Communion Trays

Chuck Snyder Woodsmith

Wooden Communion Trays

Wooden Communion trays are made from a variety of exotic and local woods.

The trays got their start when we started attending Athey Creek Community Church in Lake Oswego, Oregon. For their evening worship service they sing songs, and when you are ready, you step to the back of the room and pick up the elements from a tray.

As I grew up in church, the bread and wine (grape juice) were served in seperate trays. But here they had combined them into one tray. I really liked the idea, so when attending one of the Bible study's I noticed they didn't have a tray, so decided to make one for them. In Athey's trays, the bread sits in a small carved out section, but I thought I could find a better looking (i.e. artistic) emblem.

I searched the internet and found a drawing that was close to what I wanted, and used it for the basis for the tray.

The first one was mahogany, with Blood Wood legs. But I prefer the look of Ash and either Blood Wood or Paduk.

Mahogany Communion Tray with Blood Wood Feet.
Ash Communion Tray with Blood Wood feet. This is my favorite tray. I love the contrast of the white and red woods.
Ash Communion Trays, with Blood Wood Feet. The trays are stackable, but if they get jostled, they will probably fall. The next ones will be stackable. But have to figure out how to do it. and still keep the look.
The holes are sized to work with disposable plastic communion cups. These trays do not pass well because of the weight. They are solid wood and can be quite heavy for those with weak hands. They will stack, but it is not recommended, there is nothing to prevent them from sliding. These were made to be an artistic piece, and not really functional in a full church setting. But they are fun to make, and look really nice. The primary useage is recommened to have them placed at the back or front of the room and have the participants come to the tray to take communion.

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