Holden Village Evacuation, December 13, 2025 | | |
This past December, an atmospheric river brought unusually warm temperatures and heavy rain to Washington state, triggering mudslides and severe washouts that damaged roads and infrastructure throughout the region.
Several slides heavily damaged Forest Service Road 8301—the only road into or out of the Village. On December 13, 2025 39 staff members and three children were evacuated by helicopter.
Holden Village Spiritual Director and coach Angie Wolle was among those evacuated. Four months later, Angie reflects on the journey and what essentials from Holden we carry with us.
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Dear Friends
The news hit us, much like the landslide we could see behind the village—powerful, surreal, profound, altering—a short sound with an unimaginable lasting effect.
In what could have been disabling chaos, there was a deep calm. Gathered in the grace-filled container of community, we were held in all our complexity—bewilderment and uncertainty, joy and gratitude, lament and fear, deep connection and love.
In that moment, we embodied the “best” of Holden Village—caring, united and connected, present, attuned, transformed by the moment and the place, while being grounded by God’s providential love.
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As we all walked out to the helicopter pad that morning, we carried ONE bag that could fit in our lap.That bag literally and metaphorically represented the essentials from Holden that ironically would hold and sustain us for our immediate future.
When the helicopter lifted us up and transported us away from the “spot” that anchored and held the community, the profundity of the moment continued to take hold as it marked in a “before” and “after” sort of way.
As I think about the disciples in those early post resurrection days, I imagine them, huddled in their “spot” in the upper room. Perhaps feeling disoriented and lost, perhaps recognizing that their close intimate community was entering a new phase but not sure what it would become. They too were in a new time of “before” and “after”— uncertain about the “venture unseen.”
As they moved toward a new expression of community the disciples started offering what they had “carried” with them from their time with Jesus, out into the world.
Thank God they did!
It transformed the world, ripple by ripple!
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We are that living testimony of their “next expression” of community.
Whether we have had a recent Holden Village experience or our experience with Holden was 40+ years ago, we are all carrying our own embodied essence of Holden Village out into the world. It may not literally be in our lap, but hopefully it has been integrated into who we are and who we are still becoming.
Like the disciples, who took their experience of community with Jesus out of the “spot” and into their respective communities, the ripples transcend boundaries of time, geography and the expectations of dominant culture.
The world desperately needs specific gifts of Holden Village to be embodied, offered and shared where each of us lives.
Let us, together, continue to boldly share the gifts of our extended Holden Village Community and offer calm in the chaos with “good courage”.
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An Invitation to Reflect
- What from your Holden Village experience do you “carry” within you TODAY?
- What from your Holden Village experience is longing to be called “out” (or resurrected!) and offered to your community/world today?
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Angie Wolle, M.Div., MA, is an ordained United Methodist pastor, spiritual director, integral coach, and former healthcare executive, with a background in organizational development. She currently works with women who are spiritual leaders, serving in large faith-based organizations. Her passion is around accessible and embodied practices that foster healing, resilience, and innovative leadership. Angie has been supporting Holden Village as a Spiritual Director and Coach since 2022.
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Holden Evening Prayer Around the World | Holden invites Villagers across the globe to come together through participation in Holden Evening Prayer. Help celebrate spring and rebirth by holding a service in your community during the week of April 26, 2026. | | | |
A Word from Holden - Eugene, OR | Join Emmaus Lutheran Church in Eugene, OR for Holden Evening Prayer Around the World! As a bonus, visitors to Emmaus Lutheran will enjoy an 5:30 Potluck and a "A Word from Holden." | | | |
A Word From Holden - Kirkland, WA | Join Holy Spirit Lutheran Church in Kirkland, WA for Holden Evening Prayer Around the World! As a bonus, visitors to Holy Spirit Lutheran will enjoy an Ice Cream Social. | | | |
Building the Society We Deserve | Paths to Understanding executive director Pastor Terry Kyllo and program director Hannah Hochkeppel invite participants to explore how faith, courage, and love of neighbor can help us move towards a society where everyone belongs and everyone can thrive. | | | |
Work Weekend at the Bed & Breakfast | Roll up your sleeves, Holden is planning a work weekend at the Holden B&B from Friday, May 1-3. Participants may arrive as early as Thursday and stay until Sunday evening. | | | |
A Word from Holden - Evanston, IL | Join Grace Lutheran Church in Evanston, IL for Holden Evening Prayer Around the World! As a bonus, visitors to Grace Lutheran Church will also hear “A Word from Holden” with co-executive director Elise Peterson and director of Advancement Eric Bosell. | | | | |
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PHOTOS: Carl Norquist
Newsletter edited by Carl Norquist
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