Ecological Spirituality and Regeneration with Leslie Wright
In this episode of Church Matters, hosts Fr. Brian Gross, Charles Crawley, and Chris Hubbs talk with Leslie Wright, the executive director of Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center in Hiawatha, Iowa. Leslie talks about the history and mission of Prairiewoods and about the value of retreat within our busy world.
Church Matters is a production of Christ Episcopal Church of Cedar Rapids, a member of the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa.
[Season 1, Episode 9: Ecological Spirituality and Regeneration with Leslie Wright]
5 Aug 2026
Evangelicalism: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
In this episode of Church Matters, hosts Fr. Brian Gross, Charles Crawley, and Chris Hubbs talk amongst themselves about Evangelicalism. What is commendable about this major branch of American Christianity? What is troublesome? How can we best understand and work alongside our evangelical siblings?
Church Matters is a production of Christ Episcopal Church of Cedar Rapids, a member of the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa.
[Season 1, Episode 8: Evangelicalism: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly]
6 Jul 2026
The Danger of Christian Nationalism with Dan Henderson
In this episode of Church Matters, hosts Fr. Brian Gross, Charles Crawley, and Chris Hubbs talk with writer Dan Henderson. Dan talks about the dangers of Christian Nationalism, the importance of retaining a true separation of church and state, and about how we can start to build bridges of trust with people who view us with suspicion because of our beliefs.
Church Matters is a production of Christ Episcopal Church of Cedar Rapids, a member of the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa.
[Season 1, Episode 7: The Danger of Christian Nationalism with Dan Henderson]
29 Jun 2026
Episode 7 Preview: Dan Henderson
Episode 7 of Church Matters will release on July 6, 2026! Join us as we talk with writer Dan Henderson about the dangers of Christian Nationalism and how we can establish trust and communication with people who come from very different religious and political perspectives.
1 Jun 2026
Black Spirituality and Critical Conversations with Betty Daniels
In this episode of Church Matters, hosts Fr. Brian Gross, Charles Crawley, and Chris Hubbs talk with historian and educator Betty Daniels. Betty talks about Black spirituality, her work with the Academy for Scholastic and Personal Success, and the importance of having Critical Conversations about diversity and inclusion in our community.
Church Matters is a production of Christ Episcopal Church of Cedar Rapids, a member of the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa.
[Season 1, Episode 6: Black Spirituality and Critical Conversations with Betty Daniels]
25 May 2026
Episode 6 Preview: Betty Daniels
Episode 6 of Church Matters will release on June 1, 2026! Join us as we talk with historian and educator Betty Daniels about Black Spirituality and the importance of having Critical Conversations as a community.
4 May 2026
The Call to Care for Creation with Rob Hogg
In this episode of Church Matters, hosts Fr. Brian Gross and Charles Crawley talk with former Iowa State Senator (and Christ Church member) Rob Hogg. Rob is a climate change activist, educator, and author, and brings his wisdom and experience to encourage us to care for creation around us.
Church Matters is a production of Christ Episcopal Church of Cedar Rapids, a member of the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa.
[Season 1, Episode 5: The Call to Care for Creation with Rob Hogg]
27 Apr 2026
Episode 5 Preview: Senator Rob Hogg
Episode 5 of Church Matters will release on May 4, 2026! Join us as we talk with former Iowa State Senator Rob Hogg about the reality of climate change and how we should care for our planet.
6 Apr 2026
The Challenge of Loving All Our Neighbors with Bishop Betsey Monnot
In this episode of Church Matters, hosts Fr. Brian Gross and Chris Hubbs talk with The Right Reverend Betsey Monnot, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa. Bishop Betsey talks about her recent participation in protests in Minnesota, and about the challenge of loving our neighbors, especially the ones who disagree with us.
Church Matters is a production of Christ Episcopal Church of Cedar Rapids, a member of the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa.
[Season 1, Episode 4: The Challenge of Loving All our Neighbors with Bishop Betsey Monnot]
30 Mar 2026
Episode 4 Preview: Bishop Betsey Monnot
Episode 4 of Church Matters will release on April 6, 2026! Join us as we talk with the Right Reverend Betsey Monnot, Bishop of the Diocese of Iowa, about the challenge of loving our neighbors in turbulent times.
2 Mar 2026
It's Not Like Sunday School with Anna Venenga
In this episode of Church Matters, hosts Fr. Brian Gross, Charles Crawley, and Chris Hubbs talk with Anna Venenga. During her undergrad years she was the beloved "Anna the Intern" at Christ Church; now she comes back to share with us from her experiences in her first year as a student at Virginia Theological Seminary.
Church Matters is a production of Christ Episcopal Church of Cedar Rapids, a member of the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa.
[Season 1, Episode 3: It's Not Like Sunday School with Anna Venenga]
23 Feb 2026
Episode 3 Preview: Anna Venenga
Episode 3 of Church Matters will release on March 2nd, 2026! Join us as we talk with former Christ Church intern Anna Venenga about her first year as a student at Virginia Theological Seminary.
2 Feb 2026
How to Help Boys with Rev. Eric Rucker
In this episode of Church Matters, hosts Fr. Brian Gross and Chris Hubbs talk with Rev. Eric Rucker, the director of Simpson Youth Academy and prist at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Des Moines, Iowa. Eric's work with the Simpson Youth Academy gives him first-hand insight into the challenges facing boys and young men both in our society and in the church.
Church Matters is a production of Christ Episcopal Church of Cedar Rapids, a member of the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa.
[Season 1, Episode 2: How to Help Boys with Rev. Eric Rucker]
23 Jan 2026
Episode 2 Preview: Rev. Eric Rucker
Episode 2 of Church Matters will release on February 2nd, 2026! Join us as we talk with the Reverend Eric Rucker, director of the Simpson Youth Academy.
5 Jan 2026
Caring for our Immigrant Neighbors with Rev. Jonathan Heifner
In this episode of Church Matters, hosts Fr. Brian Gross and Charles Crawley talk with Rev. Jonathan Heifner of St. Paul's United Methodist Church of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Jonathan is active in community organizing in support of immigrants and refugees, leading protests outside of the local ICE office and working with Escucha Mi Voz Iowa.
Church Matters is a production of Christ Episcopal Church of Cedar Rapids, a member of the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa.
[Season 1, Episode 1: Caring for Our Immigrant Neighbors with Rev. Jonathan Heifner]
29 Dec 2025
Episode 1 Preview: Rev. Jonathan Heifner
Episode 1 of Church Matters will release on January 5th, 2026! Join us as we talk with the Reverend Jonathan Heifner, lead pastor of St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Cedar Rapids.
28 Nov 2025
Church Matters - Podcast Trailer
Coming Soon: Church Matters - a podcast about church matters, and why church matters in the world. A production of Christ Episcopal Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Subscribe today in your favorite podcast player!
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