COURTESY PHOTO
The original St. John’s Episcopal Church in Kissimmee is still in operation, holding 8 a.m. and Spanish services.

Dozens of people were expected to descend upon St. John’s Episcopal Church in Kissimmee to have their feet washed on Maundy Thursday. But what makes this holy day unique at St. John’s is that church members are washing the feet of the homeless.

For more than a decade, members of the church’s outreach team have washed the feet of homeless men, women and children every year on Maundy Thursday, this year April 13, and given them a fresh pair of socks and new sneakers.

“We anticipate a busy but exciting and glory-filled day,” said the Rev. Michelle Roach, associate priest at St. John’s. “We look forward to serving those whom Jesus loves.”

Maundy Thursday is the first of the three holy days, or Triduum, observed at the heart of Holy Week in The Episcopal Church. The washing of the feet symbolizes humility of service.

St. John’s recognition of Holy Thursday and its outreach for the homeless was the brainchild of its rector, the Rev. Cecil Radcliff. In 2005, his vision became a reality under the leadership of Mrs. Lucinda Parker. “She approached various companies for donations or discounted prices for the sneakers,” Roach said.

As the years wore on, though, outreach team members began finding it difficult to continue giving socks and sneakers.

“Each year, the church purchased the sneakers, but it soon became apparent that the church could not sustain a budget for this program,” Roach said. “It was difficult to find companies willing to donate the sneakers.”

COURTESY PHOTO
The outreach team at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Kissimmee once again will wash the feet of the homeless on Maundy Thursday. Additionally, the team gives out a fresh pair of socks and new sneakers.

Facing the possibility of having its Maundy Thursday outreach program canceled, the outreach team appealed to the congregation for help. The team made a request for 60 pairs and received a surprising response.

“I am happy to report that the congregation enthusiastically purchased the sneakers,” Roach said. “Many conversations could be heard about the bargains that were made.

“For the first time, the number of sneakers donated has reached 90 pairs,” Roach said. “Ninety people – men, women and children – can now receive a new pair of sneakers. Socks are also provided to them. Church members donated money, which was used to purchase the socks.

“The current outreach team is comprised of 10 members under the presidency of Mr. James Temple, who carried on from Mrs. Parker,” Roach said.

She calls this outreach program a blessing. “We see God’s grace in each person who sits before us,” she said. “Many are reluctant to have us touch their feet. Most are drawn to the new shoes. But it is God’s grace that allows us to return each year.”

“To touch someone provides an opportunity to offer love, support and encouragement,” Roach said. Jesus said, “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing” (Matt. 25:35-36a).

“The faces of the homeless are unknown to us,” Roach said. “We truly have no idea what lives they live. But Jesus knows them, and we invite them to sit for a moment to feel the warm water that cleans and refreshes them. Washing their feet allows us close contact with another human being. As we wash their feet, we say these words, ‘I wash your feet in the name of Jesus who came to serve, not to be served.’”

St. John’s is located at 1709 N. John Young Parkway in Kissimmee. Call 407-847-2009 for more information.