Our Team
Julia Holtze
Spiritual Companion,
Pastoral Counselor &
Executive Director
(she/her)
As a spiritual companion and guide, I walk with individuals and groups who are seeking deeper connection to God, to their own truest self and to community. Many arrive feeling confused, disconnected, wrestling with doubt or simply hoping to be heard.
As a “denominational mutt" with a masters degree in spiritual formation and pastoral counseling, I am most passionate about making safe spaces “in the wilderness” (outside the walls of institutions and systems) to hear the quietest of whispers and say out loud whatever doubts, questions and dreams arise. Together, we listen without judgment, love without an agenda, and allow our faith to be expanded or reframed in life-giving ways.
Thanks to those who have trusted me with their stories, I have been forever changed.
Beth Jones
Board Treasurer
(she/her)
Recently retired from corporate cyber security leadership, I am passionately pursuing certification as a spiritual companion and guide with an emphasis in applying creativity to the experience. I have tried on and tried out the various denominational settings and after several years of deconstruction of my faith have found inclusivity through this wilderness experience.
My desire is for others to feel accepted, to find a place to rest, pause, question and learn in ways that maybe they never have given themselves permission to do in order to find their innermost self where God - love - resides in their spirit.
Carol Nissen
Spiritual Companion &
Board Member
(she/her)
As a seeker, I had a transforming experience through the contemplative practices called St. Ignatius exercises. Then after a family crisis and 30 years in Minnesota, we moved to San Diego to be closer to our daughter. I am now experiencing a diverse culture unlike anything I knew as a lifelong midwesterner.
Prior to our move, I was very involved in the evangelical church and thought that I knew God. Suddenly what once worked did not make sense, and I found myself asking God "who are you?" and "who am I?" God is no longer "in a box," and I have found myself seeking the "God of love rather than the love of God" (from Father Gregory Boyle).
I believe that each person is unique, and my desire is to honor each person as they are created, welcoming all ideas and questions through open, honest dialog. I also believe that we grow in our knowledge of God and ourselves through interactions in community.
Becky Potter
Board President
(she/her)
As a transplant to MN after college, I spent a couple of years living and working in community at an ecumenical retreat center before entering the construction field as a trim carpenter. I have spent the last 20 years doing everything from carpentry to purchasing and project setup to payroll, financial management and production management.
The majority of my life has been spent in the Lutheran Church with a little conservative evangelicalism tossed in the middle for fun. It’s been a love/hate relationship with the church and even Jesus and God. As a queer person of faith, I have experienced the pain of thinking that the only way to be accepted by the church or loved by God was to “change myself.” As I increasingly discovered how to show up as my authentic self, I have found places and people of healing, acceptance and space for these many parts of myself to coexist.
Katherine Scipioni (Scip)
Board Secretary
(she/her)
I have a background in English lit, fashion, tech, production and… bible college. I’ve participated in church culture my whole life and - for better or worse - it’s led me to discovery after discovery about myself and faith in general. I spent 8 years living in New York City. It changed me for the better by expanding my worldview and engagement with other cultures, prompting me to interrogate previously held theology.
I try to keep open hands, a posture of humility, and sincere curiosity. At this stage of my life, I hold the smallest amount of certainties, but feel the most at peace about it. I’m excited by the mystery of God and what a life modeled after Christ invites us to.
I think every human has divine attributes. You are deeply valuable, deeply loved, and deeply important in this life.
Vince Vaughan
Board Member
(he/him)
As an addiction recovery chaplain and former pastor, I have discovered over the years that many of us struggle to believe that God truly delights in us. This, I believe, greatly impacts our relationship with God and our lives overall. It has been a joy to walk alongside others as they begin to embrace this life-changing love.
I also know that our spiritual journeys can at times be confusing. This can feel like going backwards, when in fact, it is often bringing us into our greatest season of growth. I’m excited to be a part of a community like Wilderness Well that provides a safe, supportive environment to venture out and make new discoveries in our adventure-filled life with God.
Our Beliefs and Values
Beliefs
We believe the inward personal journey is necessary to live outwardly with love for the sake of others.
We are rooted in faith. Like Jesus, we sit at a table where all are welcomed with love and invitation, not agendas and “right answers.” Together, we seek God’s presence and ways.
We believe in equity, diversity and inclusion for all people. We honor the inherent image of God and the spiritual story and experiences found in each person.
We believe in a holistic spirituality that addresses physical, emotional and spiritual health, as well as every aspect of community, society and creation.
We engage contextually, experientially and communally with Scripture and sacred texts for deeper understanding. We believe they are rich and complex with interpretation.
We believe in the power of love for healing.
Values
Authenticity: Finding and being celebrated as your true self
Belonging: Welcoming, accepting, valuing and needing all
Curiosity: Embracing mystery and surrendering certainty
Divine Trust: Depending on a God who provides and guides
Empowerment: Helping others discover and bring their unique gifts and strengths into the world, resulting in empowered people who empower people.
Freedom: Overcoming injustice from physical, emotional, societal and spiritual oppression
Grace: Encouraging do-overs
Humility: Knowing and embracing that we are imperfect and need one another
All are welcome here
info@wildernesswell.org
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