Common Cup

communion-chalice

Congregants receiving Holy Communion at Emmanuel will have a choice to receive the wine via Intinction or via a Common Cup.

Below is some information about the distribution of Holy Communion and the use of a Common Cup. The two videos from Pastor Amanda Warner also explain the practices of the Common Cup as well as how to commune with a Common Cup.

About the Common Cup – Video by Pastor Amanda Warner

How to Receive Communion Using the Common Cup – Video by Pastor Amanda Warner

What is the Biblical significance of a Common Cup?

  • Biblical references to the Last Supper and communion practices in the early church reference that a singular cup was used
    • Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” (Luke 22:17-18).
    • The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a sharing in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a sharing in the body of Christ? (1 Corinthians 10:16)
    • In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. (1 Corinthians 11:25-26).

Is the Common Cup Sanitary?

  • Evidence seems to show that when used properly, this method is actually the most sanitary method of distributing the wine… The latter practices  involve much more use of the hands, which are “the most frequent source of passing pathogens, not our mouths” (The Sunday Assembly, p. 193).

What does the ELCA say about the distribution of Holy Communion and the use of the Common Cup?

  • The ELCA’s document about the distribution of Holy Communion states: “The oldest practice associated with partaking the wine is to drink from one cup. Like eating the bread from one loaf, the one cup symbolizes our unity in Christ”
  • Please click here to review additional information from the ELCA regarding the distribution of Holy Communion

How will the wine be distributed at Emmanuel?

  • The Communion Assistant will distribute the wine to congregants through intinction and the Assisting Minister will offer the Common Cup to those who wish to receive it in this manner.