4-40

To Encourage Use of Chalice

This is official source text extracted from the 2026 LCMS Convention Workbook. It is distinct from analysis or commentary. Check official LCMS convention materials for final authority.

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Official Workbook overture source text

Overture: 4-40

Workbook page: 324-325

Source pages: 324, 325

Source status: source checked / public

Submitter: North Dakota District

Ov. 4-40

To Encourage Use of Chalice

WHEREAS, The people of God in the Lord’ s Supper receive the holy body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ according to the institution of Jesus; and

WHEREAS, Communion confesses our unity with our brothers and sisters in the Christian congregation; and

WHEREAS, The Lord Jesus passed a single cup to His disciples at the Last Supper; and

WHEREAS, St. Paul speaks of a single “ cup of blessing” in 1 Corinthians 10:16; and

WHEREAS, Artists across the centuries depict the common, historical, and regular practice of Christians using the chalice;

therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod encourage its congregations to offer the chalice as an option when the Lord’s Supper is celebrated as we strive to be more closely united with one another in doctrine and practice.

North Dakota District

Source record notice

Official Workbook source text remains separate from any clearly labeled draft discernment material. Review status is source checked.

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Citations

Workbook source for 4-40: LCMS 2026 Convention Workbook, p. 324-325

Draft discernment material

AI Summary and Discernment Aid

This section is an AI-assisted summary and prayer guide based on a draft discernment document. It is not official LCMS material, not a substitute for the Workbook, and not a substitute for reading the full overture. Please read the complete overture text below before forming conclusions, speaking publicly, or voting.

The draft guide summarizes the apparent direction this way. Readers should compare this with the full overture text and any floor committee action.

Floor Committee 4: Life Together

Summary and possible impact

The resolves appear to ask the church body to encourage Use of Chalice. In plain language, this overture is trying to move the stated concern into convention action by publicly giving thanks, commending faithful work, or marking an anniversary, encouraging local, district, or synodwide support without necessarily creating a mandate. Main actors named or implied include congregations, districts, Synod in convention. The overture contains about 1 resolve clause, so delegates should read each clause rather than reacting only to the title. Because it encourages support rather than usually mandating it, its impact would likely come through persuasion, resources, examples, and renewed attention. Delegates should ask whether it helps congregations act faithfully in their own contexts or whether it unintentionally creates another unfunded expectation. Support it if it strengthens Gospel proclamation, the means of grace, faithful congregational life, and the sending of Christ's people. Seek amendment or oppose it if it weakens confession, obscures Law and Gospel, burdens local ministry, or turns a preference into a rule.

Prayer for discernment

Lord Jesus Christ, risen Shepherd of Your Church, guide our delegates and leaders as they weigh this overture. Keep them captive to Your Word, joyful in the Lutheran confession, sober under Your Law, and bold in Your Gospel. Bless the Church at worship around Word and Sacrament. Give courage to support what serves Your truth and mission, humility to amend what is unclear or excessive, and faithfulness to reject what would burden consciences, obscure the forgiveness of sins, or distract from Your sending. Let all things serve the proclamation that Christ is risen, sinners are forgiven, and Your Church is sent in love. Amen.

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