Teaching Faculty

Grace Pennings Guenthner

Grace began her Master of Arts in Eco-Justice at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities in the fall of 2023. Her decision to pursue this degree had been heavily influenced by her experience growing up on an organic vegetable Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm in Western Wisconsin and her geology degree from Macalester College. Her spiritual connection to Earth deepened in June 2021, when she joined the Holden community first as a seasonal and then long-term volunteer. Grace’s Lutheran roots and her relationship with the living Earth have been consistent threads throughout her life, shaping her understanding of liberation theology and eco-theology. As Grace considers the complex and unfolding Climate Crisis, she hopes to better understand how people of faith relate to Earth, their global community, and each other. Grace believes spiritual relationships are essential for both fostering hope and motivating collective action for climate solutions.

SESSION DESCRIPTION

This session series, titled “Coming Home to the Garden,” explores the interconnection between liberation theology and eco-theology, emphasizing that liberation of marginalized communities and care for the Earth are inextricably linked. Through embodied meditation, storytelling, and reflective exercises, participants will cultivate deeper relationships with the Earth, their communities, and themselves, ultimately shaping a holy and holistic approach to environmental justice.

TOPICS
  • Climate Justice
  • Spirituality
  • Theology and Bible Study

    Education

    Holden Village is a community where your questions are valued and encouraged. Most programs led by visiting teaching faculty occur during the summer months. However, Holden also invites faculty to teach sessions for special events and retreats throughout the rest of the year.
    Check out a list of the 2024 Summer Faculty.