It was probably inevitable: pre-packaged all-in-one individual “communion” packets. See, for example this one called Remembrance(R). One arrived during this Holy Week at our congregation.
Do I have to begin with the Top Ten Reasons Why Pre-Packaged Communion is a bad idea?
10. The packaging is disposable, not a very fitting vessel for our Lord’s Body and Blood.
9. It is “convenient” and “efficient.” A celebration of Holy Communion should be neither.
8. It allows for a celebration in which neither of the elements need touch a human hand.
7. Its very “individuality” betrays a central part of the Sacrament: its communal nature.
6. Looks cheap.
5. Reminds me of a Holy Happy Meal.
4. Do we really need to be creating more plastic petroleum byproducts?
3. What if you bring four of these for a visit and the neighbor shows up?
2. It trivializes and mocks the Sacrament.
1. It is three steps back (or thirty) for the unity of the church.
For another view, here is our denomination’s sacramental practices statement. See part III.