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Looking for a way to visually express
the servanthood to which Jesus calls us? Or a conversation-starter
that will have people asking "What does it mean?"
Pastor Brian Smith of Faith Lutheran
Church in Rochester, New York, shares his experience using
the Crossways International "We Do Feet" T-shirt
as a visual aid that sparks questions about the Gospel.
"During our midweek Lenten services, we teach about Lenten
traditions such as ashes, fasting, penitence," explains
Pastor Smith. "One week's focus was on footwashing; and
rather than preach as usual from the pulpit in this special
service, I modified the presentation. During the sermon hymn,
I slipped into the sacristy, removed my vestments to reveal
a Crossways International 'We Do Feet' t-shirt.
"By the end of the hymn, I had
found a willing usher to assist me. We proceeded silently
to the front of the church, whereupon he sat in a chair near
a basin and towel. After the congregation had a chance to
see my unusual change of clothes, I talked about Maundy Thursday
(from the Latin mandatum, meaning "command" ) and
Jesus’ new commandment: '... love one another. Just
as I have loved you, you also should love one another.' (John
13:34)
"We recalled His words to the
disciples about washing one another's feet, then I washed
the usher's feet – sharing that some churches today
have the priest wash your feet prior to communion. I referred
to the illustration on the shirt and how Peter was scandalized,
but Jesus' action points us to the cleansing of the cross
and gives us an example of serving others.
"It was a marvelous opportunity
to use this Crossways visual tool, along with some teaching
actions, to proclaim the Gospel. Thanks for the opportunity
to share Jesus' example in this way."
For information on ordering a "We Do Feet" t-shirt,
click here.
And for those looking for an ideal
course of study for the Lenten season, CI's Road
to Coronation, click here.
Please contact
us with your questions (& pictures!) and tell us about
your own experiences with Crossways International's materials
and resources. |
