With Generous Hearts

Christ Church Charlotte

Christ Church Charlotte parishioners share heartfelt stories of perseverance during difficult times, and how the church community was there for them. Hosted by Danielle DeNise.

Episodes

  1. 10/20/2025

    Why the Church Still Matters: Christ Church Clergy on Glitter, Naming God’s Goodness

    Release Date: October 20, 2025 Host: Danielle DeNise Guest: Christ Church Clergy – Joshua Case, Allen Pruitt, Elizabeth Walker, and Connor Gwin. --- Episode Summary: In this special bonus episode of With Generous Hearts, host Danielle DeNise sits down with four clergy from Christ Church — Allen, Connor, Elizabeth, and Joshua — for a conversation about their callings, the ways they have experienced generosity and hopes for the future. Together, they explore what it means to walk with people through life’s “hinge moments”—times of joy, loss, transformation, and mystery—and how God’s presence meets us in each one. From funerals and baptisms to forgotten gym bags and glitter, the clergy reflect on how the church holds sacred space for all of it. --- Topics Covered: · The beauty of being invited into people’s most sacred moments. · Perseverance as a divine attribute and how God keeps showing up even when we can’t. · The daily generosity found in parish life that becomes the answer to a mom’s prayer about school supplies. · Why the church continues to matter in an age of loneliness and distraction. · Hopes for the next season at Christ Church — from glittering glimpses of grace to deeper community. --- Ministries & Resources Mentioned: · CCWBS (Christ Church Women’s Bible Study) – A weekly gathering for women to explore scripture and share life together. https://christchurchcharlotte.org/events/ccwbs/ · Christ Church Children & Family Ministry: Children and their families are precious to Christ Church, and our primary goal is to offer classes and events that are fun, nurture children’s faith, and equip parents in becoming spiritual leaders at home. https://christchurchcharlotte.org/children/ · Christ Church Outreach Ministries: We strive to create sustainable change, equity and dignity for the most vulnerable by seeing and serving Christ in all persons, loving our neighbors as ourselves, and advocating for justice and peace. https://christchurchcharlotte.org/serve-the-world/ --- Call to Action: Join Us in Community – Whether you’re searching for peace, purpose, or simply a place to belong, you’re welcome here. Explore worship, formation, and outreach opportunities at christchurchcharlotte.org. Practice Generosity – Your gifts help create spaces where love, learning, and healing can flourish. Make a pledge or contribution to support Christ Church’s ministries at christchurchcharlotte.org/give. Share Your Story – Have you experienced God’s presence in a “hinge moment”? We’d love to hear from you. Send us a voice memo or message through the link in the show notes. Together, with generous hearts, we can keep telling stories that remind the world: God is already here.

    38 min
  2. 10/13/2025

    Small Acts, Big Impact: Charlie Deason on Family, Faith, and the Practice of Generosity

    Podcast Title: With Generous Hearts – Episode 6  Episode Title: Small Acts, Big Impact: Charlie Deason on Family, Faith, and the Practice of Generosity  Release Date: October 13, 205  Host: Danielle DeNise  Guest: Charlie Deason, Christ Church Member & Father of Three    🎧 Episode Summary:  Host Danielle DeNise talks with Charlie Deason about what it looks like to build a life of generosity - in real time, with real kids, and in real community. Charlie reflects on how he and his wife are raising their three young children to be thoughtful and generous, not just with money, but with time and compassion.   From reading God and Money to participating in the capital campaign, Charlie reminds us that generosity isn't just about what we give. It's about letting go, trusting God, and learning how much is enough.     💡 Topics Covered:  The surprising generosity of young children—and the challenges of parenting  Teaching kids to care for others through simple acts like delivering food  Wrestling with finances, control, and what it means to give faithfully  Why participating in the annual campaign felt like a meaningful step of faith  🛠️ Ministries & Resources Mentioned:  Christ Church Children & Family Ministry: Children and their families are precious to Christ Church, and our primary goal is to offer classes and events that are fun, nurture children’s faith, and equip parents in becoming spiritual leaders at home. https://christchurchcharlotte.org/children/  Christ Church Preschool and Kindergarten (CCK): CCK is half-day program that emboldens each student to develop socially, emotionally, intellectually, physically and spiritually. Children ages 12 months through Kindergarten are encouraged to be active participants in their learning by exploring their abilities, expressing ideas and developing friendships. https://christchurchcharlotte.org/cck/  Christ Church Outreach Ministries: We strive to create sustainable change, equity and dignity for the most vulnerable by seeing and serving Christ in all persons, loving our neighbors as ourselves, and advocating for justice and peace. https://christchurchcharlotte.org/serve-the-world/  Nourish Up: Our vision is to nourish our neighbors with food and compassion. We want to create a community where everyone thrives and has consistent access to the food they need for good health and overall wellbeing.  https://nourishup.org/volunteer/  God and Money by Gregory Baumer & John Cortines: John Cortines and Gregory Baumer met as Harvard MBA candidates in a men’s Bible study and stopped asking “How much should I give?” and started asking “How much do I need to keep?” With their top-notch education and rising careers, Cortines and Baumer were guaranteed comfort and security for the rest of their lives. However, when their plans for saving and spending collided with God’s purposes for extravagant generosity, they were each compelled to make a life-changing decision that challenges the values held by mainstream America and many Christian commentators. Cortines and Baumer show not only how to radically give but explain how to do so responsibly.  Transforming Hearts Capital Campaign: The Capital Campaign of Christ Church Charlotte this includes creating established space for the Center for Wellbeing and new gathering spaces including spaces for youth.   https://www.christchurchhearts.org/    🙏 Call to Action:  Charlie’s story reminds us that generosity doesn’t require perfection—just presence and practice. Whether you’re raising kids, rediscovering faith, or navigating financial questions, your gifts matter.  Have your own experience of God’s generous love to share? Leave us a voice memo or email us at denised@christchurchcharlotte.org     Ready to take a step toward generosity?  Visit christchurchcharlotte.org to explore ways to pledge, serve, or give—right where you are, with what you have.  https://christchurchcharlotte.org/pledge/

    26 min
  3. 10/06/2025

    Finding Home Again: Corey on Experiencing Positivity, the Gift of the Eucharist, and the tangible wa

    Podcast Title: With Generous Hearts – Episode 5  Episode Title: Finding Home Again: Corey on Experiencing Positivity, the Gift of the Eucharist, and the tangible ways God moved heartbreak to healing.  Release Date: October 6, 2025   Host: Danielle DeNise   Guest: Corey Clamp, member of Christ Church      🎧 Episode Summary:  In this heartfelt episode of With Generous Hearts, we welcome Corey Clamp. From a journey through different Christian traditions to finding a home in the Episcopal Church, Cory shares how faith has shaped his outlook on life, work, and parenting.  Corey opens up about painful loss and the unexpected joy of adopting his son exactly one year later. He reflects on the power of community marked by positivity, the importance of open dialogue with his son about generosity and justice, and how he’s integrating faith into his demanding career and family life.   💡 Topics Covered:  Corey’s spiritual journey: Lutheran roots, conversion to Catholicism, and ultimately finding a home at Christ Church  Finding hope and healing after loss: an adoption story marked by grace and timing  Perseverance and generosity in the face of career challenges  Parenting in an age of negativity: cultivating generosity and awareness in children    🛠️ Ministries & Resources Mentioned:  The Eucharist  Celebrated weekly at Christ Church, the Eucharist is described by Cory as a powerful spiritual release and tangible reminder of God’s generous love and presence. The Eucharist is the sacrament of Christ's body and blood, and the principal act of Christian worship. Learn more: https://www.episcopalchurch.org/glossary/eucharist/    Center for Prevention Services: Corey serves on the board of Center for Prevention Services, a Charlotte-based nonprofit,) was founded in 1971 as the first organizations to focus on substance use prevention in Charlotte-Mecklenburg County. CPS has worked to advance the idea of prevention and harm reduction addressing youth substance use and other behavioral problems before they start. https://www.preventionservices.org/team    🙏 Call to Action:  Have your own experience of God’s generous love to share? Leave us a voice memo or email us at denised@christchurchcharlotte.org   Make a Pledge to the Annual Campaign. Be part of this movement of generosity and transformation. Make your pledge today at christchurchcharlotte.org/pledge

    26 min
  4. 09/29/2025

    Slowing Down, Showing Up: Deacon Emily Parker on Presence, Partnership and Really Seeing People

    Podcast Title: With Generous Hearts – Episode 4  Episode Title: Slowing Down, Showing Up: Deacon Emily Parker on Presence, Partnership and Really Seeing People  Release Date: September 29, 2025  Host: Danielle DeNise  Guest: The Rev. Emily Parker, Deacon at Christ Church & Executive Director of Galilee Ministries of East Charlotte    🎧 Episode Summary:  In this episode of With Generous Hearts, host Danielle DeNise sits down with Deacon Emily Parker, who shares the story of her call to ministry, her early days as a deacon during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the transformative work of Galilee Ministries in East Charlotte.  Together, they explore what it means to live out a generous life of faith—even when the world tilts. Emily shares deeply about the generosity of presence, the sacred power of slowing down, and how Galilee embodies God's love by bringing unlikely people together in a community of dignity, hope, and radical welcome.    💡 Topics Covered:  Emily's ordination just before the pandemic—and how she lived into her call during lockdown  What Galilee Ministries is, and how it serves the East Charlotte community  Stories of everyday generosity and the volunteers who make it possible  Why slowing down is an act of faith—and a spiritual practice  How partnership and generosity go hand in hand  How Galilee and Christ Church are living into that call as partners.     🛠️ Ministries & Resources Mentioned:  Galilee Ministries of East Charlotte: A diocesan center of community life and support, offering food ministries, wellness classes, worship communities, and space for nonprofits. https://www.gmcharlotte.org/  Lydia’s Pantry: Galilee’s emergency pantry for food and dignity supplies.  You can read the e-devotion from Emily Parker - https://christchurchcharlotte.subspla.sh/s9spfgx  Transforming Hearts Capital Campaign: The Capital Campaign of Christ Church Charlotte.  A portion of the funding goes to outreach in Charlotte, including support for Galilee. https://www.christchurchhearts.org/  Episcopal Diocese: The Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina is 49,000 people gathered into 111 congregations and 10 campus ministries throughout 38 counties in the central part of North Carolina. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, the Diocese of North Carolina seeks to live God’s dream by making disciples and making a difference. https://www.episdionc.org/  Becoming a Deacon: You can learn more about the process of becoming a deacon in the Episcopal Church, https://www.episdionc.org/diaconate-call/    🙏 Call to Action:  Have your own experience of God’s generous love to share? Leave us a voice memo or email us at denised@christchurchcharlotte.org   Want to learn more or support Galilee?  Visit https://www.gmcharlotte.org/ or check the show notes for links to donate or volunteer.  Make a Pledge to the Annual Campaign. Be part of this movement of generosity and transformation. Make your pledge today at christchurchcharlotte.org/pledge

    26 min
  5. 09/22/2025

    The Gift of Being Seen: Deirdre on Community, Being Lost, and Generosity of Spirit

    Podcast Title: With Generous Hearts – Season 1, Episode 3 Episode Title: The Gift of Being Seen: Deirdre on Community, Being Lost, and Generosity of Spirit Release Date: September 22, 2025 Host: Danielle DeNise Guest: Deirdre, Newcomer and Active Parishioner at Christ Church --- Episode Summary: In this heartfelt conversation, host Danielle DeNise welcomes newcomer Deirdre to the With Generous Hearts podcast. Deirdre shares how she found Christ Church—by chance and by grace—and how this faith community quickly became home. From a massage table conversation to finding a spiritual family, her story is one of sacred welcome, quiet perseverance, and deep gratitude. Together, they explore the intersection of perseverance and generosity, especially as it shows up in parenting, community, and rediscovering purpose later in life. Deirdre’s reflections remind us that generosity isn’t just about what we give—it’s about how we see, welcome, and walk with one another through all seasons. --- Topics Covered: · The divine moments of hospitality that made her feel at home · Navigating life transitions and finding meaning in new chapters · Parenting and grandparenting as acts of perseverance and generosity · The beauty of being seen and known in spiritual community · Why generosity of spirit can sustain relationships and church life · What longtime Episcopalians love about liturgy and inclusion --- Ministries & Connections Mentioned: · Hospitality Committee at Christ Church would love to welcome you. Learn more at https://christchurchcharlotte.org/im-new/. · Good News Shop: This s a gift shop located in Christ Church. As a private, nonprofit organization, the Shop donates all its proceeds in the form of grants to nonprofit initiatives, especially focused on the needs of women and children in the local community and abroad. In its 40-year history, Good News has funded grants totaling well over $1,000,000. https://christchurchcharlotte.org/goodnews-shop/ · Sunday Worship & Choir: A touchpoint of liturgical and musical tradition. Services are offered at Christ Church throughout the week. Check out the schedule for this week: https://christchurchcharlotte.org/this-sunday/ --- Call to Action: Deirdre’s story reminds us that no matter where we are on the path—just arrived or deeply rooted—there is a place for us in spiritual community. Hospitality can be holy. Presence can be a gift. Curious about getting involved or finding community? Explore ways to connect at christchurchcharlotte.org or reach out through the show notes link. Have your own experience of God’s generous love to share? Leave us a voice memo or email us at denised@christchurchcharlotte.org Make a Pledge to the Annual Campaign. Be part of this movement of generosity and transformation. Make your pledge today at christchurchcharlotte.org/pledge

    30 min
  6. 09/15/2025

    Rooted in Grace: Mary and Fletcher on Grief, Faith, and Community

    Podcast Title: With Generous Hearts – Episode 2 Episode Title: Rooted in Grace: Mary and Fletcher on Grief, Faith, and Community Release Date: September 15 Host: Danielle DeNise Guests: Mary and Fletcher Gregory, Longtime Members of Christ Church --- Episode Summary: In this heartfelt and courageous conversation, Danielle DeNise sits down with Mary and Fletcher Gregory—beloved longtime members of Christ Church—to talk about the deep intertwining of grief, generosity, and spiritual community. After losing their daughter in 2020, Mary and Fletcher share how the support of their church family sustained them during unimaginable loss, and how it continues to inspire their commitment to show up for others. They reflect on nearly 40 years of active involvement—from Sunday school to vestry, from grief groups to foundation and capital campaign work—and how Christ Church has remained their spiritual home. Through laughter, tears, and enduring love, Mary and Fletcher bear witness to the power of community to carry them through the hardest seasons and to remind us that we are never alone --- Topics Covered: · Discovering Christ Church in 1988 as young parents · How the church community supported them through their daughter’s death · The quiet power of pastoral care, spiritual counseling, and community connection · Grief, prayer, and finding faith again after heartbreak · The evolving vision of Christ Church and its commitment to well-being for all · Legacy, outreach, and building a more inclusive and compassionate church -- Ministries & Programs Mentioned: · Christ Church Foundation: The Christ Church Foundation (CCF) is a permanent endowment which allocates resources to specific purposes, including property, plant and equipment, outreach, scholarships, and clergy housing. https://christchurchcharlotte.org/give/ · Mahjong Ministry & Episcopal Church Women (ECW): ECW is the inclusive, divinely connected circle of all women at Christ Church. One opportunity to build community is Mahjong together which is hosted weekly. https://christchurchcharlotte.org/women/ · The Center for Wellbeing: The Center for Wellbeing & Care is a dynamic ministry with dedicated space to guide individuals and families toward holistic wellbeing through the lens of Christian faith. We offer a comprehensive range of services, including counseling for Christ Church parishioners removing access as a barrier to care. https://christchurchcharlotte.org/wellbeing/ · Capital Campaign: Transforming Hearts Capital Campaign: The Capital Campaign of Christ Church Charlotte this includes creating established space for the Center for Wellbeing and new gathering spaces, envisioning vibrant, inclusive spaces for future generations. https://www.christchurchhearts.org/ --- Call to Action: Mary and Fletcher remind us that generosity isn’t just financial—it’s meals on a doorstep, prayers whispered on behalf of a grieving friend, a pew to return to when you feel lost. Support this legacy of love and care. Make a pledge to Christ Church’s 2026 campaign and help build the kind of spiritual home that shows up in every season of life, christchurchcharlotte.org/pledge Have your own experience of God’s generous love to share? Leave us a voice memo or email us at denised@christchurchcharlotte.org

    29 min
  7. 08/08/2025

    Step by Step: Savannah Jane and Walker on Pilgrimage, Faith, and Sacred Space

    Host: Danielle DeNise  Guests: Savannah Jane Williams, Director of Youth & Family Ministry, and Walker, Christ Church Youth    🎧 Episode Summary:  In this special youth episode of With Generous Hearts, host Danielle DeNise speaks with Savannah Jane and Walker, who recently walked the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in Spain. They reflect on how this sacred journey shaped their faith and their understanding of perseverance and generosity – the Camino provides!   What began as a physical challenge became a deeply spiritual experience. Through sore feet and soul-deep conversations, Walker and Savannah Jane share the ways they discovered God in community here at Christ Church and with neighbors from all over the world on the Camino.     💡 Topics Covered:  Why they said yes to walking the Camino  The best and worst meals the pilgrimage  How small acts of kindness and generosity made a big impact  The power of presence and encouragement in spiritual community  What makes something an “irresistible sacred space”   🛠️ Ministries & Programs Mentioned: Christ Church Youth Ministry: Supporting pilgrimage, mission, and spiritual formation. You can learn more at https://christchurchcharlotte.org/youth/  Camino de Santiago: A historic Christian pilgrimage across northern Spain. https://caminoways.com/camino-de-santiago  Transforming Hearts Capital Campaign: The Capital Campaign of Christ Church Charlotte this includes creating an “irresistible sacred space” for youth in the new building, expected to open in early 2026. https://www.christchurchhearts.org/    🙏 Call to Action:  This story reminds us that faith isn’t always easy, but it is always shared. Generosity is showing up, step by step—whether across Spain or across the street.  Want to support the faith journeys of the next generation?  Visit christchurchcharlotte.org to learn more about youth programs and how your pledge supports pilgrimages like this one.  Have your own experience of God’s generous love to share? Leave us a voice memo at https://www.speakpipe.com/withgeneroushearts or email us at denised@christchurchcharlotte.org   Make a Pledge to the Annual Campaign. Be part of this movement of generosity and transformation. Make your pledge today at christchurchcharlotte.org/pledge.

    31 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Christ Church Charlotte parishioners share heartfelt stories of perseverance during difficult times, and how the church community was there for them. Hosted by Danielle DeNise.