This week's news: Assistant Organist Elizabeth Lenti open Center City Concerts' new season on Monday; "Spirituality and Money," parish-wide read update; and opportunities for Habitat for Humanity and the CROP Walk.

Our Vision...

to become a community of bold followers of Jesus, a crowd that effects good change for the world, a place known for radical love and welcome, and a beacon of hope in Center City Charlotte

The Power of Community:

Remembering September 11, 2001

Fifteen years after the catastrophic and world-changing events of September 11, I am profoundly reminded of the power of community. I shall never forget the chain of events that unfolded on that bizarre day while I was enrolled as a Middler (second-year student) at The General Theological Seminary of The Episcopal Church in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood.

Read this week's reflection by the Rector, the Reverend Ollie V. Rencher.

This Sunday

The fall program year begins this Sunday. View our program guide, Life at St. Peter's, for more information.

8:00 a.m. Holy Communion* in the traditional language of the Book of Common Prayer (Rite I), including sermon, organ music, and hymns.

9:30 a.m. Christian Formation for all ages, locations display on signage throughout the Parish House.

10:45 a.m. Holy Communion* in the contemporary language of the Book of Common Prayer (Rite II), including sermon, choral and organ music, and hymns.

5:00 p.m. Taizé Holy Eucharist, patterned after a contemplative religious community in Taizé, France, with distinctive ways to meditate on the Holy Scriptures, intentional periods of silence, stirring musical offerings, and candlelight.

*Nursery Care - 7:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., Infants and toddlers, ages 0-3 are welcome in St. Peter's professionally staffed nursery. The nursery area is accessible from the Church by walking through the Chapel, and proceeding up the steps to the left.

This Week

Sunday Formation for Adults, September 18, 9:30-10:30 a.m. After Holy Chow breakfast, 8:30-9:25 a.m., the Parish Hall Forum features "Storytelling as Evangelism" by the Reverend Keith C. Lane (second floor, Parish House), while weekly "Contemplative Prayer" is facilitated by the Reverend Dr. Paul Hanneman, Formation Partner, in the Town Choir Room (basement, Parish House).

Sunday Formation for Youth and Children, weekly. Journey to Adulthood (J2A) youth, ages 13-18, meet in the Youth Suite (basement level, Parish House). Catechesis of the Good Shepherd children, ages 2-12, meet on first floor in the Toddler Atrium and Levels 1-3 Atria (Classrooms). 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the Parish House.

"Spirituality and Money" Fall 2016 Parish-wide Read. Paper copies of our Fall 2016 parish-wide read on "Spirituality and Money" are available in the Parish House lobby and online at by clicking here. All households are invited to engage in this parish family journey of learning more about our relationships with money, the ministry of giving, and what money can do to further the mission and ministry of God's Church. All are invited to attend one of the small group discussions hosted by parishioners. The first is Sunday evening, September 25 from 5:00-6:00 pm at Sue Coonen's home. To RSVP call Sue at 704-542-9261 or email John Frederick (jgmfrederick@yahoo.com). Wine, cheese, and seasonal fruit will be provided.

Sunday Evening at St. Peter's, September 18. Every third Sunday at 5:00 p.m., we offer a Taizé Holy Eucharist, patterned after a contemplative religious community in Taizé, France, with distinctive ways to meditate on the Holy Scriptures, intentional periods of silence, stirring musical offerings, and candlelight. On September 25, Choral Evensong (sung Evening Prayer) and Holy Eucharist will include musical leadership by the Clergy and The St. Peter's Choir. The complete Fall 2016 schedule for Sunday Evenings at St. Peter's is available on the website.

Parishioners attend Annual Retreat, September 16-18. Approximately 80 parishioners including some clergy and staff will gather from the evening of Friday, September 16 until lunchtime on Sunday, September 18, at Kanuga Conference Center in Hendersonville for the annual parish retreat. Parish worship, formation, and fellowship offerings continue as scheduled, while we pray for one another between Charlotte and Hendersonville.

Shrimp and Suds Fall Rooftop Benefit, October 1. Join fellow adult parishioners on Saturday, October 1, 6:30-9:00 p.m., on the rooftop of the Parish House for a party, featuring low country shrimp boil, sides of grits and bread, dessert, and assorted refreshments including craft beers from Charlotte, all for $35 per person. Prepaid reservations required by Wednesday, September 28: Online at www.st-peters.org/rsvp or sign up and pay at the Parish House reception desk. All funds raised will benefit the 2017 youth pilgrimage to Italy. We're hopeful that Bishop Anne Hodges-Copple, Bishop Pro Tempore, might join in the fun on the eve of her visitation to St. Peter's.

New time and dates for Parenting Fellowship Group: Parents and children are invited to join Mother Joslyn and one another in the Nursery on the first Thursday and/or the third Wednesdays of each month, 10:00-11:00 a.m., for a time of play, prayer, and fellowship. Our next meet-ups will be September 21, October 6 and 19. Often a short reading is sent out beforehand for a group discussion. Contact the Reverend Joslyn Schaefer (jschaefer@st-peters.org) for more information or just come!

Outreach Challenge Weekend, October 15-16. St. Peter's Outreach Ministry Team invites all who are able to participate in an extraordinary weekend of servant ministry through participation in one or two offerings: Habitat for Humanity Build, Saturday, October 15 - Join "St. Peter's Day" to finish siding two homes, which were begun on September 17 by our fellow Habitat Charlotte Church Partners. Sign up by clicking here (Group ID 2717) or contact parish coordinators Rich Mautz (richmautz@gmail.com, 336-757-6909) or John Knip (jknip@carriff.com, 980-721-4850). CROP Hunger Walk, Sunday, October 16, 2:30 p.m., Independence Park - Walk 3.6 miles or donate money to combat hunger locally and around the world. To register or donate, visit the CROP Walk website. For more information, contact Kathleen Zemaitis (kathleen.zemaitis@gmail.com, 704-968-5843).

Young Adults Potluck at Galilee Center. On Saturday, September 17, the Galilee Center (Galilee Ministries of East Charlotte) is hosting a pot-luck dinner and Eucharist for young adults. Bring a favorite dish and learn more about this incredible ministry, which serves refugees who have settled recently in Charlotte and offers a host of other transformational programs. Attendees also will meet young adult Episcopalians from other Charlotte parishes. No RSVP required.