Why Wash Feet?

Pastor Philip

You may wonder what this is!  This is a “kindi,” a heavy brass vessel, and you would find it on the steps leading up to the “verandah” or porch of all homes in the state of our roots, Kerala, in years gone by. ​

A lot of the homes had their front courtyard spread with a couple of inches of sand or small, rounded pebbles.  It rained a lot there and, even with the sand, folks would bring mud into the house.  During summer it was the dust that would be brought in. So, folks would leave their footwear, if they had one on, on the stairs, wash their feet with water from the “kindi” and then step into the house. Some would even wash their faces of the dirt and sweat and wipe it with the “thorthu,” a very thin towel that people normally had over their shoulders to wipe sweat off their faces. Sometimes the servants of the household helped

by pouring the water.​

This was a practice even at the time of Jesus. In ancient times, the dusty roads and rocky trails left their feet coated with grime or caked with mud. When they reached their destination, a host would often bring a basin of water to wash the weary travelers’ feet. It was a gesture of welcome and kindness, not to mention a practical means to keep dirt out of the home. In the homes of the wealthy or powerful, it was most likely done by a servant, a slave, or even the wife of the host.

Looking at the history of the practice of washing feet as a liturgical act, some would trace it to the fourth century, to Bishop Ambrose’s time.  By the Middle Ages, the act of foot washing became a part of the liturgical celebration of Holy Thursday, where local bishops and even the pope would wash the feet of 12 poor persons. After the Reformation, Protestants developed ritual practices of foot washing, especially the Moravians and the Mennonites. Though done during a Maundy Thursday service, this practice was not reserved only for that occasion.

While in Guyana, we had the services of foot-washing during both trips.

What does this ritual act of foot-washing signify? What does it mean? It is seen differently by people, but one could agree that this points to humility, hospitality and acceptance in the community of the faithful. It is humbling for the one who washes to kneel in front of the other and wash their feet. For the one whose feet are being washed, it is becoming vulnerable and allowing someone else to do something that one would

normally not allow others to do. However much each would be uncomfortable, it is an act of opening up to each other, it is building community, where all defences are down and we are at service to one another. 

It is not that the act in itself has any merit; rather, it is a declaration of who we are as communities of faithful, as those washed and those that wash, we are people who are called to humbly serve and love, are called to be hospitable and be accepting of all, like Jesus.

Just as God’s glory and majesty were hidden in the weak one on the cross, so also is the majesty of God’s grace and love declared in his simple and humble act.

​

In Our Prayers

Let us pray for those in our community who are ill and have requested prayers,  especially Matt, Ken, Dennis, Peggy, Bart, Sislyn, Christine, Marylin, Mary Helen, Sandra, Julien, George, Betty, Rosalie, Thelma, Helen, and the Stewart family. May your presence bring them comfort, your grace bring them strength, and your love bring them peace. 

We cry out for the people of Palestine, Israel, Ukraine, Russia, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan, and all places where human dignity is trampled, and lives are lost. Soften the hearts of those who wield power, that they may choose peace over war, humility over pride, and reconciliation over vengeance.

​

Holy Week at Mount Zion

Holy Week is the most significant week in our Church Calendar. From Palm Sunday to Holy Saturday, it marks the final stretch before Easter Sunday, when we celebrate Jesus' Resurrection. It is when we pray and reflect on the profound journey of Jesus' suffering, sacrifice, and victory over death.

April 13 — Procession of the Palms - Sunday at 10 am

April 17 — Maundy Thursday at 7 pm with foot and hand washing

April 18 — Good Friday at 10 am

April 20 — Easter Sunday 10 am

​

Stations of the Cross Carvings

The Stations of the Cross are a series of events that mark the path Jesus took on his way to crucifixion.  Carvings by Michael Intschert, a member of Mount Zion, depicting each of the events, will be on display on shelves in our sanctuary. A presentation of photos of the carvings can be viewed immediately before Palm Sunday and Good Friday services.

​

Music Notes

Our choral scholar, Sarah, is taking a larger role in directing the choir and assisting in other ways, such as warming up the choir, etc. Her help is so much appreciated. 

Our other scholar, Samuel, is taking a break while he is rehearsing and performing in a musical. He'll be back with us in May. 

The choir has some interesting offerings for Holy Week. On Palm Sunday, one of the pieces is a version of "God So Loved the World"  written by Waterloo region's own Jeff Enns. Good Friday will feature a lovely piece based on Faure's "Pavane".  On Easter morning, trumpeter Gus Bolton will play a stirring prelude and postlude and accompany the hymns and two traditional Easter Anthems. The guitar choir will be back with us on May 4 to lead us in some lively post Easter music.   Sarah​

 

Easter Flowers

Hydrangeas will be ordered again this year to enhance our chancel for Easter Sunday.  If you wish to sponsor a plant, please see the signup sheet found on the narthex table or call Margaret in the office at 519-886-5820.  The 10-inch pots cost $35.00 and the 6-inch pots cost $20.00. Please indicate “Flowers” in the “other” section of your envelope. You are welcome to pick up your plant after service on Easter Sunday.  Thank you for your support.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​​​​Bishop Susan and our Synod Bishops wrote a message of hope and encouragement to the church in the midst of uncertain times. Read it here.

 

Welcome Pastor Peter Kuhnert

We are delighted to welcome Pastor Peter Kuhnert to Mount Zion as Ministry Associate.

As a Ministry Associate, Peter will provide pastoral care, support, and spiritual guidance while visiting the sick, elderly, and those in need for approximately two days each week. If you would like a pastoral visit, please call the Margeret, who will pass the message along.

​

Financial Update

Snow impacts -IMPROVED!!

 March 2025 

Our results for YTD March improved, but the impacts of a “cold” winter contributed to a deficit of $14,485. Although a deficit was expected, results are $3,884 better than plan in the Ministry & Mission (current) account. March weather improved, but excessive snow removal costs in the 1st quarter exceeded plan by $8,330.

Special thanks to the member who acknowledged the extreme weather-related expenses and donated $5,000 to assist!

Richard Brubacher, Treasurer and Chair of Finance  Full report here

 

Wednesdays in Lent

Mount Zion will host Wednesdays in Lent on April 9. Please plan to attend the community dinner, Holden Evening Prayer and Discussion. It starts at 6 pm.

Share your best soup recipe

We are looking for soup makers to share their best for April 9’s Wednesday in Lent when Mount Zion will be hosting many  Waterloo churches for a soup and bread dinner before a worship service and discussion.

 

An Important Note

Regarding running water to those using the building during the week

We have found several instances of a tap left running in the ladies' room upstairs, resulting in significantly higher than normal water bills. The property committee is investigating the installation of new faucets with automatic shut-off features. In the meantime, we kindly request that any group using the building conduct a quick check of the washrooms before leaving the building. Thank you, the budget thanks you!

 

Ordination Service at Mount Zion

Mount Zion will host the ordination for Adam McComb, who has been called to Specialized Ministry at Thornhill Lutheran and St. Paul’s, Richmond Hill. On Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 2 pm.

The synod will be taking care of the service, but we will be responsible for a small reception to follow. If you are interested in lending a hand, please talk to Pastor Philip, Susan Brubacher, or Karen Gastmeier.

​

Now That’s a Potato

Volunteers Karin and Lorraine are displaying our 'family of potatoes' waiting to be peeled. There will be NO meal delivery/pickup on April 17 as Mrs. Bell is on a well-deserved vacation. Our final weekly meal for this season is scheduled for May 1.

Mrs. Bell and Patrick continue to deliver a large dish of food, buns and salad to Better Tent City on Ardelt Ave. every week. Thank you to our volunteers for their help, and to Cobbs Breads on Northfield for their generous donation of bread this year. See you in September!

Jane Schlegel 

 

News from the Justice Through Service Committee side:  

Grassy Narrows campaign

As Hanne announced on Sunday,  the Eastern Synod Circle for Reconciliation and Justice (of which she is now interim Chair!) is fundraising for Grassy Narrows relief between March 22 (World Water Day) and April 22 (Earth Day).  We can donate by visiting the Synod website and following the instructions provided for e-transfer.  Hanne has also brought a couple of bottles to Mount Zion to collect loose change. We encourage everyone to find out what we can about efforts that are underway to help the people of Grassy Narrows and restore health to their rivers.

Refugees we are sponsoring

Representatives of Eastern Synod churches (of which we are one) that are sponsoring two connected families from Africa have calls every few weeks with the family heads, while they are waiting for approval to move to Canada as refugees under the CLWR allotment.  The last couple of months have been hard, as both men were ill with typhoid, and one had also contracted malaria.  The children are going to school and are doing well, but the families are worried about safety, because the area where they are waiting is seeing an increase in violence connected with drug trafficking.  On the last call in March, we promised to continue to pray for their safety, health and well being, and for progress with respect to their application.  

CLWR and Gaza

On March 18, as the ceasefire in Gaza came to an end,  the Interim Executive Director of CLWR, Rev. Michael Pryse, wrote to congregations asking for prayers for "a just peace throughout the region; safety, security and the comforts of home for all Palestinians and Israelis; all those suddenly grieving, gravely injured or traumatized after the new violence; our partners in LWF and DCA/NCA, and all the humanitarian workers, health care professionals and others who will risk life and limb to save lives and bring hope."  

As we have seen, the violence continues, and donations to CLWR's ongoing efforts in this area can be made through our offerings or by visiting the CLWR website page on the Gaza Humanitarian Emergency.  

Food Card Ministry

​The Food Card Ministry continues to help about 45 families and 15 individuals with their groceries every two months.  We hope our members will continue to support the program at the current level — it seems unlikely that food insecurity will decrease in our Region in the very near future! Mary Thompson.​

   

Faithful Election Conversations

Martin Luther University College and  Citizens for Public Justice are co-hosting their Faithful Election Conversations at Mount Zion on April 8, 7 – 9 pm.  

The event will focus on areas of importance for faith communities in the upcoming federal election The evening will focus on climate change, poverty, and immigrant, refugee, and migrant rights. We will hear policy analysis from local experts followed by responses from a panel of local candidates. The event will be moderated by Craig Norris, host of The Morning Edition – K-W on CBC Radio.

All are welcome—but, if possible, please RSVP by filling out the Eventbrite form.

The event will also be live-streamed.

We hope to see you there!​

 

Singing Sweetly – a summer event

Mark your calendars for Sunday, June 8, from 3 pm to 5 pm, when Lutherans from all over the area are planning on gathering on the outdoor lawns of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Kitchener, for a relaxing afternoon of worship, song and treats. Rain or Shine!

Kristine Lund, Principal Dean at Martin Luther University College, will be the guest speaker.

 

Pastor Philip’s LEMON BUTTER CHICKEN

Many of you who attended the recent Lunch at Learn last Sunday asked Pastor Philip for his chicken recipe. Although Philip cooked for 24, this is the recipe that he based it on. https://damndelicious.net/2014/12/31/lemon-butter-chicken/

The next Pastor’s Lunch and Learn is on April 27, following the service.

yield: 8 SERVINGS prep time: 10 MINUTES cook time: 40 MINUTES total time: 50 MINUTES

Easy crisp-tender chicken with the creamiest lemon butter sauce ever – you’ll want to forget the chicken and drink the sauce instead!

INGREDIENTS:

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 2 cups baby spinach, chopped

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

2. Season chicken thighs with paprika, salt and pepper, to taste.

3. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large oven-proof skillet over medium high heat. Add chicken, skin-side down, and sear both sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side; drain excess fat and set aside.

4. Melt remaining tablespoon butter in the skillet. Add garlic, and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan, lemon juice and thyme.

5. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, stir in spinach, and simmer until the spinach has wilted and the sauce has slightly thickened, about 3-5 minutes. Return chicken to the skillet.

6. Place into oven and roast until completely cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, about 25-30 minutes.

7. Serve immediately.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​​