I’m curious . . . does the pastoral staff wash all the feet in the congregation that day?
We had an outreach and big dinner thing for homeless and other people.
I set up a ‘booth’ to wash their feet and given them new socks. I had a sign that they couldn’t have the new socks without having their feet washed.
Only 3 people took advantage of it.
One was a Native American woman who was deeply mangled in a list of ways. And her feet were similarly . . . experienced. These were folks who were more or less off the street or from the shelter. They did not wash their feet beforehand like tends to happen in churches when it’s known ahead of time.
The woman fiercely wanted the socks. It was almost more than she could handle having her feet washed but she was determined to endure it for the socks. We both had our socks blessed off.
Holy Spirit was THERE. It was SUCH a precious time.
She has been coming to services and has made steady progress in her life. She’s been reading wonderful books and we insured right away that she had a new Bible.
I gave her a handful of new socks.
At the last meeting (a twelve week group) each women took turns kneeling at the feet of the one before her. As she washed her feet she spoke of the attributes she had learned about the person through the group and what she admired about her. It was quite emotional and many tears were shed. I can say it was one of the most moving experiences in my Christian life. Seeing women who did not know each other but shared a common goal - forgiveness and healing - come together in humility and genuine love and concern for each other was amazing. I will never forget it.