A Note from Pastor Bill

Dear St. Luke’s Saints:

This weekend in worship we will be remembering that familiar story when Jesus encourages his disciples to be foot washers. It sounds odd to us today, but in their time foot washing was an every day occurrence. It usually took place before the evening meal, when the day’s accumulation of dust and dirt was removed and friends reclined at tables to eat. (Given the practice of lying at tables and not sitting, you can understand why “fresh feet” would be especially desirable!—for everyone!) It was the custom for servants to do the foot washing, but in the homes of persons without this luxury it was apparently left to a volunteer. When Jesus took up the basin and towel himself for the disciples, it was a living parable for the attitude we each ought to have for others.

Today I attended the annual “Call to Hope” Luncheon for Shepherd’s Hope. The program booklet reported that more than 77,000 medical visits have been provided by volunteers over the past eleven years. Today there are more than 2200 people from 20 churches involved in this miracle ministry of healing. In a way, it is a kind of foot washing for the total person. In fact, when Jesus told Peter he had to wash him in order for him to “have a part” in him, Peter said, “Then wash my hands and head as well!” Shepherd’s Hope Health Centers are places where loving servants do all they can to bring the hope of healing to others.

Washing feet was good for the sole in those days, but Jesus let his disciples know it was also good for the soul. Compassionate living and serving is always that way. Come join us for worship and Holy Communion in all of our services this week.  Read John 13:1-15 in preparation and give some thought to the ways you are taking up the towel and basin in your life.

With faith, hope, and love,
Bill