danfreed wrote: ↑Sat Jan 17, 2026 8:45 am
What are your thoughts after reading the article?
The reference to the cleansing of Jewish pilgrims on their way to the temple reminds me of something I heard recently. Apparently the Brethren and German Baptist tradition is to wash feet before the communion service, rather than after it as is common among Mennonites who observe the practice. At least that's the way I understood the comment; I should ask my Dad if that's the way it's done. The Schwarzenauers here can confirm or correct that as well. GAMEO says washing feet at a preparatory service before communion is a Franconia practice.
It seems like washing feet before communion would align well with the Jewish practice of preparation for worship, as well as Jesus' instruction to mend relationships before approaching the altar.
Is this related to baptism? Perhaps it could be an application of Jesus' words, "The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean."
ohio jones wrote: ↑Sun Jan 18, 2026 9:43 pm Apparently the Brethren and German Baptist tradition is to wash feet before the communion service, rather than after it as is common among Mennonites who observe the practice.
That is correct.
ohio jones wrote: ↑Sun Jan 18, 2026 9:43 pm
GAMEO says washing feet at a preparatory service before communion is a Franconia practice.
Franconia Mennonites didn't adopt footwashing as a practice until the mid 1800's. It's interesting that they decided to do it differently than other Mennonites.
0 x
"The old woodcutter spoke again,
'You people are obsessed with judging. Don’t go so far. We only have a fragment. Life comes in fragments...
It is impossible to talk with you. You always draw conclusions.' "
danfreed wrote: ↑Sat Jan 17, 2026 8:45 am
What are your thoughts after reading the article?
It seems like washing feet before communion would align well with the Jewish practice of preparation for worship, as well as Jesus' instruction to mend relationships before approaching the altar.
This same idea has crossed my mind multiple times. I think it would be a very beneficial practice.
2 x
The Bible is very easy to understand. But we Christians are a bunch of scheming swindlers. We pretend to be unable to understand it because we know very well that the minute we understand we are obliged to act accordingly.
-Søren Kierkegaard
