Spring, 2012 - Holden Village

HOLDEN
VILLAGE VOICE
SPRING-SUMMER 2012
Summer Theme:
Where the
river flows,
life abounds
WE CELEBRATE
Holden’s 50th anniversary
all summer
Abriendo Caminos
10th anniversary
5 al 11 de Agosto
HOLDEN
VILLAGE VOICE
Volume 55, No. 2
Welcome to this all new format
for the Holden Village Voice.
We’re pleased to bring you fullcolor 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 commitment to good stewardship by
printing on paper with recycled
content and limiting our expenditures.
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, theology, hospitality, vocation, diversity,
grace, shalom, ecology, gifts, study,
rest, place, community and hilarity.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
Chuck & Stephanie Carpenter
Your comments and questions
are invited. Please write to:
Mary Koch, Editor
Holden Village Voice
HC 0 Box 2
Chelan, 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 Sullivan.
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 Carpenter
Executive Director
A
week ago, I sat in the Village
Center listening to my son August’s piano practice. I stared blankly
at the stage and let my mind drift
away. As I sat there contentedly listening to Bach, the words above the stage
came into focus. “God Gives Us Seasons 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 opportunity 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.
E
arly Holden leader Wilton Bergstrand once said, “I have never
been any place where, from the moment 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 existence.” This season was one of daring
vision and perspective. Renewal and
‘getting back to it all’ have continued
to shape the Holden experience.
A Prayer of Thanksgiving
Alpha, Omega, God of beginnings, endings and all times in between, 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
We have heard much of the years to
follow with Carroll and Mary Hinderlie 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 Vietnam War, this mountain village was
very much in tune with the conversations and struggles of the world downvalley. But unlike some of the world
down-lake, Holden Village was a place
where it was safe to disagree, to argue, to learn and love. Over the years
to follow with the Schramm era, the
Witt era, the Haasarud era, the BriehlWells-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 gladness of heart.
As seasons change, the Village has
had many challenges and triumphs all
adding to its character. Paul Hinderlie 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.
M
any different issues and topics 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 concerns challenge all of us to live more
responsibly while striving to live more
frugally in the Village with food ethics, garbology, load controlling on the
hydro and reducing fossil fuel consumption. In all times equality issues,
justice issues, gender issues and responsible behavior fueled actions and
conversation.
W
e are all proud of the story of
Holden Village, but the Apostle 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 considerable joys and challenges ahead,
continue to give us seasons for the
gladness of heart.
Page 2
Holden Village Voice Spring-Summer 2012
Knitting, spinning, weaving, quilting ...
Stephanie Carpenter
Executive Director
Ephesians 4:11-21
The 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 every ligament with which it is equipped, as each
part is working properly, promotes the body’s
growth in building itself up in love.
A
t one point in my life I was know as a “crafter,” 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, knitting, 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
For love that makes us lovers,
God grant us grace to mend
Weave our varied gifts together;
knit our lives as they are spun
On your loom of time enroll us,
till our thread of life is run
O great weaver of our fabric
bind church and world in one
Dye our texture with your radiance,
light our colors with you sun
Executive Directors Chuck and Stephanie Carpenter
at the 50th anniversary celebration at Pacific
Lutheran University May 19
life, Tara was called to create art because, as she explained, “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 happens 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
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, volunteers, 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-yearwide, 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 139
If 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.
Preparatory work continues for mine remediation
T
he Holden mine remediation
project began last summer as
“early works,” preparatory for the remedial 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 welcomed 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 surprisingly we received few complaints.
Things to note if you are coming
to the Village this summer: The increased 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 offlimits 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), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the
Washington State Department Department of Ecology (DOE), as well as the
mining company Rio Tinto and its contractors. We are encouraging all parties to cooperate and hope and pray
for a productive season that will keep
the project on schedule to have the
“heavy construction” begin next summer (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 building season while we tackle a number
of infrastructure improvements in the
Village.
The need for remediation work
dates from the time of mining operations (1938-1957) which left behind
some 300,000 cubic yards of waste rock
and about 8.5 million tons of mine tailings 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.holdenvillage.org, for mine remediation updates.
www.holdenvillage.org
Page 3
Summer of 2012
Life and Celebration
in Abundance
S
ummer 2012 promises to be
unique in the history of Holden
Village as we celebrate our 50-year history and explore the summer theme:
“Where the river flows, life abounds.”
Life and celebration will abound
with music and parades, historical displays, challenging and thought-provoking presentations by teaching staff,
enlightening Bible studies and inspiring worship.
Launching the summer program on
June 4-8 is “Living Liturgy,” a traveling workshop presented by a team of
leading musicians, liturgists and theologians: Susan Briehl, Marty Haugen,
Mary Preus, Benjamin M. Stewart, Tom
Witt, Julia Fogg, Brian Johnson and
Scott Kershner. Teaching staff coordinators Susan and Paul Rohde, Sonja
Batalden and Chris Scharen have lined
up a dynamic list of summer faculty beginning 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 anniversary celebration will be a parade every
week. Parades will feature larger-thanlife puppets and a marching band featuring percussion instruments, kazoos,
and any other musical instruments
guests care to bring. The band will accompany a synchronized flag team and
floats. Narnia kids will have ample opportunity to join the parades.
Historical displays will include a gallery 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 former miner and a resident during the
mining era, will be on hand to tell stories, 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 every guest room for those who wish to
write their stories. In addition, a “story
corps” is planned to enable the recording of oral histories.
This will be the second summer of
preliminary mine remediation construction. 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, wanting 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 experience: a smaller, more intimate community
in a spectacular setting with each change of
season.
Learn more at www.holdenvillage.org
or email [email protected]
The Fourth of July parade 2011 is a foretaste of what’s to come
every week during summer 2012 - Holden archive photo
Page 4
Holden Village Voice Spring-Summer 2012
Abriendo Caminos
Celebrating Latino culture
A
briendo Caminos celebrates
its 10th anniversary Aug. 5-11.
Initially, Holden’s outreach to the region’s Spanish-speaking community,
“Abriendo” has evolved into a partnership with that larger community.
Abriendo Caminos is a week of celebrating Latino culture with food, music, language, arts and worship. Spanish is the primary language spoken
during prayer, mealtimes, conversations and other activities.
A highlight will be a naturalization
ceremony for new citizens, led by representatives of the federal Immigration and Naturalization Agency. Last
year hundreds of spectators cheered
and applauded as ten individuals took
the oath of citizenship – a first in Holden history. Family members of the new
U.S. citizens were guests at the Village.
Working with Holden staff, much of
the Abriendo Caminos program planning 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 Caminos offers families an opportunity to
grow in faith while experienceing cultural traditions. The response has been
almost overwhelming; Holden pernennially fills to capacity.
The program includes Bible study
plus workshops on strengthening families, health and nutrition, animal behavior, yoga (in Spanish), and Zumba.
“Our goal is that participants will
take the message back to their home
communities and experience the Village 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 mariachi band, crafts, pinatas and plentiful
decorations for a fiesta.
Ten immigrants took the oath of citizenship in a moving
ceremony at Holden last year - Holden archive photo
Autumn Sojourn: A tree beside the river
Dorothy Bass, Workshop Leader
I
n 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 artists 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 journaling. 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
Holden archive photo
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 Project 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 program. They will be present throughout for conversation 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.holdenvillage.org.
www.holdenvillage.org
Page 5
WHAT’S HAPPENING
AT HOLDEN
A SUMMATION OF MEMORIES
A 50th anniversary book, written by Holden’s former directors,
is being compiled under the direction of board member Lola Deane.
The book will also include reminiscences 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 bookstore.
Stairs to museum are an exhibit in themselves - Mary Koch photo
Lists upon lists
Plenty to see in the interim Portal Museum
LARRY HOWARD, MUSEUM CURATOR &
VILLAGE ARCHIVIST
T
hings happen because people engage a task,
stick with it and use their many talents to produce 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 importantly 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 Thompson, 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 Village 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 yourself 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 Collins 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 create a new museum experience for all once the mine
remediation process is over and we have a new museum 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 faithful 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!
THE ART OF HOLDEN 50
A 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 individuals. The book will allow everyone
the opportunity to enjoy the entire
collection.
Entitled “Holden 50,” the book
costs $37 and can be ordered online by following the 50th anniversar link at www.holdenvillage.org.
ELDER VILLAGE
Sept. 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
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Page 6
T
he 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 identified.
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
“The summer of ‘62
was one in which the
Communists spent
$25 million promoting
a World Youth Festival
in Helsinki.”
including the Augustana “Unfolders,” the ALC “Upbuilders,” and the
LFC “Undertakers” – contributed labor worth an estimated $50,000. Fifteen 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 – enjoyed 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 prepared 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 Village was officially closed by Sept. 9,
Holden Village Voice Spring-Summer 2012
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.
Villagers of 1962 prepare for a guided hike - Holden Archives Photo
nine volunteers stayed behind to host
a delegation of 145 people from the
Chelan Chamber of Commerce.
The report celebrates the achievements 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 experimental summer in which much
of value was learned which will give
guidance in future planning for the
Village. “
Activities that first summer included a biology seminar by Pacific Lutheran University, a drama group presenting plays three nights a week, and
a program of family renewal for open
house visitors. Musicians included a
Then as now, coffee break was a significant part of the “relaxed” program
-Holden Archives Photo
choir, band, quartette, buglers, marimba 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 delegations coming from Minnesota, Texas,
Illinois, Wisconsin and North Dakota.
The theme was “The Church in Crisis.”
“The sense of koinonia (community) developed was tremendous,” notes
the report, written at a time when the
various Lutheran bodies were struggling to unite.
The writer also puts Holden on the
world stage by observing: “The summer of ’62 was one in which the Communists 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 making 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 Lutheran 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.”
www.holdenvillage.org
Page 7
April 1
Holden Evening
Prayer resounds
around the world
F
rom 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 blessing 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 Emily Vomacka improvised a postlude based on composer 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 anniversary, also on April 1. Comments from participants 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 Village last summer or some other time, and about another third will be coming this August, and a few
others hoping to make the trip sometime! Beforehand, 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 Yokers
Seattle, Wash. – It was great to be part of a worldwide worshiping body on Sunday. – Elaine K. Harrison, 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-
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
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 tapestry” 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 attended, 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. Pastor 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
Page 8
Holden Village Voice Spring-Summer 2012
A Farewell
to Winter
Spring 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 windows, 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:
I
n 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 mavericks 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 refrigerators, 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
Photos by Tommy Gibson
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
www.holdenvillage.org
valley incomparably more forces that we had
only a week ago.
We have to reconstitute and build up the Village 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.
Page 9
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
Page 10
Holden Village Voice Spring-Summer 2012
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 problem 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.
www.holdenvillage.org
Page 11
ART FOR THE NEIGHBORS
Holden 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, sculptures and ceramics. The exhibit was curated by Village artist
Lori Hayes Kershner and Village potter Brad Menninga.
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 pottery class (bottom right),
Kasey Shultz (center
right), Lori Hayes Kurshner (top right).
Page 12
Holden Village Voice Spring-Summer 2012
Holden-On-The-Road
Celebrating 50 years in the spirit of service
T
he “Dancing Servant,” one of
Holden’s iconic sculptures, provided both theme and tribute at a third
Holden-On-The-Road 50th anniversary celebration at Pacific Lutheran
University in Tacoma, Wash., May 19.
A full fellowsip of Holdenites gathered to worship, celebrate and honor
former directors.
Holden board chairman Mark Mantei and board member Ann Cohan
presented gifts to former village leaders and/or their representatives commemorating the theme of the “Dancing Servant.”
Just as the sculpture includes a servant’s bowl and towel, the directors
received bowls from the village pottery 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 sermon 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 service at Holden and in the world.”
Executive director Stephanie Carpenter noted the gifts were not designed “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 recentlyreleased collection of watercolor paintings by village artist Lori Hayes Kershner.
Honorees included the late Wilton
Bergstrand, a leader in the Village’s
formative years, represented by his
son John and grandson David. Former 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 (20002005).
Larry Howard represented the
late Carroll and Mary Hinderlie
(1963-1977) as well as Paul and Carol
Hinderlie and Tom Ahlstrom (20052010). Phyllis Brandt represented her
late husband, Elmer Witt (1984-1988).
Previous celebrations were held last
year at St. Paul, Minn., Oct. 15 and Everett, Wash., Nov. 12.
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 potter, 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, Janet Grant and Stephanie Carpenter;
(back row) John and Mary Schramm,
Phyllis Brandt (representing the late
Elmer Witt), Dianne Shiner, Kathy
Nash, Scott Haasarud, John Bergstrand (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
www.holdenvillage.org
Page 13
Is there
a threat
of forest fires
near Holden?
Craig Edberg
Lightning caused fires are an integral part of forest 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 untouched by flames, while in other places, consumption 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 Village? Yes, there always is. However, mitigation mea-
In Railroad Creek, where Holden Village is located, the average natural fire return interval is about 35 years.
- Holden archive photo
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 Village is planned to be installed. The probability of
Where the river flows, and where it doesn’t ...
Continued from page 16
New York, a place bounded by water, yet my period of personal dehydration continued. When heavy rains
hit, and often when they didn’t, the
subway track had a steady stream of
water flowing through it, an indication of the rivers that had been filled
in and paved over that were still making themselves known. New York
City tap water, piped all the way from
the Catskill Mountains upstate, was
ours for drinking, bathing, and baptizing, but taught us little about our
watershed or the hydrological cycles
in which we lived, nor how engagement with them might inform an understanding 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 spirituality of place and the poetry of Mary
Oliver. I flew to Marquette, Michigan, 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 reading 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-
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.
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 occasional seal to be seen and, with improved 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.”
Page 14
Holden Village Voice Spring-Summer 2012
Remember that summer when we ... ?
W
e may not remember which year it was, but
mention the theme, and we’re likely to remember 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 hilarity
1967 – Life – new life
1968 – Think and thank
1969 – The lordship of Christ
1970 – For freedom Christ has set us free
1971 – Through Jesus Christ, our lord – our risen
brother
1972 – A space for grace
1973 – In the strong name of Jesus
1974 – To glorify God is to make man whole, to make
man whole is to glorify God
1993 – Listen to the sacred
1994 – Weaving a world tapestry
1975 – New every morning
1995 – A foretaste of the feast to come
1976 – Let freedom ring that love may abound
1996 – Water washed, Spirit borne
1977 – All the fullness of God
1997 – No longer strangers
1978 – Lighten our darkness
1998 – Guide our feet
1979 – Worship with all the saints
1999 – Tree of life
1980 – Faith to go out with good courage
2000 – Heirs according to the promise
1981 – Sing the Lord’s song
2001 – Called by name
1982 – Living the politics of hope
2002 – 40 years in the wilderness
1983 – Feast of life/Gift of God
2003 – For the healing of the world
1984 – One Lord – many members
2004 – Summon out what we shall be
1985 – Under the shadow of God’s wings
2005 – Take off your shoes
1986 – Gentle justice
2006 - I am with you always
1987 – Christ is the memory of our future
2007 – Come and see
1988 – Something’s afoot in the universe
2008 – The foolishness of God
1989 – Treasure in earthen vessels
2009 – We have this treasure
1990 – On earth as in heaven
2010 – All the promises of God
1991 – In the image of God
2011 – The many-colored grace of God
1992 – A whole new world
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
www.holdenvillage.org
Page 15
Putting
a new
pin
on
S
Spring
Mary Koch, Village Voice Editor
T
here’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-
“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.
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 Lubinski, a St. Placid oblate, happened to belong to a spinning 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 requires 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 attempted 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 spinning 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 working “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 Shetland 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.”
Holden barista Mariel Vinge spins with wool
dyed by Chris Lubinski, who raises Shetland sheep
on her farm on Whidbey Island, Wash.
Page 16
Holden Village Voice Spring-Summer 2012
Where the river flows, and where it doesn’t
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
SCOTT KERSHNER,
VILLAGE PASTOR
M
y 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 terrifying 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 northern 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
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
first glimpsed the adventure and joy
and freedom of life in a Spirit-formed
community. As a guide of these
water-journeying communities-in-formation, my call to ordained ministry
first came into view.
Theological studies eventually
brought me to New Haven, Conn.,
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 America’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 Romantic 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-mandated 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,
Please turn to page 13
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 Celebrations
every week, all summer long