At least have the guts to say that with two deacons absent no one remembered to get the communion materials together. Don't hyperspiritualize it that the elements can only be distributed by deacons. It can't take much more talent to pass the communion plate than to pass the collection plate. And if it is incorrect to even have former deacons distribute the elements, then on what grounds is it for retired pastors to "pinch hit" a sermon when the starting lineup pastor's out on vacation?