Brethren Press publishes children’s book about feetwashing written by Gimbiya Kettering

In Washing My Sister’s Feet, a new Brethren Press picture book for children written by Gimbiya Kettering and illustrated by Gabhor Utomo, Ilse loves going to her grandmother’s church. Especially today, because she’s going to love feast.

But the day is not going well. Ilse is annoyed by her big sister, Lina, who always gets to do things first. Ilse finds herself in tears before the meal begins. By the end, however, she has learned something new about family, forgiveness, and feetwashing.

This is a story of sisters. It’s also a story of a dad who understands and a church that widens its circle.

Writer Gimbiya Kettering draws on her experience growing up in the Church of the Brethren, her sensitivity as the mother of two girls, and her nuanced understanding of a multiracial family finding meaning in the traditions of faith.

In the Church of the Brethren, feetwashing is one part of love feast, a core practice in the life of the church. At love feast—traditionally held twice a year—church members re-enact the last supper, including Jesus’ washing of the feet of the disciples. In a postscript at the back of the book, readers see the text from John 13 and learn more about love feast in the Church of the Brethren.