News and Updates for Friends of The Upper Room | Easter 2025
Fellowship Focus Our Emmaus Road Nicole Curtis, Director of Fund Development
The story of the journey to Emmaus is one of my favorite parts of the Easter story. Jesus, who only hours earlier rose from the dead, decided to surprise Cleopas and his friend as they walked from Jerusalem to Emmaus. Just think about it: The risen Christ decided to go for a walk. I can only imagine the merriment in Jesus’ heart as he overheard the conversation between his two disciples. I can only imagine the look on their faces as they were completely dumbstruck that their walking buddy hadn’t heard about the recent events in Jerusalem. They must have thought that Jesus had been living under the proverbial rock.
broke bread with them? And poof, he vanished before their eyes, leaving them to marvel. How often does Jesus show up on our journey as we travel down the path of despair, hopelessness, or grief? If you are like me, the risen Christ often shows up when I least expect him. Like the two disciples on the Emmaus Road, my eyes are often closed. I’m too deep in my anxiety or despair to recognize his presence. Yet he is there. Even on the glorious paths of joy, hope, and peace, our risen Lord walks with us. I take comfort in the fact that no matter our current journey, we are never alone. May our eyes be opened to Christ’s presence with us — today and always. The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!
“Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” LUKE 24:32b, NRSVUE
And then, can you imagine their surprise when their eyes were opened as Jesus
Celebrating 90 Years of The Upper Room A Journey of Faith and Community This year, we joyfully commemorate The Upper Room daily devotional guide’s 90th anniversary—a testament to nine decades of fostering spiritual growth and unity. Born amidst the challenges of the Great Depression, The Upper Room emerged from a simple yet profound idea: to reestablish the “family altar”—the practice of daily prayer and Bible reading in the home. In 1935, the first issue (April-May-June) reached 100,000 readers, reflecting a deep hunger for spiritual connection. Today, thanks to your generosity, The Upper Room daily devotional guide is available in 30+ languages across 100+ countries, touching millions of lives. We are deeply grateful for your support, which has sustained this ministry. As we look ahead, we remain committed to nurturing spiritual lives and building communities of faith. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey—past, present, and future!
PO Box 305150 • Nashville, TN 37230-5150 • development@UpperRoom.org