Communion

I hate those little pre packaged kits with the foil over the juice. Cheapens the entire experience.

 

This is commendable. Paul wrote, "For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes" (1 Cor. 11:26). While there is no scriptural mandate to observe the Lord's Supper weekly, it is also not prohibited.

Actually, the purpose of the Lord's Supper is to proclaim the Lord's death (1 Cor. 11:26). I would not say that coming with a pure heart is a prerequisite, although confession of known sin is good practice and in keeping with 1 Corinthians 11:28-30.

A time for self-examination is not prohibited, although it would be better if we all examined ourselves prior to worship. We don't have to remember every sin we have committed. Indeed, that's practically impossible. We need a general attitude of repentance of sin and certainly should confess those sins we know off.

Should the elements be passed with special care? We need to remember that the elements are common, although they are offered up to holy use. They should be handled with due respect, but not to a level that partakers may revere them as icons. It is what the elements represent that is sacred.

The Lord's Supper serves as a means of grace to those that partake. They are spiritually strengthened as they reflect upon the Lord's death and the forgiveness of sins.

 

Quarterly

 

I think it is quite important, too often made perfunctory in Baptist life due to our emphasis on the symbolic nature of it.

Quarterly, with additional observances on Maundy Thursday and Xmas Eve.

My preference would be to celebrate it once every two months.

 

Speaking of retreats, do you still do this:

I found this online, another church's ladies' retreat communion setup: