Footwashing Tonight!

[Sam]

For a while I was licensed with an organization called The Church of Jesus Christ Pentecostal Faith. Our Presiding Bishop was G.R. Brock. He insisted on fermented wine and one cup from which all drank. I was never in a communion service where they did that.

Where I go to church now they use a small "pellet" of bread and grape juice in those little plastic throw away "communion" cups.

[crakjak]

Originally Posted by Esther

Is there some reason you can't do both?

I believe the Bible was clear when Jesus said this ought you to do also.

Of course you can to both, you're free to wash feet every service if you like and believe it will help you be more like Jesus.

But wouldn't it better to understand the principle that Jesus was teaching and using it in a relevant way. Religion is begotten with just such ritual.

Visit a Church of Christ or Disciples of Christ, they believe you have to have the Lord's supper every time Christians meet.

[crakjak]

Originally Posted by Sam

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.

Sam,

You have put it very well, and I have to agree with you. Examples are excellent and foot washing is a great one. We just need to make sure that it does not immunize us to the greater principle in all of life we should "...servants of all..."

I would gladly wash your feet and have you lay hands on my head and pray for me as I do so. Great community.

Blessings to ya!!

[crakjak]

Originally Posted by Neck

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...

I have done that at a small group meeting recently, and cooperated, as not to offend but I did not like it, and have discontinued my attendance.

[RandyWayne]

Hasn't anyone else here ever eaten at The Melting Pot restaurant?
My wife and I love it, but because of it's "community" style eating (cooking all meat in a central pot of broth) I don't think I could do it with another couple.

[Neck]

Originally Posted by Sam

When I was at the Vineyard, they used unleavened bread (matzo) and grape juice. Each person who "served" communion had a little tray of broken pieces of unleavened bread in one hand and a cup of grape juice in the other. The person being served took a piece of broken matzoh (or some times broke off a piece) and then dipped it into the grape juice. Left over grape juice and matzo were disposed of later.

I remember one man telling me about taking communion in Africa. There was a common cup that everyone drank from. Since he was a guest he was the last person to drink from that cup. He said there were a lot of "floaters" in it and it was hard to get down and keep down.

Makes me want to cough...