For All the Saints

I have always loved old churches. There’s something about worshipping in a pre-industrial church building that creates a sense of timelessness and mystery for me. But what I love the most about these old spaces, particularly St. Peter’s, are the memories, those known to us and those we have only heard through word of mouth. I think about the prayers of thanksgiving, the baptisms, and weddings, the moments of grief and anguish, the funerals, the earnest prayers in times of disaster or national strife, the prayers of countless individuals that are baked into the walls. 

When considering our nearly 200-year history as a parish, it’s tempting to think only of those major accomplishments, such as the building of a new church, or the founding of two hospitals, or the creation of Thompson Orphanage. It’s easy to forget that all those accomplishments happened because of the hard work of individuals. Individuals who lived lives just like ours offered prayers just like ours and experienced the fullness of what it means to be human just as we do. 

On this All Saints’ Sunday, I am reminded of those saints whose prayers patinated the walls of our church long before any of us were born. They left us a great legacy of worship and music, outreach and social justice, life-long formation, and pastoral care. They certainly weren’t perfect, just as we are imperfect now, but they gave of their own resources to build a beacon of God’s love in the heart of this city. 

On this Commitment Sunday, I invite you to consider what legacy we will offer future generations at St. Peter’s. There’s so much to do in 2022 as we continue to come out of this pandemic. Following the guidance of our strategic plan, we want to continue to diversify our worship offerings, we want to increase our outreach spending, we want to care for our sacred facilities. All of this costs money. But your pledge to St. Peter’s allows the vestry to plan for the year and to allocate dollars as an expression of our collective faith. 

On Sunday, I hope you’ll join me and the many others who have made their 2022 pledge, and commit to the ministry and legacy of this place. 

The Reverend Jacob E. Pierce, Rector

Bishop Mary Gray Reeves to Preach this Sunday

The Rt. Rev. Mary Gray-Reeves is a new member of the community of St. Peter’s, having moved to Charlotte in February 2022, following the completion of her ministry as the third bishop of the Diocese of El Camino Real in California. She now serves as the Managing Director of the College for Bishops, which supports the formation and continuing education of all bishops in The Episcopal Church. She is also honored to work with the Most Rev. Michael Curry, serving as Vice-President of the House of Bishops. Her ministry at St. Peter’s is, happily, with the children and catechists in the Level 1 atrium of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Mary was widowed in 2014 following the death of her husband Michael. Their grown children are Katie and Dorian Reeves. She has an equine partner in her Rocky Mountain Gaited mare Calla and enjoys riding her as often as possible!

Please join us on Sunday as Bishop Mary preaches at the 9:00 a.m. & 11:15 a.m. services of Holy Eucharist. 

This Week

Don’t Forget, Time Change This Sunday! 

Daily Office Morning Prayer, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m., Zoom*
Evening Prayer, 5:30 p.m., Zoom
*Morning Prayer is offered virtually weekdays, as well as in-person on Tuesdays & Thursdays

Sunday, November 7
Holy Eucharist, Rite I, 7:45 a.m., Church
Holy Eucharist, Rite II, 9:00 a.m., Church
The Adult Forum, 10: 00 a.m., Parish Hall
Child and Youth Formation, 10:00 a.m., Parish House
Parents Connect, 10:00 a.m., Parish House Rooftop
Holy Eucharist, Rite II, 11:15 a.m., Church

Monday, Bible Study, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Holy Eucharist, Rite II, Noon, Chapel
Wednesday, Book Group, 1:00 p.m.
Wednesday, Bible Study, 7:00 p.m., Zoom
Friday, ECW Annual Meeting, Online

Join us for Sunday Worship. Our safety procedures at each service allow us to welcome all those who feel that in-person worship is safe for them at this time. Many COVID-19 protocols, including mask-wearing, are in effect. Socially distanced seating is available in the chapel. Diocesan guidelines require masks indoors at St. Peter’s for all services and other gatherings, regardless of vaccination status. 

All Saints’ Sunday: This Sunday, November 7, the parish necrology will be read at all services, as we give thanks for all the saints and remember those faithful members of St. Peter’s who have died since All Saints’ 2020. November 7 is also Commitment Sunday, when our 2022 pledge cards will be consecrated on the altar, as a reminder that our giving of financial resources is an act of faith. Join us as we celebrate the saints of long ago and the saints we have known in our lives, and as we commit ourselves to follow their example. 

Justice:  We Are All Better Off When We Are All Better Off. Join Bishop Anne for the 139th Annual Meeting of the Episcopal Churchwomen of the Diocese, Friday, November 5, 7:00 p.m. Register online at  www.ecw-nc.org 

Redistricting Our Way to a Representative Democracy.  During the Adult Forum on Sunday, the Social Justice Committee presents a session that will teach us about how the latest districting maps will dictate how we vote for the state and congressional leaders. Special guest speakers will be Rotrina Campbell of Common Cause, an organization carefully monitoring the redistricting process based on the 2020 Census population results; Representative Mary Belk; and Senator DeAndrea Salvador of the North Carolina General Assembly, who will be voting on the maps in the state legislature.

Charlotte Choir School Greenery Sale. Charlotte Choir School annual greenery sale to raise funds for its program ends tomorrow!. The Choir School is open to every young person accepted to the choirs, as we enrich and strengthen young lives through excellent, rigorous music education and choral performance. All purchases directly support the musical education of the choristers. A variety of wreaths are available for purchase through an online order, a chorister family, or by contacting Kristie Lauderbaugh, Program Coordinator. Order online at charlottechoirschool.org.

2022 Annual Giving Campaign

Our mission is bold. Our vision is exciting. You are invited to join us by investing your time, your energy, and your money to strengthen and enrich our ministry during our 2022 Annual Giving Campaign.

November 7 is Commitment Sunday when we will formally offer our collective pledge of financial support for the coming year. Even if you have already made your pledge, you are invited to join us as we recognize the abundance of our blessings, and celebrate our common desire to carry out our mission in the heart of Charlotte. 

Learn more and pledge today >>