The towel and basin are the symbol of deaconess ministry
as they represent humble service to those in need.

Deaconesses Do Feet...

You may have seen LDA deaconesses washing feet at a Women's Conference or Youth Gathering. We aren't podiatrists, pedicurists, or reflexologists.  We are people called to a life of diakonia (service).  Jesus says, "If I your Lord and master would wash your feet, you should wash one another’s."  Following his command in John, we wash the feet of a weary world. 

A lot of ministry happens while you do feet.  We hear many stories: Stories of
• exciting things learned and of friendships made 
• the lives of God’s people – filled with pain, joy, laughter and tears, 
• women who are God’s servants “back home.”

Below, LWML President Linda Reiser and Marcus Miller, Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary President enjoy having their feet washed. You can learn to wash feet too!