Although I am an American Christian, I can not take communion at my church. It is not that I haven’t often walked down the aisle or raised my hand with eyes appropriately closed to give my heart to Jesus. It is not that I haven’t been through discipleship classes preparing me for the event. Rather I can’t bring myself to participate in the disposable single use communion elements.
When I think about the creation story, one of the greatest takeaways is the responsibility to care for Gods creation. If we believe God created the world for us and we love God it would make sense for us to take care of the gift he gave us. We should be the greatest advocates for the planet.
Single use products are the epitome of convenience and wastefulness. Nothing is more easily avoided yet ubiquitous.
The intersection of the worst example of wastefulness with the people that should care the most about creation is modern day communion. As much as I want to participate in our church’s celebration, I just can’t bring myself to do so.
So… there was no other option but to create my own waste free elements. I decided to buy these little bottles that I refill with juice each Sunday. Then I grab crackers or bread or cookies from the house and put it all in a reusable bag. Why should we eat disgusting cardboard like crackers anyways? Something tasty make communion much more enjoyable! Some times I carry my bag out in the open proud of my small rebellion. Sometimes I hide it out of embarrassment. But always I enjoy my own elements during communion with zero waste.
Would God be honored by the church caring deeply for His gift of creation? Can we see how unsustainable it is to embrace single use products? Consider moving communion from modern wastefulness to old school waste free. And until the system changes, feel free to join me in my rebellion and bring your own elements to church.
I'm always interested in you thoughts; please comment below.
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