One question that is commonly asked is whether or not it is OK to receive the Eucharist (AKA Holy Communion, AKA the Lord’s Supper). The following is a short answer we hope will be helpful to you as you decide if you will participate in Holy Communion when worshiping with us.
In the Society of St James we believe Jesus when He says that the bread and wine of the Eucharist become His Body and Blood broken and shed for us (Luke 22:19-20). We believe Jesus when He teaches us “my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him” (John 6:55–56).
We also believe what the Apostle Paul taught the Corinthians — that by receiving the sacramental bread and wine we are in Communion with the Body and Blood of Jesus (1 Corinthians 10:16). We believe this Communion feeds, nourishes, and strengthens our spirits just as any regular meal feeds, nourishes, and strengthens our physical bodies.
However, we also believe the Bible when it warns us that those who receive the Sacrament of the Eucharist in an unworthy manner or without going through a time of personal judgment can have serious repercussions – even death (1 Corinthians 11:27–32). Therefore we abide by the following standards when determining who may receive the Eucharist.
Everyone who joins in worship with the Society of St James is welcome to come to come forward during the celebration of the Eucharist. In good faith to what has been described above, it is expected of all who receive the Eucharist with us that they are Baptized Christians, have recently confessed their sins, are at peace with their neighbors, and share the faith that the Eucharist is the Body and Blood of Christ.
If that does not describe you or, if for reasons of home church discipline or personal conscience, you feel as it is not appropriate for you to receive the Eucharist with us you are still welcome to come forward for a prayer of pastoral blessing. If you are coming forward for a prayer of pastoral blessing please cross your arms in front of your chest in the form of St Andrew’s Cross (an X). This will indicate to those serving the elements that you prefer a short time of prayer.
See also
May a Roman Catholic Receive the Eucharist (and other Sacraments) from an SSJ Priest
May non-Sacramental Christians Receive the Eucharist (and other Sacraments) from an SSJ Priest