In his popular podcast, Mark Peres talks to philanthropists, artists, business, spiritual and community leaders and those farther afield. Mark will share his experience writing about the lives of 100 influential Charlotteans. It's part of a new First Sunday Talks series on the power of storytelling. Details here.

Hear insights on how to discover deeper, more fulfilling relationships with God and each other. Hunter Hoover and Bill Whitley lead the  finale of a 3-week series at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.  Learn more here.

• Tonight's menu: Gyros, Greek-style potatoes, veggies, salad bar

The Health and Wellness Committee offers flu shots tonight. A second opportunity is Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Parish Nurse's office in the Education Wing. Walk-ins are welcome. Bring your insurance card. Contact Mary Mattiacci for questions.

The combined Chorister Choir, Youth Singers and Covenant Choir offer music from Wales, Brazil, Zimbabwe, Jamaica and South Africa as well as a musical prayer for all nations. 

• In 9:30 a.m. worship, we'll celebrate first graders receiving first Communion.

An open-to-all option called Connect Live gathers in the Fellowship Hall for anyone not able to commit to weekly Connect groups. Come once or every time as ministers offer reflections which will be recorded for group use. 

If you are a young adult considering membership, a Fall Joining Day is at 10:30 a.m. in the Parlor, downstairs from the Sanctuary. The process is easy and you'll be able to join alongside peers. Join us afterward at 12:30 p.m. at Noble Smoke on Freedom Drive. Show up and enjoy a meal with new and old friends!

Suzanne Henderson will speak next week on a special night of Open Table exploring new ways to read and understand the Bible. Please note the 6 p.m. start time in FH207.

Since joining the Queens faculty in 2008, Suzanne has taught courses in Bible and World Religions and, in recent years, served as director for the Center for Ethics and Religion. Suzanne is now Dean of Belk Chapel.

Covenant is pleased to announce the hiring of seven Lead Teachers and one Teacher Resource Specialist to the staff of our Child Development Center, scheduled to open in a few weeks.

• Click here to learn about the new staff members. 

• Need child care? A few open spots remain in all classrooms (infant, toddler, 2's, 3's and 4's). These spots are primarily for families who qualify for some level of financial assistance. Learn more about our program and spread the word to any families who may be interested.

Following a brief ceremony, the building will be open for walk-throughs and new staff members will be on hand to greet you. Light bites will be served on the Green. Make plans to be part of a historic day in the life of our congregation.

All three projects funded by our capital campaign For a Whole Community are on track and progressing swiftly. We're counting on 100% pledge fulfillment to see these projects through to successful completion. You can check your pledge balance and make contributions here.

Registration closes soon for a retreat at Camp Grier with hiking, mountain biking and zip-lining across Lake Refuge. On Saturday night, we'll gather for s'mores and campfire singing. Middle and high school youth will have their own programs.  Details here.

The Covenant College Council invites parents to a brunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the home of Tricia and Kevin Smith. Meet Covenant members who are at a similar stage of life. Don't bring anything except yourself!  RSVP here.

A Covenant tradition returns! We welcome boys and girls ages 5 to 18. Applications are due by Oct. 18. Practices begin the week of Nov. 3. First games are Dec. 7 and continue through February. Details and registration here.