Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Cairycat

(1,760 posts)
Thu Apr 5, 2012, 08:07 PM Apr 2012

Do any of your churches do footwashing?

My (Mennonite Church USA) does - I don't know if most Mennonite groups do it on Maundy Thursday, but that's the tradition in my church. We used to do it in conjunction with a service and a meal but that got too unwieldy. It's segregated by the sexes, i.e. women only wash other women's feet, men only wash other mens' feet.

It is difficult not to feel awkward, but the sense you get of what it meant for Jesus to wash his disciples' feet, and the fellowship you feel with fellow congregants, is worthwhile.

9 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies

CurtEastPoint

(19,173 posts)
1. Just got home from Mass and on Holy Thursday, yes, we do foot washing.
Thu Apr 5, 2012, 08:38 PM
Apr 2012

It is lovely and just as Jesus did.

northoftheborder

(7,608 posts)
2. Not routinely, but they do have a foot-washing as a closing ritual for the special youth education ;
Thu Apr 5, 2012, 09:25 PM
Apr 2012

program; the parents wash the feet of their teen as a promise to support and encourage them in their lives. It is very moving and meaningful.

UrbScotty

(23,987 posts)
3. They've had foot-washing at all of the Holy Thursday Masses I've attended
Thu Apr 5, 2012, 09:27 PM
Apr 2012

...going back to 2004.

I even had my foot washed three years ago.

murielm99

(31,427 posts)
4. I used to be a member of a
Thu Apr 5, 2012, 11:09 PM
Apr 2012

Church of the Brethren congregation. Of course, they are closely associated with the Mennonites. We did footwashing.

mista411

(11 posts)
6. Footwashing
Fri Apr 6, 2012, 10:44 AM
Apr 2012

My church (Seventh-day Adventist) does footwashing in conjunction with the celebration of the Lord's Supper at least 4 times a year. It is a joyous yet sobering reminder of our Savior's last actions and words shortly before his betrayal, arrest, and crucifixion. Have a joyous Easter and thank you.

xmas74

(29,759 posts)
7. My church offers it on
Sat Apr 7, 2012, 08:51 PM
Apr 2012

Maundy Thursday but I've never participated. I don't feel all that comfortable with it, though it's quite moving.

regnaD kciN

(26,590 posts)
8. I honestly can't remember any church I've been to that didn't offer it...
Mon Apr 9, 2012, 05:01 AM
Apr 2012

...on Maundy/Holy Thursday. (My experience being Episcopalian and Roman Catholic.)

unc70

(6,325 posts)
9. Part of Holy Week at my United Methodist
Mon Apr 9, 2012, 03:46 PM
Apr 2012

From my Methodist experience, seems widespread but infrequent outside of Holy Week.

Latest Discussions»Alliance Forums»Christian Liberals & Progressive People of Faith»Do any of your churches d...