village voice spring 2012

Summer Theme:Where the river flows,

life abounds

WE CELEBRATEHolden’s 50th anniversary

all summer

Abriendo Caminos 10th anniversary

5 al 11 de Agosto

HOLDENVILLAGE VOICE

SPRING-SUMMER 2012

HOLDEN VILLAGE VOICE

Volume 55, No. 2

Welcome to this all new format for the Holden Village Voice. We’re pleased to bring you full-color photos of your favorite scenes in Railraod Creek Valley. We’ll have more space to keep you connected with the events and people of Holden. Best of all, we’re doing this at far less cost than our previous format by changing to a different printing process. We continue our com-mitment to good stewardship by printing on paper with recycled content and limiting our expen-ditures.

Holden Village is a Lutheran retreat center that welcomes all people.

THE VISION of Holden Village is the love of God making new the church and world through the cross of Jesus Christ.

THE MISSION of Holden Village, a Lutheran ministry, is to welcome all people into the wildreness to be called, equipped, and sent by God as we share rhythms of Word and Sacrament; work, recreation and study; intercession and healing.

OUR CORE VALUES are worship, theol-ogy, hospitality, vocation, diversity, grace, shalom, ecology, gifts, study, rest, place, community and hilarity.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORSChuck & Stephanie Carpenter

Your comments and questions are invited. Please write to:

Mary Koch, EditorHolden Village Voice

HC 0 Box 2Chelan, WA 98816

or email:[email protected]

Photo this page: A young Villager offers a shy welcome. Inside and back cover photos by Tommy Gibson. Front cover photo of Ten-Mile Falls by Daniel Sul-livan.

Holden Village operates on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forests under a special use permit. USDA Forest Service is an equal opportunity provider.

Printed on paper with recycled content.

www.holdenvillage.org Page 1

God gives us seasons for gladness of heart

Chuck CarpenterExecutive Director

A week ago, I sat in the Village Center listening to my son Au-

gust’s piano practice. I stared blankly at the stage and let my mind drift away. As I sat there contentedly listen-ing to Bach, the words above the stage came into focus. “God Gives Us Sea-sons for Gladness of Heart.” I smiled and thought, my heart is glad in this season that God has given me. Indeed, God has given all of us many seasons for gladness of heart at Holden Village in the past 50 years.

Steph and I have had the privilege of being executive directors during this 50th anniversary year. At this time in Holden Village’s history, we have been able to look back with gladness of heart at all of the wonderful seasons that God has given HoldenVillage in this mountain valley.

Steph and I have had the opportu-nity to meet many people who were here at the very start. The forerunners in 1961 began rhythms in the Village that are with us today: hard work, worship, Bible study, conversation (always conversation), and hilarity. We’ve met folks who were here in ’62, who participated as youth and young adults.

Early Holden leader Wilton Berg-strand once said, “I have never

been any place where, from the mo-ment I arrived, I felt so completely apart from the world and where I could so clearly see the world from which I had come and to which I would return. It’s not getting away from it all; it’s really getting back to it all, back to the basics of one’s exis-tence.” This season was one of daring vision and perspective. Renewal and ‘getting back to it all’ have continued to shape the Holden experience.

We have heard much of the years to follow with Carroll and Mary Hinder-lie shaping Holden Village as a place of welcome, proclaiming the gospel of radical grace and acceptance: not the message of “A Place Apart,” but a place relevant in a broken world in need of healing. In the years of the ’60s and ’70s, of civil rights and the Viet-nam War, this mountain village was very much in tune with the conversa-tions and struggles of the world down-valley. But unlike some of the world down-lake, Holden Village was a place where it was safe to disagree, to ar-gue, to learn and love. Over the years to follow with the Schramm era, the Witt era, the Haasarud era, the Briehl-Wells-Grant era, the Grant-Shiner era and the Hinderlie-Lund-Ahlstrom era

leading up to our present time, God has given us many seasons for glad-ness of heart.

As seasons change, the Village has had many challenges and triumphs all adding to its character. Paul Hinder-lie is fond of saying “The Gospel is scandal, full of controversy … ” These words sum up part of the essence of Holden Village, a place not afraid of controversy, or scandal. The scandal is that God’s grace is a gift to all of us whether we deserve it or not. We are all children of God, always trying to welcome the stranger and sharing God’s love through hospitality.

Many different issues and top-ics were present as the times

changed. Guided by the spirit, Holden Village installed one of the first female Lutheran pastors, not because she was a woman but because she was the most qualified and fit the call. In other years social justice issues were a focus, with letter-writing campaigns such as the one that protested aparthied and joined the call for the release of Nelson Mandela. Environmental con-cerns challenge all of us to live more responsibly while striving to live more frugally in the Village with food eth-ics, garbology, load controlling on the hydro and reducing fossil fuel con-sumption. In all times equality issues, justice issues, gender issues and re-sponsible behavior fueled actions and conversation.

We are all proud of the story of Holden Village, but the Apos-

tle Paul in Romans 5:1 reminds us that it is through God’s grace we have been given the strength to do this work.

“Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand;”

We also cannot forget that there have been some dark times too, and God is there with us. The story that we share has been one of an undeniable spirit that has entered all of our lives, grace upon grace, gift upon gift A God that is present in the darkest times as well as the brightest. It is in this belief that we receive gladness of heart – as in hilarity – and courage to go forth into the next 50 years together.

So when I’m in the Village Center, I stop and look at the words, taking good courage that God will, in the con-siderable joys and challenges ahead, continue to give us seasons for the gladness of heart.

A Prayer of Thanksgiving

Alpha, Omega, God of beginnings, endings and all times in be-tween, we humbly give you thanks for your servants who ventured into paths untrodden and perils unknown in order that your love and Good News may be proclaimed in a little mountain village.

God, rich in mercy, we walk by faith, let your grace wash over

us, like the waters of baptism, filling in with holy hilarity the places where our human frailties have shown.

Creating and sustaining God, receive the offerings, lives and years of service, we praise you for the fruits of the spirit sent down the mountain and into the world transforming and healing communities far beyond Railroad Creek Valley.

Into your hands, Holy God, we commend our lives. Guide us and sustain us, give us community to cheer our way, faith to serve with gladness, and a clear path to that which you are calling us. Amen.

Prayer by Melissa Johnson

Holden Village Voice Spring-Summer 2012

Stephanie CarpenterExecutive Director

Ephesians 4:11-21The gifts he gave were that some would be

apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ. We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people’s trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming. But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knitted together by ev-ery ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love.

At one point in my life I was know as a “craft-er,” which, I suppose, could be summed up

as someone who enjoys creating things out of other things to use in everyday life, give as gifts or to sell at the local town festival craft fair (which is a level of crafting I never attained)

Among many things, Holden is a crafty artsy place, a place of weaving, spinning, quilting, knit-ting, knitting, more knitting. Wow, there are a lot of knitters! I must confess, I am not a knitter and yet the Holden community has accepted me as I am. Holden’s mission statement does state clearly that all are welcome, knitters and non-knitters alike. I have found this to be true.

In October of 2010, Holden’s creative resource resident, Tara Smith, came to Holden to work on her art and share her work with the Villagers. In her

life, Tara was called to create art because, as she ex-plained, “in the beginning, God created, and we are created in the image of God, and therefore we are also made to create”.

Although it has been a year-and-a-half since Tara has been here, her words are still resonating in me and causing me to think and grow. This is what hap-pens at Holden: people come, people go, and yet a piece of who they are stays and becomes a part of this large body called the Holden community. I see God as the Master Creator, the Knitter, the Spinner, the Weaver, the Quilter.

Also resonating are the words of William Whitla in the second stanza of the hymn “Let Streams of Living Justice” (Hymn 710 in Evangelical Lutheran Worship):

For healing of the nations, for peace that will not end

For love that makes us lovers, God grant us grace to mendWeave our varied gifts together; knit our lives as they are spunOn your loom of time enroll us, till our thread of life is runO great weaver of our fabric bind church and world in oneDye our texture with your radiance, light our colors with you sun

As we look back on the 50 years of the ministry of Holden Village, we celebrate the faithfulness of God’s work of stirring up faithful leaders, volun-teers, and guests. All who have been a part of this ministry have added their colorful strand, their unique piece of fabric to a most beautiful 50-year-wide, deep, long, weaving or quilt. It is a beautiful sight, it is continuously being renewed, and pieces and strands of this creation are all over the world. I thank God for each one of you.

Psalm 139If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there. If I take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me fast. If I say, ‘Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light around me become night’, even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day, for darkness is as light to you. For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully

made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well.

The Holden mine remediation project began last summer as

“early works,” preparatory for the re-medial work. This year we will have a continuation of this “early work” with 60 to70 workers in the Village from June-November improving the road, developing rock and gravel quarries, capping off the mine portals, rerouting part of Railroad Creek and many other projects.

The experience last year with the workers staying at the Village went very well. All Villagers warmly wel-comed the workers and the workers in turn were extremely respectful and

gracious. We were one Village with a bit more meat on the menu than is the usual Holden Village fare, but surpris-ingly we received few complaints.

Things to note if you are coming to the Village this summer: The in-creased construction activities will require some trails to be off limits as well as the areas on the south side of Railroad Creek, such as the garage and tailings. We will ask parents to keep an extra watchful eye on their kids to keep them away from any off-limits areas. We do anticipate that with good communication and cooperation, Holden Village will provide a safe and

wonderful summer for all. Holden Village continues to work

cooperatively with the agencies (U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Environmen-tal Protection Agency (EPA), and the Washington State Department Depart-ment of Ecology (DOE), as well as the mining company Rio Tinto and its con-tractors. We are encouraging all par-ties to cooperate and hope and pray for a productive season that will keep the project on schedule to have the “heavy construction” begin next sum-mer (2013) and continue through 2014. In this schedule, we at the Village will focus our energy on feeding and hous-

ing mine workers during the build-ing season while we tackle a number of infrastructure improvements in the Village.

The need for remediation work dates from the time of mining opera-tions (1938-1957) which left behind some 300,000 cubic yards of waste rock and about 8.5 million tons of mine tail-ings covering about 90 acres. Holden Village does not bear any financial responsibilities for the remediation, which is borne solely by Rio Tinto.

Watch the website, www.holden-village.org, for mine remediation up-dates.

Knitting, spinning, weaving, quilting ...

Executive Directors Chuck and Stephanie Carpenterat the 50th anniversary celebration at Pacific

Lutheran University May 19

Preparatory work continues for mine remediation


Summer 2012 promises to be unique in the history of Holden

Village as we celebrate our 50-year his-tory and explore the summer theme: “Where the river flows, life abounds.”

Life and celebration will abound with music and parades, historical dis-plays, challenging and thought-pro-voking presentations by teaching staff, enlightening Bible studies and inspir-ing worship.

Launching the summer program on June 4-8 is “Living Liturgy,” a travel-ing workshop presented by a team of leading musicians, liturgists and theo-logians: Susan Briehl, Marty Haugen, Mary Preus, Benjamin M. Stewart, Tom Witt, Julia Fogg, Brian Johnson and Scott Kershner. Teaching staff coordi-nators Susan and Paul Rohde, Sonja Batalden and Chris Scharen have lined up a dynamic list of summer faculty be-ginning June 10 and continuing through September with the “Autumn Sojourn” organized by Susan Briehl and Dorothy Bass (see page 4 for details.)

Lending excitement to the anniver-sary celebration will be a parade every week. Parades will feature larger-than-life puppets and a marching band fea-turing percussion instruments, kazoos,

and any other musical instruments guests care to bring. The band will ac-company a synchronized flag team and floats. Narnia kids will have ample op-portunity to join the parades.

Historical displays will include a gal-lery of theme T-shirts from past years. If you have any, bring them along. We’d appreciate the loan of any T-shirts we don’t already have in the display and promise to return them at the end of summer.

Holden historians, including a for-mer miner and a resident during the mining era, will be on hand to tell sto-ries, explain memorabilia and answer questions. Many people have favorite Holden stories that deserve telling, and there will be several opportunities to do that. Journals will be available in ev-ery guest room for those who wish to write their stories. In addition, a “story corps” is planned to enable the record-ing of oral histories.

This will be the second summer of preliminary mine remediation con-struction. Last summer’s experience tells us that impact on guests will be minimal. A few trails will be closed, but many will remain open.

Holden Volunteers of 1962

Are you ready to join a 50-year legacy?

Are you ready for something different, want-ing to take on a new challenge, needing to stretch a little?

Maybe you volunteered at Holden years ago, and you think of that time longingly. Maybe you’re ready to think about coming back. Maybe you don’t know where you are and need a place and time to sort things out.

For 50 years, Holden Village has depended on the energy of volunteers who have shared the gift of hospitality with all who venture into the wilderness. You can add to this legacy by volunteering your time - three weeks or even longer. Volunteering during fall and winter offers a new Holden experi-ence: a smaller, more intimate community in a spectacular setting with each change of season.

Learn more at www.holdenvillage.org

or email [email protected]

Summer of 2012Life and Celebration

in Abundance

The Fourth of July parade 2011 is a foretaste of what’s to come every week during summer 2012 - Holden archive photo


In late September, the larch spin gold among the evergreens on the mountainsides, and maples

add scarlet hues to the shores of Lake Chelan and Railroad Creek. For four days this fall, Sept. 24-28, the Village will include a group of teachers and art-ists who invite all who are able to join them for a few days of conversation, worship and community.

“A Tree Beside the River” is the theme of the 2012 Autumn Sojourn. Each day, long-time Holden teacher Fred Niedner will lead participants as they ponder Gospel stories rooted in the tree of the cross and watered by streams of mercy. Dan Spencer, a professor of environmental studies and christian ethicist who calls himself “a geologian,” will help the group listen to creation speaking of the God who created all things. Heather Wallis Murphy, a wildlife biologist, artist and nature writer, will offer “field trips” to practice the art of paying attention to creation through drawing, painting and journal-ing. Don Saliers, an eminent author, musician and theologian from Emory University, who has been an inspiration to many in the Holden community, will teach at Holden for the first time, opening the Psalms and encouraging everyone to experience the blessing and beauty of life lived “at full stretch.”

Teaching sessions and opportunities for creative

engagement will be bountiful, though participants will also be encouraged to take time for the rest and recreation each one desires. This will be a rich but relaxed season in which to reflect together on what it might mean to be “like trees planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in due season, with leaves that do not wither” (Psalm 1:3).

As in every season, life in the Village will flow into and from the community’s daily worship. During this Sojourn, singing will be enriched and enlivened by the musical leadership of Tom Witt and Mary Preus of Minneapolis.

This Autumn Sojourn is the third in a series of late-September programs offered in alternate years since 2008, in cooperation with the Valparaiso Proj-ect on the Education and Formation of People in Faith (www.practicingourfaith.org). Former Holden director Susan Briehl and former board member and volunteer Dorothy Bass, leaders of the Valparaiso Project, have developed the Autumn Sojourn pro-gram. They will be present throughout for conver-sation and will also lead sessions on rivers and trees in scripture and in contemporary film, literature, art and song.

Anyone at Holden between Sept. 24-28 is welcome to participate in the Sojourn. Register for any or all of these days, and more besides, at www.holdenvil-lage.org.

Abriendo Caminos celebrates its 10th anniversary Aug. 5-11.

Initially, Holden’s outreach to the re-gion’s Spanish-speaking community, “Abriendo” has evolved into a part-nership with that larger community.

Abriendo Caminos is a week of cel-ebrating Latino culture with food, mu-sic, language, arts and worship. Span-ish is the primary language spoken during prayer, mealtimes, conversa-tions and other activities.

A highlight will be a naturalization ceremony for new citizens, led by rep-resentatives of the federal Immigra-tion and Naturalization Agency. Last year hundreds of spectators cheered and applauded as ten individuals took the oath of citizenship – a first in Hold-en history. Family members of the new U.S. citizens were guests at the Village.

Working with Holden staff, much of the Abriendo Caminos program plan-ning is done by Latinos from outside the Village who are involved in so-

cial outreach programs such as Casa Hogar in Yakima, an interfaith center that provides assistance for immigrant women and children. Abriendo Cami-nos offers families an opportunity to grow in faith while experienceing cul-tural traditions. The response has been almost overwhelming; Holden pern-ennially fills to capacity.

The program includes Bible study plus workshops on strengthening fam-ilies, health and nutrition, animal be-havior, yoga (in Spanish), and Zumba.

“Our goal is that participants will take the message back to their home communities and experience the Vil-lage any time of the year,” says Norma Gallegos, one of Abriendo’s organizers and a Holden board member.

For fun there will be the annual “Holden Cup” soccer match, a maria-chi band, crafts, pinatas and plentiful decorations for a fiesta.

Abriendo CaminosCelebrating Latino culture

Ten immigrants took the oath of citizenship in a moving ceremony at Holden last year - Holden archive photo

Autumn Sojourn: A tree beside the riverDorothy Bass, Workshop Leader

Holden archive photo


Things happen because people engage a task, stick with it and use their many talents to pro-

duce a result. Other people make lists so that they do not forget to do the initial step: engage the task. I have a long history of making lists. It is the rest of the process that escapes me at times. Enough said? This spring, however, has been a real winner for finding my lists and engaging the tasks. Actually, with the help of several folks who will be mentioned in a bit, the work started last fall. The two big deals on my list were to slightly enhance the appearance of the display cabinets on the VC balcony and most im-portantly install a lot of historical photos and other memorabilia in the VC stairwell leading up to the balcony.

With the great help of Lori Kershner, Lisa Thomp-son, Nancy Winder and the mavericks, we did both of these tasks. Lori and Lisa went through a lot of old photos and we had them scanned and mounted. This set wonderfully demonstrates the Holden Vil-lage Core Values. Another set of images consists of a series of old newspapers that chronicle the mine and village history. During past work weeks the stairwell was nicely painted and new/additional lighting was installed so all of this can be actually viewed and the print seen! As a result, the whole stairwell is fun to

experience. Who knows, you might even see your-self in a photo or two. Take a look. Then continue on up to the balcony and refresh your memory about the rest of our history as most of the artifacts are now back in their proper places. Larry and Barbara Col-lins even helped out by finding images to print and freshen up pictures of the wonderful flowers that bloom along our many trails.

Behind the scenes we are also working hard to cre-ate a new museum experience for all once the mine remediation process is over and we have a new mu-seum building. We have been collecting ideas for what the mission could be given a new building and the initial lists are quite exciting. More will be said as time goes on but stay tuned and think big.

We are beginning to formalize our understanding of just what we have in our archives. This will be a long term task. Our initial step is to digitize/catalog our precious collection of old mine era and Holden Village photos. We have many of these and our faith-ful servant Joel Matter is setting up a file system and scanning our many photos. A true labor of love on his part. Thank you, Joel!

Speaking of our “collections”, several individuals have thoughtfully given us some very neat material. This continuous flow of artifacts greatly enriches our museum. All of this will be ideal material for new displays when the time comes. Thank you one and all!

Lists upon listsPlenty to see in the interim Portal Museum

LARRY HOWARD, MUSEUM CURATOR & VILLAGE ARCHIVIST

Stairs to museum are an exhibit in themselves - Mary Koch photo

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT HOLDEN

A SUMMATION OF MEMORIESA 50th anniversary book, writ-

ten by Holden’s former directors, is being compiled under the direc-tion of board member Lola Deane. The book will also include reminis-cences by families, co-workers and friends of deceased directors.

Publication date is yet to be determined, and the book will be available through the Holden book-store.

THE ART OF HOLDEN 50A collection of 50 watercolors

depicting familiar scenes around Holden Village was released in book form May 19 and is available from the Holden bookstore. Village artist Lori Hayes Kershner painted all 50 of the scenes in one month, September of 2011. She describes the collection as representing a “slice in time” at Holden.

The original watercolors are exhibited in the dining hall. Most have been sold to various individu-als. The book will allow everyone the opportunity to enjoy the entire collection.

Entitled “Holden 50,” the book costs $37 and can be ordered on-line by following the 50th anniver-sar link at www.holdenvillage.org.

ELDER VILLAGESept. 9-15

The week features a program designed for mature individuals, but also of interest to all ages. The schedule includes Bible study, craft classes, yoga and usually some of the best hiking weather of the year.

Stay up-to-date with Holden events

and news with

BE-HOLDENour twice-monthly email newsletter.

It’s fun. It’s free. It’s fast.

Sign up simply by going towww.holdenvillage.org


The summer of 1962 was dubbed a “miracle summer” in a report

that was apparently written at the close of summer and found recently in village archives. The author of the neatly typed manuscript is not identi-fied.

Holden Village may have been just a blip on the map that summer when much attention was focused on the World’s Fair, held in Seattle. But the fair was also a boon to Holden, the report noted. Volunteers from “all over the country” served as hosts “to the many visitors on their way to the World’s Fair.”

“A total of 297 volunteer workers

including the Augustana “Unfold-ers,” the ALC “Upbuilders,” and the LFC “Undertakers” – contributed la-bor worth an estimated $50,000. Fif-teen young adults known as ‘Eagles’ served the whole summer and gave continuity to the operation. Laymen of varying trades and skills shared their know-how.

“Nearly 2,000 visitors – many of whom were guests several days – en-joyed guided tours of the Village, the mine, and Copper Creek Falls; thrilled to guided hikes on the trails, and were stimulated by a relaxed program pre-pared especially for them consisting of Bible study, worship, and informal discussion on family renewal.”

The Village also reached out to the local community. Although the Vil-lage was officially closed by Sept. 9,

nine volunteers stayed behind to host a delegation of 145 people from the Chelan Chamber of Commerce.

The report celebrates the achieve-ments of the summer while laying the groundwork for the future:

“It is nothing short of amazing that in so short a time a good part of the Village has been set in order and equipped in a very minimal way so that already 250 persons can be fed and housed at one time – and there is

yet a great potential.“The summer of ’62 was an ex-

perimental summer in which much of value was learned which will give guidance in future planning for the Village. “

Activities that first summer includ-ed a biology seminar by Pacific Lu-theran University, a drama group pre-senting plays three nights a week, and a program of family renewal for open house visitors. Musicians included a

choir, band, quartette, buglers, ma-rimba players and composers: “More than one new song was composed.”

The vision at that time was that Holden would serve as a study and retreat center for young adults. It was “fitting and proper,” therefore, that the first formal conference held at the Village was a young adult “Stehekin.“ Stehekin is an Indian word meaning “the way through.”

The 12-day conference drew young adults from throughout the country, with the largest out-of-state delega-tions coming from Minnesota, Texas, Illinois, Wisconsin and North Dakota. The theme was “The Church in Cri-sis.”

“The sense of koinonia (communi-ty) developed was tremendous,” notes the report, written at a time when the various Lutheran bodies were strug-gling to unite.

The writer also puts Holden on the world stage by observing: “The sum-mer of ’62 was one in which the Com-munists spent $25 million promoting a World Youth Festival in Helsinki. This gives all the more cruciality to that which dedicated volunteers in a fellowship of sweat and dirty hands were unfolding at Holden Village.”

Momentum was established that first summer. The report ends with the news that the Holden board, even with “no budget support” was mak-ing plans for a full summer program for 1963.

“Holden Village is underway,” the anonymous writer concludes. “A good deal has been accomplished and much, much more remains to be done both indoors and outdoors.

“Holden may yet become the Lu-theran world center for young adults’ work and the laboratory for creative experimentation in youth work, at the same time that it serves so admirably as a place of retreat and renewal for all ages.”

It was the first summer of operations at Holden Village, which had been prepared the previous summer by youthful volunteers called the “Forerunners.”

Here are excerpts from a report, found in the archives, author unidentified, of the 1962 activities.

“The summer of ‘62 was one in which the

Communists spent $25 million promoting a World Youth Festival

in Helsinki.”

Villagers of 1962 prepare for a guided hike - Holden Archives Photo

Then as now, coffee break was a significant part of the “relaxed” program -Holden Archives Photo


From a tiny island off the coast of Maine to Canada’s Vancouver Island, from Lithuania

to southern California, voices simultaneously sang God’s praise worldwide April 1 with the strains of Holden Evening Prayer.

The service was sung at more than 50 locations (that we know of) – a happy coincidence for the celebration of Holden’s 50th anniversary. Jubilant emails from various organizers reported success in bringing far-flung Villagers closer together through prayer, praise and – at many celebrations – good food.

“Thanks for the encouragement to gather for the fiftieth and celebrate the ‘foolishness’ of such a bless-ing as Holden,” wrote Pastor Peg Schultz-Akerson from Faith Lutheran Church in Chico, Calif.

At Holden, the small winter population gathered in Fireside for a heartfelt singing of the service with shades of Holden hilarity. Village musician Em-ily Vomacka improvised a postlude based on com-poser Marty Haugen’s prayer-response melody – in three-quarter time. That inspired executive directors Chuck and Stephanie Carpenter to waltz around the fire ring in celebration of their 18th wedding an-niversary, also on April 1. Comments from partici-pants around the country include:

St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, Monona, Wisc. - We had a nice gathering of about 25 folks from the Madison area. I was especially pleased, because our congregation had been singing Holden Evening Prayer throughout Lent, and we were just coming off a two-hour Palm Sunday service. But here was a group eager to continue worshiping together! With a show of hands, about a third had been to the Vil-lage last summer or some other time, and about an-other third will be coming this August, and a few others hoping to make the trip sometime! Before-hand, those who had been were sharing photos and telling stories of life in the village. – Nick Utphall

Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, Vancouver, Wash. – We had a delightful celebration. - Phil Yok-ers

Seattle, Wash. – It was great to be part of a world-wide worshiping body on Sunday. – Elaine K. Har-rison, Synod Relations Administrator, Northwest Washington Synod, ELCA

St. John’s Lutheran Church, Annandale, Minn. - It was a joy to share the singing with Holden Vil-

lage supporters across the globe. - Mark L. Nelson, Holden Village ‘77 summer

Mount Cross Lutheran Church, Camarillo, Calif. - We had 35 people show up to sing. Afterward we had an informal information session about Holden. Several of us have been to Holden before and many stories were shared. We made two recordings of the event: one audio and one video. They can be found, seen, heard, and downloaded at http://mountcross.com/podcasts.html - Pastor John W. Soyster

Faith Lutheran Church, Chico, Calif. - Attached is a picture I took of some who gathered last night to sing Holden Evening Prayer and give thanks for and pray for the on-going ministry of the Village. Perhaps you’ll recognize a few. The art on the wall behind us is the work of Faith Lutheran children throughout Lent - a desert scene that will bloom for the Vigil of Easter - “The desert will bloom ...” Isaiah 35. Looks to me a bit like the mountain ranges that surround Holden. – Pastor Peg Schultz-Akerson

Faith Lutheran Church, Seattle – We had a lovely Holden Vespers service … I didn’t take an accurate count, but I’d say we had 40-50 people. One story that is special to my family is my husband John was able to meet the woman (Sandy Nelson) who

designed his VERY FAVORITE summer program T-shirt! He was wearing his “weaving a world tap-estry” shirt, and was talking to a group of folks, and Sandy pointed to his shirt and said “That’s one of the shirts I designed while I was up at Holden.” It was awesome. – Kari Monsen

St. Peter Lutheran Church, Tillamook, Ore. - We had a very successful Holden Vespers followed by a delicious potluck. Approximately 30 people attend-ed, and I had Holden information available along with the visuals, and there was interest. I figured I have planted the seed and by the time the clean-up of the mine stuff is finished, there will be a group from Tillamook wanting to go up there. At least that is my plan. Jerry, the pastor, provided Holden information in his three churches where he is now pastoring - Methodist, Episcopal, Lutheran - (we in Tillamook are on the cutting edge of new directions in helping these three traditional churches grow), so the education process has started. – Georga Dorsey

Agnus Dei Lutheran Church, Gig Harbor, Wash. - We had more than 30 people, and it was great. Pas-tor had picked a Marty Haugen song to sing that in the last verse says something about a billion voices raised in song. Cool! – Gwen Daugs

Holden Villagers hoist aloft a larger-than-life likeness of Wes Prieb in a spontaneous celebration following the singing of Holden Evening Prayer April 1. The synchronized worship, with participants around the world, was held

on April 1 because that was the date on at least two of Prieb’s letters, which led to the donation of the vacated mining town, Holden Village, for use as a retreat center. - Lisa Maren Thompson photo

April 1Holden EveningPrayer resoundsaround the world


In a long series of very fierce battles against snow, ice, and slush, now on this front, now on that, fighting on

three fronts at once, battles fought by three or four mav-ericks and operations crew against a white, fluffy enemy equal to or sometimes greater in depth, and fought very fiercely on old ground so many of us knew so well. Our losses include lunch on the grass, sitting on lounge chairs, firm traction, dry shoes, warm nights, as well as re-frigerators, hot water, the toaster, coffeemakers, and the shovels, skis, sleds, boots and even snowshoes – lost to the piling snow banks and postholes. I take this occasion to express the sympathy of the Village with those who have suffered bereavement waiting for spring.

How long it will be, how long the dregs of winter will last, depends upon the exertions which we make in this valley. An effort, the like of which has never been seen in this season’s records, is now being

made. Work is proceeding night and day (or, more precisely, after breakfast, between coffee break and lunch, and after lunch until around 3). All throughout the week, volunteers and staff have cast aside their interests, rights and customs and put everything into the common stock. Already the number of paths, guest rooms, working faucets, wired connections, repaired floors, shelves, tables, doors and ceilings is mounting. There is no reason why we should not in a few hours or days overtake the serious loss that has come upon us without retarding the work of the Village.

We have been told that the snow and slush have plans for lingering into summer. This kind of treacherous work underfoot has often been thought of before. The whole question of defense against invasion is powerfully affected by the fact that we have for the time being in this

A Farewell to WinterSpring Work Week April 22-29

Spring Work Week brought two busloads of volunteers, eager to convert the winter Village to make it ready for summer guests. The pinnacle of activity fell midweek on Blitz Day, when staff and volunteers join forces to exchange screens for storm win-dows, open and scrub winter-closed areas, and prepare rooms. To inspire the troops, Head Maverick Andrew Lund delivered a stirring speech just before activity commenced. If Andrew’s oration has a ring of familiarity, think Winston Churchill, 1940. Here are some of the most inspiring excerpts:

Photos by Tommy Gibson


valley incomparably more forces that we had only a week ago.

We have to reconstitute and build up the Vil-lage once again. We must put our defense in this Valley into such a high state of organization that the fewest possible numbers will be required to give effectual security against snow banks, slush, and ice and that the largest possible potential offensive effort may be released. On this we are now engaged.

We must never forget the solid assurances of shovels, rags, newspaper, hands, arms, sweat, grunts and those which belong to the sun. I have myself full confidence that if all do their duty and if the best arrangements are made, as they are being made, we shall prove ourselves once again able to defend our valley home, ride out the storms and outrun the menace of winter tyranny.

We shall not flag nor fail. We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in the lodges and the chalets; we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air. We shall defend our valley whatever the cost may be; we shall fight in Lucerne, on the dock, in the ballfield, on Main Street and up to the Third Level. We shall never surrender and even if, which I do not for a moment believe, this valley or a large part of it were cold and re-blanketed, then our empire beyond the woods, armed and guarded by other Villagers, will carry on the struggle until, in God’s good time, the New Village sets forth to the remediation and rescue of the Old.

Andrew Lund,Head Maverick


50 Quilts & Beyond“Oh, oh, oh, oh, my gosh. These are so beautiful!” That was crafts coordinator Tara Van Loo exclaiming as she opened a box of

colorful handmade quilts, stitched in an array of intricate patterns. They were among the first to arrive in response to an invitation that went out late last year, asking for 50 new quilts to honor Holden’s 50th anniversary. There was no prob-lem meeting that goal; more than 50 individuals have signed up to make quilts. Tara has renamed the project “50 Quilts and Beyond” and extended the deadline to Aug. 31.

Handmade quilts grace all the beds at Holden, creating a vibrant welcome for guests. The quilts have played a significant role in Holden hospitality over the years. Quilt makers who sent in the first five of the 50th anniversary quilts are pictured here:

Debbie Jeske (top right), Trinity Lutheran Church, Lynnwood, Wash. Debbie has served as Trinity’s ministry coordinator for 13 years. She’s been quilting for 25 years “or so,” and writes a quilt blog. She makes plenty of quilts for personal use, and “I also enjoy gifting and swapping them. In fact, the quilt I donated to Holden is made in part from swapped quilt blocks.”

Darcy Siepak (middle right), Trinity Lutheran, Lynnwood.Mary Jo Menninga and Connie Buckley (bottom right), Bellingham, Wash.

Some of the fabric in this quilt came from a quilt Mary Jo made for her son, Brad, who is the Holden Village potter.

Ada Jeanne (Dick) Robinson (bottom center), Trinity Lutheran, Lynnwood. Her quilt pattern is called “Tic-Tac-Mo.”

Nancy Raymond (bottom left), Grand Rapids, Minn. Nancy claims she is not an accomplished quilter but was working on a crazy quilt, using scraps of fabric leftover from making pillowcases. She was at Holden last October with the St. Olaf study group, heard about the quilt project, and announced “I knew where my quilt would go.” That was her third trip to Holden, and she hopes to come again next winter as a volunteer.

A sixth quilt, in an Irish Chain patter, was donated, but not made, by Nancy Hart, Bellingham, Wash.

Next time you snuggle under a quilt at Holden, you might sleep even better, remembering the gifts of love that are embracing you.


The show poster (left) was designed by Lisa Maren Thompson and featured a hat tree (bottom left) by Maija Diamond. Other artists represented here are: Scott McConnell (center), Holden High School pot-tery class (bottom right), Kasey Shultz (center right), Lori Hayes Kursh-ner (top right).

ART FOR THE NEIGHBORSHolden Villagers displayed their creativity with an eclectic art show at the Golden West Gallery in Stehekin during April. The closest community to Holden, Stehekin is at the head of Lake Chelan and a popular tourist destination. The Holden art show has become an annual event, featuring the work of both adults and children. It included paintings, drawings, fiber arts, sculp-tures and ceramics. The exhibit was curated by Village artist Lori Hayes Kershner and Village potter Brad Menninga.


The “Dancing Servant,” one of Holden’s iconic sculptures, pro-

vided both theme and tribute at a third Holden-On-The-Road 50th anniver-sary celebration at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Wash., May 19.

A full fellowsip of Holdenites gath-ered to worship, celebrate and honor former directors.

Holden board chairman Mark Man-tei and board member Ann Cohan presented gifts to former village lead-ers and/or their representatives com-memorating the theme of the “Danc-ing Servant.”

Just as the sculpture includes a ser-vant’s bowl and towel, the directors received bowls from the village pot-tery shop and weavings from village looms.

On hand for the presentation was sculptor Terry Sateren, who created the original Dancing Servant using steel salvaged from the old mine’s mill structure. His inspiration was a ser-mon by the late Carroll Hinderlie on John 13, in which Jesus washes the feet of his disciples. Terry has described the sculpture as representing “the joy of serving others, and the spirit of ser-vice at Holden and in the world.”

Executive director Stephanie Car-penter noted the gifts were not de-signed “to be put on a shelf. Just as Holden sends us out into the world, we hope the bowls and weavings will be put to good use.”

The honorees also received a copy of the book, “Holden 50,” a recently-released collection of watercolor paint-ings by village artist Lori Hayes Ker-shner.

Honorees included the late Wilton Bergstrand, a leader in the Village’s formative years, represented by his son John and grandson David. For-mer directors attending were John and Mary Schramm (1978-1984), Scott and Jeanette Haasarud (1989-1993), Kathy Nash (1993-1994), Martin Wells and Susan Briehl (1994-1999), Janet Grant (1994-2005) and Dianne Shiner (2000-2005).

Larry Howard represented the late Carroll and Mary Hinderlie (1963-1977) as well as Paul and Carol Hinderlie and Tom Ahlstrom (2005-2010). Phyllis Brandt represented her late husband, Elmer Witt (1984-1988).

Previous celebrations were held last year at St. Paul, Minn., Oct. 15 and Ev-erett, Wash., Nov. 12.

Holden-On-The-Road

Celebrating 50 years in the spirit of service

DANCING SERVANTS: Terry Sateren’s original sculpture, created in 1968,

was used as a model for smaller sculptures made earlier this year

under the direction of village pot-ter, Brad Manninga. The smaller

sculptures used Holden materials. They were shaped with wire from

the “garbo” dock, dipped in clay and then into bee’s wax that came from melted candle stubs that had been

used during Prayer Around the Cross.

FORMER AND CURRENT directors honored on May 19 are (front row) Martin Wells and Susan Briehl; (middle row) Jeanette Haasarud, Ja-net Grant and Stephanie Carpenter; (back row) John and Mary Schramm, Phyllis Brandt (representing the late Elmer Witt), Dianne Shiner, Kathy Nash, Scott Haasarud, John Berg-strand (representing the late Wilton Bergstrand) and Chuck Carpenter. Not pictured or represented by family were Gil Berg, Fritz Norstad, Paul and Carola Boe, Warren Salveson, Paul Hinderlie, Carol Lund Hinderlie and Tom Ahlstrom.

Photos by Lisa Maren Thompson


Lightning caused fires are an integral part of for-est ecosystems. It is nature’s way of disposing of dead or dying vegetation and preparing these areas for new generations of plants. It also helps maintain fire resistant species in the vegetative mix that might otherwise be crowded out by more tolerant brush and trees.

Every forest has a natural fire return interval which may range from ten to two-hundred years. These fires would create a mosaic of different age classes of trees across the landscape. Fire intensity would be low, consuming dead material and kill less fire-resistant species. Another mosaic within the fire would be produced where zones would be un-touched by flames, while in other places, consump-tion of woody material would be more complete. Still other areas experienced only light burning. In the Railroad Creek Valley, where Holden Village is located, the average natural fire return interval is about 35 years.

The last large fire to occur in the Valley was the Domke Fire in 2007. This burned several thousand acres from Domke Lake up to a portion of the road to the Village. Much of the Valley has not been burned since the late 1880’s due to a policy of quick fire suppression.

Is there a threat of forest fires near Holden Vil-lage? Yes, there always is. However, mitigation mea-

sures are in place or planned shortly. For example, a shaded fuelbreak has been constructed around three sides of the Village with the mine tailings on the fourth. Four large agricultural sprinklers have been purchased by Holden. During the next two years, a fire sprinkler system surrounding the Vil-lage is planned to be installed. The probability of

damage to Holden by wildfire at present is relatively low and will decrease as more mitigation measures are implemented.

Craig Edberg, a long-time Holden Village volunteer, is a former U.S. Forest Service forester and firefighter.

Craig Edberg

In Railroad Creek, where Holden Village is located, the average natural fire return interval is about 35 years. - Holden archive photo

Is therea threat

of forest firesnear Holden?

Continued from page 16New York, a place bounded by wa-ter, yet my period of personal dehy-dration continued. When heavy rains hit, and often when they didn’t, the subway track had a steady stream of water flowing through it, an indica-tion of the rivers that had been filled in and paved over that were still mak-ing themselves known. New York City tap water, piped all the way from the Catskill Mountains upstate, was ours for drinking, bathing, and bap-tizing, but taught us little about our watershed or the hydrological cycles in which we lived, nor how engage-ment with them might inform an un-derstanding of our communities, our

faith, or the baptizing God who comes to us “in, with, and under” the water, as the Catechism teaches.

In the fall of 2009, I saw an ad on the “Christian Century“ for a guided kayaking trip on the south shore of Lake Superior centering on the spiritu-ality of place and the poetry of Mary Oliver. I flew to Marquette, Michi-gan, with the sheepish expectation of a prodigal taking a trip home for the weekend. I was an urbanite now, but a few days paddling a kayak and read-ing nature poetry would surely do me some good. The first day, we paddled the Iron River to the lake. I rounded the final bend and suddenly found myself in the vast expanse of Lake Su-

perior in the high summer sun with clear, cold water crashing over my kayak as I knifed through wave after wave after wave and sobbed for sheer joy. A fullness opened up inside me that I had not seen coming. I was the prodigal and I had returned home, to something. To clean, clear, wild water. That much I knew.

I returned to Brooklyn frantic to find a place to paddle. Lori and I found a kayaking club on Jamaica Bay in Brooklyn, which required paddling under a highway overpass while planes landing at JFK airport roared overhead. There was even the occa-sional seal to be seen and, with im-proved water quality, the oysters were starting to come back.

The call to ministry at Holden Vil-

lage was coming full circle in some ways, in others not. It isn’t paddling canoes or kayaks. But it is a valley carved by glacial ice and shaped to this day by a rushing creek full of west slope cutthroat trout. It has been an opportunity to think about ministry and faith as a practice of loving and abiding with a place—the whole land community, its people, its plants and animals, including its pollution and scars caused by our misuse—and the life-giving water that makes its life and its healing possible. Of course, we don’t have to be at Holden Village to do that. Every place requires such care. But this growing awareness has been Holden Village’s ministry to me. “Where the river flows, life abounds.”

Where the river flows, and where it doesn’t ...


We may not remember which year it was, but mention the theme, and we’re likely to re-

member a summer rich with Biblical exploration, wide-open discussion, and spiritual growth. Below are the themes that have provided the backdrop for summers at Holden. 1965 – Training for 20th century discipleship.

If you happen to have a T-shirt with any of these themes on it, you’re encouraged to bring it along when you visit this summer and let us include it in our themed T-shirt display. We promise to return all shirts to their owners in the fall.1966 – Holy hilarity1967 – Life – new life1968 – Think and thank1969 – The lordship of Christ1970 – For freedom Christ has set us free1971 – Through Jesus Christ, our lord – our risen

brother1972 – A space for grace1973 – In the strong name of Jesus

1974 – To glorify God is to make man whole, to make man whole is to glorify God

1975 – New every morning1976 – Let freedom ring that love may abound1977 – All the fullness of God 1978 – Lighten our darkness1979 – Worship with all the saints 1980 – Faith to go out with good courage1981 – Sing the Lord’s song1982 – Living the politics of hope1983 – Feast of life/Gift of God1984 – One Lord – many members1985 – Under the shadow of God’s wings1986 – Gentle justice1987 – Christ is the memory of our future1988 – Something’s afoot in the universe1989 – Treasure in earthen vessels1990 – On earth as in heaven1991 – In the image of God1992 – A whole new world

1993 – Listen to the sacred1994 – Weaving a world tapestry1995 – A foretaste of the feast to come1996 – Water washed, Spirit borne1997 – No longer strangers1998 – Guide our feet1999 – Tree of life2000 – Heirs according to the promise2001 – Called by name2002 – 40 years in the wilderness2003 – For the healing of the world2004 – Summon out what we shall be2005 – Take off your shoes2006 - I am with you always2007 – Come and see2008 – The foolishness of God2009 – We have this treasure2010 – All the promises of God2011 – The many-colored grace of God

What were those Holden teens talking about back in the 60s?

Well, HAVE you?Email Holden’s development team, [email protected]

Call Monica Hurley, 253-222-7251 or Anne Gintz, 206-709-3835

Remember that summer when we ... ?


There’s something about the motion and rhythm of spinning for a sure-fire stress relief,

claim those who practice the craft.That was the idea behind a Holden tradition: spin

away the cabin fever and anxiety of late winter, when spring is slow to come. The idea originated with Jim Christianson, a Lutheran pastor who lives in Enumclaw, Wash., where he also raised sheep. He happened to provide wool from his sheep to the St. Placid Priory, an order of Benedictine nuns in Lacey, Wash. A few years ago, Jim suggested that the nuns bring their spinning wheels to Holden, which led to annual week-long visits from “Fa-

ther Jim and the Spinning Sisters.”Until this year. The nuns’ schedule was too full, and the call went

out for substitutes. It turned out that Chris Lubins-ki, a St. Placid oblate, happened to belong to a spin-ning group on Whidbey Island with Paula Schuler,

who happened to have been on staff at Holden from 1987-89 as village printer. Thus, just like a spinning wheel, everything came full circle. “Father” Jim accompanied Chris and Paula – not sisters but most certainly spinners – to Holden in April.

Chris likens operating a spinning wheel to Tibetan prayer wheels as a route to meditation and stress relief. That’s because, explains Paula, it re-quires coordination of the entire body – hands, feet, eyes and breath.

“You have to keep breathing,” she says. It also comes easier for some people than others.

“For some people, it just falls off their hands,” says Paula. For those who struggle, she has words of encouragement: “The first skein is the hardest.”

Both Chris and Paula first at-tempted spinning a number of years ago. Paula originally learned from

her daughter, Jeriann Schriner, who begin spinning as a Holden seventh grader. Chris got started in the 1970s when she was managing a research project that involved sheep. When the project ended, she brought the sheep home. She already had a spin-ning wheel – a family heirloom dating from c.1820 that had been passed on by her grandmother. But she had no one to teach her.

“It was a struggle.”For both women, life got in the way of spinning

until about 13 years ago, when they began anew and discovered the second time around was much easier. Chris believes the techniques had been work-ing “in the back of my head. You learn something and it simmers in the deep unknown of the brain.”

She has satisfied a life-long yearning to raise sheep and spin. She has a good-sized herd of Shet-land sheep and dyes the wool herself. She brought three large tubs of fiber for Villagers to spin on the six wheels lined up in the dining hall. Five of the wheels came with Chris, Paula and Jim. No small feat, hauling spinning wheels up on the boat and bus, but Chris is a mobile spinner. She admits to keeping a “Lady Bug” loom in the back of her car “like a spare tire, so I’m always ready for spinning.”

“Father” Jim and the “Spinning Sisters” gather around the wheel with Villagers displaying skeins of freshly woven yarn. From left are Natalie Julin-McCleary with Sophie, Mary Chiles (partially hidden), Belinda Lowery-Kelnhofer, Chris

Lubinski, Melissa Johnson, Jim Christianson, Kasey Shultz, Paula Schuler and Mariel Vinge.

Puttinga new

Spin onSpring

Mary Koch, Village Voice Editor

Holden barista Mariel Vinge spins with wooldyed by Chris Lubinski, who raises Shetland sheepon her farm on Whidbey Island, Wash.


My earliest memories of flowing water, of rivers, are shadowy

images of a bright summer day tubing with my young parents on the Apple River in Wisconsin, involving floating coolers and pop-tops of canned beer tossed in the water. I was 4. After my dad finished law school, we moved to northwestern Minnesota, to a county boasting one tenth of the state’s ten thousand lakes. Many of the great memories of my youth involve water: swimming, fishing, boating, freezing fingers and toes in a duck blind over a cattail slough. Water’s abundance was simply part of the canvas on which life was painted in my part of the world, as sand and dust might be for the Bedouin.

For whatever reason, water’s destructive power was also present in my awareness. I endured swimming lessons at the Y and learned what I needed to, but they filled me with dread. I still can’t say why. Though swimmable, the deep end never completely lost its sense of menace. I loved water but was no fish. When I first read “Moby Dick” several years ago and encountered Pip, the boy deckhand who, after falling out of the whaling boat and spending several hours treading water in the limitless Pacific before being rescued and is so overwhelmed by the ocean’s terrify-ing immensity that he goes mad, I felt a twinge of recognition. Water can kill and make alive. Both were vividly apparent to me. I had an emerging baptismal theology before I even knew what that meant.

In college, I guided church groups on canoe trips in the Boundary Waters

Canoe Area Wilderness. For up to a week, the lakes and streams of north-ern Minnesota become our means of travel, our source of drinking water, our swimming hole. In the Bible’s first sentences, the creating Spirit of God broods over the waters, and it was in this watery landscape that I

first glimpsed the adventure and joy and freedom of life in a Spirit-formed community. As a guide of these water-journeying communities-in-for-mation, my call to ordained ministry first came into view.

Theological studies eventually brought me to New Haven, Conn.,

and the beginning of a long period of what I look back on now as a sort of dehydration. The time I spent on, in , or around clean, living bodies of water dwindled to a trickle. This is an awareness I only gain in hindsight.

Like many industrial cities near the sea, New Haven is cut off from Long

Island Sound by a massive interstate highway and the rusting hulks of its industrial past. It’s entirely possible to live there and never encounter the Sound or the natural harbor and estuary for which the city was named. A notable exception was the Mill River (one of three that converge in

New Haven) that flowed through a park and natural area near campus, offering a place of peaceful respite from an urban environment otherwise estranged from the water all around.

I marvel now (though I didn’t think of it then) that a religious tradition for which an encounter with God in water—baptism—is the founding rite of initiation would have so little to say about this state of affairs. My theological studies unfolded in almost complete isolation from any sense of place.

The Hudson is one of North Amer-ica’s great rivers, and my seminary internship took me to a rustbelt town on its banks, 90 miles north of New York City. The beauty of the river and its riparian landscape inspired an entire school of 19th century Roman-tic painting.

In the mid-20th century, General Electric pumped wastewater into the river, filling it with all manner of pollutants, including cancer-causing PCBs. During the year I lived along the Hudson, GE began an EPA-man-dated dredging of the river sediment to remove the PCBs. The damage was, of course, already done. The cost to human health and to plant and animal communities is still only partly known. Our small congregation had two young women battling breast cancer.

Again, I am struck in retrospect how little my theological and pastoral training that year had to say about the poisoned river on whose banks we sat. I hiked in the Catskills and marveled at the views of the Hudson Valley, but spent little time on or in those waters.

My first call took me to Brooklyn,

Where the river flows, and where it doesn’t

SCOTT KERSHNER, VILLAGE PASTOR

Please turn to page 13

And an ingenious Spaniard says, the “rivers and inhabitants of the watery element were made for wise men to contemplate, and fools to pass by without consideration.” And though I will not rank myself in the number of the first, yet give me leave to free myself from the last, by offering to you a short contemplation . . .

-Sir Izaak Walton, “The Compleat Angler,” 1653

My birthday began with water.-Dylan Thomas

Pine martens are on the lookout

for returning Villagers as summer

slowly approaches in Railroad Creek Valley.

COMING EVENTS

June 4-8 - Living Liturgy Workshop

June 10-17 - Work Camp

July 13-18 - Summer Board Meeting and Board Election

Aug. 5-11 - Tenth Annual Abriendo Caminos

Sept. 23-29 - Autumn Sojourn

Oct. 21 - 28 - Fall Work Week

PLUS

50th Anniversary Celebrationsevery week, all summer long

village voice spring 2012

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