Beginning this Sunday, June 6, we will begin serving both wine and juice in our celebration of the Lord’s Supper. The Session has discussed this change several times over the years, and has concluded that now is a good time for its implementation. For those who prefer to continue to receive juice in their celebration, please note that only the outer ring of cups will be wine; the inner cups are juice.

We realize that there may be some possible questions about this change. There are several reasons we believe it is appropriate. 

First, though the Bible clearly teaches that drunkenness is a sin, it is not tee-totaling in its view of alcohol. Wine is used throughout the Bible as a symbol of the blessing of the eternal state, and with regard to the “here and now” Psalm 104:15 speaks of wine as God’s good gift to “gladden the heart of man.”

Second, it is virtually certain that wine was served in the Passover meal in which the Lord Jesus instituted the sacrament. Ancient cultures like that of the first century did not have refrigeration and, in addition, arid environments limited access to springs over which to make soring houses for cooling, so it was not possible to store fresh juice of any kind for any significant period of time. That makes it highly likely, if not impossible, that the Lord used grape juice.

Third, though the Bible does not use the term alcoholism, its reality is acknowledged with terms such as “drunkenness” and “given to much wine.” This fact did not prevent the proper reference and use of wine in the Lord’s day; rather, it makes all the more significant the importance of strong and accountable relationships in the church in order to lovingly encourage self-control and, when necessary, abstinence for those for whom wine may be a stumbling block.

Finally, we want to emphasize that this change is in no way intended to imply that the use of wine is “more spiritual” than the use of juice. Thinking so—or, conversely, that the use of juice is more spiritual—is an example of the kind of arrogance and lack of love that the Bible warns about in Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8. Let us avoid these pitfalls and love one another as we fellowship with our Lord!

Our ultimate desire is that this change will enhance, for those who choose to utilize it, the celebration of the Lord’s Table at McIlwain. If you have any questions, please let me or your elder know.