part of Holden’s growing Off The Road Programming, an invitation to stay connected even when we are not gathered in the Village itself. Wherever we meet, the heart of Holden travels with us, a community shaped by reflection, relationship, and a hope for a more compassionate world.
| We hope you will join us in Wisconsin this June. | | | | |
August 2-7, 2026
Shalom Hill Farm, 42194 Co Rd 3, Windom, MN 56101
The essence of Holden Village is coming to Minnesota this summer.
The “Holden Pilgrimage on the Prairie” program will be a collaboration between Holden staff and Shalom Hill farm staff August 2-7, 2026 to be hosted at the beautiful prairie setting of Shalom Hill Farm in Windom, Minnesota.
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Like Holden, there will be several enriching programs offered daily. These include:
- Creative Liturgical writing – Pastor Meta Herrick Carlson
- A poetry session - Pastor Sheri Larson, former Holden staff
- Prairie watercolor workshop – Lori Nyberg
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May 16, 2026
Luther's Table 419 S 2nd St #1, Renton, WA, United States
Trinity Education Foundation is excited to announce the launch of The Trinity Conversation: a public forum exploring calling, community, and care for creation!
The inaugural conversation features Holden Village co-executive director Bjørn Peterson, PhD, sharing reflections on “Calling and Place.”
Heavy hors d’oeuvres and refreshments provided. Space is limited. Please visit the Trinity Conversation registration page to learn more about event details, and to purchase your ticket.
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June 4, 11, 18
ONLINE
Join Holden Village for a virtual book group, featuring author Chantal McKinney.
Chantal is a life-long seeker of the Divine. She is an author, speaker, entrepreneur, coach, consultant, practitioner of community development, and former church planter who walks in the two worlds of spirituality and faith. Her first book, "Following Jesus Beyond Church Walls: A Catalyst for Your Spiritual Growth" was released April 7th of this year.
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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: Carl Norquist, the Christine Center
Newsletter edited by Carl Norquist
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