Originally Posted by Esther (Post 673245)

After not going to a church that has footwashing for probably over 10 years it was great to finally be in a footwashing service.

Did anyone else have one at their church?

Originally Posted by Stephen Hoover (Post 673252)

We do but I missed the last two...

Originally Posted by Sister Alvear (Post 673256)

We do have footwashing but did not have it over the holidays...I love those services.

Originally Posted by Esther (Post 673257)

Was you stuck in a chimney?

Originally Posted by Stephen Hoover (Post 673259)

What's wrong with you? Got creosote in a crack?

:hypercoffee

Originally Posted by Esther (Post 673261)

Aren't you the chimney sweep?

Originally Posted by Stephen Hoover (Post 673266)

I have often wondered hat would happen if I intentionally showed up with very very dirty feet! Like the water would be TOTALLY BLACK!

Originally Posted by Esther (Post 673270)

Yes, I thought maybe that is why you have missed the last two washings.

They didn't tell you the right date! :girlpopcorn

Originally Posted by Stephen Hoover (Post 673272)

Now you are moving to downright mean!

BTW.... Your AVATAR ... THAT is you at five?? man I would hate to see the bark on you now!

Originally Posted by Esther (Post 673245)

After not going to a church that has footwashing for probably over 10 years it was great to finally be in a footwashing service.

Did anyone else have one at their church?

Originally Posted by Neck (Post 673344)

Last time I did it was 1985

Originally Posted by Ron (Post 673345)

You haven't washed your feet since 1985?:hypercoffee

Originally Posted by Neck (Post 673346)

Just looked down at my bare feet and realized my wife was right.

It might have been that long since I clipped my toenails...

Ouch!

Originally Posted by Ron (Post 673350)

I'm kidding!:hypercoffee

Originally Posted by Neck (Post 673354)

I'm not.

It might take a table saw to clip through these babies...

Originally Posted by Stephen Hoover (Post 673358)

Let me help... I have a 36 volt cordless Dewalt reciprocating saw and a demolition blade.

Originally Posted by crakjak (Post 673363)

Aren't there more relevant things that we can do to fulfill Jesus' point with foot washing, to be the servant of all.

Foot washing was a cultural activity that had a very practical function, and it solved a the issue of dusty roads, walking, sandals and dirty feet. The servants generally performed this necessary act, but Jesus said that the should wash one another's feet.

Shouldn't we apply this principal to relevant acts of service in our cultural to provide a relevant witness, to our generation, of servant hood?

What say ye?? Just some of my thoughts.

Originally Posted by freeatlast (Post 673433)

Here below is an article I wrote for a cover article on Ninetyandnine


Seriously, My Feet Are Clean - Footwashing in the 21st Century


When the announcement was made from the pulpit that your church was going to have a foot washing, did your heart leap for joy, or did you start making plans to be out of town?

Seriously, have you ever stopped to think why Jesus washed His disciples’ feet? Could it be just that they had disgustingly dirty feet?

We learn from Genesis that the people throughout Bible times would set aside a place where a guest might wash his feet (Genesis 18:4, 19:2, 24:32, 43:24), and they would bring the traveler water to do so. Their guests washed their own feet, much like your overnight guest might use your shower facilities.

Stop for a moment and realize it was the Master who washed the feet of the servants, not vice versa. He did this solely for the purpose to teach them to serve others, and that the greater should be a servant to the lesser.

To wash their feet was a practical service. There was water available because the disciples walked on dirty dusty trails and streets, unless perhaps it had recently rained. Then they would have been walking through mud. Don’t forget that oxen and mules walked these same paths and it was quite possible to step in some “exhaust pollution” of that days’ mode of transportation. He washed their feet as a humble act of kindness and service to them because their feet were dirty. It was customary 2,000 years ago for water basins and towels to be provided for your guests to wash their own feet. If you owned a slave, you might even have had your slave wash the feet of your guests.

That Made Sense Then…
When was the last time you went to a foot washing and actually needed your feet washed? Seriously, my feet aren’t dirty. But my shoes could use a good shining. My car got pretty dirty driving to church—could you wash that for me, please?

I shared these thoughts, tongue-in-cheek, with my pastor a few months ago. Months later as we planned a Good Friday service, I was happy when pastor asked if I would want to help in “washing the saints’ cars” that Friday afternoon before watching Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ and taking communion together. So from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., we washed anyone’s car that stopped by the church.

If we want to be Apostolic in what we do and follow Christ’s example, we should perform a valuable service to our brother or sister that would actually be of service to them. Remember, the disciples had dirty feet that needed washing. The Master blessed them with a wonderful act of kindness!

But My Feet are Clean
So many view footwashing today as, well, just so weird—even Apostolics. And when Apostolics think something is weird, well, that’s just scary.

The term “random acts of kindness” got stuck in my mind from something I read some time ago. That’s how we should live. Think how blessed someone will feel when you bestow a “help” upon them (1 Corinthians 12:28).

■ Take your mower and go mow someone’s lawn.

■ Load up your snow blower and go clean out someone’s driveway.

■ Take someone to dinner.

■ Watch someone’s kids so they can have a night out.

I’m sure you can think of 20 more random acts of kindness (or helps) that you can bestow on someone that would mean so much more to them than washing their feet, which hopefully in our day and age of indoor plumbing with baths and showers, are already clean.

But you could point out that they can easily cut their own grass or shovel their own snow. And you’d be right.

I can also wash my own feet.

The Essence of His Teaching
If we would allow ourselves to think about what was being taught to the disciples when Christ washed their feet … well, I just think we may have missed Christ’s intent on this lesson if we think washing someone’s “clean” feet is what our Lord wanted us to be doing here in America in this century.

I think there is laughter in heaven when Christ looks down at us and sees and hears some of the many things we major on. I wonder—will He look at some us when we get to the throne and say, “You spent all your time preaching about what?”

I hope that I see the day that we Apostolics might better discern the Scriptures and come to a realization that some things were written for doctrinal purposes and others were just written as a history of things they did in their day and time. (Like that Holy Kiss thing. Really brother, I love ya, but a handshake will do me just fine.)

Some tell me that’s wishful thinking; that most of us made up our minds (or had them made up for us) many years ago.

I’ve been told I’m just dreaming! I did go “north” of 50 about four years ago, so I guess that would make me an old man, so I am well qualified then to “dream dreams” as stated in Acts 2:17.

So I’ll dream of a church with people who truly love one another and do humble acts of service to others in their demonstrations of that love. If you stop by my house with a dirty car, I’ll probably wash it for you. If you need a ride somewhere, I’ll try to accommodate. If you need your house painted, I’d be glad to help.

But really, my feet are clean and hopefully yours are, too!

Originally Posted by crakjak (Post 673363)

Aren't there more relevant things that we can do to fulfill Jesus' point with foot washing, to be the servant of all.

Foot washing was a cultural activity that had a very practical function, and it solved a the issue of dusty roads, walking, sandals and dirty feet. The servants generally performed this necessary act, but Jesus said that the should wash one another's feet.

Shouldn't we apply this principal to relevant acts of service in our cultural to provide a relevant witness, to our generation, of servant hood?

What say ye?? Just some of my thoughts.

Originally Posted by Esther (Post 673258)

I do too.

Plus I have noticed the folks in the church seem to be more lovable. :)

Originally Posted by Pressing-On (Post 673523)

Can't agree with you more, Esther!!! We didn't have a footwashing this year, but they have always been very special and beautiful events!!!! I've always walked away blessed!!!

Originally Posted by Ron (Post 673551)

Pun intended?

I agree, there is a special blessing involved, it helps, I believe, to unify a Church as well.

Originally Posted by Ron (Post 673551)

Pun intended?

I agree, there is a special blessing involved, it helps, I believe, to unify a Church as well.

Originally Posted by Michael Phelps (Post 673563)

My concern with the act of footwashing is, if we don't understand the concept behind it, which is continued servanthood, once the yearly experience is over, we may forget the implied message.

In my opinion, the true meaning of footwashing is not taught enough, but that's just been my experience.

Originally Posted by Ron (Post 673551)

Pun intended?

I agree, there is a special blessing involved, it helps, I believe, to unify a Church as well.

Originally Posted by freeatlast (Post 673433)

Here below is an article I wrote for a cover article on Ninetyandnine


Seriously, My Feet Are Clean - Footwashing in the 21st Century


When the announcement was made from the pulpit that your church was going to have a foot washing, did your heart leap for joy, or did you start making plans to be out of town?

No I made plans to go to the service to obey the scripture "This ought you to do also".

Seriously, have you ever stopped to think why Jesus washed His disciples’ feet? Could it be just that they had disgustingly dirty feet?

No I think you miss the point here. He was teaching submission. You are no better than those you lead or fellowship with.

We learn from Genesis that the people throughout Bible times would set aside a place where a guest might wash his feet (Genesis 18:4, 19:2, 24:32, 43:24), and they would bring the traveler water to do so. Their guests washed their own feet, much like your overnight guest might use your shower facilities.

True that was a custom of that day.

Stop for a moment and realize it was the Master who washed the feet of the servants, not vice versa. He did this solely for the purpose to teach them to serve others, and that the greater should be a servant to the lesser.

I agree with you on this the Master did wash the disciples feet and not vice versa. And I think it would be good if leadership washed the sainst feet and the saints wash the leaderships feet. It would be a good time to heal any ought was may have against the other.

To wash their feet was a practical service. There was water available because the disciples walked on dirty dusty trails and streets, unless perhaps it had recently rained. Then they would have been walking through mud. Don’t forget that oxen and mules walked these same paths and it was quite possible to step in some “exhaust pollution” of that days’ mode of transportation. He washed their feet as a humble act of kindness and service to them because their feet were dirty. It was customary 2,000 years ago for water basins and towels to be provided for your guests to wash their own feet. If you owned a slave, you might even have had your slave wash the feet of your guests.

That Made Sense Then…
When was the last time you went to a foot washing and actually needed your feet washed? Seriously, my feet aren’t dirty. But my shoes could use a good shining. My car got pretty dirty driving to church—could you wash that for me, please?

You miss the point here. Just as you don't go to communion to make a meal. Both are symbolic.

I shared these thoughts, tongue-in-cheek, with my pastor a few months ago. Months later as we planned a Good Friday service, I was happy when pastor asked if I would want to help in “washing the saints’ cars” that Friday afternoon before watching Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ and taking communion together. So from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., we washed anyone’s car that stopped by the church.

Nothing wrong with doing this. However, it doesn't change what the scripture says.

If we want to be Apostolic in what we do and follow Christ’s example, we should perform a valuable service to our brother or sister that would actually be of service to them. Remember, the disciples had dirty feet that needed washing. The Master blessed them with a wonderful act of kindness!

Again, this is good, but this doesn't negate the command to wash feet.

But My Feet are Clean

And they should be. :)

So many view footwashing today as, well, just so weird—even Apostolics. And when Apostolics think something is weird, well, that’s just scary.

Some view speaking in tongues as weird. But as Apostolics we understand the importance of it.

The term “random acts of kindness” got stuck in my mind from something I read some time ago. That’s how we should live. Think how blessed someone will feel when you bestow a “help” upon them (1 Corinthians 12:28).

■ Take your mower and go mow someone’s lawn.

■ Load up your snow blower and go clean out someone’s driveway.

■ Take someone to dinner.

■ Watch someone’s kids so they can have a night out.

I’m sure you can think of 20 more random acts of kindness (or helps) that you can bestow on someone that would mean so much more to them than washing their feet, which hopefully in our day and age of indoor plumbing with baths and showers, are already clean.

But you could point out that they can easily cut their own grass or shovel their own snow. And you’d be right.

All these are good. But not in the same catergory.

I can also wash my own feet.

Yes you can, again not the point.

The Essence of His Teaching
If we would allow ourselves to think about what was being taught to the disciples when Christ washed their feet … well, I just think we may have missed Christ’s intent on this lesson if we think washing someone’s “clean” feet is what our Lord wanted us to be doing here in America in this century.

I don't think we have. But I think you have proved the point here. How far will man go to find an excuse to not do it? The point being to humble yourself before your brother or sister.

I think there is laughter in heaven when Christ looks down at us and sees and hears some of the many things we major on. I wonder—will He look at some us when we get to the throne and say, “You spent all your time preaching about what?”

I think He is looking down and saying they are following my Word.

I hope that I see the day that we Apostolics might better discern the Scriptures and come to a realization that some things were written for doctrinal purposes and others were just written as a history of things they did in their day and time. (Like that Holy Kiss thing. Really brother, I love ya, but a handshake will do me just fine.)

I think He had a reason for everything He commanded. I think He knew what we would be doing in the 20th century.

Some tell me that’s wishful thinking; that most of us made up our minds (or had them made up for us) many years ago.

I’ve been told I’m just dreaming! I did go “north” of 50 about four years ago, so I guess that would make me an old man, so I am well qualified then to “dream dreams” as stated in Acts 2:17.

I'm north of 50 myself.

So I’ll dream of a church with people who truly love one another and do humble acts of service to others in their demonstrations of that love. If you stop by my house with a dirty car, I’ll probably wash it for you. If you need a ride somewhere, I’ll try to accommodate. If you need your house painted, I’d be glad to help.

But really, my feet are clean and hopefully yours are, too!

Originally Posted by Michael Phelps (Post 673563)

My concern with the act of footwashing is, if we don't understand the concept behind it, which is continued servanthood, once the yearly experience is over, we may forget the implied message.

In my opinion, the true meaning of footwashing is not taught enough, but that's just been my experience.

Originally Posted by freeatlast (Post 673433)

. . .
And when Apostolics think something is weird, well, that’s just scary.

. . .

Originally Posted by crakjak (Post 673363)

Aren't there more relevant things that we can do to fulfill Jesus' point with foot washing, to be the servant of all.

Foot washing was a cultural activity that had a very practical function, and it solved a the issue of dusty roads, walking, sandals and dirty feet. The servants generally performed this necessary act, but Jesus said that the should wash one another's feet.

Shouldn't we apply this principal to relevant acts of service in our cultural to provide a relevant witness, to our generation, of servant hood?

What say ye?? Just some of my thoughts.

Originally Posted by Sam (Post 673708)

I agree. There are better ways, more currently cultural, to serve people.

But, it wouldn't hurt to have a footwashing service every once in a while. It would do us good to get down at the feet of a brother or sister and (even though it is symbolic and not actually cleansing) wash their feet and pray for them. Reminder-- whatever we do to others we are doing to Jesus. Wanna wash His feet? Wash the feet of a brother or sister (or you can serve them in some other way).

All I'm saying is some of these rituals aren't all bad.
--Water baptism as a public declaration that the person you used to be is dead so you are giving him a public burial and you are now living a new life.
--Partaking of the fruit of the vine and the bread with others to "declare" the Lord's death. Looking backward to the cross, inward into your own heart, outward to the other members of the Body, and forward to the Lord's return.
--Washing one another's feet, performing the lowly duty of a servant, to reflect your esteem and respect of a brother or sister, and to show how our great God stooped to serve us.

I know. I know. We're not big on rituals. And they can become meaningless and only outward if we let them. But, they can be reminders to us, and ways of teaching our children every time these little ones see them in action.

Originally Posted by crakjak (Post 673363)

Aren't there more relevant things that we can do to fulfill Jesus' point with foot washing, to be the servant of all.

Foot washing was a cultural activity that had a very practical function, and it solved a the issue of dusty roads, walking, sandals and dirty feet. The servants generally performed this necessary act, but Jesus said that the should wash one another's feet.

Shouldn't we apply this principal to relevant acts of service in our cultural to provide a relevant witness, to our generation, of servant hood?

What say ye?? Just some of my thoughts.

Originally Posted by Neck (Post 673817)

I agree they used to break the sop.

They used to take bread break it and pass it along.

Dipping it into a common bowl of broth.

I don't know about you.

I am not about to break the sop with anyone...

Originally Posted by Ron (Post 673825)

Not even immediate family?

Originally Posted by Neck (Post 673827)

Nope.

What I eat is clean.

I just eat my food at a resturant in faith...

Originally Posted by Neck (Post 673817)

I agree they used to break the sop.

They used to take bread break it and pass it along.

Dipping it into a common bowl of broth.

I don't know about you.

I am not about to break the sop with anyone...