The church world has grown by splits and bits. Many debates have occurred over how certain observances, such as communion, should be held. There is disagreement over what actually happens during the taking, whether it is symbolic or a literal chemical change to the elements. Conflict takes place over who may participate; only members, or if it's best to explain the service and just let those present make a personal decision. One aspect that is rarely argued is the manner of serving the congregation - the use of communion trays. It's amazing to me, and a little sad, that the physical tactile factor trumps the Spiritual.
Selling Communion
Just Google communion tray and watch the options pop up - over over 4,300 times a month. When I did it myself, I found thousands of sizes, quantities, and shapes made out of dozens of materials. I found literally hundreds of online retailers, as well as denominational sites, and articles about communion with shopping links of course. There are offering packages, sets, and bulk discounts on certain brands, Next time you are at your local Christian bookstore, look for the section of communion supplies, and you will see for yourself all the accoutrements. With this much supply, it stands to reason there is huge demand, the kind of demand that can't come from a divergence of opinions about the need for communion trays.
Show Me The Money
I spoke with a popular online Christian retailer to see if the amount of product offered was actual business. Because their website offers thousands of Christian products from hundreds of different categories, I thought the numbers there would be reliable. I was told that continuously items used for communion were in their top two best selling products. The foundation for the items is the tray; if you have wafers and cups ya need something to put them on.
What I was told was orders come from all different denominations, varying size congregations, even what some would call cults. These are groups of people who wouldn't agree on how communion is observed, the frequency with which it takes place, or even the whys of doing it at all. But thank God - truly thank God - there are a few places they find common ground, and based on their purchase patterns, the one thing where they actually agree is the need for communion trays. Who knew.
Selling Communion
Just Google communion tray and watch the options pop up - over over 4,300 times a month. When I did it myself, I found thousands of sizes, quantities, and shapes made out of dozens of materials. I found literally hundreds of online retailers, as well as denominational sites, and articles about communion with shopping links of course. There are offering packages, sets, and bulk discounts on certain brands, Next time you are at your local Christian bookstore, look for the section of communion supplies, and you will see for yourself all the accoutrements. With this much supply, it stands to reason there is huge demand, the kind of demand that can't come from a divergence of opinions about the need for communion trays.
Show Me The Money
I spoke with a popular online Christian retailer to see if the amount of product offered was actual business. Because their website offers thousands of Christian products from hundreds of different categories, I thought the numbers there would be reliable. I was told that continuously items used for communion were in their top two best selling products. The foundation for the items is the tray; if you have wafers and cups ya need something to put them on.
What I was told was orders come from all different denominations, varying size congregations, even what some would call cults. These are groups of people who wouldn't agree on how communion is observed, the frequency with which it takes place, or even the whys of doing it at all. But thank God - truly thank God - there are a few places they find common ground, and based on their purchase patterns, the one thing where they actually agree is the need for communion trays. Who knew.
About the Author:
There are a lot of Christian retailers who sell them so you can be as picky as you want. Some are made in the USA Artistic Churchware, and of course some are shipped in from China. I say check around and compare. That's my opinion, and I'm usually right. Be Blessed. Cheers.