An unexpected benefit of pulling the pulpit closer to the congregation was the room behind the altar to add a “credence table.”
Credence tables, or sometimes shelves, are the traditional place to put the bread and wine during the service before the offertory, if they are not brought forward with the offering. They can also be the place for the communion vessels and leftover elements to be placed after communion. The credence table allows the pastor and assisting minister to set and clear the altar table during worship the way your mom and grandma may have taught you at home. All of this can help to emphasize the importance of communion in our worship.