A Case for “Passing Trays”
A few weeks ago, our elders said that, beginning in June, we would once again start passing trays to serve the Lord’s Supper on Sunday mornings. For somewhere over two years now, we have utilized the little individual packets, picked up in the foyer and used during communion. They have been a blessing, especially early on during the confusion that was the covid pandemic.
But, in about a week and a half, we will start passing those shiny trays again. Is this wise? I believe it is, and I want to share with you some reasons why.
First, though, let me say that this is not a “right vs. wrong” issue. Nowhere in Scripture do you see trays or packets. Other than the elements (unleavened bread and fruit of the vine), the day of the week (the Lord’s Day) and the manner (honoring God and remembering Jesus with an examining heart) we are left to decide how to deal with the Lord’s Supper. The logistics are up to the wisdom and consideration of the elders. Packets are also helpful at large gatherings (think of Polishing the Pulpit, Lads to Leaders, or CYC). So I am not saying that using them is a sin. However, I think there are some strong advantages inherent in passing trays. Here are some to consider.
It Fosters the Communal Aspect of Communion. Each avenue of worship is individual; that much is true. But each act is also communal. We gather to do these things. Too often, when it comes to the Lord’s Supper, we so emphasize passages like “let a man examine himself” that we fail to emphasize that the disciples “gathered together” in order to partake of this meal. The simple act of passing a tray to my brother or sister in Christ reminds us that we are all doing this together as God’s family.
It Provides More Natural Time to Remember/Reflect. The one negative I have heard from congregations all over the brotherhood about packets is that we have a prayer for the bread and, scarcely before swallowing, we are already praying for the juice. Even if there is time, though, it can feel awkward, wondering when “that guy” is going to come back up and lead another prayer. When trays are being passed, though, I know that there is time because each person needs to have time to be served. That way, each person can have more focused time to reflect and remember, which is what we are supposed to be doing.
It Gives More Men an Opportunity to Serve. Be honest: if your congregation still uses packets, has the number of men who serve in worship publicly increased or decreased over the last couple of years? Also be honest: how many of us men got our start “leading” in worship by simply passing some trays? It is a wonderful way to have more men help and, especially, to help young men or new Christians get more comfortable with being “up front.”
It Fights Against “Clock Watching.” The packets are efficient. I know that and that’s a good thing. But is worship just supposed to be about how quickly we can get everything done? I am not suggesting we drag things out just to make things last longer, but too many of us have decided that quicker is always better. Who cares it the Lord’s Supper takes 8 minutes instead of 6? Is it that big of a deal if, this week, it takes 7 minutes when, with the packets, it took 4? Are those handful of minutes that big of a deal?
Are there other reasons? Yes. Trust me, there are some others that I wanted to share, but they might have come across as just personal preference or, worse, could seem a little petty. The ones I have shared, though, I believe need to be considered. Again, this is not a “right vs. wrong” issue. But too many of us simply want worship to be quick, efficient, and easy, and those are not our main standards.
Whatever decisions are made by elderships in these matters, I pray that we all support elders and, as it pertains to communion, that we “do [that] in remembrance of [Jesus].”
AUTHOR: Adam Faughn
