"We Do Feet!"

Wearing the Good News on Your Back!

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 St. Mark Lutheran Church in Mendon, 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.

Add Your Opinion - Post Your Comment Here

Be the First to Comment