mangoe@umcp-cs.UUCP (Charley Wingate) (02/19/85)
On the subject of "reverence for the Elements":
One Episcopal parish whose services I participate in regularly deals with
the leftovers (ahem. I meant "remaining elements") by
(1) Attempting to put the remaining wine in the appointed vessel;
(2) Failing that, pouring it into the nearest responsible adult;
(3) Putting back the remaining hosts;
(4) Tearing up the remaining bread (hosts being a concession to those
for whom bread represents a stumvling block) and passing out same
during the coffee hour; and
[Drum roll, please]
(5) Reverently flinging the crumbs out the back door for the birds!
As you see, we cannot be accused of excessive piety toward the Elements.
In spite of the fact that we reserve communion (via the above process) after
every eucharist, the only time we Reserve Communion is on Maundy Thursday,
when it is put in the most inconvenient location possible: the silver closet,
which is located right next to the side door to the church. Fortunately, the
congregation is not hung up on bowing before the host...
otherwise we would never get home before Easter.
Charley Wingate umcp-cs!mangoe