News and Upcoming Events at St John’s Walton

Holy Communion: the shared cup

From the first Sunday in September, the shared cup will again be offered at all Holy Communion services in the Parish of St John's Walton (St John's, Walton and St Peter's, Holymoorside).

The shared cup was common practice until Covid. In 2023, the Church of England directed churches to return to the shared cup. At a recent PCC meeting, attended by the Area Dean, the decision was made that our parish should do the same. This is part of the normal life and worship of the Church of England. It follows Jesus' invitation to share both the bread and the cup and reminds us that we come to Christ's table together as one body.

We recognise that returning to the shared cup may raise questions, especially around health, and we want to approach this with care for one another. The risk of infection from the common cup is understood to be minimal: the wine has antiseptic qualities, the silver chalice has antibacterial properties, and the cup is wiped carefully between communicants. If you know you have a contagious illness, the most loving and considerate choice is to receive the bread only and allow the cup to pass. For hygiene reasons, and to protect those with severe gluten intolerances, the bread should not be dipped into the wine, either by individuals or by the priest.

The shared cup has deep religious importance. Drinking from one cup is a visible sign of our unity in Christ: many people, gathered as one body, receiving from the same table. For this reason, St John's will return to the shared cup as our usual practice, while continuing to be pastoral and respectful towards anyone who chooses to receive the bread only. If you would rather not receive from the shared cup, you are very welcome simply to receive the bread. This remains full communion. When receiving from the cup, please take it carefully in both hands and take a small sip.

We know this may feel like a big change for some people. Please be reassured: no one is being excluded or judged. Everyone remains welcome at Christ's table and fully part of the body of Christ. If you would like to understand more, please speak to one of our Ministry Team.

Elisabeth Stanners and Phil Abbott

Church Wardens