While I was in seminary, I was shocked and horrified when I found out how much the store-bought communion "kits" cost. They are usually nothing more than a small chalice or rack for plastic cups, a small plate for the bread, a cloth or two, and a carrying case, and they can retail for upwards of $80. To me, this is crazy talk.
My church is wonderfully innovative when it comes to practical matters like this. They spend money when it is needed, but in practical matters of this kind, we have the same philosophy. "$80 for a traveling communion kit? Are you nuts?"
This is our church's solution. I wish I could take the credit, but this traveling kit has been around far longer than I've been the pastor here. It's a modified sewing box with room for all the elements, including a bottle for the "wine" (we're a juice-using church), a small tupperware for the bread (gluten free, of course!), and a small silver tray to serve the elements.
Some of our male deacons would rather not be seen carrying it (it is a sewing box, after all), but the female pastor certainly doesn't mind.
The tray looks a little crumb-y because I took these photos just after returning from a communion visit with one of our deacons. It was about to get washed promptly.
I love church innovation. Love it. I think Jesus would be very proud of our sewing/communion kit.
If you work in ministry, what does your church use to bring communion to its home- and hospital-bound members?
As a fellow pastor, I too have felt frustrated with the less than stellar offerings of traveling communion kits. My husband's solution was a small lunch cooler, which doesn't get raised eyebrows from our male elders. The style has a hard plastic bottom so in goes the grape juice along with two freezable plastic blocks. The top part has a zippered section where we keep the bread (in tupperware) and cups. This keeps the juice cold, especially when kits get left in cars (we live in Florida) for an afternoon of visitations :) I have to say, though, that your idea is far prettier.
ReplyDeleteAs a fellow pastor I too have been less than enchanted with the offerings of traveling communion kits. My husband's suggestion was to use a small insulated lunch cooler. The bottom part is hard plastic and just enough room for a small bottle of juice and two freezable blocks (we live in Florida and grape juice has a tendency to explode in a hot car in July). The top zippered part holds a small tupperware for the wafers and a sleeve of cups. The elders don't complain either. Of course, your solution is much prettier :)
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