Church Matters

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]

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]

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]

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.