Washing Feet: An Example of Service or Something More?

Jesus Washing Peter's Feet by Ford Madox Brown 1852-6 So, during supper, fully aware that the Father had put everything into his power and that he had come from God and was returning to God, he rose from supper and took off his outer garments. He took a towel and tied around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and dry them with the towel around his waist. - John 13:2-5 Today, in 2024 A.D., we don't give much thought to these few sentences. The impact of the activity of Jesus is lost on us because a) We wear shoes everywhere. Many of us even have "inside shoes" and "outside shoes". b) The Church's liturgy (as popularly practiced) often misses or lessens the importance of this event (pro tip: it's not simply Jesus giving and example of serving others). Contrary to what we see in the movies, the roads in the time of Jesus weren't all covered in perfectly placed cobblestones or silky, fine dust. If r

44th Annual Winter Hike


Cold and chill, bless the Lord;
praise and exalt him above all forever.
Dew and rain, bless the Lord;
praise and exalt him above all forever.
Frost and chill, bless the Lord;
praise and exalt him above all forever.
Ice and snow, bless the Lord;
praise and exalt him above all forever.
Daniel 3:67-70

Yes, it is 12 degrees below zero this morning here in Ohio. However, we bless the Lord for that as it can make the area absolutely beautiful. The rain last week, combined with the snow two days ago, along with sub-zero temperatures will make for a spectacular winter hike this weekend.

Every year, for 44 years, the Hocking Hills State Park has sponsored the Annual Winter Hike. It is a 6 mile hike through forests, past waterfalls, along high sandstone cliffs, and beside lakes hidden by towering pines. The waterfalls are most often what folks are journeying to see especially at Ash Cave where a tower of ice can form that is 30 feet tall or more. Half-way through the hike, hikers are served hot bean soup cooked over open fires, warm cornbread muffins, and hot chocolate. It is an experience you won't soon forget.

If you are coming to the area, send me an email and stop out. We'll throw some dinner together and share in a pint or two of homebrew. jimmaster43138@yahoo.com Here are some of our pictures from the area.

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