Footwashing
Interfaith Foot Washing in Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach’s first Interfaith Community Foot Washing was hosted by the Episcopal Church Center at 2083 Sunset Cliffs Boulevard on Thursday, April 5, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. About 350 people turned up to receive new shoes, from hiking boots to sandals.
The Rt. Rev. James R. Mathes, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, and others, washed guests’ feet, after which they received two new pairs of socks, hygiene kits, haircuts, access to free medical, dental and legal services as well as social service providers, drug and alcohol counselors, housing, and mental health outreach workers. Two live guitarists provided background music from the balcony above the courtyard, where the footwashing took place. Healing services and Holy Communion were also available.
The purpose of the event was to communicate to our homeless population that they are not invisible; they are loved. It also raised awareness about the issue of homelessness, which is everyone’s problem and it connected people in need to services that can help move them into healthier, more productive states.
Interviews available upon request. For more information, contact Hannah Wilder, , 619-200-5036.
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Founded in 1922, the Episcopal Church Center, formerly known as Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, has been known as a place where the doors stand open to offer peace and sanctuary to everyone, regardless of creed. It is a place of gathering, learning, sharing and serving for all.
The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego is a non-profit, religious organization comprised of 47 congregations in San Diego, Imperial and Riverside Counties, CA and Yuma County, AZ. The Episcopal Church welcomes all who worship Jesus Christ in 109 dioceses and three regional areas in 16 nations. The Episcopal Church is a member province of the worldwide Anglican Communion.
Official Logo for our first Interfaith Community Footwashing:
More Info:
Inaugural Interfaith Community Foot Washing
Episcopal Church Center, 2083 Sunset Cliffs Boulevard, San Diego
Maundy Thursday, April 5, 2012
What: Offer foot washing to the community on Maundy Thursday. Provide homeless people with new shoes, boots or sandals and socks. Connect with social and medical services providers. Conduct healing/eucharist services in Trinity Chapel – Individual or group? Provide continental breakfast and lunch. Give out personal hygiene kits
Why: Provide comfort, solace, nourishment, support and protection
Where: Episcopal Church Center, 2083 Sunset Cliffs Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92107
When: Thursday, April 5, 2012, 10:00am – 1:00pm
Who: Interfaith Community in San Diego
The Story Behind the Artwork: One of the sisters, Cis, from the Spirit Ministry Retreat Center in Ocean Beach, hauled the 48' x 36' framed print which hangs over the fireplace at the house where she lives with noviatrs to the organizational meeting we held on Tuesday, February 7. She's so little and the print is so big, it seemed only right to adopt this art as our visual focus for the event. The artist's name is Sieger Koder.