Welcome to the fifth week of the crochet along pattern for the Lent 2025 Windows to Wonder series. Each Monday of the crochet along will reveal the next set of rows to make your Windows Shawl.
This week takes us to John 19:1-16, where we witness the intricate interplay of authority, fear, and justice as Pontius Pilate condemns Jesus to death. Pilate's position is precarious; tasked with maintaining order under the watchful eye of the Roman Empire, he faces pressure from religious leaders who exploit his fear of political repercussions, suggesting that sparing Jesus could be seen as disloyalty to Caesar. Amidst this turmoil, Jesus remains composed, reminding us as readers that Jesus loving us unto death is the only way this story was going to resolve.
This narrative invites us to consider the role of bystanders like Nicodemus, who previously advocated for a fair hearing for Jesus. Despite his efforts, the miscarriage of justice leads to a profound sense of disillusionment, resonating with anyone who has witnessed systems fail despite earnest endeavors.
Ways to Cultivate Contemplation with this Lent Crochet Along
Intentional Stitching:Â As you engage in this week's pattern, focus on the rhythm of your stitching. Let each stitch be a deliberate act, reflecting on areas in your life where you seek recognition versus times you genuinely aim to honor a higher purpose.
Holy Imagination:Â Imagine that you are a witness to this trial. Where might you be standing? Who would be with you? Would you react out loud, or silentnly watch from the sidelines?
Grappling with Helplessness:Â Nicodemus must have felt helpless watching Jesus before Pilate from his position in the crowd. As you crochet, meditate on moments where you have felt helpless. How did God get you through those moments.
Engage with Scripture: Read or listen to John 19:1-16 and ponder the following questions:​
In what areas of your life do you feel pressured to compromise your values due to fear of authority or repercussions?​
How do you respond when you witness injustices occurring despite established systems meant to prevent them?​
Reflecting on Jesus' acknowledgment of a higher authority, how can you find peace amidst situations where earthly powers seem overwhelming?​
Listen & Reflect: Join Pastors Tina, Angel, and Laura on our companion podcast as they delve deeper into John 19:1-16, discussing the complexities of holding onto faith when we feel helpless. The episode will be available on March 31, 2025.​
As we continue this journey of wonder, may each stitch serve as a reminder of the unfolding story of faith, encouraging us to seek truth, embrace diversity, and act with integrity.​

Part 5 of the 2025 Lent Crochet Along
Missing Part 4? Click here.
MOTIF – Valance
Row 106: Ch. 1. SC in next DC. *Ch. 3, sk next 2 DC. SC in the next DC. Repeat from * across. Turn. (27 SC, 24 Ch-3 sp)
Row 107: Ch. 3. DC in first SC. *SC in next ch-3 space. 3 DC in next SC. Repeat from * across. 1 DC in each of the last 2 SC. Turn. (24 3-DC group, 4 DC, 25 SC)
Row 108: Ch. 1. SC in first DC. [ch 3, SC] in center of each 3-DC group across. Ch 3, skip next 3 st. SC in the top of beginning. Turn. (24 Ch 3 sps, 27 SC)
Rows 109-110: Repeat Rows 107 & 108
Row 111: Repeat Row 107
Row 112: Ch. 1. SC in first DC. [ch 2, SC] in center of each 3 DC group across. 1 DC in each of the last 2 SC. Turn. (25 ch-2 spaces, 26 SC)
Row 113: Ch1. SC in next SC. * 2 SC in ch-2 space, SC in next SC. Repeat from * across. Turn. (75 SC)
Row 114: Ch. 3. DC in next SC and remaining SC. Turn. (75 DC)
Row 115: Ch. 3. DC in next DC and in each remaining DC across. Turn. (75 DC)
MOTIF – Window Boxes
Row 116: Ch. 3. DC in next 2 DC. * Ch 3. Skip next 3 DC. 1 DC in each of the next 3 DC. Repeat from * across. Turn. (39 DC, 36 ch st)
Row 117: Ch. 3. DC in next 2 DC. * 3 DC in first ch-3 space. Ch 3. Skip next 3 DC. Repeat from * across until last 3 DC. DC each of the last 3 DC. Turn. (42 DC, 33 ch st)
Row 118: Ch. 3. SC in next 5 DC. SC in next ch-3 sp. 1 SC in each of the next 3 DC. Repeat from * across. Turn (75 SC)
Row 119: Ch. DC in each SC across. Turn (75 DC)
Row 120: Ch. 3. DC in next DC and in each remaining DC across. Turn. (75 DC)
Row 121: Ch. 3. SC in next DC and in each remaining DC across. Turn. (75 SC)

MOTIF – Valance
Row 122: Ch. 1. SC in next SC. *Ch. 3, sk next 2 SC. SC in the next SC. Repeat from * across. Turn. (27 SC, 24 Ch-3 sp)
Row 123: Ch. 3. DC in first SC. *SC in next ch-3 space. 3 DC in next SC. Repeat from * across. 1 DC in each of the last 2 SC. Turn. (24 3-DC group, 4 DC, 25 SC)
Row 124: Ch. 1. SC in first DC. [ch 3, SC] in center of each 3-DC group across. Ch 3, skip next 3 st. SC in the top of beginning. Turn. (24 Ch 3 sps, 27 SC)
Rows 125-126: Repeat Rows 123 & 124
Row 127: Repeat Row 123
Row 128: Ch. 1. SC in first DC. [ch 2, SC] in center of each 3 DC group across. 1 DC in each of the last 2 SC. Turn. (25 ch-2 spaces, 26 SC)
Row 129: Ch1. SC in next SC. * 2 SC in ch-2 space, SC in next SC. Repeat from * across. Turn. (75 SC)
Row 130: Ch. 3. DC in next SC and remaining SC. Turn. (75 DC)
Row 131: Ch. 3. DC in next DC and in each remaining DC across. Turn. (75 DC)
MOTIF – Window Boxes
Row 132: Ch. 3. DC in next 2 DC. * Ch 3. Skip next 3 DC. 1 DC in each of the next 3 DC. Repeat from * across. Turn. (39 DC, 36 ch st)
Row 133: Ch. 3. DC in next 2 DC. * 3 DC in first ch-3 space. Ch 3. Skip next 3 DC. Repeat from * across until last 3 DC. DC each of the last 3 DC. Turn. (42 DC, 33 ch st)
Row 134: Ch. 3. SC in next 5 DC. SC in next ch-3 sp. 1 SC in each of the next 3 DC. Repeat from * across. Turn (75 SC)
Row 135: Ch. 3. DC in next SC and in each remaining SC across. Turn. (75 DC)
Rows 136: Ch. 3. DC in next DC and in each remaining DC across. Turn. (75 DC)