Holden Village

08/27/2026

Another week at Holden is under way!

Monday’s helicopter transport brought new faces into the valley, and the rhythms of summer and silliness continue to shape this dynamic community.
✨🏔️🌊🧚🏻‍♂️🦌🪻

[📷: Ingrid Lindgren, Steve Johnson, Izzy Delaney, John Hottinger]

08/25/2026

The Holden In-Village team performed some big maintenance on Hydro Unit #1 last week. Some of the work involved changing the hydraulic oil and cleaning and inspecting the bearings.

Much of Holden's infrastructure dates back to the mining days and regular maintenance is an important part of Village operations. Holden is a truly off-the-grid community, as there is no direct connection to municipal electricity, drinking water, or wastewater treatment facilities. This intimate connection with the electricity it generates helps the Village be more mindful about its power consumption.

[📷: Steve Johnson]

08/25/2026

When confronted by tragedy and sorrow, sacred music and prayer can be a powerful source of connection.

The hymn "Healer of Our Every Ill" was composed by Marty Haugen at Holden Village in 1986. In a recent column, Greg Asimakoupoulos reflects on the hymn's history and how its enduring words offer all faiths a vocabulary of prayer for the disasters we continue to encounter.

Forty years ago, two significant events occurred within a few weeks of each other that are forever etched in my memory. One was the birth of our middle daughter Allison. The other was the tragic explosion of the Space Shuttle Challenger moments after liftoff. The former was marked by joy (Allison’...

08/21/2026

A major update from Holden Village relating to road repair and reopening.

Officials with the US Forest Service and RioTinto are nearing an agreement on plans to repair and reroute FSR 8301. With this new preferred approach taking shape, Holden leadership is sharing a new reopening timeline: Holden Village is hoping to reopen in 2028, but planning for 2029.

We admit this is a longer timeline than anyone would like. In a new newsletter, the Holden Village co-directors write “We realize how disappointing this news may be… We believe that we are being called to a different wilderness during this time. A wilderness of unknowing. A wilderness of liminality. A wilderness of waiting to see what new things God is doing in this place.”

You can read the full newsletter at the link below.

https://conta.cc/4ieGnD6

[📷: Carl Norquist]

08/20/2026

There are some major updates on Holden’s Road to Recovery. This month’s letter from the Directors is long because we have lots of new developments to share with you including the Little Giant Fire, road repairs, and more.

This month, experts and government officials are in the final stages of agreeing to a preferred option that includes a new route for approximately 2.5 miles of FSR 8301. With this new plan taking shape, Holden leadership is sharing a new reopening timeline.

Click the linked newsletter to learn more. We hope you’ll take time to scroll through and read about all that’s been happening at Holden Village

Email from Holden Village Directors share potential timeline for reopening Holden Village leadership shares potential timeline for reopening Hoping for 2028, Planning for 2029 Dear Friends This month’

08/18/2026

We’re hiring a Development & Communications Manager to help lead Holden Village’s fundraising and communications work during an important season of transition.

This is a senior, hands-on leadership role for someone with substantial experience in nonprofit fundraising and/or communications who is ready to set strategy, lead an experienced team, cultivate donor relationships, and work closely with Holden’s Executive Directors and board.

If you’re energized by building strong donor relationships, guiding thoughtful communications, and connecting people more deeply to a mission and community, we’d love to hear from you.

Read the full position description and learn more at the link in our Bio.

To apply, send your résumé and cover letter to Ingrid Lindgren at [email protected].

Priority consideration will be given to applications received by August 23, 2026.

08/14/2026

LITTLE GIANT FIRE UPDATE

Fire crews are in Lucerne and around Domke Lake today focusing on structure protection should the Little Giant Fire move north.

Holden Village has spent the last several weeks preparing for potential fire activity in the Valley. Some of this work includes regular fire drills and hose house training, continually operating rainbirds to create a “dome of humidity” above the Village, clearing overgrown brush around the Village’s defensive lines, and securing buildings by closing all doors and windows.

At this point no alerts have been issued for Holden Village, but with high winds and thunderstorms in the forecast the situation can change quickly. Villager safety remains the top priority and Holden is committed to honoring the guidance of emergency managers and following all lawful evacuation orders.

We’re thankful for the In-Village team who are working hard to safeguard the community which so many hold dear. We continue to hold the Village, our neighbors, first responders, and all communities affected by wildfire in prayer.

[📷: Eric Bosell, Nathan McClure]

08/12/2026

Kinda chic to go to Soundfest!

Song, dance, joy, and hilarity will come together at SoundFest, August 29th at Lutheran Church of Christ the King in Tacoma, WA!

Whether you’re a performer or a spectator, all are welcome to join in the joy of music-making Holden-style!

Attendance is FREE!

RSVP at the link below:
https://forms.gle/ycjNJEMDkuWy4Br96

To perform, email Laura Elmquist at [email protected]

We can’t wait to see you there!