Narrative Budget

Dear Friends in Christ,

At the heart of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church is a bold and faithful vision—to be a place of unconditional welcome and a beacon of God’s love in the heart of Charlotte. Everything we do as a parish community flows from this sacred calling and from our mission to nurture courageous followers of Jesus who are inspired to love God and to love their neighbors.

This Narrative Budget for 2026 tells the story of what your giving makes possible.

St. Peter’s exists solely because of the generosity of its parishioners. Every dollar given supports the life-changing ministries that define who we are: worship that lifts hearts and minds to God; formation that grounds children, youth, and adults in faith; outreach and justice ministries that serve our neighbors; and a vibrant community where fellowship, compassion, and care are lived out daily.

This report is not just a set of numbers. At mid-year, it is a reflection of our shared ministry and a celebration of what we have accomplished—and continue to accomplish—together. The stories, programs, and lives touched within these pages are all made possible because you choose to give.

As you read, I invite you to see your own role in the grace-filled work we do as a community of faith. Thank you for all you do to make St. Peter’s the church it is—a courageous, compassionate, and Christ-centered community. Together we are building the Kingdom of God in the heart of this city.

Faithfully,

Fr. Jacob Pierce
Rector, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church

In 2025, average in-person attendance was 286 for both Sunday services.  Additionally, attendance at weekday services averaged 45. 

Importantly, the parish welcomed 63 new members, growing our congregation to 1,002 members.  This increase is consistent with what we have seen since 2022, when we began gathering in person again in a post-pandemic environment. We are excited at how these new parishioners are contributing to our life together through offerings, prayers, worship, study and service. We are so grateful to have them in our midst, and we are grateful that they have chosen St. Peter’s as their church home.

Financial expenditures in the following areas support worship at St. Peter’s:

• Flower Guild & supplies
• Music & Choir
• Clergy & Staff Leadership
• Director & Assistant Director of Music
• Seasonal decorations
• Lights, air conditioning, cleaning & building maintenance
• Bulletins & Weekly News
• Instrument maintenance & repairs
• Scheduling & training of acolytes, lay readers, chalice bearers, ushers, greeters, and Eucharistic Visitors
• Livestream of Sunday Worship

St. Peter’s seeks to serve all persons in Christ through our ministries and missions with a focus on our local and regional neighbors. Through outreach and social justice, we seek to assist those in our community as evidenced not only by the deep engagement of our members and the generous giving of their time but also by the financial support, funded by congregational giving. In addition to funds from our operating budget, we are blessed to have an endowment from which additional funds are earmarked to support local organizations that align with our mission.

While St. Peter’s is committed to local ministry activities, the church will pay an annual diocesan assessment of $113,461 in 2026. This helps support clergy in small urban congregations; assists with disaster relief around the globe; underwrites services provided by the bishop and diocesan staff such as insurance, communications, clergy counsel and congregational development; missions and ministries of the national Episcopal Church, and Episcopal Charities.

Financial expenditures in the following areas support Mission & Ministry at St. Peter’s:

• Room in the Inn
• Time Out Youth
• Augustine Literacy Project
• Wayfinders
• For the Struggle
• Charlotte Choir School
• Galilee Ministries of East Charlotte
• La Escuelita Weekday School
• Music Organ Series
• Charlotte Pride
• Episcopal Farmworkers
• Williamson Lectures
• Shannonhouse Scholarships
• Clergy and staff leadership
• Hosting recovery groups

Serving one another as Christ serves us is what makes a community strong. At St. Peter’s, we seek to build friendships, form new relationships, reach across barriers of age and gender, race and nationality; and ensure that we are caring for one another in all possible ways so that no one is left out in the caring hands and hearts of so many who call St. Peter’s home.

In 2025, St. Peter’s clergy baptized 21 persons and buried 4 persons. Clergy also has officiated at 7 weddings and prepared 15 for confirmation. Eucharistic Visitors made home visits to those who are unable to attend services so that they may receive Holy Communion.  Numerous other volunteers helped with special events, concerts, and funeral receptions.

Financial expenditures in the following areas support Ministry to St. Peter’s:

• Clergy counseling, pastoral care & visitations
• Funeral & marriage support
• Eucharistic Visitors
• Columbarium
• Vestments fund
• Stewardship campaign
• Funds for clergy professional development
• Endowments
• Mortgage payments
• Financial management & recordkeeping
• Building maintenance, lighting, & cleaning

Fellowship and inreach are key aspects of our common life and are requisite for maintaining the spiritual health and community of our parish. Caring for one another, celebrating together, and lifting each other reaffirms that we are loved and that we belong. Fellowship and inreach contribute to the overall mission as they foster an inclusive environment where can be spiritually nourished and encouraged to grow together.  This strengthening then allows us to go into the world and do God’s work.

Financial expenditures in the following areas support Fellowship & Inreach at St. Peter’s:

• Holy Chow
• Parish retreat
• Special events (ex: Shrove Tuesday)
• Newcomers’ luncheons
• Mailings that educate & inform parishioners

St. Peter’s has robust programming for children and youth. For more than 25 years, our church has chosen the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd  as the way we introduce God’s love and grace to our children. The Catechesis is offered on Sundays for children aged 3 through 6^th grade and is a Montessori-based approach where children can grow in their relationship with God through a deep engagement in scripture and liturgy. For youth St. Peter’s offers Journey to Adulthood (J2A), which is divided into three sections to ensure that young people receive the best possible experience, to develop true community and to provide for their holistic growth into adulthood.

• Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
• Journey to Adulthood
• Youth Pilgrimage
• Nursery Care
• Director of Youth Formation
• Director of Children’s Formation

The generosity of those who worship at St. Peter’s make everything possible from our worship, to fellowship, to outreach, formation, and social justice. The church does not receive funds from the diocese or the national church and operates on the generosity of those who financially contribute to support its ministry and mission. The below pie chart illustrates how your giving supports our ministries and mission.