CHURCHES in Colwyn Bay and Llandudno are taking precautions to combat the swine flu pandemic.
Sharing the chalice during Holy Communion and the shaking of hands while exchanging the peace have been stopped to protect parishioners from spreading the disease.
The move comes following recommendations from the Church of Wales.
On his online blog, David Jones MP described how the congregation at St Paul's Church in Colwyn Bay felt about not sharing the wine during Communion on Sunday.
He wrote: "This, when announced, appeared to be accepted by the congregation, most of whom nodded gravely. Glummer faces, however, were produced when the curate told us that the sign of peace had to go, too."
Although hand-shaking was also dissauded, visitors to St Paul's Church continued to do so.
Mr Jones added: "Some of us forgot and shook hands anyway, immediately apologising for doing so. Nobody knows how long the country will be afflicted by the H1N1 virus, but some say the outbreak could last for years. I’m far from sure that the good people of St Paul’s will be able to keep this up."
Holy Trinity and St Tudno Church in Llandudno implemented the new practices for the first time on Sunday.
Reverend Jane Allen said: "We are following the Church of Wales guidelines and the Government guidelines. We are no longer using the chalice and are only giving Communion with the bread.
"It is a complete change for us. We only started on Sunday but it will happen for the foreseeable future until the swine flu pandemic is all over and it is safe to go back."
With Llandudno being a popular tourist town, clergy members are concerned the threat of the disease spreading is potentially high.
"We have a lot of visitors," added Revd Allen. "We don't want to give any opportunity by not adopting safe procedures. Ministers are also washing before the service with disinfectant hand gel.
"We're feeling our way as we go at the moment."
A spokesman for the Diocese of St Asaph confirmed parishes are being asked to "consider their response to the spread of swine flu".
He said: "The church has a responsibility at times of infection to act responsibly, without undue panic but taking necessary precautions. In the current circumstances it seems appropriate to let local churches make their own decisions about the sharing of the common cup."