[pegleg]

Further, we do not transubstantiate it so there would be no sacramental reason to use matzos that were distributed at a service.

Once a matzos, always a matzos :-)

In fact, we discard the unused matzos and grape juice.

Just curious. Why wouldn't you re-use it? Or is this a function of how often you observe the Lord's Supper? If I remember correctly, Zwingli celebrated it four times a year.

[jboot]

Dr. Steve: "In fact, we discard the unused matzos and grape juice."
Just curious. Why wouldn't you re-use it?

This question has arisen in my church as well. I am in charge of assembling the elements for each communion service, and we always have a LOT left over, both unbroken and broken. I've never been quite sure how to handle this, because we only have communion service once a month, and the unwrapped matzos will spoil in that time. I've occasionally discarded the elements (not without misgivings), but I've been wondering if there is a better way.

We also use grape juice, but since I took over we only use pure kosher grape juice, not that abominable Welch's sugar water. How I wish we used wine! It doesn't keep well, either.

[drstevej]

***Just curious. Why wouldn't you re-use it? Or is this a function of how often you observe the Lord's Supper? If I remember correctly, Zwingli celebrated it four times a year.***

Zwingli did observe it quarterly. My previous church observed it weekly. My current church normally celebrates the Lord's Supper monthly.

There is, IMO, no theological reason to reuse the unused elements since we do not consider them other than symbols.

Using the elements that are left over the next month is not very practical and the cost savings are minimal. Therefore we discard them and use fresh elements at the next observance.

***Once a matzos, always a matzos :-)***

Abbreviated... OMAM which fits well with OSAS!