Church Matters

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]

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.

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]

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.

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]

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.

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]

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.

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]

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.