Not to be taken too seriously!
Talking with my Anglican colleague this morning, who has been sent guidelines for safer communion practices to prevent the spread of porkine influenza, and presumably plague, ague, and other nasties. No more common cups until further notice - the Anglican communion will adopt the RC practice of communion under one kind only, though evidently the vicar, having purified her/his hands (two stations may be provided to accommodate those with theological objections to girls) with alcoholic gel may intinct for you... Hmm, very meaningful to have a soggy wafer plonked on your hand I'm sure.
Apparently another local vicar has ordered in 2000 disposable individual glasses plus trays... non-conformity smuggly smiles I suspect.
But of course, our common bread roll or even our evil habit of tiny squares is not immune from this risk - maybe we should go over to wafers? Noooo!
So here is my grand plan (patent pending) for hygienic communion supplies. Available in multiplies of ten from www....
Individually packaged Communion sets, containing your choice of one wafer (with or without 'little man') or one cube of slightly stale white bread and one tiny cup of wine (alcoholic or otherwise), ribena or grape juice. Presented in tasteful plastic tray, hermetically sealed, autoclaved and with complimentary antiseptic wipe (alcoholic or antibacterial according to your religious preferences). Quick and easy distribution to all members of the congregation. Choice of liturgical colours (green, red, purple, gold, unbleached calico) or clear trays. "Easy peel" plastic film guaranteed to make a very loud noise when ripped from the tray; wine topped with almost impossible to remove foil seal. Allergy warning: females may have been present during manufacturing process.
Coming soon... new liturgical forms to use with our amazing new product.
I expect someone else has already come up with this idea, and done so better than I, but hey, it was fun and distraction from endless shredding...