Meet Our Team
Rector
The Rev. Brian K. Gross
Graduated from Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 2014 with his Master of Divinity Degree. Ordained to the diaconate in 2013 and to the Priesthood in 2014 in the Diocese of Wyoming. In 2023, after serving as the Dean of the Cathedral in Laramie, Wyoming, he moved to Iowa to become the Rector of Christ Church. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa, is the Chapter Representative of the Three Rivers Chapter, and is a Member of the Diocesan Safe Church Advisory Team. He is delighted to be part of a church that values tremendous lay involvement in all aspects of the church. Feel free to email him at briang@ christepiscopal.org
Deacon
The Rev. Melody Rockwell
Raised up to the diaconate by Christ Episcopal Church, Cedar Rapids, Melody was ordained here on February 21, 2009. She finds joy as a deacon with the people of Christ Church… serving at the altar and proclaiming the gospel at both the Sunday morning worship and the evening Celtic service, providing spiritual guidance as chaplain for the Daughters of the King and the Order of St. Luke, offering pastoral care and the occasional sermon or eulogy, continuing to lift up the activities of Beloved Community and SwaziCompanions, helping develop pre-Lenten and pre-Advent retreats, and provoking with love the evolution of the Caring Circles at Christ Church. Melody currently serves on the Commission on Ministry and the One World One Church Commission, Diocese of Iowa.
Communications and Technology
Tom Lewis, MDiv
Graduated from Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Columbus, Ohio, in 1985 with a Master of Divinity degree. Ordained a Lutheran Pastor in 1985, serving congregations in Iowa, Michigan, and Virginia. Coordinates internal and external communication activities, and technology efforts.
Business Manager
Becky Palmer
Becky helps with managing the database (Breeze), handles accounting and accounts receivable, maintains the calendar, and coordinates facilities within the church. She is a graduate of University of Minnesota. She is also a wife and a mom of three beautiful children.
Office Manager
Nicole McConnell
Nicole received a A.A. in Communications (2014), B.A. in Organizational Communications (2017), and M.A. in Business (2021). She performs many office duties such as providing support to the Rector, Vestry, and Commissions; and helps handle incoming communications, website, social media pages, and organizing church information.
Sexton
Roland Burns
Roland takes care of the church property, keeps the church and parish buildings prepared for meetings, caring of church equipment, and performing other related minor duties. He has be working at the church for more than a decade and has previous experience at other churches in the community. He also teaches auto body classes at Kirkwood.
Musican
Lena Nichols
Lena received a Master of Fine Arts in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Iowa in 2008 and a Master of Arts in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Iowa in 1997. Lena earned her Bachelor of Music in Piano from Idaho State University in 1994. She plays the piano and organ for church services.
Treasurer
Gary Streit
Gary handles employee benefits, taxation, finances, budget, and planning for the church. He is an attorney and senior vice president of Shuttleworth & Ingersoll, P.L.C. He has a B.S. in Industrial Administration Accounting, J.D. of law, and has received many awards and recognition in his community and profession.
Senior Warden
Norman Kalvig
​Norman is the liaison for Buildings and Grounds Commission, which takes care the building, lawn, gardens, and rector. Norm is a retired pathology laboratorian Of University of Iowa. He graduated with a M.A. in Immunology and B.S. in Science. He enjoys woodworking in his spare time and is a part of the Men's Bible Study group.
Junior Warden
Mary Westcott
Mary is the liaison for Worship Commission. The worship commission includes Altar Guild, Layreaders, Greeters, Music, Flower Committee, Healing Prayer Team, and worship duties of the Rector.
Vestry
Dot Sheldon
Dot is the liaison for Pastoral Care Commission. The pastoral care provides healing, comfort, meals, prayers, hospital visits, home visits, and care visits for all members of the church as well as the community.
Vestry
Jerry Jackson
Bio coming
Vestry
Benjamin Helppi
bio coming
Vestry
Janet Leary
bio coming
Vestry
Anne Salamon
Anne is the liaison for Christian Formation Commission. This handles preschool, elementary, middle school Sunday School. She also teaches elementary and middle school Sunday School as well as been a member of the church for many years.
Vestry
Tony Bever
Tony is the liaison for Fellowship Commission. This commissions helps with planning events for members of the church.
Vestry
Paula Sanchini
Paula is the liaison for Stewardship Commission. This commission is responsible for greeting, distribution of Holy Communion, counting tithes and offerings, and making sure the preacher is cared for. She is a community ecologist, biologist, and has her doctoral degree. She is an instructor at Coe College, who participates in helping Cedar Rapids analyze and study the condition of the urban forest through U.S. Forest Service program iTREE.