Communion and Grape Juice Update

Holy Communion, also called the Eucharist or the Lord’s Supper, is one of the two sacraments that Jesus gave us. The other being baptism. We regularly offer Holy Communion services at St George’s typically on two Sundays a month and weekly on one day during the middle of the week.

Any baptized Christians, including children, are welcome to receive communion. This includes those who are baptized in other denominations provided the baptism was done in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit as outlined in Matthew 28:19. Those who are not baptized are welcome to come forward for a prayer of blessing.

Jesus shared bread and wine with his disciples at the Last Supper and as part of the Anglican Church our practice is to break bread and share a common cup of wine. We come forward to receive and gather at the front around the Lord’s table. The priest offers consecrated bread and Lay Administrants follow with chalices of wine.

We have, on a trial basis, been offering juice as an alternative to wine at communion for some time now. The intention was that this would be for those who had medical or recovery reasons to take juice (rather like we have gluten free wafers for those who are gluten intolerant).

We will continue to offer grape juice at the side table for those who need it. The juice will be poured into small glasses before the service, so it will not be consecrated, and will be on the table at the front on the left. If you want to take some after you have received bread then the option is there. Parents are asked to supervise your children in taking juice and returning the empty glass. Please note that we have a limited supply of 40 glasses.

FAQs

Is the common cup safe? The short answer is yes; we use silver or gold lined chalices, fortified wine, wipe the rim of the chalice with a cotton cloth and turn a quarter turn between each person.

Is it okay to receive just the bread? Yes, many people do this already. The church teaches that communion in one kind is sufficient. 

Is it ok to dip the bread in the chalice of wine instead of taking a sip?  This is called intinction and the practice is not permitted as actually less sanitary than drinking wine.

Can children receive wine? Yes and parents can decide what age is appropriate.

Please feel free to ask any questions you have either by email or phone, or you can call the office to set up a time to come in for a chat.