As we begin the darkest days of Holy Week, we approach the painful death and aching absence of Jesus. The depths of loneliness and abandonment are palpable in the silence of our sanctuaries — such a contrast from last weekend’s palm-waving parades. And yet, there is a companionship in this time of grief that you’re invited into. This is the time to bring your questions, your heartaches, your longings to the foot of the cross. Tish Harrison Warren reminds us of the deep work happening on holy, ordinary Saturday — the most silent day of the church year. Even when the Lord appears to be gone, he is still active.

“The tradition holds that on that day, Christ was at work. He descended into Hell and mysteriously brought redemption even to the dead. But as far as the disciples knew, God was absent. They waited for a new week to begin without Jesus. ”

But just as we have done for over two thousand years, we’ll greet Easter Sunday with all the celebration and hallelujahs we’ve been storing up for the past six weeks. Jennifer Woodruff Tait teaches us about Holy Week worship traditions straight from the notes of a fourth century nun. It’s a fascinating exploration: What traditions continue today? What differs? And were they really baptized naked? What a gift it is to be able to continue a celebration that has continued for two millennia and will continue until Jesus returns. The Lord is risen!

“This diary provides a vivid picture of daily worship and the celebration of Holy Week in the newly legalized and prosperous Christian faith in one of the major cities of the empire.”

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OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

Ages & Stages: How Women Work & Lead Across Seasons of Life. This spring the DePree Center at Fuller Seminary joins Women, Work, & Calling at The Denver Institute for Faith and Work to host a four-part webinar series explores the challenges and opportunities unique to distinct seasons of life through the experiences of women who have lived and led through them. Click through to learn more.

The Faculty Theological Collaborative (August 4-6, 2025) supports Christian professors at secular universities in faith-informed research and teaching. Cosponsored by Regent College, the Center for Christianity and Scholarship, and the Consortium of Christian Study Centers, this three-day workshop at Duke University provides advanced theological training, living examples of the unity of faith and scholarship, and rich fellowship with Christian faculty across institutions and disciplines. Click through to learn more.

1. An Australian historian teamed up with two worship leaders to bring an 1800-year-old Christian hymn to life. Find their conversation here and listen to the hymn here.

2. Emily P. Freeman reflects on questions of vocation and the example of one bookstore’s vision to be “a table of cultural conversation rooted in the incarnation.”

3. Looking for a practical way to fight climate change? Get your church involved! Katharine Hayhoe shares tips for churches on her site, including ways to spark conversations, find materials for classes, engage youth, be good stewards of our resources, and care for nature.

4. Two women have sent each other the same weathered birthday card for 81 years.