The Coffee Hour from KFUO Radio: Recent Episodes
KFUO Radio
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran.
The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.
What does Deaf ministry look like at Jesus Deaf Lutheran Church in Austin, Texas? The Rev. Bryan Wolfmueller (Pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church and Jesus Deaf Lutheran Church in Austin, Texas) joins Andy and Sarah at the LCMS Synod Convention to talk about the need for Gospel ministry among the Deaf, what Pastor Wolfmueller learned as a newcomer to Deaf ministry, his experiences learning ASL in a ministry context, what he found to be most helpful in learning a new language and culture, some misconceptions he had about Deaf culture and ministry prior to entering into Deaf ministry, how his prior work has been helpful in caring for souls who are Deaf, and how his experience in Deaf ministry has shaped his approach to new opportunities and challenges.
Learn more at stpaulaustin.org and jesusdeafchurch.com.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Obadiah addresses Edom, the nation descended from Esau. When Babylon sacked Jerusalem, Edom stood at the crossroads and watched his brother burn, then gloated, looted, and cut down the refugees who ran. Safe on the high rock, Edom asked, "Who will bring me down to the ground?" God, through the prophet Obadiah, answers him. The answer widens past Edom to every nation and ends on Mount Zion, where the kingdom belongs to the LORD.
The Rev. Dr. Richard Davenport, pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fort Smith, AR, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study the prophet Obadiah.
To learn more about Our Redeemer in Fort Smith, visit OurRedeemerFortSmith.360unite.com.
Edom stands at the crossroads and watches his brother Judah dragged off in chains, and Obadiah announces that the day of the LORD is coming for the bystander, too. Joel sees a locust swarm strip a nation bare in a single season, calls the people to rend their hearts and not their garments, and promises a Spirit poured out on all flesh. Nahum returns to Nineveh a century after Jonah's revival, and this time the superpower does not repent. Zephaniah spends two chapters on the day of wrath and then ends with the Lord singing over the people He has rescued. This series on Thy Strong Word works through these selected books of the so-called "minor" prophets verse by verse, showing how the Lord judges the nations while also keeping his promises to gather His people home.
Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.
What role do athletics play in the formation of future church workers? Coach Matt Beisel (Head Cross Country and Track & Field Coach – Concordia University, Nebraska) and Coach Josh Schumacher (Head Football Coach, Concordia University, St. Paul) join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about their respective positions and why they love being coaches, how sports have been a key part of their development both physically and as a whole person, the importance of the physical development of a person for their future vocations, how stewardship of the body and physical health impact how a church worker serves, and their philosophy/theology when they coach men and women at our Concordia universities.
Learn more about CUNE athletics at cune.edu/athletics and CSP athletics at cspbears.com.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How does Lutheran Heritage Foundation work around the globe? The Rev. Dr. Matthew Heise (executive director, Lutheran Heritage Foundation), the Rev. Dr. Dinku Bato (Translation Coordinator, Africa, Lutheran Heritage Foundation), and the Rev. Dr. Ted NaThalang (Translation Coordinator, Southeast Asia, Lutheran Heritage Foundation) join Sarah at the LCMS Synod Convention to share updates in Icelandic and Norwegian languages, the Spanish Book of Prayer, materials in Swahili, the African translation seminary, pastors seeking Lutheranism in South Sudan, materials in Chinese and Indonesian, a new regional office in Malaysia, and how LHF approaches materials for second-generation immigrants around the globe. Learn more about Lutheran Heritage Foundation at lhfmissions.org.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
We head Southeast for our conversation, recorded at the LCMS Synod Convention. The Rev. Dr. Bill Harmon (President, Southeastern District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, also serving King of Glory, Williamsburg, VA) joins Andy and Sarah to answer the now infamous Lightning Round of Favorites (which every COP member will be subjected to) and to talk about his upbringing and school journey, how he became a pastor, how he serves as President of the Southeastern District, what makes this district unique, and why he loves being a pastor in the LCMS.
Learn more about the LCMS President and Vice Presidents at lcms.org/about/leadership/president and the 35 LCMS Districts at lcms.org/districts.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What is the origin story of Lutheran Heritage Foundation? The Rev. Dr. Robert Rahn (Founder of Lutheran Heritage Foundation) and the Rev. Dr. Matthew Heise (executive director, Lutheran Heritage Foundation) join Andy and Sarah at the LCMS Synod Convention to talk about where Lutheran Heritage Foundation began, the challenges Dr. Rahn and his colleagues faced in cultivating relationships and partnerships, what he learned about the Church as he met and built relationships with brothers and sisters in Christ around the globe, the first books or materials LHF translated when venturing into a new language, and how they've seen LHF grow over the years.
Learn more about Lutheran Heritage Foundation at lhfmissions.org.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Article VIII of the Formula of Concord (FC), “The Person of Christ,” is closely related to Article VII, “The Holy Supper of Christ.” After Luther’s death in 1546, Calvinist errors about Communion and Christ found their way into some Lutheran churches and schools. The FC criticizes Calvinists for attempting to explain the mysteries of the Supper and the Savior in terms acceptable to human reason rather than simply following the truth of God’s Word.
It is helpful that the FC has separated articles VII and VIII, because they answer slightly different questions, though both originated in the debate over the Lord’s Supper. Article VII answers what the Sacrament is, taking its answer directly from the Words of Institution (for example, Matt. 26:26–28). Article VIII answers the challenge, “How can the true body and true blood of Christ be present in, with and under the bread and wine in all the countless places where the Sacrament is celebrated, and in heaven with the ascended Christ, at once?” It does so by taking up Christology (the theology of the person and work of Christ), providing an answer from Scripture. The answer is that the God-man can cause His Word to do what it says it does, for as He said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me” (MATT. 28:18). This study will search Scripture for its teachings on the divine and human natures personally united in the one Lord Jesus Christ.
Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the August 2026 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “Article VIII: The Person of Christ" on Article VIII in the Formula of Concord. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Following the Formula” and will walk through the Formula of Concord in the Augsburg Confession. Follow along every month!
This year, “Searching Scripture” is walking through the Formula of Concord (FC) from our Lutheran Confessions, exploring the biblical foundations for each topic. Before starting this study, it may be helpful to read Formula of Concord Epitome VIII on the Person of Christ (p. 491–493) in Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions (CPH 2005). Or follow along with the full Formula of Concord monthly reading plan at witness.lcms.org/reading-plan.
Listen to the Coffee Hour episode with Rev. Brady Finnern on Article VII at kfuo.org/2025/08/11/coffee-hour-081125-the-person-of-christ-in-the-formula-of-concord, and find correlating Concord Matters episodes at kfuo.org/formulaofconcord.
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
It's Bach Week! This week, we commemorate legendary church musician J.S. Bach with conversations about his work and influence on the church’s song over centuries. How has the music of J.S. Bach helped to form church workers over the years? The Rev. Dr. Christopher Ahlman (Associate Pastor and Director of Parish Music, Memorial Lutheran Church and School, Houston, TX) and Deaconess Elizabeth Ahlman (upper school teacher, Memorial Lutheran Church and School, Houston, TX) join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about their own individual journeys into church work, how each of them now serves at Memorial Lutheran, the role of music in their journeys, Bach's influence on each of their paths, the role of the organ in the ministry of the church, and the role of Bach's music in the spiritual formation of the people they serve, both in the school and the church. Learn more about Memorial Lutheran Church and School at mlchouston.org.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
It's Bach Week! This week, we commemorate legendary church musician J.S. Bach with conversations about his work and influence on the church’s song over centuries. How has the work of J.S. Bach influenced spiritual care? Deaconess Cara Patton (Worship Coordinator, LCMS Office of National Mission) and Kantor Christina Roberts (Kantor, Our Savior Lutheran Church and School in Grand Rapids, Michigan) join Andy and Sarah to talk about the ways in which they serve the church in the offices of deaconess and kantor, how spiritual care is uniquely a part of each of these offices, the role of music in spiritual care, how Bach's music specifically lends itself to spiritual care, and some ways they've each used Bach's music to help people through difficult situations.
Learn more about Our Savior in Grand Rapids at oursavior-gr.org/church and LCMS Worship at lcms.org/worship.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
It's Bach Week! This week, we commemorate legendary church musician J.S. Bach with conversations about his work and influence on the church’s song over centuries. How has the music of J.S. Bach influenced our present-day church music? Dr. Joseph Herl (professor of music at Concordia University, Nebraska) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about who introduced Dr. Herl to the work of J.S. Bach, the ways Bach's music has shaped his relationship with music, what people thought of Bach's music during his own time, how Bach's music actually became famous, the influence of Bach's music on our modern Lutheran church music, and how Bach's music influences Dr. Herl's teaching methods.
Learn more about music at CUNE at cune.edu/music.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
It's Bach Week! This week, we commemorate legendary church musician J.S. Bach with conversations about his work and influence on the church’s song over centuries. What are Bach societies, and how do they help share the beautiful music of J.S. Bach? Ron Klemm (host and producer of Bach Talk, and former KFUO Radio talent) and Dr. A. Dennis Sparger (Music Director and Conductor of the Bach Society of St. Louis) join Andy and Sarah to talk about the importance of Bach, what is so special about singing Bach together with a large ensemble, how conducting Bach is different from other composers, what a Bach Society is and why there are so many around the globe, how these societies have influenced the musical culture around them, and what they've learned about Bach over the years.
Find the Bach Society of St. Louis at bachsociety.org and Bach Talk at bachsociety.org/bach-talk.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
It's Bach Week! This week, we commemorate legendary church musician J.S. Bach with conversations about his work and influence on the church’s song over centuries. Dr. Bruce Durazzi (Special Collections Librarian, Hasse Memorial Library, Concordia Seminary) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his work in Concordia Seminary’s Kristine Kay Hasse Memorial Library, how the Bach Bible ended up at Concordia Seminary, some of the history behind this volume of books, interesting pieces of trivia about the Bach Bible (Calov Commentary), and what we learn about J.S. Bach from this piece.
Find the Rare and Special Collections at the Hasse Memorial Library at library.csl.edu/rare-and-special-collections/bach-bible. Also mentioned this episode is J.S. Bach and Scripture: Glosses from the Calov Bible Commentary by Robin Leaver, available from CPH at cph.org/j-s-bach-and-scripture-glosses-from-the-calov-bible-commentary.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How did the CUS leadership team become pastors in the first place? The Rev. Dr. Jamison Hardy (President of Concordia University System) and the Rev. Dr. Douglas Spittel (Vice President of Concordia University System) join Andy and Sarah at the LCMS Synodical Convention to talk about their journeys to seminary, who encouraged them to consider church work, where each of them has served, what they have experienced and learned along the way, and how their own formation and experience informs their work with the CUS today. Learn more about CUS at CUS.edu.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
We catch up with Erin Bode at the LCMS Synodical Convention about the release of a special collaborative album that has been in the works for years. Erin Bode (singer, songwriter, and recording artist) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about her trips to South Africa in the early 2000s to visit the Themba School, why she returned to the Themba School to record with the boys' choir, the collaborative process required to create the beautiful music on the new release "Sounds of Mercy," and some insight into the creative process and what she learned through the process of creating this album. Find the new release of Erin Bode and the Themba Boys Choir at resources.lcms.org/erin-bode.
Hear our previous interview with Erin and President Harrison at kfuo.org/2025/12/18/coffee-hour-121825-erin-bode-and-the-themba-girls.
Music in this episode from Sounds of Mercy, Erin Bode, the Themba Boys’ Choir and The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
We take a tour of the Great Lakes region for today's conversation, recorded at the LCMS Synodical Convention. The Rev. Eric Skovgaard (Great Lakes Region 6th Vice President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and serving at Elm Grove Lutheran Church, Elm Grove, WI) joins Andy and Sarah to answer the now infamous Lightning Round of Favorites (which every COP member will be subjected to) and to talk about his upbringing and school journey, how he became a pastor and how his first career influenced his pastoral formation, how he’s served the church over the years, the Great Lakes region of the LCMS, his duties as 6th Vice President, and why he loves being a pastor in the LCMS.
Learn more about the LCMS President and Vice Presidents at lcms.org/about/leadership/president and the 35 LCMS Districts at lcms.org/districts.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How is a podcast in Puerto Rico reaching Spanish-speaking people seeking Christianity? The Rev. Sergio Maita (LCMS missionary serving in Puerto Rico) joins Andy and Sarah at the LCMS Synodical Convention to talk about his path to becoming a pastor and missionary, the community where he serves today, how he has been able to connect the community to Word and Sacrament Ministry, how the podcast "Cristo en el Centro" began, the topics they've discussed and the audiences they're reaching, and how video podcasting is a unique way to reach new Spanish-speaking Christians. Find Cristo en el Centro at youtube.com/@cristoenelcentro and learn more about Rev. Maita's work at lcms.org/Sergio.maita.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Children and youth are serving with the Sing, Pray and Keep His Ways project at the LCMS Convention, and we talk with them in this episode. Students Zoe, Ginny, JT, Matthew, and Luke who are serving with the choir, altar guild or acolytes join Andy to talk about what they like about serving at the convention, how they prepared for their work, and the people they've met. In the second half of the episode, Olivia Gaschler (Project Coordinator for Sing, Pray and Keep His Ways, LCMS Office of National Mission) joins Andy to talk about what this project is, how the children are serving at the LCMS Convention, the benefits of investing in opportunities for children to learn and serve, and what she's learned in working with the children at the convention.
Read more about this project at reporter.lcms.org/2026/behind-the-scenes-with-sing-pray-and-keep-his-ways-at-convention, and learn more about the LCMS Convention at lcms.org/convention.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How does someone journey from a career in mechanical engineering to enrolling in seminary? Zachary Jacob (former mechanical engineer, now first year seminarian at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his path to Lutheranism, his conviction about and passion for being a faithful Christian husband and father, his career in mechanical engineering and what led to his decision to apply to seminary, the role his wife's continual support has played in this journey, his experiences so far at seminary, and his encouragement to others who might be considering seminary.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What does sacred music theological education in a mission setting look and sound like? Rev. Brian Hamer (US Navy Chaplain, author of the monthly column “The Lifted Voice” for whatdoesthismean.org) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his recent theological education mission trip to Kenya with Lutheran Heritage Foundation. He shares about what led up to this trip, what sacred music education means, the hymns he was able to teach during his time in Kenya, adapting to language barriers and cultural considerations, and the challenges and blessings in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Kenya. Read more from Chaplain Hamer at whatdoesthismean.org/lifted-voice--brian-hamer.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
We head to Ohio for today’s conversation! The Rev. Dr. Kevin Wilson (President, Ohio District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod) joins Andy and Sarah to answer the now infamous Lightning Round of Favorites (which every COP member will be subjected to) and to talk about his early life and school journey, how he became a pastor and how his previous interests help him in this vocation, how he's served the church over the years, what makes Ohio a unique place, and why he loves being a pastor in the LCMS today.
Learn more about the LCMS President and Vice Presidents at lcms.org/about/leadership/president and the 35 LCMS Districts at lcms.org/districts.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What is the Litany and why is it important in the life of the Church? The Rev. Sean Daenzer (Director of Worship for the LCMS and International Center Chaplain) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what the Litany is, where it came from in our church history, the format and flow of the prayers, why it seems to rise up at different parts of the church year, how it's different from other prayers, and how we can incorporate it into our prayer life.
This episode originally aired on February 24, 2026.
Photo credit: LCMS Communications/Erik M. Lunsford
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How can hands-on training in the trades along with Christ-centered formation form people in vocations to serve in their communities? Jenny Jaroneski (CrossPointe Launch and Outreach Coordinator, LCMS Michigan District, Sterling Heights, MI) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why CrossPointe Center for the Trades is personally important to her, where the idea for this partnership with the Southeast Michigan Construction Academy (SEMCA) came from, why this partnership is important to the Michigan District, what makes CrossPointe different from other vocational/trade schools, and how students will learn theology alongside learning a trade. Learn more, including registration information, at michigandistrict.org/crosspointe and crosspointetrades.org.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How do principals serve in Northern Illinois? Kevin Becker (Principal of Immanuel Lutheran School in East Dundee, Illinois) and Kate Thoelke (Principal of St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Brookfield, Illinois) join Andy and Sarah to talk about their paths to becoming church workers, some of the key figures who encouraged their formation, the schools each of them serve in today and their paths to their current vocations, why it's important to each of them to invest in Lutheran education, and how Lutheran teachers and principals can cultivate a culture of church work formation and recruitment in our Lutheran schools.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What are the benefits of a mission education experience for young adults? Dr. Shanna Opfer (Janet Cramer Endowed Professor of Education, Elementary Education Director, Chair of the Education Department at Concordia University, Nebraska), DCE Anne Gonzalez (Manager of Lay Missionary Recruitment for the LCMS Office of International Mission), Caylen McCoy (Pre-Seminary student at Concordia University, Nebraska, entering his junior year), and Rachel Ada (recent Concordia University, Nebraska, graduate and new teacher Hope Lutheran School, Shawnee, KS) join Andy and Sarah to talk about their recent mission education experience with LCMS Missionaries serving in Tanzania. They discuss why this type of opportunity was important for Dr. Opfer to offer students, everyone's experiences on the field and how they compared with what they expected, how the mission education experienced influenced their thoughts about mission work, how this trip will impact their future vocations, and their encouragement for others considering mission education experiences. Visit servenow.lcms.org for ongoing mission education opportunities.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
We head out to South Dakota for today’s conversation! The Rev. Randy Sturzenbecher (President, South Dakota District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod) joins Andy and Sarah to answer the now infamous Lightning Round of Favorites (which every COP member will be subjected to) and to talk about his upbringing in South Dakota and his path to seminary education, where he has served along the way, what it's like to serve so close to where he was raised, what he’s learned from his service to the church, what makes South Dakota a unique place, and why he loves being a pastor in the LCMS today.
Learn more about the LCMS President and Vice Presidents at lcms.org/about/leadership/president and the 35 LCMS Districts at lcms.org/districts.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How can Lutherans faithfully respond to an increasingly pagan society? The Rev. Dr. Matt Richard, pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Minot, North Dakota, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about a recent insightful visit to his local post office and what he witnessed there. He shares what this experience brought to light for him regarding America's spiritual condition, how atheism and spirituality play a role in American culture, what syncretism is and why it's problematic, and how Lutherans can faithfully respond to an increasingly pagan society.
Read about Pastor Richard's experience at facebook.com/share/p/15e6sxnrpH and find more from Pastor Richard at pastormattrichard.com/2025/06/let-world-rage-christ-is-enough.html.
This episode originally aired on June 19, 2025.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Article VII of the Formula of Concord confesses the biblical doctrine of the Lord’s Supper, distinguishing it from the teachings of the Zwinglians (“openly crass Sacramentarians”) and the Calvinists (“crafty Sacramentarians”). The former rejected the real presence of Christ’s body and blood in the Sacrament, while the latter taught a “spiritual” presence of Christ in the Supper, received by faith (not by oral eating).
The Formula of Concord frames the debate this way: “In the Holy Supper, are the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ (a) truly and essentially present, (b) distributed with the bread and wine, and (c) received with the mouth by all those who use this Sacrament — whether they are worthy or unworthy, godly or ungodly, believing or unbelieving? Are they received by the believing for consolation and life, but by the unbelieving for judgment? The Sacramentarians say No. We say Yes” (FC Ep VII 2). This study will lead us to the Scriptures that support the position of the FC, which simply confesses the truth of God’s Word.
Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the second “Searching Scripture” feature in the June/July 2026 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “Article VII: The Lord’s Supper” on Article VII in the Formula of Concord. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Following the Formula” and will walk through the Formula of Concord in the Augsburg Confession. Follow along every month!
This year, “Searching Scripture” is walking through the Formula of Concord (FC) from our Lutheran Confessions, exploring the biblical foundations for each topic. Before starting this study, it may be helpful to read FC Ep VII on the Lord’s Supper (p. 487–491) in Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions, CPH 2005). Or follow along with the full Formula of Concord monthly reading plan at witness.lcms.org/reading-plan.
Listen to the Coffee Hour episode with Rev. Brady Finnern on Article VII at kfuo.org/2025/06/02/coffee-hour-060225-third-use-of-the-law-the-lords-supper-in-the-formula-of-concord, and find correlating Concord Matters episodes at kfuo.org/formulaofconcord.
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
We're sharing an inspiring story of a future seminarian! Robert Finch (2026 graduate of Concordia University, St. Paul), Dr. Reed Lessing (Professor of Theology, Director of the Center for Biblical Studies, and Director of the Pre-Seminary Program at Concordia University St. Paul), Dr. Joshua Hollmann (Professor of Religion and Theology at Concordia University St. Paul), and the Rev. Matt Wietfeldt (Assistant Vice President of Admissions at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN) join Andy for our Set Apart to Serve conversation to talk about Robert's story, who influenced him to consider studying for pastoral ministry, where he is in his journey now, and what's next for him. Dr. Lessing, Dr. Hollmann, and Rev. Wietfeldt share their stories of being a part of Robert's formation, Robert's devotional book, and their hopes for Robert's future.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Higher Things is wrapping up two weeks of conferences in St. Louis and heading to Ft. Collins, Colorado for the last conference of the summer. Today we get to catch up with the executive leadership of Higher Things and hear what youth are learning in this summer’s conferences, as well as what’s on deck for the fall and next year.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
We head out to Montana for today’s conversation! The Rev. Ryan Wendt (President, Montana District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, pastor of Christ the King Lutheran Church, Billings, MT) joins Andy and Sarah to answer the now infamous Lightning Round of Favorites (which every COP member will be subjected to) and to talk about his childhood and path to seminary education, where he has served along the way, what he's learned from his service to the church, interesting facts about Montana and what makes it a unique place, and why he loves being a pastor in the LCMS today.
Learn more about the LCMS President and Vice Presidents at lcms.org/about/leadership/president and the 35 LCMS Districts at lcms.org/districts.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What is the place of art in the Christian life? Dr. Kristen Einertson (pastor’s wife, mother, co-founder of All the Household, and columnist for The Lutheran Witness: "Life in the Church Year") joins Andy and Sarah to discuss the role art and images have historically played in the Church, the debate surrounding the use of art and images in the Church, what Christian art can do for us as believers, some practical ways that we might incorporate the gift of Christian artwork in our daily lives, and questions to take into consideration when selecting art for our homes and churches.
Read more in the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org/2026/art-the-christian-life and on All the Household at allthehousehold.com/images-within-lutheran-liturgical-living.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How did Herman Sasse's time in Australia influence the church there? The Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison (President of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod) joins us for Part Three of a three-part series on the life and work of pastor, theologian, and author Hermann Sasse to talk about Karl Barth's influence on Sasse’s theology, Sasse's time in Australia, Sasse's influence on the American church in the 50s and 60s, and how Sasse's work has influenced Pastor Harrison.
Find Rev. John T. Pless's book Lutheran Confessor: Herman Sasse on the Essentials of the Faith at cph.org/lutheran-confessor-hermann-sasse-on-the-essentials-of-the-faith.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How do theology professors at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne help shape future church workers? The Rev. Dr. Gifford Grobien (The David P. Scaer Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology, Assistant Provost, and Director of DMin Program, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne) and the Rev. Dr. Geoffrey Boyle (Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry and Missions, Director of Field Education, and Director of SMP program, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne) join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about their various vocations and interests, the specific areas of theology they each teach at CTSFW, how these areas of expertise are important in forming future pastors and deaconesses, the student experience at CTSFW, and their words of encouragement for anyone considering a church work vocation.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Have you ever had questions about your faith that made you uncomfortable? Dr. Kirk Clayton (Assistant Professor of Theology at Concordia University Chicago), Dr. Nathan Greeley (Teacher at Acacia Academy, Kokomo, Indiana, American Lutheran Theological Seminary (AALC), and Indiana Wesleyan University; Fellow of Apologetics and Philosophical Theology at the Weidner Institute), and Professor Andrew Ashenden (Instructor of Philosophy at Concordia University Chicago) join Andy and Sarah to talk about where the idea for the Apologetics Boot Camp began, why it's important for laity to be well-versed in apologetics today, how each of them became interested in apologetics and why it's important to them, the topics they enjoy teaching, and what attendees can expect to learn at the Apologetics Boot Camp. Learn more and register to attend at cuchicago.edu/events/2026/08/apologetics-boot-camp.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
We head to southern Minnesota for today’s conversation! The Rev. Dr. Lucas Woodford (President, Minnesota South District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod) joins Andy and Sarah to answer the now infamous Lightning Round of Favorites (which every COP member will be subjected to) and to talk about his early years and schooling, the path that led to his seminary education, how he served after seminary and what he's learned over the years serving in congregations, what makes the Minnesota South District unique, and what he loves about being an LCMS pastor today.
Learn more about the LCMS President and Vice Presidents at lcms.org/about/leadership/president and the 35 LCMS Districts at lcms.org/districts.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What does "Kingdom of Heaven" mean in Scripture, specifically in the Gospel of Matthew? Dr. John Genter (outgoing Assistant Professor of Theology at Concordia University—Nebraska and incoming Associate Professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what the phrases "Gospel of the Kingdom" or the "Kingdom of God" mean, the differences in these phrases between the Gospels and Matthew's unique take on it, how Jesus' disciples would have understood and not understood this phrase to mean, the significance of the particular phrase "Kingdom of Heaven," what "heaven" means in Matthew's Gospel, and how Matthew uses this phrase throughout the book.
Hear Dr. Genter studying Matthew 1:1 on Sharper Iron (the episode that inspired this episode) at kfuo.org/2026/06/01/sharper-iron-the-reign-of-heaven-stands-near-060126-matthew-11-the-genesis-of-jesus.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What do we know about Hermann Sasse’s life as a pastor, theologian, and author? The Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison (President of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod) joins us for Part Two of a three-part series on the life and work of pastor, theologian, and author Hermann Sasse to talk about how Sasse’s time in the United States shaped his theology, why he was described as a Confessional Ecumenist and what that means, and how his experiences in the 20s and 30s influenced his theological writing.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How does campus ministry play a role in forming church workers? The Rev. Jay Winters (Pastor, University Lutheran Church in Tallahassee, FL) and second-year students at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Andrew Cheyne, Scott Swanson, and Richard Harry join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about Pastor Winters' journey into pastoral ministry, how he became a part of campus ministry, how University Lutheran Church is building a culture of church work formation and recruitment, and what is important to him as he serves and cares for students who are considering or preparing for church work. Andrew, Scott, and Richard share their stories of considering pastoral ministry, the conversations they had with others that helped them discern their vocations, their experiences during their first year at seminary, and how field work experience is helping form them into future pastors.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What does the Concordia University System Board of Directors do? The Rev. Mark Braden (Chairman, Concordia University System Board of Directors) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his experience prior to serving on the CUS Board of Directors, how that experience helps him lead this group, why the Board of Directors is important and how they serve the Concordia University System, how the campus visitation process works and the Lutheran Identity Mission Outcome Standards, and updates on the CUS Scholarships, Direct Admit, and other current CUS news. Learn more about the Concordia University System at CUS.edu.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
We head to Nebraska for today's conversation! The Rev. Richard Snow (President, Nebraska District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod) joins Andy and Sarah to answer the now infamous Lightning Round of Favorites (which every COP member will be subjected to) and to talk about his upbringing and early years of school, the journey that led him to seminary and how he has served the church, how his experiences shaped him into the pastor he is today, what makes Nebraska a unique place, and why he loves being a pastor in the LCMS.
Learn more about the LCMS President and Vice Presidents at lcms.org/about/leadership/president and the 35 LCMS Districts at lcms.org/districts.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
You know him as a host of KFUO's Thy Strong Word. But did you know he was a private investigator before becoming a pastor? The Rev. Dr. Phil Booe (pastor of St. John Lutheran Church, Luverne, MN, and host of Thy Strong Word on KFUO Radio) and his wife Becky Booe join Andy and Sarah to talk about their journeys into the Lutheran Church, what life was like for them prior to seminary, the discerning process leading to seminary life, their transitions through seminary and into pastoral ministry, and the wisdom they've gained from their experiences that they share with others considering their vocations.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Who was Hermann Sasse, and why is it important to study his work today? The Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison (President of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod) joins us for part one of a three-part series on the life and work of pastor, theologian, and author Hermann Sasse to talk about Sasse's early life, the political and religious context surrounding his early years, and the theological influences that shaped his formation as a pastor and theologian.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How do LCMS District leaders support church work recruitment on the ground? Deaconess Melissa DeGroot (Assistant to the President for Mission and Mercy, LCMS Rocky Mountain District) and Rev. Dr. Roger Paavola (President, LCMS Mid-South District) join Andy and Sarah to talk about Deaconess DeGroot's path to church work, her role in the Rocky Mountain District, the work she and Pastor Paavola do in their respective districts to form and recruit church workers, how face-to-face conversations make a big difference in formation, and what they're excited about when it comes to church worker formation. Find the Rocky Mountain District at rm.lcms.org and the Mid-South District at mid-southlcms.org.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Why is there a Bible study for the LCMS Convention, and how does this study help us walk together as Synod? The Rev. Timothy Pauls (Pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Boise, ID, and author of the 2026 Convention Bible Study) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why we have a Bible study written specifically for the Convention, the theme for this Convention and Bible study, why this theme is significant to us today, the structure of the Bible study, a few of the emphases in the study, and how these themes encourage us as we walk together as Synod. Find the Bible Study at lcms.org/convention/national/worship/bible-study.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
We hear a familiar voice today as we go to northern Minnesota for our conversation! The Rev. Brady Finnern (President, Minnesota North District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, and host of Concord Matters on KFUO Radio) joins Andy and Sarah to answer the now infamous Lightning Round of Favorites (which every COP member will be subjected to) and to talk about his upbringing in Minnesota, the journey that led him to seminary, how he has served along the way, how his experiences shaped him into the pastor he is today, what makes the Minnesota North District a unique place, and why he loves being a pastor in the LCMS. Listen to Rev. Finnern on Concord Matters at kfuo.org/concordmatters.
Learn more about the LCMS President and Vice Presidents at lcms.org/about/leadership/president and the 35 LCMS Districts at lcms.org/districts.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What are the needs of those serving in mental health and faith-based helping professions? Professor Kathy L'Heureux (Director of Counseling, Concordia University, Nebraska), Professor Kathleen von Kampen (program director, Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) and Family Life Education (FLE) graduate programs, Concordia University, Nebraska) and the Rev. Dr. Rick Marrs (Senior Professor of Practical Theology and Licensed Psychologist, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis) join Andy and Sarah to talk about the upcoming "Rooted & Restored: Soul Care for Those Who Serve" event at Concordia University, Nebraska (CUNE). They discuss their backgrounds and why Professors L'Heureux and von Kampen chose to serve at CUNE, the unique aspects of mental health and faith-based helping professions, the challenges faced by these types of professionals, how this event will care for professionals, and who this event is for.
Learn more at cune.edu/news/concordia-nebraska-present-rooted-restored-event and go.cune.edu/rootedrestored26.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How does CCLE support families considering Classical Lutheran education for their family or school? The Rev. Robert Paul (Vice Chair and Permanent Director, Consortium for Classical Lutheran Education; associate pastor and headmaster at Memorial Lutheran Church and School, Houston, TX) joins Andy to talk about why Pastor Paul is invested in the work of Consortium for Classical Lutheran Education (CCLE), how CCLE supports families and schools, this summer's CCLE conference topic and speakers, the learning opportunities beyond plenary sessions, and how you can attend! Learn more about CCLE and this summer's conference at ccle.org.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What happens when a family relocates from Germany to study at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis? Stephen Guzik (seminarian at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis) and Stephanie Guzik (Support Coordinator, LCMS Office of National Mission) join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about where they each grew up and how they met, how they ended up in Germany together, Stephen's journey into the Lutheran church in Germany, how he was formed along the way at Kaiserslautern Evangelical Lutheran Church and encouraged to consider a pastoral vocation, their discernment process and decision to come to St. Louis, how their transition has been going, Stephen's first year of seminary, and what they're looking forward to in this journey.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How can pastors, church workers, and congregational leaders be encouraged as they are called upon to encourage and care for the souls of their congregations? The Rev. Dr. Lee Hagan (President of the Missouri District of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his 2025-published book Faithful, Hopeful, and Bold: Encouragement for the Church available from Concordia Publishing House, including the personal challenge he's faced over the last year and how he has been recovering, the inspiration to write this book for congregational leaders, challenges and accomplishments in the writing process, how he imagines groups will use the book, the personal stories he incorporated into the book, and how church leaders may be encouraged as they read and discuss each lesson. Find Faithful, Hopeful, and Bold: Encouragement for the Church at cph.org/faithful-hopeful-and-bold-encouragement-for-the-church.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
This time we go to the west side of Iowa to continue our conversation with the Council of Presidents! The Rev. Paul Egger (President, Iowa District West of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod) joins Andy and Sarah to answer the now infamous Lightning Round of Favorites (which every COP member will be subjected to) and to talk about his upbringing in Iowa, his path through schooling and into pastoral ministry, the congregations he’s served along the way and how his experiences there shaped him into the pastor he is today, what makes Iowa District West a unique place, and why he loves being a pastor in the LCMS.
Learn more about the LCMS President and Vice Presidents at lcms.org/about/leadership/president and the 35 LCMS Districts at lcms.org/districts.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Have you ever considered learning New Testament Greek? Concordia Seminary has an opportunity for exactly this! The Rev. Dr. John Genter (Associate Professor of Exegetical Theology, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his own experience learning New Testament (Koine) Greek, the difference learning Greek has made for him in studying God’s Word, the upcoming online Fall Greek language course at Concordia Seminary, how the class is structured, and who it's for. Learn more at csl.edu/2026/05/registration-opens-for-2026-fall-online-greek-course.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
We’re wrapping up Sharathon 2026 and also celebrating the work done through the By the Way program over the years! In this episode, we are highlighting this wonderful partnership. Joanie Harwell (former KFUO team member and member of the By the Way Board) and Jeanne Grone (member of the By the Way Board) join Sarah to talk about the work of By The Way, how they saw the work of the Rev. Dr. Paul Devantier positively impact the lives of listeners, how KFUO has been a partner to By The Way over the years, and the incredible ways By The Way is celebrating this partnership as their chapter closes. By the Way's website, bythewaytoday.org, will be available through September 1, 2026.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
God’s Word plainly teaches, “The law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good” (Romans 7:12). And so, we do not discard the Law, which is a holy gift from God. However, Lutherans have sometimes debated that Law’s applications. In the 16th century, Lutheran theologians debated the question, “How many uses of God’s Law are there?” While there is but one Law of God, He uses it in various ways, depending on the person to whom it is applied. Theologians attempted to catalogue these uses. Some disputes over numbering and terminology amounted to misunderstandings, but there were substantive disagreements as well, mainly involving the third use of the Law (the Law as a guide for Christian life). In response to these debates, the Formula identified three proper uses of God’s holy Law. This study will explore the biblical basis for these three uses.
Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the first “Searching Scripture” feature in the June/July 2026 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “Article VI: The Third Use of God’s Law” on Article VI in the Formula of Concord. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Following the Formula” and will walk through the Formula of Concord in the Augsburg Confession. Follow along every month!
This year, “Searching Scripture” is walking through the Formula of Concord (FC) from our Lutheran Confessions, exploring the biblical foundations for each topic. Before starting this study, it may be helpful to read FC Ep VI on the third use of the Law (p. 485–486) in Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions, CPH 2005). Or follow along with the full Formula of Concord monthly reading plan at witness.lcms.org/reading-plan.
Listen to the Coffee Hour episode with Rev. Brady Finnern on Article V at kfuo.org/2025/06/02/coffee-hour-060225-third-use-of-the-law-the-lords-supper-in-the-formula-of-concord, and find correlating Concord Matters episodes at kfuo.org/formulaofconcord.
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
We celebrate the two recipients of the merit-based Regents' Scholarship at Concordia Theological Seminary Fort Wayne! Recipient Robert Finch (2026 graduate of Concordia University, St. Paul) and recipient Evan Magness (2026 graduate of Concordia University, Chicago) join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about why they chose to study at their respective universities, their experiences at their universities and their formation into future church workers, how they feel their university educations prepared them for their next chapter at Concordia Theological Seminary Fort Wayne, what kind of impact this scholarship makes for each of them, and what they're looking forward to at CTSFW this fall. Learn more about the Regents' Scholarship at ctsfw.edu/?scholarship=scholarship-mdiv-the-regents-scholarship.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How can congregations make physician assisted suicide an unthinkable option for those who are suffering? Benjamin Parviz (Philosopher and Bioethicist at St. Louis University and undergraduate instructor) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why this topic is so important for him, what physician assisted suicide is and how it differs from removing someone from life support, how we got to where we are with physician assisted suicide in the United States, and the Christian response that makes physician assisted suicide "unthinkable" as we love our neighbors in our church communities. Read Benjamin's article at cbhd.org/intersections/making-physician-assisted-suicide-unthinkable.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
We go Mid-South today to continue our conversation with the Council of Presidents! The Rev. Dr. Roger Paavola (President, Mid-South District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod) joins Andy and Sarah to answer the now infamous Lightning Round of Favorites (which every COP member will be subjected to) and to talk about his interesting childhood and how that influenced his vocational path, his path to pastoral ministry, the congregations he’s served along the way and how his experiences there shaped him into the pastor he is today, where the Mid-South District is and the people in it, and why President Paavola loves being a pastor in the LCMS.
Learn more about the LCMS President and Vice Presidents at lcms.org/about/leadership/president and the 35 LCMS Districts at lcms.org/districts.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How does a retreat discussing Lutheran political theology, the doctrine of two kingdoms, vocation, and the limits of politics shape future church workers? Dr. Rachel Ferguson (Professor of Business Ethics & Assistant Dean of the College of Business/Director of the Free Enterprise Center, Concordia University Chicago), Jonah Witte (rising sophomore at Concordia University Chicago pursuing dual certification in secondary education–biology and Director of Christian Education), and Grace Levitt (rising junior at Concordia University Chicago in Lutheran Teacher Education, studying secondary education social sciences) join Andy and Sarah to talk about how Dr. Ferguson created the idea for this invitation-only retreat at the Kirk Center, what she hoped students would gain from the discussion-based format, how something like this is important for Lutheran church work students, what Jonah and Grace experienced along with six other CUC students, how their experiences will shape how they approach their future vocations, and how they were challenged to think more deeply about these topics. Learn more about the Free Enterprise Center at Concordia University Chicago at cuchicago.edu/academics/centers-of-excellence/free-enterprise-center.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How will the 2026 National Offering support efforts by local congregations and ministries? The Rev. Dan Galchutt (Chief Mission Officer, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod), Deaconess Dr. Tiffany Manor (Managing Director, LCMS Office of National Mission) and the Rev. Andy Becker (Director of Family Ministry, LCMS Office of National Mission) join Andy and Sarah to talk about how past National Offerings have made a difference for the church, who contributes to a National Offering, what the theme "Christ is Risen! Tell the Next Generation" means for the upcoming triennium, how this offering will serve the church, the types of projects that can be supported through grants from the National Offering, and how churches can prepare to support this National Offering. Learn more at lcms.org/convention/national/offering and reporter.lcms.org/2026/2026-national-offering-tell-the-next-generation.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How are districts of the LCMS reaching potential new Lutheran teachers? Josh Swartz (Education Executive for the Missouri District of the LCMS) and Bob Ziegler (Education Executive for the Nebraska District of the LCMS) join Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about how each of them serves as Education Executive for their districts, how Lutheran education became important to them, the landscape of schools in their respective districts and how they support those schools, the ad campaign each district ran for new teachers and the success of this campaign, and what they learned about the value of Lutheran education from the ad campaign feedback.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Convention is getting closer! Where are we in the cycle, and what things are happening soon? The Rev. Dr. John Sias (Secretary of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about where we are in the Overture to Resolution cycle, what will happen at Floor Committee Weekend, the types of overtures the floor committees will consider, where we are in the presidential election cycle, and everything that will happen when we gather in Phoenix in July. Find everything you need to know about convention at lcms.org/convention.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
We travel to beautiful Michigan for today’s episode! The Rev. David Davis (President, Michigan District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod) joins Andy and Sarah to answer the now infamous Lightning Round of Favorites (which every COP member will be subjected to) and to talk about his upbringing and and path to pastoral ministry, the congregations he's served along the way and how those experiences shaped him into the servant leader he is today, unique things about the Michigan District, and why he loves being a pastor in the LCMS.
Learn more about the LCMS President and Vice Presidents at lcms.org/about/leadership/president and the 35 LCMS Districts at lcms.org/districts.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
As we approach Pentecost, how are Lutheran Bible Translators and its partners making God's Word accessible to more language communities every day? Jessica Albers (Member of the Advancement Team with Lutheran Bible Translators) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how many language communities have access to God’s Word in their language and how many are without, what Lutheran Bible Translators is doing to fill the gap, some misconceptions about how the Bible translation process works, Jessica's experience traveling to the Shekgalagari Bible dedication in Botswana— including who she met and why this experience was so impactful for her— and Lutheran Bible Translators' historic goal for Bible translation by 2033. Learn more about the work of Lutheran Bible Translators at LBT.org.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What can we learn when we study theology alongside, art, culture, literature, and history? Dr. Brendan Wolfe (Principal Editor of the St. Andrews Encyclopaedia of Theology) joins Sarah to talk about how he became interested in deep theological study, the sorts of topics he enjoys studying the most, the history of St. Andrews University and how the idea for the St. Andrews Encyclopaedia of Theology came about, what this encyclopaedia encompasses, what we learn when we study at the intersection of theology, art, literature, history, and culture, and how we can come to a deeper understanding of theology when we understand its connections to the other facets of our lives.
Find the St. Andrews Encyclopaedia of Theology at saet.ac.uk, Dr. Wolfe's Sacred Landscapes at sacredlandscapes.org, and his co-authored book Arianism Revisited at fortresspress.com/store/product/9798889833857/Arianism-Revisited.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What role do ongoing conversations play in encouraging young people to consider church work vocations? The Rev. Gregory Jans (pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Somerset, NJ) and Mark Sadlo (senior majoring in history at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ) join Andy and Sarah to talk about the congregation where Pastor Jans serves and his path to pastoral ministry, Mark's journey to Rutgers University and who encouraged him to consider church work, the conversations that Pastor Jans and Mark have had over the years, and what both of them think motivates young people to consider church work vocations.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Why is sabbatical valuable for church workers? The Rev. Dr. Greg Walton (Grace Place Wellness, LCEF) and Rehema Kavugha (Director of Synod Relations, LCEF) join Andy and Sarah to talk about why a Sabbatical Scholarship Program is important for the church and LCEF's mission, why sabbaticals are so critical for church workers, what kinds of things church workers do on sabbatical, how a scholarship can help, what a church might do to plan for sabbatical, and the application process for the Sabbatical Scholarship Program. Learn more and apply at lcef.org/sabbaticalscholarship.
This episode originally aired on May 29, 2025.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
We travel to eastern Iowa for today’s episode! The Rev. Dr. Brian Saunders (President, Iowa District East of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and associate pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church – Cedar Falls, IA) joins Andy and Sarah to answer the now infamous Lightning Round of Favorites (which every COP member will be subjected to) and to talk about his upbringing and how it prepared him for pastoral ministry, what he loves about being district president and also an associate pastor, how serving in a congregation helps him serve as a district president, and why he loves being a pastor in the LCMS today.
Learn more about the LCMS President and Vice Presidents at lcms.org/about/leadership/president and the 35 LCMS Districts at lcms.org/districts.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Rev. Dr. Jon Vieker, Associate Professor of Practical Theology and Dean of Chapel at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about a brief history of the Feast of the Ascension of Our Lord, where we see these observances throughout history, how we observe Ascension today, and the Scripture and hymns for this Feast.
This episode originally aired on May 18, 2023.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you’d like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What is it like to serve overseas as a Regional Business Manager with the LCMS Office of International Mission? Regional Business Managers Joyce Erber (Africa Region), Stan Stigdon (Latin America and the Caribbean Region), and Sam Borgwardt (Asia Region), along with Rev. Dr. Mark Rabe, Director of Missionary Recruitment for the LCMS Office of International Mission, join Andy to talk about their roles as Regional Business Managers in the field, including how they serve on the field and some of the duties they have, who they get to work with, how their work supports those they serve alongside in their regions, what they've come to appreciate about the cultures in which they serve, and what makes a great candidate for service as a Regional Business Manager in the LCMS Office of International Mission. Find opportunities to serve at servenow.lcms.org.
This episode originally aired on May 20, 2025.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How do Lutheran School Associations support LCMS teachers and schools? Dr. Cole Braun (executive director of The Association of Lutheran Secondary Schools - ALSS) and Dr. Tom Wrege (executive director of Lutheran Education Association - LEA) join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about their individual journeys into church work careers, the organizations each of them serve, how these organizations support Lutheran educators and schools, why Lutheran education is important to each of them, and how Lutheran education is responding to the needs of families today. Learn more about ALSS at alss.org and LEA at lea.org.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What hymns bring you comfort when seeking peace? In this episode, Chaplain Brian Hamer joins Andy to explore the significance of hymns in the context of war and peace. They discuss the origins and historical contexts of three hymns: 'Silent Night', 'Now Thank We All Our God' and ‘O God, Our Help in Ages Past’. The conversation highlights how these hymns have provided comfort and hope during times of conflict, emphasizing their enduring relevance and trans-cultural nature.
To view Chaplain Hamer's article, visit whatdoesthismean.org/lifted-voice--brian-hamer.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
We travel to Indiana for today’s episode! The Rev. Dr. Richard Stuckwisch (President, Indiana District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod) joins Andy and Sarah to answer the now infamous Lightning Round of Favorites (which every COP member will be subjected to) and to talk about his unique childhood and how that prepared him for a career in church work, why reading with his family is so important to him, how he balances life as a District President and pastor with family life, and what he loves about being a pastor in the LCMS today.
Learn more about the LCMS President and Vice Presidents at lcms.org/about/leadership/president and the 35 LCMS Districts at lcms.org/districts.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Do you know an older adult (or someone who cares for them) experiencing loss or loneliness who could use a little encouragement? Matthew Leighty (Executive Director, Worship Anew) and Tommy Moll (Director of Content, Worship Anew) join Andy and Sarah to talk about how Worship Anew cares for people beyond broadcasting worship services. They share about the care packages available on request, the new Grief Ministry program to care for others in your life, the partnerships and volunteers that make these programs possible, and why it's important that Worship Anew cares for people beyond their flagship broadcasting program. Learn more about Grief Ministry with Worship Anew at worshipanew.org.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Luther famously said that students of the Bible need “to retain the distinction between Law and Gospel” (AE 26: 406). This became the official position of Lutherans with Article V of the Formula of Concord: “We believe, teach, and confess that the distinction between the Law and the Gospel is to be kept in the Church with great diligence” (FC Ep V 2). If we want to be distinctively Lutheran today, this distinction between Law and Gospel must retain a prominent place in our interpretation of Scripture, preaching and catechesis.
This task is challenging, because the terms “Law” and “Gospel” can be used in different senses. In the Bible, both terms can be used in a wide sense to refer to God’s work and speech, but they also can be used in a narrow (proper) sense, which is what this article focuses on. Properly speaking, the Law is what God tells us to do, think, say and be, and it threatens wrath and punishment on those who break His will; the Gospel is what God by grace has done and is still doing for our salvation through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. This distinction also opens the whole Bible to us, reinforcing the proper understanding that the Old Testament is not just Law and the New Testament is not just Gospel. In fact, the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) contain Law as well as Gospel, and the Law (the Books of Moses) contains Gospel as well as Law!
Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the May 2026 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “Article V: Law and Gospel” on Article V in the Formula of Concord. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Following the Formula” and will walk through the Formula of Concord in the Augsburg Confession. Follow along every month!
This year, “Searching Scripture” is walking through the Formula of Concord (FC) from our Lutheran Confessions, exploring the biblical foundations for each topic. Before starting this study, it may be helpful to read FC Ep V on The Law and The Gospel (p. 484–485 in Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions, CPH 2005). Or follow along with the full Formula of Concord monthly reading plan at witness.lcms.org/reading-plan.
Listen to the Coffee Hour episode with Rev. Brady Finnern on Article V at kfuo.org/2025/05/01/coffee-hour-050125-law-gospel-in-the-formula-of-concord, and find correlating Concord Matters episodes at kfuo.org/formulaofconcord.
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How has Set Apart to Serve become a cultural shift in the LCMS? The Rev. Dr. James Baneck (Executive Director, LCMS Office of Pastoral Education and Set Apart to Serve) joins Andy and Sarah during Sharathon 2026 to talk about the cultural shift in the LCMS surrounding church worker formation, what he's learned about the LCMS through his work with Pastoral Education and Set Apart to Serve, how people can recognize their capacity for Christian service to their neighbors, what brings him joy in his work with Set Apart to Serve, and the impact he is seeing from the Set Apart to Serve partnership with KFUO Radio. Learn more about Set Apart to Serve at lcms.org/sas.
Whether you listen on the radio, online, or by podcast, KFUO Radio walks with you through Scripture, prayer, and sacred music. Sharathon is April 30 through May 2. Join us as we celebrate the Gospel work God is doing through KFUO and proclaim Christ for You. Anytime. Anywhere. Give now or pledge at KFUO.org/sharathon!
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How can podcasts support Christians as they uphold the value of all life? Stephanie Neugebauer (Manager of Mercy Resource Development, LCMS Office of National Mission, and host of Friends for Life podcast) and the Rev. Andy Becker (Director of Family Ministry, LCMS Office of National Mission, co-host of Friends for Life Podcast) join Andy and Sarah during Sharathon 2026 to talk about the topics the Friends for Life podcast covers, why these topics are important to both of them, some of their favorite topics and guests, and why now is a critical time to have a podcast addressing these topics with gospel motivation. Learn more about Friends for Life and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform at kfuo.org/friendsforlife.
Whether you listen on the radio, online, or by podcast, KFUO Radio walks with you through Scripture, prayer, and sacred music. Sharathon is April 30 through May 2. Join us as we celebrate the Gospel work God is doing through KFUO and proclaim Christ for You. Anytime. Anywhere. Give now or pledge at KFUO.org/sharathon!
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How does our current age of AI affect how we create content as humans? Dr. Bernard Bull (President of Concordia University, Nebraska) joins Andy and Sarah during Sharathon 2026 to talk about how he became a content creator, what he loves about the process of writing and creating content, how AI content creation is distinctly different from human content creation, what he's learned about how AI creates content, and some insights to guide those of us who create content.
Whether you listen on the radio, online, or by podcast, KFUO Radio walks with you through Scripture, prayer, and sacred music. Sharathon is April 30 through May 2. Join us as we celebrate the Gospel work God is doing through KFUO and proclaim Christ for You. Anytime. Anywhere. Give now or pledge at KFUO.org/sharathon!
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
It's Sharathon 2026, and we're having a little fun! You hear KFUO team members on air or when you call in, but today you're going to learn a little more about them. The now infamous "Lightning Round" has become a staple of Coffee Hour episodes, so each KFUO team member answers the list of rapid-fire questions about their favorite things! Even Andy and Sarah are subjected to the Lightning Round this time. Get ready to know all about the KFUO team and whether you share favorite things in common!
Whether you listen on the radio, online, or by podcast, KFUO Radio walks with you through Scripture, prayer, and sacred music. Sharathon is April 30 through May 2. Join us as we celebrate the Gospel work God is doing through KFUO and proclaim Christ for You. Anytime. Anywhere. Give now or pledge at KFUO.org/sharathon!
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
We head south to Florida and Georgia for today's episode! The Rev. James Rockey (President, Florida-Georgia District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod) joins Andy and Sarah to answer the now infamous Lightning Round of Favorites (which every COP member will be subjected to) and to talk about the unique things the Florida-Georgia District does, how Pastor Rockey views his leadership of this district, his experiences in seminary and ministry, and why he loves being a pastor in the LCMS.
Learn more about the LCMS President and Vice Presidents at lcms.org/about/leadership/president and the 35 LCMS Districts at lcms.org/districts.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What is catechesis, and why does it matter for us in our daily lives? The Rev. Dr. Peter Bender (Senior Pastor of Peace Lutheran Church and Academy President of the Concordia Catechetical Academy (CCA) in Sussex, Wisconsin) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what catechesis is and is not, why catechesis is important for us in our daily rhythms of life, how Recognized Service Organization (RSO) status has benefitted the Concordia Catechetical Academy, how CCA's resources benefit the church at large, and the recent work that's been done to translate and distribute the Small Catechism. Learn more about Concordia Catechetical Academy at peacesussex.org/cca and lutherancatechesis.org.
This episode originally aired on October 2, 2025.
What could family devotions look like for your household? The Rev. Andy Becker (Director of Family Ministry, LCMS Office of National Mission) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what family devotions can look like, why it's important for families to develop a devotional practice, some simple things to include in family devotions, how to develop a routine, and resources from LCMS Family Ministry and Concordia Publishing House. Learn more at lcms.org/family.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How do LCMS Camps help form future church workers? Bob LaCroix (Executive Director, Camp Omega, Waterville, MN) and Signe White (Executive Director, Camp Perkins, The Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho) join Andy and Sarah to talk about where they currently live and serve, who encouraged them to consider full-time church work, why summer camp is so important for their campers, how LCMS camps feed the faith and life of the campers, stories of campers who developed an interest in full-time church work through their time at camp, and encouragement for young people to attend or work at camp. Learn more about LCMS Camps at nloma.org. Find the Set Apart to Serve resource on camp ministry at files.lcms.org/dl/f/sas-considering-church-work-at-camp.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Why is campus ministry important for the faith of young adults today, and how can we support those leading campus ministry? Julianna Shults, DCE (Program Manager, LCMS Youth Ministry), the Rev. Dr. Heath Trampe (Director of Discipleship Ministry for the LCMS Office of National Mission), and the Rev. Sean Kilgo (pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church, Lawrence, Kansas; coordinator of Campus Ministry, LCMS Kansas District; LCMS Stewardship Presenter) join Andy and Sarah to talk about how campus ministry is critical to the life of young adults, how LCMS U Campus Ministry is meeting their needs, some examples of what LCMS U Campus Ministry looks like today, how congregations can support those leading campus ministry, and what participants in the LCMS U Campus Ministry Staff Conference will gain this year. Learn more at lcms.org/lcmsu and LCMSU.org.
The LCMS U Campus Ministry Staff Conference (Free!)
Thursday, June 4, - Friday, June 5, 2026
Lawrence, Kansas
Registration closes May 13. Learn more at calendar.lcms.org/event/lcms-u-campus-ministry-staff-conference-2026.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
We head out East for this episode (and learn what "East" actually means)! The Rev. John Pingel (President, Eastern District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod) joins Andy and Sarah to answer the now infamous Lightning Round of Favorites (which every COP member will be subjected to) and to talk about what the "Eastern" district is really East of, his experiences in seminary and various churches, how he serves today as the President of the Eastern District, and why he loves being a pastor in the LCMS.
Learn more about the LCMS President and Vice Presidents at lcms.org/about/leadership/president and the 35 LCMS Districts at lcms.org/districts.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What does a Christian and academic gathering space do to benefit students at state universities? The Rev. Dr. Trevor Sutton (Senior Pastor, St. Luke in Lansing, MI; Adjunct Professor of Theology at Concordia University, Irvine) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what a Christian Study Center is, how this space intersecting Christianity and academia benefits students, what makes a Christian Study Center different from other Christian spaces around a college campus, how the idea started for a Christian Study Center at Michigan State University, why this concept is uniquely important to Pastor Sutton, and what the future holds for the Christian Study Center at Michigan State.
Learn more about Christian Study Centers at cscmovement.org.
For more information on the Christian Study Center at MSU, reach out to Pastor Sutton through St. Luke's website, knowingjesus.org/about-us.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
We're getting ready for KFUO Sharathon 2026, April 30-May 2! Sharathon is a time of gratitude, stories, and opportunities to give, and we're previewing Sharathon first through conversations with President Matthew Harrison, and then Mary Schmidt and Doug Griebenaw.
First, the Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison (President, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about who Herman Sasse was and the state of the Lutheran Church in Germany during his lifetime, Sasse's theology and response to the political turmoil around him, Sasse's legacy today, why it matters that we steadfastly broadcast Lutheran theology and stories through KFUO Radio, and why listeners should support KFUO Radio during Sharathon.
Then, Mary Schmidt (KFUO Director of Development) and the Rev. Doug Griebenaw (your afternoon music host and KFUO Mission Advocate) join Andy and Sarah to preview Sharathon 2026, including this year's ways to give, giving levels, new things happening this year, how critical listener support is to our mission, and how to participate live in Sharathon 2026.
Learn more about Sharathon 2026 and give now at kfuo.org/sharathon.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What goes on behind the scenes to produce all of the Set Apart to Serve resources? Jennifer Duffy (Managing Director, Production, LCMS Communications) and Veronica Cheney (Production Specialist, LCMS Communications) join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about their roles in LCMS Communications, what each of them gets to do in production, how they serve the International Center and specifically Set Apart to Serve (SAS), how SAS materials and resources are produced, their favorite resources, and their most memorable experiences in taking SAS materials to conventions and gatherings.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How are LCMS missionaries sharing the Gospel with Persian refugees in Germany? The Rev. Dr. Christian Tiews (LCMS Missionary serving in Hamburg, Germany) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his path to the LCMS and missionary service, the community he serves in Hamburg, how this community has changed with an increase of refugees, the historical reasoning for Persians being open to the Gospel, how he serves refugees in Germany, and the incredible ways God is working in the lives of these refugees.
Read more about Pastor Tiews in Lutherans Engage online at engage.lcms.org/q-a-christian-tiews-spring-2026. Follow Pastor Tiews on Facebook to read more of his daily interactions in Germany at facebook.com/christian.tiews.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
We head out to the West Coast for this episode! The Rev. Michael Lange (President, California/Nevada/Hawaii District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod) joins Andy and Sarah to answer the now infamous Lightning Round of Favorites (which every COP member will be subjected to) and talk about how a Midwestern boy ends up as a pastor in California, Michael's journey to seminary, how an interest in church planting has shaped his goals for the district, interesting things about the CNH District, and why he loves being a pastor in the LCMS.
Learn more about the LCMS President and Vice Presidents at lcms.org/about/leadership/president and the 35 LCMS Districts at lcms.org/districts.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How do we celebrate America’s Semiquincentennial? Dr. Russell P. Dawn (President of Concordia University, Chicago) and Dr. Wilfred McClay (chair of classical history and western civilization at Hillsdale College, presenter for CUChicago Stand Tall for Freedom Series) join Andy and Sarah to talk about Concordia Chicago's Stand Tall for Freedom Series, why it's important that we consider the topics of freedom, virtue, and civic responsibility during America’s 250th anniversary celebrations, Dr. McClay's area of research and work at Hillsdale College, what people may not know or understand about America's founding documents, and what Dr. McClay will be speaking about at the Stand Tall for Freedom event in September. More details for this specific event will be released at a later date, so stay updated on the Stand Tall for Freedom series at cuchicago.edu/events.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How is the Church across nations united in praise to God? The Rev. Dr. Ely Prieto (Associate Professor of Practical Theology, Chairman Multiethnic Symposium Committee, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis) and Erika Petsch (Director of Continuing Education, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis) join Andy and Sarah to talk about Concordia Seminary's Multiethnic Symposium! They discuss how this Symposium fits within the broader mission of educational events at the Seminary, this year's theme and speakers, how the church is equipped to bear witness to God’s love and faithfulness across all nations through the Symposium, and why an event like this is important in continued learning. Learn more and register at csl.edu/multiethnic.
United in Praise: Multiethnic Symposium 2026
May 5-6, 2026
Registration closes April 20
csl.edu/multiethnic
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What role does music play in the formation of Christians for daily living and church work? Dr. Sam Eatherton (Assistant Professor of Practical Theology, Kantor, and the Kreft Professor for Music Arts at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis) and Lois Eatherton (teacher of music at St. Paul’s Lutheran School, Des Peres, Missouri, and Project Coordinator, Children in Worship Initiative, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis) join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about how both of them pursued full-time church work, why they love to teach music both in academic settings and in the home, how music plays a role in their home with their children and grandchildren, why music is essential in Christian formation, and the joys and challenges of serving the church.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How do new ideas help monetarily support the Concordia University System? Curt Gielow (CU Ventures Executive Vice President) and the Rev. Dr. Jamison Hardy (President, Concordia University System) join Andy and Sarah to talk about what CU Ventures is, where the idea began and how it serves the Concordia Universities, what the Talents Fund is and how it provides monetary support for the Concordia Universities, and how CU Ventures and the Talents Fund supports students.
Reach out to Curt at curt@curtgielow.com for information on the Talents Fund. Find more information at cuventures.com and talentsvcfund.com. Find information on Concordia University Scholarships at cus.edu.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
We head out to Kansas in this episode! The Rev. Justin Panzer (President, Kansas District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod) joins Andy and Sarah to answer the now infamous Lightning Round of Favorites (which every COP member will be subjected to) and talk about his journey through school to seminary, how his time at Westfield House in England was especially formative for him, interesting things about the Kansas District, how his time in congregations has shaped how he leads, and why he loves being a pastor in the LCMS. Follow goings-on in the Kansas District at facebook.com/kslcms.
Learn more about the LCMS President and Vice Presidents at lcms.org/about/leadership/president and the 35 LCMS Districts at lcms.org/districts.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How does online evangelism lead to real-life church planting in Puerto Rico? The Rev. James Neuendorf (LCMS missionary serving in Puerto Rico) and the Rev. Bryan Wolfmueller (Senior Pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church and Jesus Deaf Lutheran Church, Austin, TX) join Andy and Sarah to talk about how Rev. Neuendorf is called to serve in Puerto Rico, how Rev. Wolfmueller's congregation in Texas is involved in this work through the Puerto Rico FORO, how Puerto Ricans have learned about Lutheran teaching from online evangelism, the new online efforts happening through mission work in Puerto Rico which lead to Word and Sacrament ministry, and how the FORO supports this work in a meaningful way.
Resources in this episode:
Read about this story at engage.lcms.org/puerto-rico-spring-2026.
Learn more about the LCMS presence in Puerto Rico at lcmspuertorico.org.
Find information about a FORO to support at international.lcms.org/foro.
Learn more about all LCMS International Mission at international.lcms.org.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How has Lutheran Bible Translators made a difference for people who want to read the Bible in their own language? The Rev. Dr. Rich Rudowske (Executive Director, Lutheran Bible Translators) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the work of Lutheran Bible Translators (LBT), where LBT serves around the world, why this work is so important to him, a recent Bible dedication for the Komba people in Ghana, and a historic translation goal for LBT and partner translation organizations. Learn more about Lutheran Bible Translators at lbt.org.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
We go "non-geographical" today to learn about the English District! The Rev. Jeffrey Miskus (President & Bishop, The English District of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod) joins Andy and Sarah to answer the now infamous Lightning Round of Favorites (which every COP member will be subjected to) and talk about growing up in Canada and his path to seminary, how his formation led to where he is serving now, a brief history of the English District (and how there are LCMS churches in Canada), and why he loves being a pastor in the LCMS.
Learn more about the LCMS President and Vice Presidents at lcms.org/about/leadership/president and the 35 LCMS Districts at lcms.org/districts.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Concordia Universities have an exciting opportunity for Lutheran high school students! Dr. Jamie Kowalczyk (Vice President for Strategic Operations/Chief of Staff, Concordia University Chicago), Breana Winnes (Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admission, Concordia University St. Paul), Aaron Roberts (Associate Vice President of Undergraduate Admissions, Concordia University, Nebraska) and Leah Toerpe (Director of Undergraduate Admissions, Concordia University Wisconsin) join Sarah to talk about the new Direct Admission program at these four Concordia Universities, including how this helps high school students gain a direct path into a Concordia University, the advantages of this program, what makes each Concordia a special and unique place for higher education, and their advice for high school upperclassmen. Learn more about this program at cus.edu/admissions.
Learn more about the Concordias:
- Concordia University Chicago: cuchicago.edu
- Concordia University St. Paul: csp.edu
- Concordia University, Nebraska: cune.edu
- Concordia University Wisconsin: cuw.edu
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How can we encourage children's presence and participation in the worship service? Professor Jared Stiek (Assistant Professor, Lutheran Teacher Education; Assistant Dean, College Education, Concordia University Chicago) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what drew him into the education field, what he loves about teaching future Lutheran educators, the aspects of children’s value in church that are often overlooked, what we learn about children from Scripture and our Lutheran doctrine, and some ideas for fostering a child's upbringing in the church.
Resources in this episode:
- lea.org/childrens-place-in-the-church
- cph.org/whisper-whisper-learning-about-church
- cph.org/about-the-lutheran-church-set (Worship)
- cph.org/right-from-the-start
- amazon.com/Parenting-Pew-Guiding-Children-Worship/dp/0830823409
- blog.cph.org/read/everyday-faith/parenting-in-the-pew-6-steps-to-help-kids-behave-in-church
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What role does pastoral recruitment play in Set Apart to Serve? The Rev. James Baumgartner (Manager, Pastoral Missionary Recruitment with the LCMS Office of International Mission) and the Rev. Dr. Quintin Cundiff (Director of Church Planting with the LCMS Office of National Mission) join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about what they get to do in their respective positions, their journeys into church work vocations, the need for international pastors and what these pastors get to do, how church planting works and why it is important, and how we can continue to raise up new pastors by the work of the Holy Spirit. Learn more about serving internationally with the Office of International Mission at international.lcms.org and learn more about church planting by emailing church.planting@lcms.org.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How do students from the Peace Lutheran Campus Center at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point serve God's people through their Spring Break mission trips? Scott West (faculty advisor for Peace Lutheran Campus Center at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point) is joined by Peace Lutheran Campus Center members Clara, Ethan, Sebastian, Melissa, Matt, Rylan, and Rachel to talk about how the Center enriches the lives of college students at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, why mission trips are a priority, how Scott has seen students grow in their faith in God and love toward their neighbors during these trips, what the students have learned, and how they see these trips as helpful in forming them for their future vocations.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
We launch a new series today, answering this question: Who is on the LCMS Council of Presidents, and what do they get to do? The Rev. Benjamin Ball (Senior Pastor, St. Paul Lutheran Church and School, Hamel IL; Second Vice President, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod) joins Andy and Sarah to kick off the series by answering the now infamous Lightning Round of Favorites (which every COP member will be subjected to), sharing his journey from childhood through seminary formation, what he loves about the congregations he's been blessed to serve, the duties of the Second Vice President of the LCMS, why he's a pastor in the LCMS today, and what brings him joy in serving God's people.
Learn more about the LCMS President and Vice Presidents at lcms.org/about/leadership/president and the 35 LCMS Districts at lcms.org/districts.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Have you heard the 1725 version of Bach's St. John Passion? You have a chance to hear it live in St. Louis during Holy Week! Dr. Maurice Boyer (Artistic Director of the American Kantorei) and the Rev. Dr. Jon Vieker (Associate Professor of Practical Theology, Dean of Chapel, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis) join Sarah to talk about what Bach's St. John Passion is, how it is different from the more popular version that the American Kantorei performed two years ago, the highlights of this Passion, what sets the Passion apart from Bach's other works, and how this can be a part of a listener's Holy Week journey. Learn more at american-kantorei.org and csl.edu/event/st-john-passion-by-johann-sebastian-bach-1725.
Sunday, March 29
3:00 p.m. CT
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis
Tuesday, March 31
7:30 p.m. CT
St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Des Peres, MO
Both performances are free admission.
A door offering will be collected.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How can Lutheran congregations support military service members and veterans through Operation Barnabas? Jill Tendler — Operation Barnabas volunteer at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Eureka, MO, and Lee Hinton — Administrative Coordinator for LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces, join Andy and Sarah to talk about Jill's military family story, why Operation Barnabas is important to her, and how small actions make a huge difference for veterans and military families. Learn more at 314-996-1337 and lcms.org/ministry-to-the-armed-forces/operation-barnabas.
This episode originally aired on January 9, 2024.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you’d like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What's it like to be a student in a church work program at Concordia University Irvine? The Rev. Dr. Jonathan Ruehs (Assistant Dean of Christ College at Concordia University Irvine) and Carrie Donohoe (Director of LCMS Recruitment, Christ College Program Coordinator, and Assistant Director of LCMS Placement at Concordia University Irvine) join Andy and Sarah to talk about what they love about working at Concordia Irvine (CUI), why church worker formation is important to them and to CUI, the church work programs available at CUI and what makes them unique, what students would experience on a visit day, and how to take the next steps to learn more. Find Concordia University Irvine online at cui.edu.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What’s unfolding right now at the Lutheran Heritage Foundation? The Rev. Dr. Matthew Heise (Executive Director, Lutheran Heritage Foundation) and the Rev. Dr. Douglas Rutt (Board Member, Lutheran Heritage Foundation) join Andy and Sarah to talk about the LHF-sponsored African Translation conference in Addis Ababa, the very exciting work underway in Iceland and Norway, the extensive distribution of the Spanish Lutheran Book of Prayer, and the recently published Vietnamese translation of Unchanging Truth in Changing Times. Learn more about Lutheran Heritage Foundation at lhfmissions.org.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How does the Parable of the Prodigal Son end? The Rev. Bryan Wolfmueller (Pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church and Jesus Deaf Lutheran Church in Austin, Texas) joins Andy and Sarah for Part Three of a three-part series on his new book Finally Free: Lessons in the Parable of the Prodigal Son from Concordia Publishing House. He revisits the types of slavery and freedom covered in his book, what the older son does when the father welcomes the prodigal son, how this parable compares to the other lost-and-found parables in Scripture, and who has the resulting joy in these parables.
Find Finally Free at cph.org/finally-free-three-lessons-in-the-parable-of-the-prodigal-son. Find more content from Rev. Wolfmueller at youtube.com/wolfmueller1 and wolfmueller.co.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How do servant leaders in Lutheran schools model leadership for future church workers? The Rev. Mark Bushuiakovish, pastor at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Nashville, TN, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about his journey into pastoral ministry, how his faith was formed as a child and through Lutheran schools, the servant leaders who served as models through his years in Lutheran school, his experiences at seminary, and how his congregation forms and encourages both youth and adults to consider full-time church work.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How can Lutherans faithfully respond to an increasingly pagan society? The Rev. Dr. Matt Richard, pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Minot, North Dakota, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about a recent insightful visit to his local post office and what he witnessed there. He shares what this experience brought to light for him regarding America's spiritual condition, how atheism and spirituality play a role in American culture, what syncretism is and why it's problematic, and how Lutherans can faithfully respond to an increasingly pagan society.
Read about Pastor Richard's experience at facebook.com/share/p/15e6sxnrpH and find more from Pastor Richard at pastormattrichard.com/2025/06/let-world-rage-christ-is-enough.html.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Why does worker wellness matter—and how can your congregation get involved in a pilot project to support it? Deaconess Dr. Tiffany Manor (Managing Director of the LCMS Office of National Mission) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why congregational leaders should care about the well-being of church workers. She shares who we consider to be church workers, what “worker wellness” really means, what participation in the pilot project looks like, how it benefits both congregations and workers, and what steps leaders can take to get started.
Visit https://reporter.lcms.org/2025/congregations-needed-for-worker-wellness-pilot-project to find more information as well as the questionnaire for the Pilot Program.
Please email workerwellness@lcms.org if you have any questions.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How does understanding archaeology help us to understand Biblical history? The Rev. Dr. Kevin Golden (Associate Professor of Exegetical Theology, Dean of Theological Research and Publication, Director of Resident Field Education, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about an upcoming lecture in Biblical Archaeology at Concordia Seminary titled "Judah in the Time of David." They discuss the time frame being considered in the lecture, what was unique about the context of David's reign, how an archeological understanding of Judah is helpful in understanding Biblical history, and who the expert lecturer will be for this event. You can learn more and register by visiting csl.edu/event/these-stones-will-shout-annual-lecture-in-biblical-archaeology.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Rev. Dr. John Sias gives today's sermon based on John 3:1-15 (16-17).
>> The broadcast of chapel services is brought to you by LCMS International Mission and Ministry to Armed Forces.
>> Learn more at international.lcms.org and lcms.org/armedforces.
>> To learn more about long and short-term opportunities to serve, visit servenow.lcms.org.
Tune in weekdays at 10:00 a.m. CT to hear daily chapel services from the LCMS International Center. Find service information including the lectionary, hymn, and homilist for the day at kfuo.org/daily-chapel-schedule.
The 69th Regular Convention of the LCMS is next summer! Rev. Dr. John Sias, Secretary of the LCMS, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about where we are in the convention cycle, including the details for nominations across various synodical positions, the offices nominations are being sought for, how nominations are submitted, and encouragement for nominations. Visit lcms.org/nominate for nominations and documents, and lcms.org/convention/governance for convention overtures.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How is church worker formation cemented as culture in the church? The Rev. Dr. Mike Von Behren (President of the LCMS Northwest District and Regent at Concordia University Irvine) and the Rev. Dr. Bill Harmon (President of the LCMS Southeastern District and Assistant Pastor of King of Glory Lutheran Church in Williamsburg, VA) join Andy for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about their journeys to becoming pastors and then District Presidents, their chief duties as a District President, what each of their districts are doing to form and recruit church workers and why this work is so important to each of them, and what they think will cement church worker formation and recruitment into the culture of our LCMS congregations, schools, districts, and entities.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
How does a church family care for a community in the name of Jesus after a disaster? The Rev. Dr. Gerard Bolling (Lead Pastor, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, St Louis, MO) and the Rev. Chris Knepper (Pastor of Community Engagement, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, St. Louis, MO) join Andy and Sarah to talk about the recent tornado that impacted the St. Louis community, how community members and the area around Bethlehem Lutheran were affected, how Bethlehem Lutheran has been able to meet the needs of the community, what new things have come out of the disaster response, and how they've ben able to bring the comfort of Christ to those who are hurting. Learn more about how you can help at bethlehemstlouis.org.
What does it truly mean to live a receptive life? The Rev. Dr. Joel Biermann, Waldemar A. and June Schuette Professor of Systematic Theology and author of Day 7: For Work, Rest, or Play from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah for a series on what Sabbath means for us. In this final episode on chapter 7, they discuss what re-enchantment in God’s Word looks like, how we can appreciate the metaphysical realities of this world, what truth, goodness, and beauty have to do with living a receptive life, and what it means to live in the fullness of God’s Sabbath.
Find Day 7: For Work, Rest, or Play at cph.org/day-7-for-work-rest-or-play.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
The 2025 LWML National Convention is coming up June 26-29 in Omaha, NE, under the theme “Growing in God’s Grace” (2 Peter 3:18). President of the LWML Eden Keefe joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what the 2025 LWML Convention will look like this summer, the story behind the theme “Growing in God’s Grace,” what this theme means for her and all Lutheran women, how planning happens for the National conventions every other year, the objectives for the convention, and what we can expect this summer in Omaha. Learn more at lwml.org/convention.
The 2025 LWML National Convention is coming up June 26-29 in Omaha, NE, under the theme “Growing in God’s Grace” (2 Peter 3:18). President of the LWML Eden Keefe joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what the 2025 LWML Convention will look like this summer, the story behind the theme “Growing in God’s Grace,” what this theme means for her and all Lutheran women, how planning happens for the National conventions every other year, the objectives for the convention, and what we can expect this summer in Omaha. Learn more at lwml.org/convention.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What is a FORO? The Rev. Dr. Brian Gauthier (Managing Director, Global Mission Operations, LCMS Office of International Mission) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the structure of the LCMS approach to international mission, how missionaries and support staff are organized, how these missionaries and support staff are supported from outside the International Center, what a FORO is and how it supports mission work efforts, why church planting is such an important strategic priority, and how you can support the work of a FORO. Learn more at lcms.org/international and international.lcms.org.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What does it take to establish a strong foundation for church work formation and recruitment in the culture of our congregations, schools, and the larger church body? The Rev. Dr. Lucas Woodford (President of the LCMS Minnesota South District, Regent at Concordia University St. Paul, and Associate Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Farmington, MN) and the Rev. David Nehrenz (President of the LCMS Oklahoma District and Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Norman, OK) join Andy and Sarah to talk about their paths to becoming a pastor and district president, how each of their districts is forming and recruiting church workers, why a mindset for formation and recruitment is important, why collaboration on growing a culture of church work formation across the LCMS is important, why it's particularly crucial to have the support and collaboration of schools in this culture, and the benefits each has seen so far from these collaborative efforts in Set Apart to Serve in their districts and across Synod.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Today's episode of The Coffee Hour is underwritten in part by Concordia University, Nebraska. You can learn more about Concordia University, Nebraska at cune.edu
We have now come through Lent and the Easter season, including the Ascension of Jesus to His Father’s right hand, and in June we celebrate Pentecost. In these studies, we have explored messianic prophecies in January through April, with an introduction to messianic typology last month. This month’s study will deal with a prophecy that is not exactly messianic, but features prominently in the New Testament: in Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost. We also will explore the Old and New Testaments’ witness to the Holy Spirit and His work then and now.
Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the June/July 2025 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “The Promised Spirit” on Joel 2:28–32 and Acts 2:1–22. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Opening the Old Testament” and will walk through ways that the Old Testament witnesses to Jesus Christ and His grace, mercy and peace, delivered through the holy Christian church. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Is play really that important? The Rev. Dr. Joel Biermann, Waldemar A. and June Schuette Professor of Systematic Theology and author of Day 7: For Work, Rest, or Play from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah for a series on what Sabbath means for us. In this episode on chapter 6, they discuss how we distinguish between work and play, whether work counts as work if we really enjoy it, why play is actually very important (even for adults!), whether worship is play, how sleep forces us to understand our humanity and the nature of God, and the theological connection between sleep and death.
Find Day 7: For Work, Rest, or Play at cph.org/day-7-for-work-rest-or-play.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What if exciting fiction could teach readers the heart of Lutheran doctrine? Katie Schuermann (author of The Big Father and His Little Boy, The Creed: Book 1 and The Beloved Son and His Brother, The Creed: Book 2), Christine Elliott Rivers (author of Above All Things: The Tale of the King, The Commandments: Book 1), and Jesse Cordes (Illustrator of The Creed and The Commandments series from Kloria Publishing) join Andy and Sarah to talk about highlights from their careers in writing and illustrating, where the idea for a fiction catechesis series began, how they use fiction to teach the truth of God’s Word as it is summed up in the Catechism, a sneak peek at each of the books, Jesse's process for illustrating books, and what they love most about this project. Find these books and more from Kloria at kloria.com/collections/fiction-for-children.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Do we still need the law? What were the controversies concerning the Lord’s Supper? The Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District and host of KFUO Radio’s Concord Matters, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Formula of Concord reading plan he created for 2025, including the questions concerning the Third Use of the Law and The Lord's Supper that are addressed in June and July's readings. What is the Third Use of the Law? What were the controversies of those days surrounding the Third Use? Do we still need the law? What do we believe concerning the Lord's Supper according to the Word of God? Are the controversies concerning the Lord’s Supper still prevalent? Why is it important for us to be very clear on the Scriptural Truth of the Lord's Supper?
Find the full reading plan from The Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org/2024/reading-plan, and find correlating Concord Matters episodes at kfuo.org/formulaofconcord.
June | Third Use of the Law
Week 1:
Ep VI 1 (p. 485–486)
SC Table of Duties (p. 346–348)
Week 2:
Ep VI 2–7 (p. 486–487)
Gal. 5:1–26
Week 3:
SD VI (p. 557–561)
Week 4:
Ep VI 8 (p. 487)
July | The Lord's Supper
Week 1:
Ep VII 1–5 (p. 487–488)
AC X (p. 35)
AC XXII (p. 45–46)
Week 2:
Ep VII 6–20 (p. 488–489)
Ap X (p. 153–155)
Ap XXII (p. 208–210)
Week 3:
SD VII 91–128 (p. 576–581)
Week 4:
Ep VII 21–42 (p. 489–491)
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How do a Pastor and DCE work together as a ministry team in a congregation? The Rev. Dr. Phil Booe (Pastor, St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne, MN) and DCE Jessica Blocker (Director of Christian Education, St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne, MN) join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about how their education and formation as church workers prepared (or didn't prepare) them for team ministry, what they've learned about working as a team since they began serving together five years ago, how they handle logistics while working on a small team, how they make the best use of each other's strengths and interests, and what matters to them in how they present themselves as a team to the congregation and others. Learn more about St. John Lutheran Church at stjohnluverne.org.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Why is sabbatical valuable for church workers? The Rev. Dr. Greg Walton (Grace Place Wellness, LCEF) and Rehema Kavugha (Director of Synod Relations, LCEF) join Andy and Sarah to talk about why a Sabbatical Scholarship Program is important for the church and LCEF's mission, why sabbaticals are so critical for church workers, what kinds of things church workers do on sabbatical, how a scholarship can help, what a church might do to plan for sabbatical, and the application process for the Sabbatical Scholarship Program. Learn more and apply at lcef.org/sabbaticalscholarship.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How can we know our purpose and understand life's meaning? The Rev. Dr. Joel Biermann, Waldemar A. and June Schuette Professor of Systematic Theology and author of Day 7: For Work, Rest, or Play from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah for a series on what Sabbath means for us. In this episode on chapter 5, they discuss the current state of Western culture, how a focus on the individual has shaped our culture, what happens when we remove meaning from the world, how we can know our purpose and life's meaning, what it means to have a receptive life, and how we can use the receptive life to live outside ourselves and serve our neighbor.
Find Day 7: For Work, Rest, or Play at cph.org/day-7-for-work-rest-or-play.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Lutheran Federal Credit Union is celebrating 10 years! The Rev. Tom Schlund (Synod Relations & Marketing Coordinator, Lutheran Federal Credit Union) and Amanda Walker (CEO, Lutheran Federal Credit Union) join Andy and Sarah to talk about why a credit union was created for the LCMS, Rev. Schlund's new role and the need to build up relationships across the Synod, what has been accomplished in 10 years of Lutheran Federal Credit Union, and the many services available today. Find a special offer for KFUO Radio listeners to celebrate Lutheran Federal Credit Union's 10th Anniversary at LutheranFCU.org/kfuo.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
It's time for the annual Carillon Concert Series at Concordia Seminary! John Klinger, Chief Information Officer and Carillonneur at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what a carillon is, what's unique about Concordia’s carillon, the history and tradition of carillon concerts at Concordia Seminary, and the lineup of concerts and carillonneurs this year. Learn more about these concerts happening each Tuesday in June (that KFUO Radio will be broadcasting, weather-permitting!) at csl.edu/2025/05/summer-2025-carillon-concert-series-announced-for-tuesdays-in-june.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How do KFUO Radio Interns help us share the Gospel AND learn valuable skills for future vocations? John Fiene (current KFUO Radio Intern), Aubrey Blank (current Digital Media Associate and former KFUO intern), and Jordan Harms (Media Operations Manager for KFUO) join Andy and Sarah to talk about why John applied to be an intern with KFUO, what he's learning this semester and how he expects to use these skills, where Aubrey's interest in becoming a KFUO intern began and how her internship prepared her for a full-time position with KFUO, and how Jordan uses these internship experiences to build up future radio talent. Learn about KFUO internship opportunities at lcms.org/careers.
This episode originally aired on October 17, 2024.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you’d like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How does Crean Lutheran High School raise up young Lutherans for future vocations? Conni Schramm, Learning Success Teacher at Crean Lutheran High School in Irvine, California, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about what she gets to do every day at Crean Lutheran, how she became a teacher and her many years of service in Lutheran education, why providing Lutheran education is important to her, what is unique about Crean Lutheran High School, and how Crean Lutheran is raising up the next generation of church workers. Learn more about Crean Lutheran at creanlutheran.org.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Bring Back the Bulldogs! The Rev. Dr. Gerard Bolling (Lead Pastor, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, St Louis, MO) and the Rev. Chris Kneppe (Pastor of Community Engagement, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, St. Louis, MO) join Andy and Sarah to talk about the revitalization of Bethlehem Lutheran School in St. Louis, including Bethlehem's long history, the community where Bethlehem Lutheran is and serves today, how a Lutheran school is in a unique position to serve this community, what individualized learning looks like in Bethlehem's setting, how they have seen children grow and thrive through their micro school, and the outlook for the 2025-2026 school year. Learn more about Bethlehem and how you can support the school at bethlehemstlouis.org.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How is leisure part of being human? The Rev. Dr. Joel Biermann, Waldemar A. and June Schuette Professor of Systematic Theology and author of Day 7: For Work, Rest, or Play from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah for a series on what Sabbath means for us. In this episode on chapter 4, they discuss how we normally consider "leisure" and how Josef Pieper gives us a deeper explanation. They also consider several questions: Does it matter if we have time to think deep thoughts about the world? How does our Western culture make true leisure difficult? How are leisure and worship connected? What is acedia, and what about it is dangerous? Shouldn't leisure be equated with laziness?
Find Day 7: For Work, Rest, or Play at cph.org/day-7-for-work-rest-or-play.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What is it like to serve overseas as a Regional Business Manager with the LCMS Office of International Mission? Regional Business Managers Joyce Erber (Africa Region), Stan Stigdon (Latin America and the Caribbean Region), and Sam Borgwardt (Asia Region), along with Rev. Dr. Mark Rabe, Director of Missionary Recruitment for the LCMS Office of International Mission, join Andy to talk about their roles as Regional Business Managers in the field, including how they serve on the field and some of the duties they have, who they get to work with, how their work supports those they serve alongside in their regions, what they've come to appreciate about the cultures in which they serve, and what makes a great candidate for service as a Regional Business Manager in the LCMS Office of International Mission. Find opportunities to serve at servenow.lcms.org.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How do we equip youth with the tools to weather life’s ups and downs? Dr. Belinda Karge (professor in the School of Education at Concordia University Irvine), Dr. Kara Bratton (assistant professor in the School of Education at Concordia University Irvine), and Dr. Jeremiah Stokes (licensed psychotherapist, owner and clinical director of Stokes Counseling and Consulting in Maitland, Florida, and adjunct professor at Rollins College in Winter Park, FL) join Andy and Sarah to talk about the Resilient Minds Curriculum for Middle School and High School from Concordia Publishing House. They discuss the state of mental health among youth in the U.S. today; where the idea for this curriculum came from; and how each of them became connected to the project. They also explain how the curriculum equips students to face life’s challenges, how teachers are supported in helping students manage mental health in healthy ways, and what makes the Christ-centered approach of Resilient Minds unique.
Learn more and find the curriculum at teachthefaith.cph.org/resilient-minds.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How does an entire family become involved in church work vocations? David Beikmann (principal and teacher at Linn Lutheran School, Linn KS, moving to Zion Lutheran School in Pierce, Nebraska), his wife Diane Beikmann (Lutheran teacher) and daughter Camryn Beikmann, join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about who encouraged each of them to pursue church work, David's time serving at Linn Lutheran School, the chapel service at Linn Lutheran that focused on Set Apart to Serve, how David and Diane have created a culture of church work formation and recruitment at Linn Lutheran, Camryn's journey into church worker formation at Concordia University, Nebraska, and the letter of intent she signed to attend CUNE for Lutheran Teacher Education.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How does Jesus use parables to teach the Truth of God? The Rev. Dr. James Fickenscher, assistant professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the upcoming Lay Bible Institute "And He Spoke Many Things to Them in Parables" happening August 2 at Concordia Seminary, including what a parable is, what is unique about the parables of Jesus, faithful approaches to interpreting parables, how Jesus uses parables to teach the Truth of God, and what attendees will learn at the Lay Bible Institute. Learn more and register at csl.edu/resources/continuing-education/lay-bible-institute.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Are work and Sabbath polar opposites? The Rev. Dr. Joel Biermann, Waldemar A. and June Schuette Professor of Systematic Theology and author of Day 7: For Work, Rest, or Play from Concordia Publishing House joins Andy and Sarah for a series on what Sabbath means for us. In this episode on chapter 3, they discuss how the “Protestant Work Ethic” affects how we consider work, our culture's “therapeutic” mindset, how the concept of being “made to work” is affected by the fall, the ways in which work and Sabbath are related, how we define and categorize work, whether work is part of what it means to be human, and what we learn about vocation from Luther's teaching.
Find Day 7: For Work, Rest, or Play at cph.org/day-7-for-work-rest-or-play.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What's it like to graduate from a Concordia University? The Rev. Dr. Jamison Hardy (President, Concordia University System) and the Rev. Dr. Douglas Spittel (Vice President, Concordia University System) join Andy to talk about Graduation 2025, including what happens at graduation ceremonies around the Concordia University System, other activities surrounding graduation, and the outlook for future church workers and others heading towards careers and the workforce. Learn more about the Concordia University System at cus.edu.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What is life like as an Early Childhood Educator in a Lutheran School? Gretchen Gosch (1st grade teacher at Unity Ridge Lutheran School in Denison, IA), Heather Nitzel (2nd Grade teacher at Iowa Great Lakes Lutheran School in Spencer, IA), and Chelsea Adams (Kindergarten teacher at Mt. Olive Lutheran School in Des Moines, IA) join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about their journeys to becoming Lutheran teachers, what they love about teaching, and specifically, teaching in Lutheran schools, what motivates them in their vocations through the good and bad days, who encouraged them to pursue becoming a Lutheran educator, and how their schools form future church workers.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
It's a graduation celebration! Sarah Gulseth (Digital Media Manager, co-host of The Coffee Hour and The Lutheran Ladies' Lounge Podcast) join Andy and guest co-host Jordan Harms to talk about her journey to getting a master's degree in Organizational Leadership from Concordia University Irvine's Townsend Institute, including how her career path has changed over the years, why she decided to go back to school, why she chose Concordia Irvine and this program in particular, what she's learned through her coursework, and how this knowledge has benefitted her and the entire KFUO team.
Listen to Sarah’s study notes from her graduate courses on the "Sarah Goes to School" episodes of The Lutheran Ladies' Lounge podcast at kfuo.org/tag/sarah-goes-to-school and find more information on CUI's Organizational Leadership programs at the Townsend Institute at cui.edu/townsend/programs/masters/organizational-leadership.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What does Jesus say and show us about the true significance of the Sabbath? The Rev. Dr. Joel Biermann, Waldemar A. and June Schuette Professor of Systematic Theology and author of Day 7: For Work, Rest, or Play from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah for a series on what Sabbath means for us. In this episode on chapter 2, they discuss why God chose to rest on Day 7 of creation, whether rest equals inactivity, what we learn about rest from God delighting in His creation, how the Third Commandment includes both our vertical relationship with God and our horizontal relationship with creatures, how Jesus is the Sabbath Incarnate, and the Sabbath rest to come.
Find Day 7: For Work, Rest, or Play at cph.org/day-7-for-work-rest-or-play.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
“Type” has to do with forms, shapes, patterns, images. People demonstrate “typical” behavior when they act in a similar pattern time and again. In typesetting, a block with a typographic character on it makes an image of that character on the page. Our first four Bible studies in this year’s series have focused on straightforward messianic prophecies, which abound in the Old Testament. However, Jesus and His church are prefigured in other ways in the Old Testament. This is known as typology — seeing an Old Testament person or event (a “type”) as a pattern for a New Testament one (the “antitype”). This sort of interpretation is employed by the New Testament, which shows us how it can be done responsibly (and not fancifully!). For example, Jesus says, “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life” (John 3:14–15). Here Jesus teaches about Himself and His work by pointing back to Numbers 21:4–9, with the bronze serpent that saved snakebitten Israelites (the type) corresponding to Jesus as One who was lifted up on the cross that we might look to Him in faith and be saved (the antitype). In this study, we will look at more typological connections between the Old Testament and New Testament.
Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the May 2025 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “Isn’t That Typical?” on Typological Connections throughout Scripture. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Opening the Old Testament” and will walk through ways that the Old Testament witnesses to Jesus Christ and His grace, mercy and peace, delivered through the holy Christian church. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Who were Increase and Cotton Mather, and what happened with the Salem Witch Trials? Rev. Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for our nine-episode series, “Pilgrims, Puritans, and the Founding of New England.” In episode 8, we learn about the influence of both Increase and Cotton Mather (including how they got their names), the religious context in Salem, and what happened during the Salem Witch Trials.
Resources in this episode:
- All episodes in The Puritan Movement series
- Find more from Dr. MacKenzie here
- Recommended reading from Dr. MacKenzie includes: Worldly Saints by Leland Ryken, English Puritanism by John Spurr, Reformation in England by Peter Marshall, Puritan Christianity in America: Religion and Life in 17th Century Massachusetts by John Carden, and Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Donna Laughlin (Principal of Immanuel Lutheran Church & School in Batavia, IL) and Sue Domeier (Principal of Zion Lutheran Church & School in Marengo, IL) join Andy and Sarah to talk about their respective journeys into school administration, why they love being educators in Lutheran schools, and what encourages them to keep going every day. They also share what it looks like to build relationships in their unique contexts, including what a strong foundation of healthy relationships allows them to accomplish.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What does Scripture tell us about Law & Gospel? The Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District and host of KFUO Radio’s Concord Matters, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Formula of Concord reading plan he created for 2025, including the questions concerning Law and Gospel that are addressed in this month’s readings. Why is Law and the Gospel an article in the Formula? What isn’t the Gospel? What is Gospel Reductionism? What are some take aways to keep in mind when reading Law & Gospel this month? Why is proper understanding of Law and Gospel important in “soul care”?
Find the full reading plan from The Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org/2024/reading-plan, and find correlating Concord Matters episodes at kfuo.org/formulaofconcord.
May | Law & Gospel
Week 1:
Ep V 1 (p.484)
SA III, Article 2 (p.271-272)
Week 2:
Ep V 2-10 (p.484-485)
SA III, article 4 (p.278)
Week 3:
SD V (p.552-557)
Week 4:
Ep V 11 (p.485)
Links mentioned in this episode:
- Confessional Subscription: What is Quia?
- Confessional Subscription: Why is a Quia Subscription Still Vital for the Church Today?
- Confessional Subscription in the ELCA: Past & Present
- Confessional Subscription in the AFLC
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What does Sabbath teach us about who we are—and what we're made for?
The Rev. Dr. Joel Biermann, Waldemar A. and June Schuette Professor of Systematic Theology and author of Day 7: For Work, Rest, or Play from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah for a series on what Sabbath means for us. In this episode, covering the introduction and chapter 1, they discuss why Dr. Biermann chose to write this book, why it matters that we understand what “Sabbath” means, the relationship between person and purpose (telos), Luther’s context for writing the explanation to the Third Commandment, the fundamental principle for understanding both the commandment and the Sabbath, and how the Sabbath was built into the very rhythm of creation.
Find Day 7: For Work, Rest, or Play at cph.org/day-7-for-work-rest-or-play.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What is a prelude, and why does it happen (or not happen) before a church service? Dr. Mark Bender (retired Minister of Music from St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Des Peres, MO), Phillip Magness (Cantor at Village Lutheran Church in Ladue, MO) and Cheryl Magness (Managing Editor of Reporter with LCMS Communications and International Center chapel musician) join Andy and Sarah to talk about what a prelude is and why we have it, how a person in the pew can make good use of the prelude, the thought and preparation that goes into picking and playing the prelude, whether there are times when it is more suitable to not have a prelude, and helpful ways to appreciate this musical offering.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How did the fracturing of Christianity in Old England affect how churches were founded in New England? Rev. Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for our nine-episode series, “Pilgrims, Puritans, and the Founding of New England.” In episode 7, we learn about changes occuring in Old England affecting New England's religious landscape, the fracturing of Christianity in Old England, the secret Roman Catholic King of England and resulting secret partnership with France, Increase and Cotton Mather in New England, and the Church in Massachusetts.
Resources in this episode:
- All episodes in The Puritan Movement series
- Find more from Dr. MacKenzie here
- Recommended reading from Dr. MacKenzie includes: Worldly Saints by Leland Ryken, English Puritanism by John Spurr, Reformation in England by Peter Marshall, Puritan Christianity in America: Religion and Life in 17th Century Massachusetts by John Carden, and Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What is it like to serve as a Lutheran school principal? Sarah Popp (Principal of Iowa Great Lakes Lutheran School in Spencer, IA) and Cory Emily (Principal of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church and School in Des Moines, IA) join Sarah to talk about how they serve as principals in their respective schools, who encouraged them to become educators, why they love their work and especially serving in a Lutheran school, what keeps them going even through challenging times, and how a Lutheran environment provides a unique space for them as administrators.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What is unique about Concordia University Wisconsin's approach to engineering education? Subha Kumpaty, D.Min., Ph.D. (Engineering Program Chair for Concordia University Wisconsin) and Lucas Kearny (Concordia University Wisconsin Industrial Engineering Student) join Andy and Sarah to talk about the increase of interest in careers in engineering, how CUW is meeting the need for engineering education, the newest program in Mechanical Engineering, how students gain hands-on practical experience and real-world preparation in this program, and what Lucas has experienced so far in his program. Learn more about CUW Engineering programs, specifically the new Mechanical Engineering degree, at cuw.edu/academics/programs/mechanical-engineering-bachelors/index.html.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How are international students brought into community with Lutherans around the world? Sue Hasselbring (Ministry Catalyst for International Student Ministry, Inc.) and Ken Bickel (Board President for International Student Ministry, Inc.) join Andy and Sarah to talk about why International Student Ministry exists and how they serve students, how each of them got involved, what occurs through each ISM site, and information about two upcoming events: In Depth Bible seminar and Equipping Conference. Learn more about International Student Ministry, Inc., and how to get involved at isminc.org or by contacting sue@isminc.org.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Deaconess Sandra Rhein, Sacred Music Educator in Asia for the LCMS Office of International Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Easter hymns! Learn about Lutheran Service Book 458 "Christ Jesus Lay in Death's Strong Bands," Lutheran Service Book 476 "Who Are You Who Walk in Sorrow," and Lutheran Service Book 466 "Christ is Arisen, Alleluia." Read Deaconess Rhein's story and how to support her work at lcms.org/rhein.
This episode originally aired on April 6, 2021.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you’d like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What happens when the church in New England grows and the Halfway Covenant is established? Rev. Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for our nine-episode series, “Pilgrims, Puritans, and the Founding of New England.” In episode 6, we learn about Roger Williams and Rhode Island, declension of the church, issues that start to arise in New England, and how the Halfway Covenant was established.
Resources in this episode:
- All episodes in The Puritan Movement series
- Find more from Dr. MacKenzie here
- Recommended reading from Dr. MacKenzie includes: Worldly Saints by Leland Ryken, English Puritanism by John Spurr, Reformation in England by Peter Marshall, Puritan Christianity in America: Religion and Life in 17th Century Massachusetts by John Carden, and Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Rev. Sean Daenzer, Director of Worship for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and International Center Chaplain, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the services of the Triduum during Holy Week, the origins of these services, what makes Tenebrae a unique service among the others, and the beautiful Responsories used in the Medieval church during these Tenebrae services.
Listen to the Responsories by Carlo Gesualdo on YouTube.
This episode originally aired on April 5, 2023.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you’d like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What is theological education like at the new Lutheran seminary in Tanzania? Rev. Bryan and Deaconess Keah Payne, serving the Lord in Tanzania, join Andy and Sarah to talk about their journey to serving as missionaries in Tanzania, the community where they live, how both of them are involved in theological education at the new Lutheran seminary there, how their service in the Peace Corps prepared them for service on the mission field, and family life in Tanzania. Learn more about the Paynes and how to support their work at lcms.org/payne and facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094281640024. Reach out to Rev. Payne at bryan.payne@lcms.org.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What does theological education look like at the Lutheran seminary in Ethiopia? The Rev. Eric and Johanna Stinnett, serving the Lord in Ethiopia, join Andy and Sarah to talk about their journey to being missionaries in Ethiopia, the community where they live, what teaching theology looks like at the seminary, the challenges and rewards of their work, and family life in Ethiopia.
Learn more about the Stinnetts and how to support their work at lcms.org/stinnett and facebook.com/stinnettsinethiopia. Reach out to Rev. Stinnett at Eric.stinnett@lcms.org.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How was Rhode Island founded, and what was the religious landscape like in this colony? Rev. Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for our nine-episode series, “Pilgrims, Puritans, and the Founding of New England.” In episode 5, we learn about Anne Hutchinson and her religious beliefs, Thomas Hooker and his belief in Preparation, John Cotton and his religious beliefs, Roger Williams and his championing of religious liberty, and the founding of Rhode Island.
Resources in this episode:
- All episodes in The Puritan Movement series
- Find more from Dr. MacKenzie here
- Recommended reading from Dr. MacKenzie includes: Worldly Saints by Leland Ryken, English Puritanism by John Spurr, Reformation in England by Peter Marshall, Puritan Christianity in America: Religion and Life in 17th Century Massachusetts by John Carden, and Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Why is the vicarage year such an important part of pastoral formation in the LCMS? The Rev. David Nehrenz, President of the LCMS Oklahoma District, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to share his journey into the Holy Ministry. He discusses his current vocation as District President, reflects on how his own vicarage was a formative experience, and talks about the vicars he has supervised over the years. Rev. Nehrenz also explains what a typical vicarage year looks like for seminarians, the importance of the relationships that form between vicars and their congregations, and the ways he has seen vicars grow during this year of experience.
Learn more about the LCMS Oklahoma District at oklahomalutherans.org.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
With the retirement of Jenny Williams, we have a new Lead Producer! Sara Schaible, KFUO Radio's new Lead Producer, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what she was doing before she joined the KFUO team, her chief duties at KFUO, what she loves about what she does, and the most valuable things she learned from Jenny before her retirement. (And of course, our infamous Lightning Round of Favorites!) Welcome to the team, Sara!
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How are CPH's Arch Books used as outreach tools in communities? Elizabeth Pittman, director of Concordia Gospel Outreach with Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what Arch Books are, how they convey the truth of God's Word, how Arch Books are used as outreach tools, and where Arch Books are being shared in food banks today. Learn more about Concordia Gospel Outreach at concordiagospeloutreach.org, email cgo@cph.org, and read more about this story at blog.cph.org/serve/concordia-gospel-outreachs-food-bank-arch-book-program-comes-to-life.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How and why was the Concordia University System established? The Rev. Dr. Jamison Hardy (President, Concordia University System) and the Rev. Dr. Douglas Spittel (Vice President, Concordia University System) join Andy and Sarah to talk about how and why the Concordia University System was established, some of the long history of higher education in the LCMS, the relationship of the Concordias to the LCMS, challenges and benefits to this relationship, and how the Concordias serve the Church. Learn more and sign up for the CUS newsletter at cus.edu, and follow on Facebook here.
Today’s episode of The Coffee Hour is underwritten in part by Concordia University Nebraska. You can learn more about Concordia University Nebraska at cune.edu.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, Texas, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the difference between Palm Sunday and Sunday of the Passion, how the Church typically observes Palm Sunday, what makes this day unique in the Church Year, and the scripture readings and hymns we have for this day. Learn more about our Lutheran Church Year and practices at lcms.org/worship.
This program originally aired on March 25, 2021.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you’d like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Rev. Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for our nine-episode series, “Pilgrims, Puritans, and the Founding of New England.” In episode 4, we learn about the Puritans and Pilgrims settling into the New World colonies, the challenges they faced, the kind of church establishment they formed, what covenant congregationalist churches believed versus Presbyterians, and tensions between two wings of Puritans concerning the experience of grace in their lives.
Resources in this episode:
- All episodes in The Puritan Movement series
- Find more from Dr. MacKenzie here
- Recommended reading from Dr. MacKenzie includes: Worldly Saints by Leland Ryken, English Puritanism by John Spurr, Reformation in England by Peter Marshall, Puritan Christianity in America: Religion and Life in 17th Century Massachusetts by John Carden, and Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What's life like as a seminary president? The Rev. Dr. Tom Egger, President of Concordia Seminary in St Louis, joins Andy during Sharathon 2025 for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about what he gets to do as a seminary president, his path to becoming a church worker, and how pastors and parents shape faith and interest in church work.
Learn more about Sharathon 2025 and give now at kfuo.org/sharathon.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How has Set Apart to Serve shaped how we think about full-time service in the church? The Rev. Dr. James Baneck (Executive Director, Pastoral Education, Set Apart to Serve) joins Andy and Sarah during Sharathon 2025 for our Set Apart to Serve series to discuss full-time church work, what he has been learning about how the church understands church work and formation, who he has been meeting as he makes visits for Set Apart to Serve, and how he has been seeing great partnerships continue to raise up future church workers.
Learn more about Sharathon 2025 and give now at kfuo.org/sharathon.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Jesus says of the Old Testament Scriptures that “they … bear witness about Me” (John 5:39). This is especially true of two central messianic prophecies, Isaiah 52:13–53:12 and Psalm 22, which feature prominently in Holy Week services. In Isaiah 52–53, we gain remarkable details about Jesus’ crucifixion from a prophecy that was written more than 700 years before His death. In Psalm 22, the Holy Spirit inspired David, about 1,000 years before Jesus’ birth, to record words that apply in part to David himself but above all to the Messiah. It would not be a stretch to say that Isaiah 52–53 is a biographical portrait of Jesus Christ, and Psalm 22 is autobiographical, since Jesus took the words of David on His own lips at His crucifixion. Or perhaps we should view it the other way around, with “David’s Son, yet David’s Lord” (LSB 451:1; cf. Matthew 22:41–46) lending the words to His ancestor. Either way, opening the Old Testament leads us straight to Jesus.
Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the April 2025 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “The Suffering Servant” on Isaiah 52:13–53:12 and Psalm 22. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Opening the Old Testament” and will walk through ways that the Old Testament witnesses to Jesus Christ and His grace, mercy and peace, delivered through the holy Christian church. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
It's Sharathon 2025, and we're having a mini Hymn Festival! Dr. John Behnke (composer, Professor Emeritus of Concordia University Wisconsin, and Music Director at Lakeside Lutheran Church, Venice FL) and the Rev. Stephen Starke (published hymnwriter and pastor emeritus of St. John Amelith Lutheran Church, Bay City, MI) join Andy and Sarah for a special hymn festival.
Today's music is performed by Dr. John Behnke:
"Prelude on THAXTED" (LSB 941) Biblical Canticles
"O Darkest Woe" (LSB 448) Good Friday
"Toccata on DUKE STREET" (LSB 461) Easter
"Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart" (LSB 708) Trust
"If Thou But Suffer God to Guide Thee" (LSB 750) Hope and Comfort
All music is copyright by Concordia Publishing House. Recordings copyright by Dr. John A. Behnke. All music is used and published with permission.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What does Scripture say about good works? The Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District and host of KFUO Radio’s Concord Matters, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Formula of Concord reading plan he created for 2025, including the questions concerning good works that are addressed in this month’s readings. What does Scripture say about good works? What was the controversy during the Reformation concerning good works? How do we speak about good works? What is the relationship between faith and good works? Find the full reading plan from The Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org/2024/reading-plan, and find correlating Concord Matters episodes at kfuo.org/formulaofconcord.
April | Good Works
Week 1:
Ep IV 1-4 (p.482)
AC XX (p.41-44)
Week 2:
Ep IV 5-15 (p.483)
Ap V #257-279 (p.140-143)
Week 3:
Ap XX (p.199-201)
FC SD IV #6-13 (p.546-548)
Week 4:
Ep IV 16-19 (p.483-484)
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Jenny Williams, our wonderful Lead Producer, is concluding 35 years of service to the LCMS and KFUO Radio! The Rev. John Lukomski, the Rev. Timothy Appel, the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, and the Rev. Brady Finnern join Andy in thanking Jenny for 35 years of faithful service to the LCMS and KFUO Radio. Jenny shares when her career began at KFUO Radio and the LCMS, who was on staff during her years of service, her favorite aspects of work at KFUO, and her plans for retirement. Congratulations and God's blessings, Jenny!!
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Who was John Winthrop, and what was his role in the founding of the Massachusetts Bay Colony? The Rev. Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for our nine-episode series, “Pilgrims, Puritans, and the Founding of New England.” In episode 3, we discuss the context of the Puritan migration to New England during the reign of Charles I, Puritan leader John Winthrop, and the establishment of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
Resources in this episode:
- All episodes in The Puritan Movement series
- Find more from Dr. MacKenzie here
- Recommended reading from Dr. MacKenzie includes: Worldly Saints by Leland Ryken, English Puritanism by John Spurr, Reformation in England by Peter Marshall, Puritan Christianity in America: Religion and Life in 17th Century Massachusetts by John Carden, and Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Concordia Seminary concluding students Joseph Eggerman and Micah Brown join Andy to share the stories of their seminary experience and pastoral formation. They talk about the challenges and key moments that shaped their pastoral training, as well as their aspirations for future ministry.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Illinois House Bill 2827 proposes new regulations for homeschooling and private religious schools, raising concerns among faith-based educators. The Rev. Heath Curtis, President of the LCMS Southern Illinois District, joins Andy and guest cohost Jordan Harms to discuss what this bill would require of homeschool families and Lutheran schools. Pastor Curtis shares his concerns about the bill’s potential impact and what Illinois residents can do in response.
Resources:
- Read HB2827 here: https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=2827&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104
- Contact your Illinois representative: https://oneclickpolitics.global.ssl.fastly.net/messages/edit?promo_id=23523
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
The Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing (Professor of Theology & Ministry, Paul Edwin F. and Esther L. Laatsch Chair of Old Testament Studies, Director of the Pre-Seminary Program, and Director of The Center for Biblical Studies at Concordia University St. Paul) joins Andy and Sarah for Part 4 of our series on his book Deliver Us: God’s Rescue Story in Exodus to discuss the significance of the tabernacle, the implications of the golden calf incident, the meaning of the name Yahweh, and God's relationship with Israel after Sinai. Find Deliver Us: God’s Rescue Story in Exodus here.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How do new pastors and their families find mutual encouragement and support? PALS Facilitator Rev. Steve Wagner from Concordia Lutheran Church in San Antonio, TX, and PALS Facilitators Rev. David & Kassie Weaver from Trinity Lutheran Church in Stewardson, IL, join Andy to talk about Post Seminary Applied Learning and Support (PALS), how PALS serves new pastors and families, their own experiences in ministry and how those experiences help them as PALS facilitators, and how aspects of ministry affect marriage and family life in a different way than other careers. Learn more about PALS at lcms.org/how-we-serve/education/pastoral/post-seminary-applied-learning-and-support.
This episode originally aired on July 1, 2024.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you’d like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What happened when Separatists from the Church of England left for North America? The Rev. Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for our nine-episode series, “Pilgrims, Puritans, and the Founding of New England.” In episode 2, we move to New England and the Puritan settlements, discussing how the Separatists left for North America, the settlement at Plymouth Plantation, the difference between Pilgrims and Puritans, and the Puritans who didn't separate from the Church of England.
Resources in this episode:
- All episodes in The Puritan Movement series
- Find more from Dr. MacKenzie here
- Recommended reading from Dr. MacKenzie includes: Worldly Saints by Leland Ryken, English Puritanism by John Spurr, Reformation in England by Peter Marshall, Puritan Christianity in America: Religion and Life in 17th Century Massachusetts by John Carden, and Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How does the LCMS National Youth Gathering feed and nourish the faith and vocations of the participants? The Rev. Mark Kiessling, Director of LCMS Youth Ministry, joins Andy for our Set Apart to Serve series to discuss his own vocational journey, the work of LCMS Youth Ministry, a brief history of the Youth Gathering and how it's grown over the years, the Gathering's impact on the faith and vocations of participants, and how the Gathering forms and recruits both youth and adults for full-time church work. Find all thing LCMS Youth Gathering at lcmsgathering.com.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Why was complaining a temptation for Israel after they left Egypt, and why is it still a struggle for us today? The Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing (Professor of Theology & Ministry, Paul Edwin F. and Esther L. Laatsch Chair of Old Testament Studies, Director of the Pre-Seminary Program, and Director of The Center for Biblical Studies at Concordia University St. Paul) joins Andy and Sarah for a series on his book Deliver Us: God's Rescue Story in Exodus to talk about Israel’s relationship with shame in Exodus, why complaining is such a temptation, what is significant about Rephidim, the role of Mount Sinai in the Exodus story, and how God’s redemptive activity is for all creation. Find Deliver Us: God's Rescue Story in Exodus here.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Mark your calendars for April 3rd-5th so you can join us for Sharathon 2025! KFUO Team Members Mary Schmidt and Rev. Doug Griebenaw join Andy and Sarah for a preview of KFUO Sharathon 2025, including this year's giving levels and special thank-you gifts, why your support is vital to our operation, and how to participate this year. Learn more and give your gift today at kfuo.org/sharathon.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How can you serve at the upcoming English Bible Camp in Taiwan? Mindy Thews, LCMS Lutheran Education Coordinator in Taiwan, and Erin Alter, Director of Short-term Missions with the LCMS Office of International Mission, join Andy to talk about what happens at an English Bible Camp. Tune in to hear some highlights from last year’s English Bible Camp in Taiwan, how volunteers serve, and what last year's participants have shared about their experiences. Learn more and join this year's team at servenow.lcms.org/opp/2025-english-bible-camp-taiwan.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How can theological education strengthen the Lutheran church in Taiwan and beyond? Rev. Dr. Tom Park, Serving the Lord in Taiwan as a theological educator, joins Andy to discuss the Lutheran presence in the region and the LCMS’s partnerships there. He shares about the current need for theological education in Taiwan, the request that led to the creation of a new seminary, and how Concordia Theological Seminary Taiwan will serve China Evangelical Lutheran Church and other Lutherans across Asia. Learn more about Dr. Park's work at lcms.org/park, and stay updated on LCMS Asia region news at international.lcms.org/asia.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Why did the the Puritan movement start, and when did Puritans decide to travel to the New World? The Rev. Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for our nine-episode series, “Pilgrims, Puritans, and the Founding of New England.” In episode 1, we continue where our last series left off with the Puritan movement in England to revisit how that movement started, how King James played a role in the Puritan movement in Great Britain, and what led the Pilgrims and Puritans to leave England for the New World between 1620-1640.
Resources in this episode:
- All episodes in The Puritan Movement series
- Find more from Dr. MacKenzie here
- Recommended reading from Dr. MacKenzie includes: Worldly Saints by Leland Ryken, English Puritanism by John Spurr, Reformation in England by Peter Marshall, Puritan Christianity in America: Religion and Life in 17th Century Massachusetts by John Carden, and Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Why is it important to provide young adults with a space to grow in theological understanding? The Rev. Harrison Goodman (Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things) and Crysten Sanchez (Executive Director of Operations for Higher Things) join Andy for our Set Apart to Serve series to discuss the upcoming HT Beyond: Eyes to See - A Young Adult Event from Higher Things, including what HT Beyond is, the significance of this space for young adults, what young adults will learn about art and architecture through the event, the topics liturgical artist Ed Riojas will present on, and how events like these inspire young adults to consider church work vocations. Learn more and register here.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
What is significant about the miracles in the exodus story? The Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing (Professor of Theology & Ministry, Paul Edwin F. and Esther L. Laatsch Chair of Old Testament Studies, Director of the Pre-Seminary Program, and Director of The Center for Biblical Studies at Concordia University St. Paul) joins Andy and Sarah for a series on his book Deliver Us: God's Rescue Story in Exodus to talk about who Moses is, the significance of miracles in this story, how the plagues directly address Egypt's gods, the context of the Passover, and where we still sing Israel's song of deliverance today. Find Deliver Us: God's Rescue Story in Exodus here.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Why do we have a Concordia University System? The Rev. Dr. Jamison Hardy (President, Concordia University System) and the Rev. Dr. Douglas Spittel (Vice President, Concordia University System) join Andy and Sarah to talk about what the Concordia University System (CUS) is, where each of the Concordias are and how this has changed over the long history of CUS, their visits to campuses and what happens on an official visit, the incredible things going on at our Concordia Universities, and where you can find both of them at upcoming conventions this year. Subscribe to the CUS newsletter and learn more about CUS at cus.edu.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What lessons can we learn from the book of Joshua? Donna Snow, author of many books including the new Strong and Courageous: Studying God's Promises in Joshua from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why she chose to write a new book on Joshua, what she found most interesting about Joshua as she considered writing this study, her research for this book, what she has learned in her study of God’s Word that has changed her, and the most challenging part of the writing process. Find Strong and Courageous: Studying God's Promises in Joshua here.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How does Lutheran Senior Services, now EverTrue, serve the community? Rev. Dr. Travis Scholl, Corporate Director of Mission Integration for EverTrue, the KFUO Organization of the Week for March 9-15, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why Lutheran Senior Services made the name change to EverTrue, what a Life Plan Community is, how EverTrue serves its residents and clients, and what makes EverTrue unique among organizations serving older adults. Learn more about EverTrue at evertrueliving.org.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
You have the opportunity to serve on a short term mission trip to South Africa for Bible Camp! Shara Osiro (serving the Lord in Africa as Regional Shared Ministries manager) and Erin Alter (Director of Short-Term Missions for the LCMS Office of International Mission) join Andy and Sarah to discuss Shara's work managing and supporting ministries across the region, her experience as a short-term volunteer prior to serving full-time, and what it was like for her to serve with Bible Camp alongside our partners in the Lutheran Church in Southern Africa last year. Tune in to hear how you can serve in a capacity similar to this, and what the team will be doing at Bible Camp! Find Shara's prayer card and support information at lcms.org/osiro. Learn more and apply to serve on the Bible Camp team at servenow.lcms.org/opp/bible-camp-team-south-africa.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What is the joy in teaching at a Lutheran High School? Rev. Joe Cox, head of Academics at Lutheran High School South in St. Louis, MO, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about his journey to the seminary and into the teaching vocation, what gives him joy as a Lutheran high school teacher, the relationships he builds with students as a part of their formation as young adults, how he and other school leadership work with parents in the formation journey, and his favorite lessons to teach students.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Have a topic you’d like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What is unique or interesting about the book of Exodus? The Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing (Professor of Theology & Ministry, Paul Edwin F. and Esther L. Laatsch Chair of Old Testament Studies, Director of the Pre-Seminary Program, and Director of The Center for Biblical Studies at Concordia University St. Paul) joins Andy and Sarah for a series on his book Deliver Us: God's Rescue Story in Exodus to discuss who the book of Exodus is about, what is unique about Exodus, our connection to and Christ's place in the Exodus story, and the different ways we can view or outline this book of the Bible. Find Deliver Us: God's Rescue Story in Exodus at cph.org/deliver-us-gods-rescue-story-in-exodus.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
On Ash Wednesday (March 5), the church enters the holy season of Lent, in which we focus on Christ’s righteousness, sufferings and death, and the new testament in His blood. Much ink has been spilt over the decision of St. Jerome to translate the Greek "diatheke" as "testamentum" in his Latin Vulgate, which ultimately influenced the King James Version’s selection of “testament” as a translation of this term. This, in turn, led to our common division of “Old Testament” (2 Corinthians 3:14) and “New Testament” (Matthew 26:28; Mark 14:24; Luke 22:20; 1 Corinthians 11:25; 2 Corinthians 3:6; Hebrews 9:15). However, diatheke can also mean “covenant,” which is how many recent English translations, such as the ESV, render the term (except in Hebrews 9:16–17, where it opts for “will,” as in, “last will and testament”). Lutherans tend to prefer the translation “testament” over “covenant,” since covenants in the Bible sometimes require works on the part of humans. But in no case does a testament (a will) involve the works of the beneficiary — not to mention that it must be put into effect by the death of the testator. As we will see, even “covenant” can be understood correctly — provided that we pay attention to context and keep in mind the proper distinction between Law and Gospel.
Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the March 2025 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “Covenant or Testament?” on Jeremiah 31:31–34. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Opening the Old Testament” and will walk through ways that the Old Testament witnesses to Jesus Christ and His grace, mercy and peace, delivered through the holy Christian church. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What does righteousness have to do with good works? The Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District and host of KFUO Radio’s Concord Matters, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Formula of Concord reading plan he created for 2025, including the questions concerning our righteousness that are addressed in this month’s readings. What does righteousness have to do with good works? What are the Smalcald Articles? How do we speak about our works when they are done in faith? Where do we find all of this in Scripture? Find the full reading plan from The Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org/2024/reading-plan, and find correlating Concord Matters episodes at kfuo.org/formulaofconcord.
MARCH | The Righteousness of Faith Before God
WEEK 1:
Ep III 1–2 (p. 479–480)
AC IV (p. 32–33)
WEEK 2:
Ep III 3–11 (p. 480–481)
Ap IV 1–47 (p. 82–88)
WEEK 3:
SA Part III, Article XIII (p. 283)
SD III 6–17 (p. 536–539)
WEEK 4:
Ep III 12–23 (p. 481–482)
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What has been the state of the Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA) after the Theses of Agreement in 1966? The Rev. Thomas Pietsch, Assistant Professor of Theology at Concordia University Wisconsin, joins Andy and Sarah for the fourth episode in our series on Australian Lutheranism to talk about how the ordination of women become a significant point of opposition in the LCA, the effect of the disagreement on the union, the argument in favor of ordaining women, and how differing viewpoints led to the creation of the newly formed Lutheran Mission - Australia.
Resources in this episode:
Theses of Agreement: lca.org.au/foundational-documents
The history of the Lutheran Church in Australia: lca.org.au/our-history
Lutheran Mission – Australia: lutheranmissionaustralia.org.au and facebook.com/LutheranMissionAustralia
All episodes in the Lutheran Mission – Australia series: kfuo.org/tag/lutheran-mission-australia
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How can camp ministry form future church workers? David Vandercar (Executive Director of Lakeview Ministries in Seymour, Indiana) and Danny Frastaci (Operations Director of Lakeview Ministries in Seymour, Indiana) join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about Lakeview Ministries, how life at camp shapes attitudes concerning a life of Christian service, how many church workers could potentially attribute experience at Lakeview to their consideration of full-time church work, what Lakeview does to intentionally to form church workers, and what's on deck for this summer. Find Lakeview Ministries at lakeview.camp and the National Lutheran Outdoors Ministry Association (NLOMA) at nloma.org.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Dr. Robert Sorensen, Professor of Theology and Foreign Languages at Concordia University Chicago in River Forest, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about St. Matthias, whose commemoration day is February 24, including where we hear about St. Matthias in Scripture, what is unique about how he became an apostle, how he served the Church, and what we can learn from Matthias’ story and service to the Church.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you’d like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.
Why does having good listening and conversational skills truly matter? The Rev. Brian Davies, pastor of Lord of Glory Lutheran Church in Grayslake, IL, and author of “Captivating Conversations” (available from CPH), joins Sarah to talk about the current state of discourse in our culture, what we can learn from Jesus about having good conversations, what true listening looks like, how being curious and inquisitive can lead to healthy dialogue, and the steps we can take towards thoughtful listening.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Dr. Joe Herl, professor of music at Concordia University Nebraska, joins Andy and Sarah on Martin Luther's commemoration day (February 18) to talk about Luther's Deutsche Messe (German Mass), including the problems Luther had with the traditional Latin Mass, why Luther wrote this German Mass and who it was for, what the German Mass contained after he translated it from Latin, and where we have this Mass in our Lutheran liturgy today. Find Divine Service Setting 5 in Lutheran Service Book on p. 213.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you’d like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How were early Lutheran congregations in Australia organized and unified? The Rev. Thomas Pietsch, Assistant Professor of Theology at Concordia University Wisconsin, joins Andy and Sarah for the third episode in our series on Australian Lutheranism to discuss how congregations and missions were organized and supported—from the time of the early missionaries to unification in 1966; the Theses of Agreement in 1966; what these Theses accomplished and did not accomplish; and how they have served the Lutheran Church of Australia since then.
Resources in this episode:
Theses of Agreement: lca.org.au/foundational-documents
The history of the Lutheran Church in Australia: lca.org.au/our-history
Lutheran Mission – Australia: lutheranmissionaustralia.org.au and facebook.com/LutheranMissionAustralia
The Hermannsburg Choir: hermannsburg.com.au/stories/hermannsburg-choir
All episodes in the Lutheran Mission – Australia series: kfuo.org/tag/lutheran-mission-australia
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How are church work students prepared for well-being in their future vocations? Dr. Thaddeus Warren, Chair of the Department of Human and Social Sciences and DCE Program Director at Concordia University, Nebraska (CUNE), joins Andy and Sarah to discuss his passion for worker well-being, the church work programs available at CUNE, and how students are formed for ministry. He also shares how students learn to build and maintain healthy relationships, and reflects on the significance of LCMS support for church worker wellness. Learn more about church work programs at CUNE at cune.edu.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How does Christian Friends of New Americans help immigrants and refugees settle into their new country? The Rev. Dr. Stanish Stanley, Executive Director of Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA), and Amy Ziegler, Community Engagement Associate with CFNA, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the refugees and immigrants who have found a new home in St. Louis and find support with CFNA, how they find their way to the United States, challenges these new neighbors face while building a new life, what day to day life looks like for immigrant and refugee families, how CFNA supports and cares for these families in the St. Louis area, the volunteers and supporters who contribute to these acts of mercy, and the current needs of refugee families in St. Louis. Learn more about CFNA and how you can support their work through time, talent, or treasure at cfna-stl.org.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Things are gearing up for the 2026 LCMS Convention! The Rev. Dr. John Sias, Secretary of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins Andy and Sarah to discuss the convention cycle's big picture, our current place in the cycle, the next steps for congregations and districts, opportunities for LCMS members to participate, and details for the convention in Phoenix on July 18-24. Learn more about nominations and other convention proceedings at lcms.org/convention/governance and lcms.org/nominate.
If you love School House Rock, see how an Overture becomes an Action at files.lcms.org/file/preview/overture-infographic.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How does the Church raise up multiethnic leaders for the kingdom through catechesis? The Rev. Dr. Ely Prieto, Associate Professor of Practical Theology and Director of the Center for Hispanic Studies at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Concordia Seminary Multiethnic Symposium happening May 6-7. They discuss how catechesis is part of the Lord’s command in Matthew 28:19, what is meant by "all nations" in this command, what a multiethnic church is and where we see examples of the beauty of multiethnic churches, how catechesis is a powerful tool in the context of a multiethnic church, and the exciting topics to be covered at this year's Multiethnic Symposium.
Learn more and register at csl.edu/multiethnic, and read on for the official press release with more details.
ST. LOUIS, Feb. 12, 2025— Registration is open for the 2025 Multiethnic Symposium, “Learning From Each Other: Catechesis That Raises Up Multiethnic Leaders for the Kingdom,” set for May 6-7 on the campus of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. The symposium brings together individuals from varied cultural backgrounds to share their unique perspectives and experiences to help equip future leaders with knowledge, stills and spiritual maturity to serve God’s kingdom faithfully.
“Raising up the next generation of multiethnic leaders within The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) presents a significant challenge, but it also represents a tremendous responsibility and a unique opportunity that the Lord has graciously bestowed upon us,” said Dr. Ely Prieto, the Lutheran Foundation Professor of Urban and Cross-Cultural Ministry. “In a multiethnic church context, catechesis serves as a vital and powerful tool for cultivating leaders who are equipped to effectively minister among diverse communities. This symposium will provide an invaluable opportunity to learn from esteemed scholars, experienced pastors and dedicated missionaries who have studied this crucial area and have played a pivotal role in raising up the next generation of immigrant leaders.”
Plenary speakers include:
Dr. Kent Burreson, Professor of Systematic Theology, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis
Dr. Rhoda Schuler, Professor Emeritus, Concordia University, St. Paul, St. Paul, Minn.
Rev. Jeff Cloeter, Senior Pastor, Christ Memorial Lutheran Church, St. Louis
Dr. Stanish Stanley, Executive Director, Christian Friends of New Americans, St. Louis
Jessica Bordeleau, Coordinator, Digital Publishing, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis
The 19th Annual Lecture in Hispanic/Latino Theology and Mission also will be held during the symposium. Dr. Hosffman Ospino, professor of Hispanic Ministry and Religious Education and chair of the Department of Religious Education and Pastoral Ministry at Boston College, in Boston, Mass., will present, “How the Roman Catholic Church is Cultivating and Mentoring a New Generation of Hispanic-Ecclesial Leaders.” The response will be given by Rev. Stephen Heimer, manager of All Nations Ministry for the LCMS Office of National Mission (ONM) in St. Louis, Mo.
The lecture, sponsored by the Seminary’s Center for Hispanic Studies, is free and open to the public.
Participants are encouraged to extend their stay and attend the 2025 Multi Asian Gathering, set for May 7-8 on the Seminary campus. The admission fee for the Multi Asian Gathering is $25.
Registration closes April 21. The admission fee for the Multiethnic Symposium is $85, but free for Concordia Seminary students and faculty. For more information, visit csl.edu/multiethnic or contact Continuing Education at 314-505-7286 or ce@csl.edu.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What prompted early Lutheran immigrants to move to Australia? The Rev. Thomas Pietsch, Assistant Professor of Theology at Concordia University Wisconsin, joins Andy and Sarah for the second episode in our series on Australian Lutheranism to talk about why German Lutherans immigrated to Australia in 1838, how these early immigrants settled into the land, where early Lutheran churches were established, and the mission work that began among Indigenous people.
Resources in this episode:
- The history of the Lutheran Church in Australia: lca.org.au/our-history
- Lutheran Mission – Australia: lutheranmissionaustralia.org.au and facebook.com/LutheranMissionAustralia
- Story of Blind Moses: iadpress.com.au/products/blind-moses
- Finke River Mission: finkerivermission.lca.org.au
- All episodes in the Lutheran Mission - Australia series: kfuo.org/tag/lutheran-mission-australia
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How can a winding career path lead to seminary? James Wiencke, a first-year Residential Alternate Route student at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to share his journey—his life before considering seminary, the various careers that led him there, how his family supported his decision, the joys and challenges he encountered, and what he is looking forward to in seminary.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
LCMS Office of International Mission has many great resources for families and congregations to use! Stephanie Hovland, Deaconess Intern with the LCMS Office of International Mission (OIM), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about her work as a deaconess intern with OIM; the benefits of learning about international missions in the local congregation and home; available resources, including the Missions Unpacked series; the flexibility of these resources for almost any situation; and how others have used them. Find Missions Unpacked for Kids, English Bible Camp, and other resources at international.lcms.org/resources.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What is the history behind the Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord, and how does it fit uniquely into our church year? The Rev. Sean Daenzer, LCMS Director of Worship and Chaplain for the LCMS International Center, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what this day in our church year is and what makes it important, why the global church celebrates Transfiguration on different dates, the unique features of this day, why the One Year Lectionary has "Pre-Lent", and how Transfiguration transitions us into the season of Lent. Learn more about our church year and liturgical feasts at lcms.org/worship.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Rev. Dr. Joel Elowsky, professor of Historical Theology and coordinator of International Seminary Exchange Programs at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, joins Andy and guest co-host Pastor James Cleland to talk about St. Valentine, including why the church commemorates him on February 14, what we know about the era in which Valentine lived and served, how Valentine served the church, what we can learn from his example, and why this day of his commemoration is associated with love, relationships, greeting cards, candy, gifts and flowers.
This episode originally aired on February 11, 2022.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you’d like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What is Lutheran Mission - Australia (LM-A) and why did it begin? The Rev. Matt Anker, President of Lutheran Mission - Australia, joins Andy and Sarah to begin our series on Lutheranism in Australia, sharing a brief history of the Lutheran Church in Australia, the theological history leading to the Theses of Agreement, when it became clear a new mission was needed, what has been important in the formation of Lutheran Mission - Australia, how the formation of a new mission has been received, what has brought joy to everyone involved, and what is next for Lutheran Mission - Australia. Learn more about Lutheran Mission - Australia at lutheranmissionaustralia.org.au and follow them online at facebook.com/LutheranMissionAustralia.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What does a second career journey from the music industry to pastoral ministry look like? The Rev. Paul Hemenway, pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Edmond, OK, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about his life prior to his journey to seminary, skills from the music industry that have translated into pastoral ministry, how he finally made his way to seminary, who supported him on this journey, what he loves about being a Lutheran pastor, and words of wisdom and encouragement for others who are considering church work vocations.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
National Lutheran Schools Week was January 26-31, and we're celebrating with conversations featuring teachers and students! In Part 2, we hear from Laura Hanson (English Teacher and Choir Director) and students Mason and Linda from Lutheran High School South in St. Louis, MO on what they love about their Lutheran education. Then, we hear from 4th grade teacher Casey Schmidt and students Theo and Mattie from Word of Life Lutheran School in St. Louis, MO about their experiences in a Lutheran school.
Learn more:
Lutheran High School South: lslancers.org
Word of Life Lutheran School: wordoflifeschool.net
LCMS School Ministry: lcms.org/how-we-serve/education/elementary-schools
National Lutheran Schools Week: resources.lcms.org/reading-study/national-lutheran-schools-week-resources
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
National Lutheran Schools Week was January 26-31, and we're celebrating with conversations featuring teachers and students! In Part 1, we hear from Principal Andy Spieler and students Paylin and Cade from Immanuel Lutheran School in Perryville, MO, who share their favorite things about Immanuel in Perryville. Then, hear from teacher Joseph Meador (Strings, Choir, and Band Director, and Theology Teacher) and students Kylie and Andrew from Metro East Lutheran High School in Edwardsville, IL, about what they love about MELHS and their plans for after high school.
Learn more:
Immanuel Lutheran in Perryville: ilsperryville.org
Metro East Lutheran High School: melhs.org
LCMS School Ministry: lcms.org/how-we-serve/education/elementary-schools
National Lutheran Schools Week: resources.lcms.org/reading-study/national-lutheran-schools-week-resources
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
On the Epiphany of Our Lord (January 6), we followed the Wise Men as they brought gifts (Matthew 2:11) predicted by the Old Testament (Isaiah 60:6) to Jesus, “He who has been born king of the Jews” (Matthew 2:2). The Wise Men even found Christ using the Old Testament: at first, through the fulfilled prophecy of Numbers 24:15–19 concerning a star and a king’s scepter in Israel; ultimately, through the fulfillment of Micah 5’s words about the Good Shepherd of Judah being born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2–5). And not only does the whole Bible reveal Jesus as King, it also shows that He is God’s Prophet, one like — yet greater than! — Moses.
Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the February 2025 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “The Prophet Like Moses” on Deuteronomy 18:15–19. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Opening the Old Testament” and will walk through ways that the Old Testament witnesses to Jesus Christ and His grace, mercy and peace, delivered through the holy Christian church. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
What is Free Will and how do we understand conversion? The Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District and host of KFUO Radio’s Concord Matters, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Formula of Concord reading plan he created for 2025, including what "free will" means, how we are converted, heresies surrounding free will, the role of God's Word in conversion, and where we find this in Scripture. Find the full reading plan from The Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org/2024/reading-plan, and find correlating Concord Matters episodes at kfuo.org/formulaofconcord.
February | Free Will
WEEK 1:
Ep II 1 (p. 477)
AC XVIII (p. 40–41)
WEEK 2:
Ep II 2–6 (p. 477–478)
Ap XVIII (p. 197–198)
WEEK 3:
SD II 48–73 (p. 529–533)
WEEK 4:
Ep II 7–19 (p. 478–479)
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How do relationships, opportunities, and invitations encourage young people to remain in the church and consider church work? Rev. Seth Flick, pastor of Divine Redeemer Lutheran Church in Hartland, WI , joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about his formation as a pastor and who encouraged him in this pursuit, his congregation's emphasis on their duty to raise up future church workers, how they use relationships, opportunities, and invitations to encourage children in the faith, and the roles of other church workers and parents in their approach.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
This episode originally aired on March 8, 2024.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
How does Doxology serve church workers? Dr. Beverly Yahnke (Executive Director for Christian Counsel with Doxology) and the Rev. David Fleming (Executive Director for Spiritual Care with Doxology) join Andy to talk about the story of Doxology, the need for their services and spiritual care today, Doxology's continued service to the church, and how Doxology creates a culture of care for workers who can then faithfully carry out their given ministry. Learn more about Doxology at Doxology.us.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How can we show love to our neighbors through acts of mercy? Deaconess Dr. Tiffany Manor (Managing Director, LCMS Office of National Mission), the Rev. Dr. Brian Heller (Manager of LCMS Specialized Spiritual Care Ministry), and the Rev. Andy Becker (Manager of Family Discipleship) join Andy and Sarah to talk about the Mercy: Love Throughout Life conference happening March 14-15, 2025. They discuss why this conference is so timely, the variety of topics the conference will cover, who this conference is for (everyone!), and the unique in-person + online hybrid format. Learn more and register at calendar.lcms.org/event/mercy-love-throughout-life-conference-2025.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How does Concordia University Wisconsin's Hesed Transition Program serve adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities? Professor Kelly Osowski (Director, Hesed Transition Program at Concordia University Wisconsin) and Kathy Loveless (parent of Noah, current Hesed student at CUW) join Andy and Sarah to share Kathy and Noah's story, Noah's educational journey and his parents' hopes for him, what the Hesed program is and how it serves students, and how this program changes the lives of students like Noah. Learn more about the Hesed Program, including admission requirements, at cuw.edu/admissions/hesed-admissions/index.html. Read more stories about the Hesed Program at blog.cuw.edu/cuws-hesed-transition-program-introduces-new-director and reporter.lcms.org/2025/cuw-hesed-program.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Why and how does the Church write new hymnody? The Rev. Dr. Jon Vieker, Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Practical Theology, and Dean of Chapel at Concordia Seminary in St Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why authors are still writing new hymnody (because we can always have more), what we learn about our church forefathers from our hymnody, if hymn writing has changed over the centuries, how hymns shape who we are and what we believe, and what happens at the annual Prevallet Hymn Writing Workshop. Learn more and register at csl.edu/event/prevallet-hymn-writing-workshop-2025.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What does someone on the Seminary's Board of Regents do, and why is this work important? Matt Kenitzer, a member of the Board of Regents for Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his upbringing in the church, what drew him to the LCMS, why faithful leadership in the church is important to him, how he became a member of the Board of Regents, and all the critical work the Regents do for the good of the Seminary.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How does Grace Point Institute for Relational Health serve the church and her members? The Rev. Dr. Mark Hannemann, MDiv, DMin, LMHP, LPC, CLC (Co-founder and President of Grace Point Institute for Relational Health) joins Andy to discuss why Grace Point was founded, the services it offers, where these services are needed today, how Grace Point serves locally, and how it fosters a culture of care for ministry workers. Learn more about Grace Point Institute for Relational Health at relationalhealth.org.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What is Team Flex, and how do they serve at the LCMS Youth Gathering? Leslie Sulivan (Team Flex Manager) and Danny Swafford (Team Flex Leadership) join Andy and Sarah to talk about their roles on Team Flex, how Team Flex serves at the LCMS Youth Gathering, responsibilities they and others have on Team Flex, and how to apply to serve in this way. The application deadline is April 30! Learn more and apply at lcmsgathering.com/volunteer/#TeamFlex.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
The Concordia University, Nebraska, (CUNE) University Chamber Choir may be coming to a tour stop near you! Dr. Kurt Von Kampen (Professor of Music, Chair of the Music Department, and Director of the Acapella Choir, Concordia University, Nebraska) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the role of music at CUNE, the variety of music opportunities at CUNE, who makes up the University Chamber Choir, and the upcoming tour to the St. Louis area. Find more information at cune.edu/arts/music/music-ensembles and on Facebook at facebook.com/CUNEACAP and facebook.com/concordiamusic
2025 Chamber Choir Tour Concerts:
Thursday, Feb. 20
7:00 PM
Trinity Lutheran Church
803 Swifts Hwy
Jefferson City, MO 65109
Friday, Feb. 21
7:00 PM
Immanuel Lutheran Church
453 N. West St.
Perryville, MO 63775
Saturday, Feb. 22
1:00 PM
Trinity Lutheran Church
600 Water Street
Edwardsville, IL. 62025
6:30 PM
Zion Lutheran Church
3866 Old Highway 94 South
St. Charles, MO 63304
Sunday, Feb. 23
8:00 & 10:45 (Worship Services)
Immanuel Lutheran Church
115 S. 6th St.
St. Charles, MO. 63301
7:00 PM
Redeemer Lutheran Church
920 S. Alta Ln
Olathe, KS 66061
Members of the University Chamber Choir:
Soprano
Naomi Faile, Rome Ga.
Michaela Gibbs, Virginia Beach, Va.
Kirsten Horne, Seward, Neb.
Alto
Lydia Edmonds, Gretna, Neb.
Ellie Lehr, Omaha, Neb.
Melissa Oblinger, Tomball, Texas
Morgan Rohde, Fort Wayne, Ind.
Tenor
David Eatherton, St. Louis, Mo.
Logan Walgate, St. Charles, Mo.
Micah Zeckzer, New Haven, Ind.
Bass
Joshua Jurchen, Seward, Neb.
Evan Moloney, Fort Wayne, Ind.
Grant Rohde, Reed City, Mich.
Joel Smith, Earlham, Iowa
Director
Dr. Kurt E. von Kampen
Piano
Dr. Elizabeth Grimpo
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
The 2025 March for Life is Friday, January 24! Deaconess Dr. Tiffany Manor, Managing Director with the LCMS Office of National Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what happens at the National March for Life, why the LCMS has had a consistent presence at The March for Life, what is unique about this year, the invitation for President Harrison to be a speaker at the Rally, and how people can connect with the LCMS presence at this year's National March for life. To register and find more information, visit lcms.org/life.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How is the LCMS responding to the devastating wildfires in Southern California? First, the Rev. Dr. Ross Johnson, Director of LCMS Disaster Response, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his recent visit to Southern California and the impact of the fires, how the disaster has affected LCMS congregations and members, how LCMS Disaster Response is partnering with the Pacific Southwest District and congregations to help, and the long-term outlook for service in the community. Then, the Rev. Dominic Rivkin, Mission Executive with the LCMS Pacific Southwest District, joins Andy and Sarah to help us understand the LCMS Pacific Southwest District and the territory it covers, the area impacted by the devastating fires, the communities that have been affected, how congregations are coming together to support each other, and how the District will continue responding to the disaster.
Find more details and ways to help at the following places:
- lcms.org/disaster
- facebook.com/LCMSDisasterResponse
- psd-lcms.org/disaster-response
- plc.cc
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How does a family make the transition to Seminary? Ross and Jenni George, a new seminary family at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about Ross's first career and how he made the decision to pursue pastoral ministry, how the Divine Service and community at Memorial Lutheran Church in Houston helped to shape him, the conversations through the discernment process, how his previous experience has prepared him for Seminary, and their move across the country to Fort Wayne from Texas.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
How does Grace Place Wellness ensure the wellness of professional church workers? The Rev. Dr. Greg Walton (Vice President of Ministry Solutions, Grace Place Wellness, with LCEF) joins Andy to talk about the work of Grace Place Wellness, how they serve professional church workers, why church worker wellness is important to them, and how they help the local congregation make decisions to care for the health of their church workers. Learn more about Grace Place Wellness at lcef.org/grace-place-wellness.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.
It's time for the annual Texas Lutheran Writers Round Up! Texas Writers Ruth Meyer (N is for Nativity and other books), Martha Van Buskirk (Ordinary Lives, Extraordinary Grace: God’s Purpose in Your Every Day), Christina Hergenrader (Inspired by the Holy Spirit: Four Habits for Faithful Living and other books), and the Rev. Michael Newman (Faith Notes, A Christ-Centered Survival Kit for Young Men and other books) join Andy and Sarah to talk about what they write about the most and why, their most challenging and favorite aspects of writing, the why behind a Lutheran Writers Round Up, what happens at this event, and what attendees can expect! Find more information about the event on the Faith Lutheran High School of Central Texas Facebook page: facebook.com/faithlhscentraltx and find more books by these authors at cph.org.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.
How do Chaplains get to make the love of Christ known in their vocations as Chaplains in the Armed Forces? Chaplain Kurtis Bueltmann (US Air Force Chaplain, Dyess Air Force Base, Abilene, TX), Chaplain David Edwards (US Air Force Chaplain, Serving at Patrick Space Force Base, Brevard County, FL) and Chaplain Craig Muehler (Director, LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces) join Andy and Sarah to talk about how they get to serve the men and women in our Armed Forces, what a day in the life of a chaplain might look like, the challenges men and women in the Armed Forces face each day, and how they decided to become chaplains. The need for chaplains is great! Contact LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces to learn more: email lcmschaps@lcms.org, call (314) 996-1337, and visit lcms.org/armedforces.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What makes the season of Epiphany so special? The Rev. Dustin Beck, Pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what Epiphany is, how Epiphany furthers our understanding that Jesus is God and man, what we learn from the account of the Magi, how we understand Jesus’ baptism, the significance of the wedding at Cana, and how the Epiphany season takes us from Christmas into Lent.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How does Journey Mapping help individuals and congregations support future church workers? Annie O’Donoghue (Manager, Standing Partnership) and Nick Sargent (Vice President, Standing Partnership) join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about their work with Standing Partnership and their role with Set Apart to Serve, what journey mapping is and how they used this tool to understand a second-career seminarian's journey through seminary, what they learned from conversations with seminarians and their wives, and how their new understanding will create more and better resources for those considering second-career church work.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What is Concordia Counseling and how do they serve the Church? Deaconess Michelle Downey, Director of Concordia Counseling, joins Andy to talk about the work of Concordia Counseling today, how church workers are equipped to respond to needs and crises, how being Lutheran shapes how she approaches mental health and wellness, and how Concordia Counseling has helped the local congregation. Learn more about Concordia Counseling at ConcordiaCounseling.org.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.
The Old Testament is about Jesus, which is reason enough for us to open our Bibles and read it regularly. “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, [Jesus] interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself” (Luke 24:27). Jesus opens our minds to understand the Hebrew Scriptures (Luke 24:45) and teaches us how to read them. “Everything written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled... Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in His name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem” (Luke 24:44, 46–47). This year’s “Searching Scripture” columns will lead us through ways that the Old Testament witnesses to Jesus Christ and His grace, mercy and peace, delivered through the holy Christian church. This month we focus on the foundational messianic prophecy of the blessed “offspring” (or “seed”) of the woman first given in Genesis 3 and then reiterated to the patriarchs.
Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the January 2025 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “The Blessed Seed” on Genesis 3:9-15. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Opening the Old Testament” and will walk through ways that the Old Testament witnesses to Jesus Christ and His grace, mercy and peace, delivered through the holy Christian church. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
How does the Book of Concord help us understand Original Sin? (And what on earth is concupiscence?) The Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District and host of KFUO Radio's Concord Matters, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Formula of Concord reading plan he created for 2025, including the context of the Formula of Concord in our church history, what was happening in Germany and Rome after Luther's death in 1546, the controversies the Formula of Concord addresses, and what we will learn about Original Sin and Concupiscence in the January readings. Find the full reading plan from The Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org/2024/reading-plan, and find correlating Concord Matters episodes at kfuo.org/formulaofconcord.
JANUARY | Original Sin
WEEK 1:
• Ep “Summary” 1–8 (p. 473–474)
• Ep I 1 (p. 474)
• AC II (p. 31–32)
WEEK 2:
• Ep I 2–10 (p. 474–475)
• Ap II (p. 76–81)
WEEK 3:
• SA I (p. 270–271)
• SD 1 33–49 (p. 515–517)
WEEK 4:
• Ep I 11–25 (p. 475–477)
Next month: Free Will
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Rev. Sean Daenzer, Director of Worship for the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and Chaplain for the International Center joins Andy for a brief history of the hymn, Let All Together Praise Our God (LSB 389).
Angels We Have Heard on High used with permission from TheHymnalProject.com a resource of the Michigan District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
Find your edition of the Lutheran Service Book at music.cph.org/lutheran-service-book/related-products and the LSB Companion to the Hymns at cph.org/p-33586-lutheran-service-book-companion-to-the-hymns-2-volume-set.aspx. Find more research at hymnary.org.
Rev. Sean Daenzer, Director of Worship for the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and Chaplain for the International Center joins Andy for a brief history of the hymn, Now Sing We, Now Rejoice (LSB 386).
Angels We Have Heard on High used with permission from TheHymnalProject.com a resource of the Michigan District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
Find your edition of the Lutheran Service Book at music.cph.org/lutheran-service-book/related-products and the LSB Companion to the Hymns at cph.org/p-33586-lutheran-service-book-companion-to-the-hymns-2-volume-set.aspx. Find more research at hymnary.org.
Deaconess Sandra Rhein, Sacred Music Educator serving the Lord in the LCMS Asia Region, joins Andy to discuss the history of All My Heart Again Rejoices (LSB 360).
Angels We Have Heard on High used with permission from TheHymnalProject.com a resource of the Michigan District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
Find your edition of the Lutheran Service Book at music.cph.org/lutheran-service-book/related-products and the LSB Companion to the Hymns at cph.org/p-33586-lutheran-service-book-companion-to-the-hymns-2-volume-set.aspx. Find more research at hymnary.org.
Deaconess Sandra Rhein, Sacred Music Educator serving the Lord in the LCMS Asia Region, joins Andy to discuss the history of From Heaven Above to Earth I Come (LSB 358).
Angels We Have Heard on High used with permission from TheHymnalProject.com a resource of the Michigan District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
Find your edition of the Lutheran Service Book at music.cph.org/lutheran-service-book/related-products and the LSB Companion to the Hymns at cph.org/p-33586-lutheran-service-book-companion-to-the-hymns-2-volume-set.aspx. Find more research at hymnary.org.
Deaconess Sandra Rhein, Sacred Music Educator serving the Lord in the LCMS Asia Region, joins Andy to discuss the history of O Come, O Come Emmanuel (LSB 357).
Angels We Have Heard on High used with permission from TheHymnalProject.com a resource of the Michigan District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
Find your edition of the Lutheran Service Book at music.cph.org/lutheran-service-book/related-products and the LSB Companion to the Hymns at cph.org/p-33586-lutheran-service-book-companion-to-the-hymns-2-volume-set.aspx. Find more research at hymnary.org.
Rev. Brian Hamer, US Navy Chaplain joins Andy and Sarah to share a brief history of the Christmas hymn, What Child Is This? (LSB 370).
Angels We Have Heard on High used with permission from TheHymnalProject.com a resource of the Michigan District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
Find your edition of the Lutheran Service Book at music.cph.org/lutheran-service-book/related-products and the LSB Companion to the Hymns at cph.org/p-33586-lutheran-service-book-companion-to-the-hymns-2-volume-set.aspx. Find more research at hymnary.org.
Rev. Brian Hamer, US Navy Chaplain joins Andy and Sarah to share a brief history of the Christmas hymn, O Come, All Ye Faithful (LSB 379).
Angels We Have Heard on High used with permission from TheHymnalProject.com a resource of the Michigan District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
Find your edition of the Lutheran Service Book at music.cph.org/lutheran-service-book/related-products and the LSB Companion to the Hymns at cph.org/p-33586-lutheran-service-book-companion-to-the-hymns-2-volume-set.aspx. Find more research at hymnary.org.
Rev. Brian Hamer, US Navy Chaplain joins Andy and Sarah to share a brief history of the Christmas hymn, Joy to the World (LSB 387).
Angels We Have Heard on High used with permission from TheHymnalProject.com a resource of the Michigan District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
Find your edition of the Lutheran Service Book at music.cph.org/lutheran-service-book/related-products and the LSB Companion to the Hymns at cph.org/p-33586-lutheran-service-book-companion-to-the-hymns-2-volume-set.aspx. Find more research at hymnary.org.
Rev. Brian Hamer, US Navy Chaplain joins Andy and Sarah to share a brief history of the Christmas hymn, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (LSB 380).
Angels We Have Heard on High used with permission from TheHymnalProject.com a resource of the Michigan District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
Find your edition of the Lutheran Service Book at music.cph.org/lutheran-service-book/related-products and the LSB Companion to the Hymns at cph.org/p-33586-lutheran-service-book-companion-to-the-hymns-2-volume-set.aspx. Find more research at hymnary.org.
The annual Coffee Hour Christmas caroling party welcomes special guests, Ysleta Lutheran Mission Mariachi San Pablo. Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care provides relief and human care services while planting and nurturing missions on the U.S./Mexico border. In this year's Christmas caroling party, Mariachi San Pablo leads us in Christmas carols and traditional Navideñas of Mexico, including:
- Doxology
- En La Noche Los Pastores
- O Come All Ye Faithful
- La Posada
- Silent Night, Stille Nacht, Noche De Paz
- Al Mundo Gozo, Joy to the World
- Burrito Sabanero
- Go Tell It on the Mountain
After caroling, Mariachi San Pablo band members Rev. Stephen Heimer, Miguel Muñoz, and Maritza Muñoz join Andy for a discussion about the history and outreach of Mariachi San Pablo and Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care. You can learn more about Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human care at ylm.org
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How has KFUO impacted the lives of listeners? Listener Millie Palmer shares her profound journey from Islam to Christianity, highlighting the pivotal role KFUO has played in her spiritual life. She recounts her early experiences with Islam, her struggles with faith, and how she found solace and assurance in the teachings of Jesus Christ. She shares how important KFUO has become in her daily routine, providing her with doctrinal richness and a sense of community. Millie's story is a testament to the transformative power of faith and the impact Christian media can have in shaping lives.
If you have been blessed by KFUO's Gospel-centered programming, would you prayerfully consider offering your support? Your partnership will enable us to continue filling our world with the Word of Christ For You! To learn more or to make a donation of any amount, click here.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What opportunities are available for college students to engage in international mission work? Andy and Sarah are joined by Chelsea Irwin (LCMS missionary coordinator, Eurasia) and the Rev. Dr. Brian Gauthier (Managing Director, LCMS Global Mission Operations) who share insights on mission education, the experiences of students serving abroad, and the importance of understanding the global mission of the church. Learn more and find opportunities to serve by visiting Servenow.lcms.org.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
We’re looking ahead to the Fourth Sunday in Advent! The Rev. James Gier, Senior Pastor of Ascension Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy to discuss the week’s readings and themes.
Find Ascension Lutheran Church at alcsfw.360unite.com/home.
Fourth Sunday in Advent (Series C):
- Micah 5:2-5a
- Psalm 80:1-7
- Hebrews 10:5-10
- Luke 1:39-45 (46-56)
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How does the Expanding the Spanish Footprint program equip pastors for ministry? The Rev. Ted Krey (LCMS Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean) and Rev. David Mommens (Expanding the Spanish Footprint participant) join Andy and Sarah to discuss the critical need for Spanish-speaking pastors, the importance of cultural training alongside language skills, and the various components of the program designed to equip pastors for effective ministry in Spanish-speaking communities. To learn more about Expanding the Spanish Footprint, click here or email Erin.alter@lcms.org.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How does the Lutheran Heritage Foundation (LHF) work to promote the gospel throughout our world today? Andy and Sarah are joined by the Rev. Dr. Matthew Heise (Executive Director, LHF) and the Rev. Dr. Ted NaThalang (Southeast Asia Translation Coordinator, LHF) to discuss the LHF's ongoing ministry in Asia. Learn more about the work of the Lutheran Heritage Foundation at https://lhfmissions.org/.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
We celebrate 100 years of God’s blessings on KFUO with special historic broadcasts.
This broadcast is the last sermon of Dr. Walter A. Maier from the Lutheran Hour, originally aired on Sunday, December 25th, 1949.
Find more KFUO history at kfuo.org/100.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
We celebrate 100 years of God’s blessings on KFUO with special historic broadcasts.
These broadcasts are from the 25th Anniversary of KFUO in 1949. First, KFUO Host Elmer Knoernschild interviews KFUO founder John Fritz. In the second half, Elmer interviews Mrs. Kretzschmar, wife of Dr. Richard Kretzschmar, another founder of KFUO Radio.
Find more KFUO history at kfuo.org/100.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
We're looking ahead to the Third Sunday in Advent! The Rev. James Gier, Senior Pastor of Ascension Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah to discuss the week's readings and themes.
Find Ascension Lutheran Church at alcsfw.360unite.com/home.
Third Sunday in Advent (Series C):
- Zephaniah 3:14-20
- Psalm 85
- Philippians 4:4-7
- Luke 7:18-28 (29-35)
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
We celebrate 100 years of God’s blessings on KFUO with special historic broadcasts.
These broadcasts are from the KFUO 50th Anniversary Special in 1974. First, the Rev. Doug Nicely interviews Dr. Walter A. Maier, Jr. Second, KFUO Host Bob Ault interviews Rev. Dr. Paul Maier.
Find more KFUO history at kfuo.org/100.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
We celebrate 100 years of God’s blessings on KFUO with special historic broadcasts.
First, the Rev. Carl R Kretzschmar reads the 1924 dedication address of KFUO from his father the Rev. Richard Kretzschmar.
The second broadcast comes from April 23, 1939, the 100th anniversary of the Saxon landing in St. Louis. The then president of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, the Rev. Dr. John W. Behnken presents a Lutheran Hour sermon for the occasion.
Find more KFUO history at kfuo.org/100.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How are new church workers supported in their vocations? The Rev. Jonathan Manor, Director of PALS with the LCMS Office of Pastoral Education, joins Andy and Sarah during our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about his own journey into pastoral ministry, what PALS (Post-Seminary Applied Learning & Support) is and how it supports new pastors and their families, the challenges that new pastors face, why worker wellness is important, and how PALS helps church workers encourage others to consider church work vocations. Learn more about PALS at lcms.org/pals.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
This issue of LW focuses on the community of family. Peter reminds us that Christians have a much larger family, our “brotherhood throughout the world” (1 Peter 5:9). Paul says something similar in 1 Corinthians 1:2: “To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours.” While we properly focus most of our attention on our local communities of family and congregation, our Lord has a global mission: “This gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14). Peter’s emphasis on the common suffering of Christians throughout the world is a reminder that we are part of something much greater than ourselves, as Paul also writes: “There is one body and one Spirit — just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call — one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:4–6).
Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the December 2024 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “A Worldwide Community” on 1 Peter 5:8-14. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Elect Exiles” and will walk through the First Epistle of St. Peter. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you’d like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
We're looking ahead to the Second Sunday in Advent! The Rev. James Gier, Senior Pastor of Ascension Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah to study the readings and themes for the Second Sunday in Advent. They discuss who the Messenger is in Malachi, how we prepare for the coming of One who is perfectly holy and righteous, practical ways we prepare to meet Him, and how the Means of Grace prepare us for this season of waiting and watching.
Find Ascension Lutheran Church at alcsfw.360unite.com/home.
Second Sunday in Advent (Series C):
• Malachi 3:1-7b
• Psalm 66:1-12
• Philippians 1:2-11
• Luke 3:1-14 (15-20)
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
It's time for the KFUO History Trivia Game Show! The Rev. John Lukomski (co-host of Wrestling with the Basics), the Rev. Matt Clark (co-host of Wrestling with the Basics and pastor of Ascension Lutheran Church in St Louis, MO), the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe (host of Thy Strong Word and pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne, MN), and the Rev. Timothy Appel (host of Sharper Iron and pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL) join us as guests for this trivia extravaganza!
How well do you know KFUO? Download the PDF answer sheet here!
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Today KFUO is found at 850 on the AM dial. When KFUO first started in 1924, what was its original AM dial number?
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In 1924, what was the cost to build and operate the original seminary attic-based station in its first year? $14k, $140k, or $1.4m?
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When KFUO first went on the air in 1924, how many programs were broadcast each week?
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Before KFUO became the broadcast ministry of the LCMS, what organization owned and operated KFUO?
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What year did the LCMS officially take ownership of KFUO?
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True or False: In 1929, during construction to enlarge the station building, KFUO staff had to broadcast out of a Concordia Seminary dormitory.
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What other station did KFUO share its original AM550 signal with until parting ways in 1940? KSD, WKRP, or KWIL?
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True or False: Actress Betty White was once a guest on KFUO.
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True or False: In the early 1950s, there was a proposal to expand the station building for a third time that would include a large chapel with television broadcasting capabilities.
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True or False: In 1935, the St. Louis Star Times inquired if KFUO would consider an offer of $100k for the sale of its station.
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True or False: Astronaut John Glenn was once a guest on KFUO.
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True or False: KFUO FM was the first licensed FM signal in St. Louis.
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True or False: KFUO FM was the first licensed FM signal west of the Mississippi.
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The Three Stooges were once guests on KFUO.
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In what year did KFUO make its first live link-up with another radio station to share the Bible Study with WLAB in Fort Wayne, Indiana, via a telephone connection?
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What prestigious award was given to KFUO FM in 1999 by the National Association of Broadcasters for “Best Classical Music Station in the United States”?
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Also in 1999, KFUO AM received two of this award from the National Religious Broadcasters for “Excellence in Religious Broadcasting”?
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What year did KFUO Radio move from 85 Founders Lane on the Seminary campus to its current home at the International Center?
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Can you name all ten current staff members of KFUO Radio (bonus point: Can you name the current KFUO intern?)
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The call letters, KFUO, were assigned to the station arbitrarily by the United States federal government. What slogan was later ascribed to these call letters?
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
We're celebrating our Church of the Week, St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Des Peres, MO! Kantor Matthew Gerhardt from St Paul’s Lutheran Church and School, Des Peres, MO, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany opportunities at St. Paul's, including Midweek services at 9:30am and 5:30pm, the Service of Lessons and Carols on December 7 & 8, Christmas Eve and Day services, and worship on New Year's Eve and Epiphany (Sunday). Learn more about all of these opportunities at StPaulsDesPeres.org and click on the Advent and Christmas button in the center of the home page.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How do we rejoice in the season of Advent? The Rev. Brian Hamer, US Navy Chaplain, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why it's important for the church to keep Advent, how we rejoice that the Lord has set up a tent among us, rejoicing in the marriage supper of the Lamb, and rejoicing and exulting with Zephaniah. Find the lovely Advent resource from this episode at resources.lcms.org/worship-planning/midweek-advent-service-suggestions-2024.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How does the Divine Service form Christians and church workers? Rev. Sean Daenzer, LCMS Director of Worship and LCMS International Center Chaplain, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about how the Lord guided him to become a pastor, how his love for church music and worship developed, who has most shaped his understanding and love of worship, how the Divine Service formed him as a Christian and pastor, and the importance of the Divine Service in forming church workers.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Have a topic you’d like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
It's almost time for Advent and Christmas! Elizabeth Pittman (Director of Public Relations for Concordia Publishing House) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the exciting offerings from CPH for this Advent and Christmas season, including the beautiful Enduring Grace: A Church Year Journal, the Enduring Grace journal for kids, and this year's Advent and Christmas package for congregations titled "His Name Shall Be Called" which includes Daily Devotions, a Children's Book, a Christmas Program, and other resources.
Find these resources at:
cph.org/enduring-grace-a-church-year-journal-year-c
cph.org/enduring-grace-a-church-year-journal-for-kids-year-c
cph.org/advent
This episode originally aired on September 10, 2024.
The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.
We're looking ahead to the First Sunday in Advent! The Rev. James Gier, Senior Pastor of Ascension Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah to study the readings and themes for the First Sunday in Advent. They discuss how we observe and prepare in Advent, what we learn from the prophets about the coming King, what kind of King is coming, how the Advent season is full of both repentance and hope, and where we see these themes in both the days of Noah and the New Testament Church.
Find Ascension Lutheran Church at alcsfw.360unite.com/home.
First Sunday in Advent (Series C)
• Jeremiah 33:14–16
• Psalm 25:1–10
• 1 Thessalonians 3:9–13
• Luke 19:28–40 or Luke 21:25–36
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How did a Short Term Mission team serve in Leipzig? Deaconess Kim Bueltmann, who serves the Lord in Germany, and volunteers Sharon Delmore and Linda Forte join Andy and Sarah to talk about the area where Deaconess Kim serves in Germany, the growing outreach festival that happens every year in Leipzig, how the local church and short-term volunteers work together to accomplish the festival, how Sharon and Linda served during their time in Leipzig, and what they learned about the local community and mission work while serving. Find how you can serve on a Short Term Mission Team at servenow.lcms.org.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Rev. Sean Daenzer gives today's sermon based on Matthew 25:1-13.
>> The broadcast of chapel services is brought to you by LCMS International Mission and Ministry to Armed Forces.
>> Learn more at international.lcms.org and lcms.org/armedforces.
>> To learn more about long and short-term opportunities to serve, visit servenow.lcms.org.
Tune in weekdays at 10:00 a.m. CT to hear daily chapel services from the LCMS International Center. Find service information including the lectionary, hymn, and homilist for the day at kfuo.org/daily-chapel-schedule.
How does Ministry Focus support the Lord’s work through financially supporting church workers? The Rev. Ken Krueger, President and Chair of Ministry Focus, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Ministry Focus's impact over the last year, how this has made a difference for church workers through the year, and the very exciting new opportunity for Ministry Focus through a grant from the Lilly Foundation. Learn more and find the Church Worker Grant application at ministryfocus.org.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
We celebrate our Church of the Week this week, Peace Lutheran (Lemay) in St. Louis! The Rev. Dr. Jon Furgeson, Senior Pastor at Peace Lutheran Church in St Louis, MO, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Peace Lutheran's place in the St Louis community, Peace's invitation to neighbors this Advent and Christmas season, and the many services and events from Thanksgiving, through Advent, and the Christmas season, including the Tree Lot, Boar's Head Festival, and Christmas Concert. Learn more and find service and event details at peacelutheranstl.org.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How is ministry more of a lifestyle than a profession? Kathy Chapin, Principal at Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Orchard Farm, MO, joins Andy and Sarah for the Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about her journey into church work and who influenced her decision to become a Lutheran teacher and administrator, her formation and continual education as a church worker, how ministry is more of a lifestyle than a profession, and how Trinity intentionally forms and recruits youth to consider full-time church work. Read her YouthEsource article here.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How do LCMS seminaries have a global impact on confessional Lutheranism? In our special crossover series "From Wittenberg" with The Lutheran Witness Podcast, the Rev. Roy Askins (Executive Editor of The Lutheran Witness) speaks with the Rev. Dr. Thomas Egger (President, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO) and the Rev. Dr. John Bruss (President, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN) to highlight the role of LCMS seminaries in supporting the proclamation of the gospel globally. They discuss how the presence of Jesus Christ is central to the church's mission, how the history of the world is centered in God's plan of redemption, why apologetics should not overshadow the joyful proclamation of the gospel, and the importance of unity among confessional Lutherans globally. Find these seminaries at csl.edu and ctsfw.edu.
Learn more about LCMS Church relations at lcms.org/about/leadership/president/church-relations.
Find The Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
It's time to celebrate Christmas with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra! Julia Paine, 2nd bassoonist with the St Louis Symphony Orchestra, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how she became a professional bassoon player and why she still loves playing, what she loves about playing Christmas music with the SLSO, and all of the upcoming Christmas performances. Find details for these performances at slso.org.
A Baroque Christmas
Friday, December 6, 10:30am CST
Saturday, December 7, 7:30pm CST
The Pillsbury Theatre at Washington University’s 560 Music Center
560 Trinity Ave., St. Louis, MO 63130
Celtic Woman Christmas Symphony
Sunday, December 8, 7:00pm CST
Stifel Theatre
1400 Market Street, St. Louis, MO 63103
IN UNISON Christmas with Take 6
Friday, December 13, 7:30pm CST
Stifel Theatre
1400 Market Street, St. Louis, MO 63103
The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert
Saturday, December 14, 7:00pm CST
Sunday, December 15, 2:00pm CST
Stifel Theatre
1400 Market Street, St. Louis, MO 63103
Mercy Holiday Celebration
Tuesday, December 17, 7:30pm CST
Wednesday, December 18, 7:30pm CST
J. Scheidegger Center for Performing Arts at Lindenwood University
2300 W. Clay St., St. Charles, MO 63301
Saturday, December 21, 2:00pm CST
Sunday, December 22, 2:00pm CST
Stifel Theatre
1400 Market Street, St. Louis, MO 63103
How to Train Your Dragon in Concert
Saturday, December 28, 7:00pm CST
Sunday, December 29, 2:00pm CST
Stifel Theatre
1400 Market Street, St. Louis, MO 63103
New Year’s Eve Celebration
Tuesday, December 31, 7:30pm CST
Stifel Theatre
1400 Market Street, St. Louis, MO 63103
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Skopak, pastor of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Asheville, North Carolina, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how Emmanuel Lutheran Church has been a part of the Asheville community, what happened to the Asheville community during Hurricane Helene, the level of destruction from water and wind, how the community and congregation were affected, and how Emmanuel Lutheran Church has been serving and caring for their neighbors in the aftermath of this disaster. Learn how you can help the disaster response effort at EmmanuelLutheran.info and lcms.org/disaster.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How do Chaplains get to make the love of Christ known in their vocations as Chaplains in the Armed Forces? Chaplain Kurtis Bueltmann (US Air Force Chaplain, Dyess Air Force Base, Abilene, TX), Chaplain David Edwards (US Air Force Chaplain, Serving at Patrick Space Force Base, Brevard County, FL) and Chaplain Craig Muehler (Director, LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces) join Andy and Sarah to talk about how they get to serve the men and women in our Armed Forces, what a day in the life of a chaplain might look like, the challenges men and women in the Armed Forces face each day, and how they decided to become chaplains. The need for chaplains is great! Contact LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces to learn more: email lcmschaps@lcms.org, call (314) 996-1337, and visit lcms.org/armedforces.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How does the MO Scholars Program make Lutheran Education possible for more children? Leah Sieveking (Director of Mission Advancement, LCMS Missouri District), Joshua Swartz (Director of Schools, LCMS Missouri District), and Brenda Spieler (Principal, St. John’s Lutheran Church and School, Arnold, MO) join Andy and Sarah to talk about how St. John’s Lutheran School makes a difference for families in the Arnold community, how the MO Scholars program helped more students gain a Lutheran education, how the MO Scholars program has helped students across the LCMS Missouri District in the last year, who is eligible to receive support from MO Scholars, and how simple it is for tax payers to participate in the tax credit program. Find more information on participating in the MO Scholars program at mo.lcms.org.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How is Set Apart to Serve changing the culture surrounding church work formation? The Rev. Dr. James Baneck (LCMS Executive Director of Pastoral Education and Set Apart to Serve) and Glenn Rollins (Manager of Set Apart to Serve) join Andy and Sarah to talk about how the culture has been changing around church work formation, what is happening in LCMS Districts, and the feedback from congregations and institutions regarding Set Apart to Serve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
It's time to apply to serve as a Young Adult Volunteer (YAV) at the 2025 LCMS Youth Gathering! Bryce Liedtke (YAV Squad Leader) and Brandon Heath (Manager, YAV Team) join Andy and Sarah to talk about Bryce's experience serving as a Young Adult Volunteer at a previous LCMS Youth Gathering, how orientation and training prepared him to serve, his duties at the Gathering, and how serving as a Young Adult Volunteer has shaped how he serves in other ways. Brandon shares details about the application process, who is eligible to apply, the various duties for both introverts and extroverts, and what young adults need to know to apply. The deadline is December 31! Apply now at lcmsgathering.com/volunteer.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How does Lutheran Senior Services serve the older adult community? Kristy Krumwiede, Director of Hospice for Lutheran Senior Services (LSS), joins Sarah to talk about how LSS has expanded over the last year, how LSS Home and Community Services helps older adults stay in their own homes, and LSS's hospice and palliative care services. Learn more about Lutheran Senior Services at lssliving.org.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How does LAMP share the love of Christ with Indigenous communities? The Rev. Dr. Steven Schave, Executive Director of LAMP, joins Andy and Sarah during National American Indian Heritage Month to talk about LAMP's work as the only LCMS Recognized Service Organization that serves Indigenous communities, how LAMP missionaries and volunteers build relationships with people in remote parts of Canada, how these communities face various hardships, how these relationships have made a difference in these communities, and LAMP's commitment to bring even more teams to these communities to share Christ's love. Learn more about the 55x55 Initiative for LAMP's 55th anniversary at lampministry.org.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
A Wisconsin pastor has served both the Church and his country, and we celebrate Veterans Day today by sharing his story. The Rev. Daniel Seehafer, pastor of St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Horicon, Wisconsin, and who served as the National Commander of the American Legion from 2023-2024, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his service as a pastor and Navy Chaplain, how he got involved with the American Legion, how his congregation has supported him in this service, how he was able to serve as National Commander of the American Legion, and what he would like to share with his fellow veterans on Veterans Day. Read his story in Lutherans Engage at engage.lcms.org/q-a-daniel-seehafer-fall-2024.
Learn more about how the LCMS serves those in the armed forces at lcms.org/armedforces.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How does Lutheran education support young people considering church work vocation? Sean Martens, LCMS Minnesota South District Education Executive, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about how he was influenced to consider full-time church work, where he has served as a Lutheran educator and why he is so invested in Lutheran education, his current role in the Minnesota South District and how this District is encouraging young people to consider church work, and his encouragement to other districts to be actively engaged in church work formation and recruitment.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
It might not be March 14th, but it's definitely PIE season! Andy and Sarah talk all things pie in this fun annual episode celebrating one of our favorite food groups.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
This issue of LW focuses on the LCMS community, which is made up of “flock[s] of God” (1 PETER 5:2) under “the chief Shepherd” (1 Peter 5:4), who sends men to shepherd His holy people (in Latin, pastor means “shepherd”). If both preachers and hearers heed Peter’s advice, congregations will be blessed with peace and concord; if they don’t, dissension and conflict will ensue. Peter encourages humility for all Christians (1 Peter 5:6–7). Although he doesn’t mention the example of Jesus in this passage, He should be on our minds as we act in humility toward one another and humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God: “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:5–8).
Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the November 2024 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “A Humble Community” on 1 Peter 5:1-7. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Elect Exiles” and will walk through the First Epistle of St. Peter. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
We explore requiems today, specifically an upcoming performance of Mozart's Requiem with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra!
First, the Rev. Brian Hamer, US Navy Chaplain, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what a Requiem is and what texts make up a requiem, which ones are familiar to Lutherans, and how we can appreciate the beauty of requiems in light of our Lutheran doctrine. Read Chaplain Hamer's writing on the Requiem at whatdoesthismean.org/lifted-voice--brian-hamer/rescuing-the-requiem-the-sanctus.
Then, mezzo-soprano Kelley O’Connor, performing the upcoming Mozart Requiem with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about her journey to becoming a professional vocalist, some of her favorite performances and composers, what makes Mozart's Requiem unique, and what she loves about singing this Requiem. Find more from Kelley at kelleyoconnor.com.
Find more information about this performance from the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra on November 9 & 10 at shop.slso.org/8089.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Hear about our Lutheran brothers and sisters in Christ in Chile! In our special crossover series "From Wittenberg" with The Lutheran Witness Podcast, the Rev. Roy Askins (Executive Editor of The Lutheran Witness) speaks with President Rev. Juan Pablo Lanterna of the Confessional Lutheran Church of Chile / Iglesia Luterana Confesional de Chile (ILC-Chile). In this conversation, President Lanterna discusses the history of the church, its current state, and its challenges. The church was founded 70 years ago through the Lutheran Hour radio program and has grown to eight churches and numerous preaching stations. The church body recently worked to create a new Spanish hymnal. It also operates a large school and is actively involved in disaster relief efforts, particularly after a recent earthquake that affected 50,000 people. President Lanterna emphasizes the importance of international cooperation and the power of the gospel in overcoming challenges. Find the ILC-Chile online at soyluterano.cl.
Learn more about LCMS Church relations at lcms.org/about/leadership/president/church-relations.
Find The Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
This week, we celebrate a partnership with our Church of the Week: Good Shepherd Lutheran in Arnold, MO. The Rev. Warren Woerth, Pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Good Shepherd's 55th Anniversary on November 10, how members and guests participate in Sunday Services and Christian Education, and several upcoming events that the public is welcome to participate in:
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55th Anniversary Celebration
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Veterans Day events
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Thanksgiving services
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Cookie Parade
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Advent services
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Christmas services
Learn more about Good Shepherd Lutheran Church at goodshepherdarnold.org.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How are students formed for church work vocations at Christ College at Concordia University Irvine? Rev. Dr. David Loy (Professor of Philosophy, Theology, and Ethics, and Dean of Christ College at Concordia University Irvine) and Carrie Donohoe (Director of LCMS Recruitment, Christ College Program Coordinator, and Assistant Director of LCMS Placement at Concordia University Irvine) join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about what Christ College at CUI is, why church worker formation is important to them and to the university, what makes CUI a unique place for church worker formation, how alumni are serving today, and who they see influencing youth and young adults to consider church work vocations. Learn more about Concordia University Irvine at cui.edu.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Hear about our Lutheran brothers and sisters in Christ in Kenya! In our special crossover series "From Wittenberg" with The Lutheran Witness Podcast, the Rev. Roy Askins (Executive Editor of The Lutheran Witness) speaks with Archbishop Joseph Ochoa Omolo of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya (ELCK). In this conversation, Archbishop Omolo discusses the history, growth, and mission of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya (ELCK). He shares insights into the church's formation, its current status with 350,000 members, and the importance of liturgy and diaconal work in their mission. The conversation highlights the collaborative efforts of various Nordic mission organizations in establishing the ELCK and the church's commitment to gospel proclamation and community service.
Learn more about LCMS Church relations at lcms.org/about/leadership/president/church-relations.
Find The Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Hear about our Lutheran brothers and sisters in Christ in South Africa! In our special crossover series "From Wittenberg" with The Lutheran Witness Podcast, the Rev. Roy Askins (Executive Editor of The Lutheran Witness) speaks with Bishop Helmut Paul of the Free Evangelical Lutheran Synod in South Africa (FELSISA). In this conversation, Bishop Paul discusses the FELSISA and its history, growth, and collaboration with other Lutheran churches. They explore the challenges and opportunities faced by FELSISA, including the importance of mission work and the role of the seminary in training future leaders. The conversation highlights the significance of international conferences in fostering support and sharing experiences among church leaders. Prayer support is crucial for the ongoing work of FELSISA, and you can learn more about FELSISA at felsisa.org.za.
Learn more about LCMS Church relations at lcms.org/about/leadership/president/church-relations.
Find The Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How does YouthLead raise up young leaders in the church? DCE Julianna Shults (Program Manager for LCMS Youth Ministry and Host of the End Goals Podcast), DCE Cindy Twillman (King of Kings Lutheran Church, Kansas City, MO), DCE Josh Eckstein (Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church, St. Peters, MO), and Ava Dradzynski (YouthLead Executive Team member) join Andy and Sarah to talk about YouthLead and who it is for, how each of them has benefitted from YouthLead, how they've seen YouthLead grow young leaders in ministry, why young leaders are important for congregations, and what to expect from the ministry this year. Learn more and register for the 2025 YouthLead training at lcms.org/youthlead.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How does Ongoing Ambassadors for Christ (OAFC) help people share their faith? The Rev. Martin Herzberg (Executive Director, Ongoing Ambassadors for Christ) and Jim Meyer (Board Member, Ongoing Ambassadors for Christ) join Andy and Sarah to talk about the history of OAFC, the work of OAFC today, how each of them became involved, how this work has been personally meaningful to them, and how congregations can host their own OAFC events. Learn more about Ongoing Ambassadors for Christ at oafc.org.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Why should we read the Book of Concord? The Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District and host of Concord Matters from KFUO Radio, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the 2025 Book of Concord reading plan he wrote for The Lutheran Witness, including what he's learned while hosting Concord Matters and studying with fellow theologians, the most challenging aspect of reading the Book of Concord, what makes the Formula of Concord and the Epitome of the Formula of Concord unique, and what we need to know before digging in. Find the Book of Concord reading plan at witness.lcms.org/2024/reading-plan and files.lcms.org/file/preview/formula-of-concord-reading-plan.
Find Concord Matters podcast episodes at kfuo.org/category/concord-matters.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
How does a family's legacy of church work vocations encourage the younger generations to follow in these footsteps? Al Bardeleben, a retired LCMS Teacher, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about the generations of church workers in his family, the role his great-grandparents played in this long line of church workers, who encouraged him to consider full-time church work and why he chose that vocation, what he learned through the trials and challenges, and how he encouraged youth and adults to consider full-time church work.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What are the challenges facing Global Lutheranism? Beginning our special crossover series "From Wittenberg" with The Lutheran Witness Podcast, the Rev. Roy Askins (Executive Editor of The Lutheran Witness) speaks with the Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison (President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod) and the Rev. Dr. Jonathan Shaw (LCMS Director of Church Relations) from the 2024 International Church Relations Conference (ICRC) held in Wittenberg, Germany. This conference brings together Lutheran church leaders from around the world to discuss theological issues, build relationships, and provide mutual support. The theme of the 2024 conference is "Christ the Lord of History," with speakers including the LCMS President, Matthew C. Harrison, and Chaplain Jonathan Shaw. In this episode, they discuss the challenges facing global Lutheranism, such as persecution, financial difficulties, and secularism.
Learn more about LCMS Church relations at lcms.org/about/leadership/president/church-relations.
Find The Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
The LCMS Florida-Georgia District weathered significant damage from both Hurricanes Helene and Milton. How has the District responded? The Rev. James Rockey, LCMS Florida-Georgia District President, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the areas that the Florida-Georgia District covers, the impact of the hurricanes on the communities and congregations in this area, how the congregations have been able to respond to the needs of their communities, how the Lutheran Early Response Teams have been bringing the hope and mercy of Christ to their neighbors, and how listeners can help in the disaster response. Learn more about the District-wide and Synod-wide response, including how you can help, at flgadistrict.org.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What are some of the challenges facing Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor, and what is their vision for the future? Dr. Eric Ankerberg (President, Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor), Dr. Steven Taylor (Vice President of Innovation and Chief of Staff, Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor), and Rev. Dr. Aaron M. Moldenhauer (Vice President of Mission and Church Relations, Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor) join Andy and Sarah to talk about the mission of Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor (CUWAA), how Concordia University Ann Arbor (CUAA) became a part of Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW), how the campuses are uniquely living out the university's mission, the financial challenges facing the CUAA campus, the vision for the future of CUW and CUAA, how university leadership is committed to a strong future at CUAA, and what they would like current and prospective students to know about CUAA. Learn more and reach out with questions at cuaa.edu/future.
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
What is it like to serve on a short-term team for English Bible Camp in Taiwan? Mindy Thews (LCMS Lutheran Education Coordinator, Taiwan) and Myles Williams (Short-Term Mission Volunteer, English Bible Camp) join Andy and Sarah to talk about why Myles was interested in this opportunity and how he prepared, how Mindy and the Taiwan team created this English Bible Camp in Taiwan, and how Myles worked with Mindy and the team for an outstanding week with the kids who attended the camp.
If you are interested in serving on this team in 2025, view the opportunity at servenow.lcms.org/opp/2025-english-bible-camp-taiwan.
View all opportunities to serve at servenow.lcms.org.
How can sacred music help us grieve the children we have lost? The Rev. Brian Hamer (US Navy Chaplain) who writes a monthly column "Lifted Voice" for Around the Word: Theology for the Curious Christian, at whatdoesthismean.org, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why we depart from the rhythm of the church year this month in his column on sacred music; who René Clausen is and what his piece 'In Pace' brings to light; Clausen's inspiration for this piece; the origin of the text; where else we see the connection between sleep and death in our Lutheran liturgy; and how this piece brings comfort to those who are grieving children.
Read Chaplain Hamer's column at whatdoesthismean.org/lifted-voice--brian-hamer/sacred-music-for-child-loss-month-in-pace-by-rene-clausen.
Listen to ‘In Pace’ by René Clausen at youtube.com/watch?v=yIgudJRJfCQ.
How have three of the Clausing siblings made the journey into church work? Ellie Clausing (Concordia University, Nebraska, graduate and teacher at Emmanuel-Faith Lutheran School in York, Nebraska), Eunice Clausing (Freshman at CUNE in Elementary Education), and Ernie Clausing (Junior at CUNE in Elementary Education), join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about what it was like growing up on the mission field, when they began thinking about church work as Lutheran teachers, how CUNE has and will prepare them to be Lutheran educators, Ellie's joy and challenges of being a first-year Lutheran teacher, and Ernie and Eunice's hopes for life after graduation. Read more about their story at cune.edu/news/concordia-nebraska-home-away-home-clausing-siblings-whose-parents-serve-missionaries-tanzania.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
How do KFUO Radio Interns help us share the Gospel AND learn valuable skills for future vocations? John Fiene (current KFUO Radio Intern), Aubrey Blank (current Digital Media Associate and former KFUO intern), and Jordan Harms (Media Operations Manager for KFUO) join Andy and Sarah to talk about why John applied to be an intern with KFUO, what he's learning this semester and how he expects to use these skills, where Aubrey's interest in becoming a KFUO intern began and how her internship prepared her for a full-time position with KFUO, and how Jordan uses these internship experiences to build up future radio talent. Learn about KFUO internship opportunities at lcms.org/careers.
What is it like to serve on a short-term mission trip to Belize? The Rev. Micah Wildauer (LCMS missionary serving the Lord in Belize), Beverly Wildauer (Grand Island, NE; led a teacher training in Belize), and the Rev. Weston Wildauer (pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau, MO; led an English Family Bible Camp in Belize), join Andy and Sarah to talk about how Beverly and Pastor Weston learned about the opportunities to serve on short-term mission teams, how they prepared for their service, who they met and served alongside, how Pastor Micah serves in Belize, the people and communities of Belize, and how short-term mission volunteers serve with him and others in Belize. Learn about upcoming ways to serve on short-term teams in Belize and around the globe at servenow.lcms.org.
Are you getting prepared for the 2025 LCMS Youth Gathering? We have important information for you! The Rev. Mark Kiessling (Director of LCMS Youth Ministry), Julianna Shults, (DCE and Program Manager for LCMS Youth Ministry), Meredith Smith (Communications Specialist for LCMS Youth Ministry), Charessa Koontz (Youth Gathering Planner and DCE at Bethany Lutheran Church in Austin, TX), and Rev. Lawton Thompson (Assistant Pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Des Peres, MO), join Andy and Sarah to talk about why we gather the youth of the LCMS, an overview of the theme of ENDURE, how bringing a group of youth benefits the local congregation, how district coordinators help congregations plan to go to Gathering, and the immediate next steps to prepare for travel. Learn more at lcmsgathering.com.
What does Hispanic Ministry look like in Southwest Detroit? The Rev. Ricardo Granado, Michigan District Missionary for Hispanic Ministries, joins Andy, Sarah, and translator the Rev. Stephen Heimer (Manager of All Nations Ministry with the LCMS Office of National Mission) during our Hispanic Heritage Month series to talk about his Lutheran heritage and growing up in Venezuela, his journey to become a Lutheran pastor and how he served the Church in Venezuela, his family's journey to the United States and how he has served the church here, and the amazing ministry happening in Detroit. Learn more about Pan de Vida on their Facebook page: facebook.com/pandevida1820. Read more from Rev. Granado at michigandistrict.org/commission/granado-leads-michigan-district-hispanic-ministry.
Learn more about LCMS Hispanic Ministry at lcms.org/how-we-serve/national/hispanic-ministry.
The Rev. Idonis King, a recent graduate of Concordia Seminary and now Associate Pastor and “Missionary to the City” of Saint Trinity Lutheran Church and Saint John (Morganford) Lutheran Church in St Louis, MO, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to share his story of becoming Lutheran and entering the seminary, his favorite experiences from pastoral formation, the experience of receiving his first Call, his great joy for serving the Lord as a pastor, and what he is most looking forward to as he serves in this Call.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
We’re celebrating 100 years of God’s blessings on KFUO Radio with a special series featuring guests from KFUO’s long history! In Episode 13, Joanie Harwell (former director of development for KFUO) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how KFUO was a part of her childhood and family culture, how she ended up joining the KFUO Radio staff, her path to eventually becoming director of development, her favorite memories of working for KFUO Radio, how KFUO changed the trajectory of her life, and her favorite memories of the people she met and worked with over the years.
Learn more about KFUO’s 100th Anniversary Celebration at kfuo.org/100.
How is the LCMS responding to the damage done by Hurricane Helene? The Rev. Dr. Ross Johnson, Director of LCMS Disaster Response, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the devastation from Hurricane Helene and subsequent flooding across the Southeast, how LCMS congregations have been impacted, the needs of those affected, how LCMS Disaster Response is partnering with districts and congregations to respond to those needs, and how listeners can volunteer and donate. Learn more and give at lcms.org/disaster.
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If you would like to support the ongoing efforts of LCMS organizations to meet the needs of those affected by Hurricane Helene:
LCMS DISASTER RESPONSE
Working through LCMS districts and congregations as well as with international Lutheran churches and other partners, LCMS Disaster Response builds capacity of the church’s partners to respond to needs with Christian care. The ministry reaches out to LCMS congregations and their communities with services that include on-site assessment, emergency relief and development grants, pastoral care for LCMS church workers and members, and other resources.
Give online at https://www.lcms.org/givenow/disaster or text DISASTERSLCMS to 41444.
You can also check out their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/LCMSDisasterResponse for additional updates.
LCMS-LERT
Within LCMS Disaster Response, LERT (Lutheran Early Response Teams) deploys teams of volunteers in the immediate aftermath of emergencies. There are several current deployments across the Southeast, with more likely to be announced in the near future.
View those current volunteer opportunities here: https://www.lcms-lert.org/need/index?need_id=996139&need_init_id=11431
DISTRICTS
Additional volunteer and giving opportunities are also being organized at the district level. There is information about Amazon wish lists, hygiene kits, "flood buckets," and more on their respective Facebook pages. If you live within one of these districts, you are encouraged to work closely with your local congregations and district leadership—these Facebook pages are a great place to find out what is going on, if you don't already know.
Florida-Georgia District: https://www.facebook.com/FLGADistrict
Mid-South District: https://www.facebook.com/MidSouthDistrict
Southeastern District: https://www.facebook.com/sedlutheran
PRAY!
Please continue to keep everyone affected by Hurricane Helene in your prayers. The people in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia have suffered a great deal, and they need our prayers. Disaster Response has a lot of resources for praying for those affected by a natural disaster, as well as specific ones to Helene (see above). If you need some things to pray for, consider praying for:
families who have lost or been displaced from their homes, that the Lord would comfort them
first-responders, that the Lord would give them strength and support as they serve their neighbor
all those who grieve, that God would give them His peace which passes all understanding
all those who have been separated from a loved one, that their anxieties would be stilled and the Lord would grant them a joyful reunification
for all those suffering from physical, emotional, or mental hardship, that the Great Physician would bring healing
swift and efficient response from local, state, federal, and volunteer agencies
LCEF has new All Access Accounts! Rehema Kavugha (Synod Relations Director with Lutheran Church Extension Fund) and Sharon Bollinger (Assistant Vice President for Product Development with Lutheran Church Extension Fund) join Andy and Sarah to talk about what is included in the LCEF All Access Account, what makes this account different from others available from LCEF, how this account benefits LCMS ministries, and how investors can benefit from the account. Learn more at lcef.org/allaccess.
How does the Lutheran Heritage Foundation (LHF) provide Lutheran resources for Spanish speakers? The Rev. Dr. Matthew Heise (Executive Director for Lutheran Heritage Foundation) joins Andy and Sarah during our Hispanic Heritage Month series to talk about how the Lord is providing for and reaching people of Hispanic heritage with Christ-centered resources, the types of resources available in the Spanish language, how Spanish resources are used in the United States, and how LHF builds relationships with missionaries and partner churches to meet needs. Learn more about LHF and request resources at lhfmissions.org.
Learn more about LCMS Hispanic Ministry at lcms.org/how-we-serve/national/hispanic-ministry.
How can we identify false churches, and how do we know if we're in a faithful church? The Rev. Matthew Richard, author of Will The Real Church Please Stand Up? 7 False Churches, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his motivation behind writing this book, how he would define a false church, what we as humans tend to gather around instead of Christ, the questions we should ask when evaluating a church, and characteristics of a true and faithful church. Find Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? Seven False Churches at cph.org/will-the-real-church-please-stand-up-seven-false-churches.
How does Lutheran High School South's Kaleo Theology Academy form students for future church work? Rev. Christopher Sommer (Head of Campus Wellness at Lutheran High School South in St. Louis) and LHSS Theology Academy students Ellie and Kevin join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about how the idea for the Lutheran South Kaleo Theology Academy began, how this Academy fits in the bigger picture of the mission of Lutheran South High School, why Ellie and Kevin enrolled in the Theology Academy, what they are learning through this special study, their plans for graduation, and what Pastor Sommer wants students to gain from the Academy. Learn more about the Kaleo Theology Academy at lslancers.org/academics/kaleo-academy.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
We’re celebrating 100 years of God’s blessings on KFUO Radio with a special series featuring guests from KFUO’s long history! In Episode 12, Ron Klemm (Former Director of Classic99 and host of Joy!) joins Andy, Sarah, and guest co-host Joanie Harwell to talk about where his love for classic music began and how it grew into a career, how he came to KFUO-FM (Classic99), how the sacred music program Joy! began, the people he got to meet and work with during his time with Classic99, and what he enjoyed most about his time with Classic99.
Learn more about KFUO’s 100th Anniversary Celebration at kfuo.org/100.
This issue of the Lutheran Witness focuses on the Christian church as a confessing community. 1 Peter 4:7–19 teaches how we confess our faith through words, works and, perhaps surprisingly, through suffering as Christians (1 Peter 4:16). Jesus had promised this would happen to His followers: “If the world hates you, know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will also keep yours” (John 15:18–20). But for some reason, we are shocked when His promise comes true in our own lives. Peter helpfully reminds us not to “be surprised” (1 Peter 4:12) when sufferings come but, rather, to “rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings” (1 Peter 4:13).
Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the October 2024 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “A Suffering Community” on 1 Peter 4:7–19. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Elect Exiles” and will walk through the First Epistle of St. Peter. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
How did the Rev. Dr. Andrew Melendez become the first speaker of the Spanish Lutheran Hour, and what is that legacy today? Prof. Lori Siekmann, Professor and Theatre Department Chair at Concordia University Irvine, and granddaughter of the Rev. Dr. Andrew Melendez, joins Andy and Sarah during our Hispanic Heritage Month series to share her stories of Grandpa Melendez, including her memories of visits with her grandparents, how her grandparents met and how that meeting shaped their future, the challenges that a Spanish-speaking Puerto Rican Lutheran pastor might have faced in the 1930s and 40s, how his ministry was affected by WWII, and how his ministry shaped her family. Find Spanish-language Lutheran Hour resources at paraelcamino.com.
Learn more about LCMS Hispanic Ministry at lcms.org/how-we-serve/national/hispanic-ministry.
How does Project 24 care for children with the love of Christ? John Kissinger Nyang'au, Director of Project 24, and Zach Schnare, LCMS Mission Advocate and Liaison to Kenya, join Andy to talk about the struggles that many children face in Kenya, how the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Kenya (ELCK) and the LCMS are meeting the needs of these children through Project 24, stories about the children served by Project 24, and what the future holds for Project 24 and the children it serves. Learn more at lcms.org/ccck and facebook.com/Project24Kenya. You can also financially support Project 24 at lcms.org/make-a-gift/christs-care-for-children-kenya.
How has the Center for Hispanic Studies formed men and women for church work vocations over the years? The Rev. Dr. Ely Prieto (Associate Professor of Practical Theology and Director of the Center for Hispanic Studies at Concordia Seminary) and the Rev. Paul Flo (Assistant to the Director of the Center for Hispanic Studies at Concordia Seminary) join Andy and Sarah during our Set Apart to Serve series in Hispanic Heritage Month to talk about their own journeys into pastoral and Hispanic ministry, the need that led to the creation of the Center for Hispanic Studies (CHS) at Concordia Seminary, the students at CHS and how students are equipped to serve upon completion of the program, and the vision for the future of the Center for Hispanic Studies at Concordia Seminary. Learn more about the Center for Hispanic Studies at csl.edu/academics/programs/center-hispanic-studies.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
We’re celebrating 100 years of God’s blessings on KFUO Radio with a special series featuring guests from KFUO’s long history! In Episode 11, we are joined by Dr. Gerald Perschbacher, who served as editor of The Lutheran Layman (a bimonthly publication of Lutheran Hour Ministries) for 35 years, is the Founder of The Lutheran Laymen’s League Research Center, and is also the author of "A Voice for the Gospel: KFUO Radio in Retrospect" in the September issue of The Lutheran Witness. Dr. Perschbacher joins Andy, Sarah, and guest co-host Joanie Harwell to talk about how the idea for KFUO got off the ground and who initiated it, KFUO's programs in the early years, how the “rush to radio” of the mid-1920s impacted KFUO's programming, and how KFUO continued the legacy of "Keeping Forward, Upward, and Onward." Read Dr. Perschbacher's article in the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org/2024/a-voice-for-the-gospel-kfuo-radio-in-retrospect.
Learn more about KFUO’s 100th Anniversary Celebration at kfuo.org/100.
How is Bible translation done today? The Rev. Dr. Rich Rudowske (Executive Director of Lutheran Bible Translators) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how many translations of the Bible exist today, current Biblical literacy across the globe, how early Bible translations into the vernacular paved the way for Bible translation today, where Lutheran Bible Translators is working, and the process of Bible translation— from discovery of a need to a published Bible put in the hands of new readers. Learn more about Lutheran Bible Translators at lbt.org.
What does Hispanic Ministry look like in the Indianapolis area? The Rev. Daniel Fickenscher, Associate Pastor at St. Paul Lutheran/Iglesia Luterana San Pablo (Columbus, IN) and Missionary Pastor at Trinity Lutheran/Iglesia Luterana La Trinidad (Indianapolis, IN), joins Andy and Sarah during our Hispanic Heritage Month series to talk about how he became involved in Hispanic ministry, the communities where he serves, how the churches serve the Hispanic population in these areas, how he has seen God at work in these ministries, and how Hispanic heritage and culture are valued and preserved.
Learn more about LCMS Hispanic Ministry at lcms.org/how-we-serve/national/hispanic-ministry.
Earlier this year, southern Brazil suffered historic flooding, affecting many Lutheran churches and members of our sister church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Brazil (IELB). The Rev. Dr. Ross Johnson, Director of LCMS Disaster Response, and the Rev. Airton Schroeder, Vice President of the Igreja Evangélica Luterana do Brasil (Evangelical Lutheran Church of Brazil) working in the Mercy Area, join Sarah to share how LCMS Disaster Response works with international church partners after disasters, the extent of the historic flooding in the Rio Grande do Sul state, how Lutherans were affected by the flooding, how the IELB has responded and how the LCMS is walking alongside the IELB in this disaster response effort.
Read more about this disaster and the response from both the LCMS and IELB:
https://international.lcms.org/unprecedented-floods-the-church-responds/
https://reporter.lcms.org/2024/brazil-flood-response-continues/
https://engage.lcms.org/disasters-fall-2024/
The Rev. Peter Deberny (Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Mastic Beach, NY) joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about his journey into pastoral ministry, who influenced him to consider becoming a pastor, what gives him joy in his vocation of pastor, how he has experienced the community around him in New York, how he is sustained when the vocation becomes challenging, and how he stays sharp in God's Word.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
We’re celebrating 100 years of God’s blessings on KFUO Radio with a special series featuring guests from KFUO’s long history! In Episode 10, Mrs. Norma Schroll (wife of the late George Schroll, former KFUO On-Air Host and Engineer) joins Andy, Sarah, and guest co-host Joanie Harwell to talk about how she and George met, his career plans when they met, his interest in broadcast journalism and how joining the staff at KFUO fulfilled that dream, the programs he produced and hosted on KFUO, how she was involved in his programs, and why it was important to her family to help carry out this work of proclaiming the Good News of Christ on KFUO.
Learn more about KFUO’s 100th Anniversary Celebration at kfuo.org/100.
How did Luther's 1522 translation of the New Testament impact the church and society? Rev. Dr. Gerhard Bode (Professor and Chairman of the Department of Historical Theology, Director of the Center for Reformation Research at Concordia Seminary, St Louis) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Martin Luther's translation of the New Testament in 1522, including the translations that existed prior to this time, how Luther translated and published this text, how risky it was to have an unauthorized translation of the Bible at this time, and how Luther's translation has impacted the life of the church to this day. Learn more about the Center for Reformation Research at Concordia Seminary at csl.edu/resources/centers/center-reformation-research.
What does ministry look like along the U.S.-Mexico border? The Rev. Dr. Karl P. Heimer, who served with Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care for over 40 years, joins Andy and Sarah during Hispanic Heritage Month to talk about his background and what brought him to the United States, what first moved him to pursue ministry among the Hispanic community, how Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care first started, how Ysleta served people in the surrounding community, and his hope for the future of ministry along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Learn more about LCMS Hispanic Ministry at lcms.org/how-we-serve/national/hispanic-ministry.
How do grief and loss affect us? Dr. Mark Vande Braak, PhD, FT, MT-BC (Director of Grief, Loss, and Trauma with Lutheran Family Service) joins Andy and Sarah for Mental Health Monday to talk about thanatology and the study of grief, how we experience grief, the difference between grief and loss, and what is important to understand when speaking with or caring for someone who has experienced a loss. Find the webinar support groups mentioned in this episode at lutheranfamilyservice.org/supportgroups.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday."
How can a family culture encourage children to consider church work vocations? Cheryl, Phillip, and Evan Magness join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about their family culture. Evan, junior at Concordia University Chicago, shares where he is in his formational journey, when he decided to consider studying to become a pastor, the experiences in high school and college that helped form him as a young adult, and the family culture which shaped him as a Christian. Cheryl and Phillip share what has been important in raising their children to help them consider future vocations, how spiritual formation happens in their home, and how worship and congregational life have been a significant part of that spiritual and vocational formation.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
We’re celebrating 100 years of God’s blessings on KFUO Radio with a special series featuring guests from KFUO’s long history! In Episode 9, Rev. Dr. Stanish Stanley (Executive Director of Christian Friends of New Americans) joins Andy, Sarah, and guest co-host Joanie Harwell to talk about how he came to St. Louis, his experience listening to KFUO, his first time as a guest on KFUO, how KFUO and CFNA have partnered together for the sake of the Gospel, and how KFUO supports him and those he serves.
Learn more about KFUO’s 100th Anniversary Celebration at kfuo.org/100.
How can you have fun golfing while supporting the important work of Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA)? Mike Albers (CFNA volunteer) and Kerry Pozaric (CFNA Business Manager) join Andy and Sarah to talk about how they've seen CFNA showing love and mercy in the name of Jesus to refugees and immigrants in St. Louis this year, why they are personally involved with this Gospel-driven work, the responses they've received or heard from those who have benefited from the support of CFNA, and how everyone can support the work of CFNA during the Annual Golf Tournament. Learn more and register at cfna-stl.org/golf.
CFNA Golf Tournament
Please join us at Greenbriar Hills Country Club for a day of fun and fellowship while supporting refugees in the St. Louis area.
Monday, October 14, 2024
11:00 am — Check-In and Box Lunch
12:00 pm — 18-Hole Scramble
5:30 pm — Dinner and Prizes
It's almost time for Advent and Christmas! Elizabeth Pittman (Director of Public Relations for Concordia Publishing House) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the exciting offerings from CPH for this Advent and Christmas season, including the beautiful Enduring Grace: A Church Year Journal, the Enduring Grace journal for kids, and this year's Advent and Christmas package for congregations titled "His Name Shall Be Called" which includes Daily Devotions, a Children's Book, a Christmas Program, and other resources.
Find these resources at:
cph.org/enduring-grace-a-church-year-journal-year-c
cph.org/enduring-grace-a-church-year-journal-for-kids-year-c
cph.org/advent
What makes a hymn a hymn? Dr. John Behnke (Organist at Trinity Lutheran Church of Southwest Florida, Composer, and Professor Emeritus of Concordia University Wisconsin) and Rev. Stephen Starke (published hymnwriter and retired Pastor of St. John Amelith Lutheran Church in Bay City, MI) join Andy and Sarah to talk about the upcoming "A Day with Hymnwriter, Rev. Stephen Starke" happening on January 24, 2025 at Trinity Lutheran Church of Southwest Florida in Port Charlotte, Florida. Hear a conversation about what makes a hymn different from other types of music we sing, what makes a hymn a good hymn, how hymns from hundreds of years ago are still relevant today, and how hymns create community among God’s people. Learn more about this event at https://www.facebook.com/events/1142207233541604 and about Trinity Lutheran Church at trinitylutheranchurchswfl.org.
Concordia University students studying to become church workers had the chance to share about church work vocations at Higher Things Conferences this summer. In Part 2 of 2, Young Adult Representatives (YARs) Hannah Weaver, Jakob Nath, and James Pape join Andy and Sarah to talk about why they wanted to serve as YARs, stories about their experiences talking with Higher Things participants at all three conferences, what they loved about this experience, and their advice for anyone considering church work vocations. Learn more about Higher Things at higherthings.org.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
We’re celebrating 100 years of God’s blessings on KFUO Radio with a special series featuring guests from KFUO’s long history! In Episode 8, Rev. "Jolly" John Lukomski, co-host of Wrestling with the Basics on KFUO Radio, joins Andy, Sarah, and guest co-host Joanie Harwell to talk about how he began working with KFUO Radio, how Wrestling with the Basics began, the impact he has seen while sharing the Gospel over the radio, and what he loves about talking about Jesus to listeners worldwide.
Learn more about KFUO’s 100th Anniversary Celebration at kfuo.org/100.
Most of Peter’s First Epistle is straightforward in meaning, but this month’s reading contains two difficult passages: 1 Peter 3:18–20 and 4:6. Consulting a faithful and reliable resource such as The Lutheran Study Bible is advisable when you are faced with challenging texts. For the first difficult passage, one should ask, “What else could this refer to other than Christ’s victorious descent into hell to proclaim defeat over sin, Satan and the enemies of God?” This is the proper meaning, as we confess in the Apostles’ Creed: Christ “descended into hell.” With the second difficult passage, other Scriptures clarify the meaning: “It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27; see also Luke 16:19–31). “Those who are dead” (1 Peter 4:6) to whom the Gospel has been preached must be those dead in sin (Ephesians 2:1) in this life who need to hear and believe the life-giving Word of Christ. In the verses for this month, Peter makes it perfectly clear that Baptism is a saving bath that unites us with Christ’s resurrection and gives us power for a new life. As a baptized community made alive “through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:21), we now “walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4).
Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the September 2024 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “A Baptized Community” on 1 Peter 3:18–4:6. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Elect Exiles” and will walk through the First Epistle of St. Peter. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
What makes teaching 5th grade at a Classical Lutheran School a unique experience? Mrs. Brittany Wilber, Fifth Grade Teacher at Faith Lutheran School in Plano, TX, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what she loves about being a teacher at Faith Lutheran School, what is unique about teaching 5th grade, how catechesis is included in the curriculum, how classical education forms young adults in the Lutheran faith and prepares them for future vocations, and the relationship between teachers, parents, and pastors at Faith Plano.
Learn more about Faith Plano, including the upcoming Golf Tournament to support the school, at flsplano.org.
Josh Douglas, Gift Planning Advocate with LCMS Mission Advancement, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why he joined LCMS Mission Advancement, what a Gift Planning Advocate does, how he builds relationships with people across Synod as he helps them plan their giving, why joyful giving matters, and how to start the process of a long-term gift for the LCMS. Learn more at giftplanning.lcms.org.
This program originally aired on October 2, 2023.
What does a Christ-centered understanding of vocation look like in daily life? Deaconess Kristin Wassilak (Dean of the College of Theology, Arts & Humanities; Program Leader for Deaconess Studies and Classical Lutheran Education), Rev. Dr. Chad Kendall (Assistant Vice President for Mission & Identity; Associate Professor of Theology; Supervisor of the Office of Church Relations) and Rev. Simeon Raddatz (University Chaplain, Program Lead for the Pre-Seminary Program) from Concordia University Chicago join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about what vocation looks like in daily life and in church work, what influenced each of them to pursue a church work vocation, some of the greatest joys and challenges of church work, and the opportunity for high school students to explore studying for church work vocations at the Careers for Christ weekend at Concordia University Chicago. Learn more and register for Careers for Christ at cuchicago.edu/c4c.
Hear Deaconess Kristin's story in our Set Apart to Serve series at kfuo.org/2023/12/08/coffee-hour-120823-set-apart-to-serve-deaconess-ministry.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
We’re celebrating 100 years of God’s blessings on KFUO Radio with a special series featuring guests from KFUO’s long history! In Episode 7, KFUO's Lead Producer Jenny Williams joins Andy, Sarah, and guest co-host Joanie Harwell to talk about her many years with KFUO Radio, how she's seen technology changed during her time with KFUO, some of her favorite memories over the years, and why she's loved working with KFUO Radio.
Learn more about KFUO’s 100th Anniversary Celebration at kfuo.org/100.
We’re celebrating 100 years of God’s blessings on KFUO Radio with a special series featuring guests from KFUO’s long history! In Episode 6, former on-air host Rev. Doug Nicely ("In His Steps" and "Do You Have A Minute") joins Andy, Sarah, and guest co-host Joanie Harwell to talk about how he served KFUO as an on-air host, stories of his time with KFUO Radio, the impact he saw while sharing the Gospel over the radio, and what he loved about talking about Jesus to listeners worldwide.
Learn more about KFUO’s 100th Anniversary Celebration at kfuo.org/100.
What is the need for a biblical understanding of reconciliation? Dwight Schettler (President of Ambassadors of Reconciliation) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what reconciliation is from a Biblical viewpoint, how Ambassadors of Reconciliation has equipped Christians with the truth and skills to live lives of reconciliation, how reconciliation is a "heart" matter, and the various upcoming opportunities to learn more about and practice reconciliation. Find details about these upcoming opportunities at aorhope.org.
Why should we consider the relationship of technology to the soul? Dr. David Maxwell (Professor of Systematic Theology and Chairman of the Department of Systematic Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis), Dr. Kevin Golden (Director of Resident Field Education, Associate Professor of Exegetical Theology, and Dean of Theological Research and Publication at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis), and Erika Petsch (Director of Continuing Education at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis) join Andy and Sarah to talk about the 2024 Theological Symposium "Technology and the Church: Promise and Peril" happening September 17-18 at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. They discuss why artificial intelligence and other technologies are important to them as individuals and seminary professors, what questions have arisen among students about emerging technology, and what attendees will learn and experience at this year's Theological Symposium. Learn more and register for Symposium at csl.edu/event/34th-annual-theological-symposium.
Why are hymns important for young adults, and how can we teach young people to love and appreciate hymnody? Rev. Kevin Twit, Campus Minister with Reformed University Fellowship at Belmont University (Presbyterian Church in America) and the founder of Indelible Grace Music, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his service as a campus minister of the Reformed University Fellowship (RUF), how hymns shaped his faith in childhood and into adulthood, why hymnody is important to him and crucial to teach to young adults, how he introduced traditional hymnody to students who may be unfamiliar, and the next album from Indelible Grace available now on streaming platforms. Learn more about Indelible Grace and find their music at igracemusic.com.
Concordia University students studying to become church workers had the chance to share about church work vocations at Higher Things Conferences this summer. In Part 1 of 2, Young Adult Representatives (YARs) Brianna Pike and Josh Rueter join Andy and Sarah to talk about their church work programs, how they were chosen to be YARs, the conversations they had with Higher Things participants at the Wisconsin and Portland conferences, and how this experience shaped how they view their own future vocations as church workers. Learn more about Higher Things at higherthings.org.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
We’re celebrating 100 years of God’s blessings on KFUO Radio with a special series featuring guests from KFUO’s long history! In Episode 5, former on-air host Rev. Don Matzat, joins Sarah and guest co-hosts Joanie Harwell and Gary Duncan to talk about how he served KFUO as an on-air host, stories of his time with KFUO Radio, the impact he saw while sharing the Gospel over the radio, and what he loved about talking about Jesus to listeners worldwide.
Learn more about KFUO’s 100th Anniversary Celebration at kfuo.org/100.
Could a Catholic be on the Throne of England? In this final episode of our series on the Puritan movement, we hear how the Church of England worked through this question with Catholic James as heir to the throne. Learn about the creation of the Whigs and Tories, the reign of King James, how religious freedom ebbs and flows during this period, and the Act of Toleration in 1689 that finally allowed dissenting churches (Baptists, Congregationalists, Presbyterians) freedom of worship, although not yet freedom to participate in government. It wouldn’t be until the 1829 Catholic Emancipation Act that Roman Catholics would be granted admission to politics in England.
Rev. Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for our nine-episode series on the History of the Puritan Movement in England. Find more from Dr. MacKenzie at video.ctsfw.edu.
Interested in going deeper? Recommended reading from Dr. MacKenzie includes Worldly Saints by Leland Ryken, English Puritanism by John Spurr, Reformation in England by Peter Marshall, Puritan Christianity in America: Religion and Life in 17th Century Massachusetts by John Carden, and Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan.
How is relief organized after a community experiences a disaster? Rev. Trae Fistler (Mid-South District Disaster Response Coordinator) and Ms. Janet Simko (former Mid-South District Disaster Response Coordinator) join Andy, Sarah, and guest co-host Rev. Kevin Robson (Chief Mission Officer for the LCMS) during our series on Mercy Stories to talk about where their interest in disaster response began, how LCMS congregations have been impacted by disasters in the Mid-South District, how disaster response is carried out in communities, and how this response of mercy has changed the communities where they serve.
Read more about Mercy Work in the LCMS at lcms.org/how-we-serve/mercy.
Rev. Peter Bender, Director of the Concordia Catechetical Academy, and Rev. Dr. Al Espinosa, member of the board of directors for the Concordia Catechetical Academy, join Andy and Sarah to talk about what catechesis is, what the Catechism is, why catechesis is important, how the Concordia Catechetical Academy began, how the Concordia Catechetical Academy serves the church at large, and how the status as a Recognized Service Organization will help them better carry out this faithful work. Find the Concordia Catechetical Academy at peacesussex.org/cca.
This program originally aired on September 19, 2023.
How does a young man explore the possibility of pursuing a future pastoral vocation? Ninth-grader Emmit Ohlde, who recently attended a Higher Things conference, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about his experience at Higher Things, what he enjoyed about the worship and learning experiences, how Higher Things helped him consider what a pastoral vocation would look like, and how he lives out his faith along with his passion for athletics. Learn more about Higher Things at higherthings.org.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
We’re celebrating 100 years of God’s blessings on KFUO Radio with a special series featuring guests from KFUO’s long history! In Episode 4, John Fischer, who was Chief Engineer for KFUO Radio for about 50 years, joins Sarah and guest co-hosts Joanie Harwell and Gary Duncan to talk about how he served KFUO for many years, some of the fun he used to have while on staff, stories about radio engineering from many years ago, and what he loved about working in radio for all that time.
Learn more about KFUO’s 100th Anniversary Celebration at kfuo.org/100.
Coming out of the Interregnum period, what happens when the English monarchy is restored? In episode 8 of our series on the Puritan movement, we learn about Oliver Cromwell’s son making a mess of politics, leading to Charles II agreeing to come back as the Constitutional Monarch in 1660. Under Charles II, religious liberty becomes a critical issue for the variety of denominations in England. Hear about how politics embroiled with religion in the Act of Uniformity, the Test Act, and the discovery that the heir to the throne was a Catholic.
Rev. Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for our nine-episode series on the History of the Puritan Movement in England. Find more from Dr. MacKenzie at video.ctsfw.edu.
Interested in going deeper? Recommended reading from Dr. MacKenzie includes Worldly Saints by Leland Ryken, English Puritanism by John Spurr, Reformation in England by Peter Marshall, Puritan Christianity in America: Religion and Life in 17th Century Massachusetts by John Carden, and Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan.
What does mercy work look like immediately following a natural disaster? Joel and Kathy Matthews, Disaster Response Site Coordinators in the LCMS Florida-Georgia District, join Andy, Sarah, and guest co-host Rev. Kevin Robson, Chief Mission Officer for the LCMS, during our series on Mercy Stories to talk about where their interest in disaster response began, how they see this mercy work as a part of their Lutheran identity, how Hurricane Ian impacted the Florida-Georgia region, the opportunities they had to serve their neighbors during this time, what disaster response looks like immediately and after time has passed, and how they care for themselves as caregivers during these difficult times. Learn more about LCMS Disaster Response at lcms.org/disaster.
Read more about Mercy Work in the LCMS at lcms.org/how-we-serve/mercy.
How does a Christian care for someone suffering with depression and anxiety? The Rev. Dr. Stephen Pietsch, Associate Professor of Practical Theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what sparked his interest in pastoral care and counseling, how his pastoral ministry shaped how he teaches pastoral care to his seminary students, how the teachings of Martin Luther informed how he cares for people suffering from mental illness, and what attendees at the Lay Bible Institute on “Christian Caregiving for People Suffering with Depression and Anxiety” can expect to learn. Find the Lay Bible Institute and registration information at concordiasem.regfox.com/lay-bible-institute-fall-2024.
How do Directors of Christian Education (DCE) serve in the Parish? National Association of Directors of Christian Education members Kayla McGowan (Director of Christian Education at Our Savior Lutheran Church and School in Aiea, HI) and Katie Morgan (Director of Christian Education at Family of Christ Lutheran Church in Colorado Springs, CO) join Andy and Sarah to talk about their paths to becoming DCEs, their DCE formation, how each of them serves in different roles, how they collaborate with other professionals in the church, where they find joy in serving as a DCE, and how NADCE serves DCEs in their vocations. Learn more about NADCE at nadce.wildapricot.org.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
We’re celebrating 100 years of God’s blessings on KFUO Radio with a special series featuring guests from KFUO’s long history! In Episode 3, Rev. Dr. Chuck Spomer, former guest and co-host on The Bible Study and former pastor of Ascension Lutheran Church in St. Louis, joins Andy, Sarah, and guest co-host Joanie Harwell, to talk about how he served KFUO over the years, how he saw people being reached with the Gospel during his time with KFUO, and his favorite memories of KFUO over the years.
Learn more about KFUO’s 100th Anniversary Celebration at kfuo.org/100.
We’re celebrating 100 years of God’s blessings on KFUO Radio with a special series featuring guests from KFUO’s long history! In Episode 2, Dr. Mary Manz Simon, former host of “Front Porch Parenting” for 15 years on KFUO, joins Andy, Sarah, and guest co-host Joanie Harwell, to talk about how she served KFUO over the years, how she saw Front Porch Parenting reaching listeners in practical ways, and her favorite memories of working for KFUO.
Learn more about KFUO’s 100th Anniversary Celebration at kfuo.org/100.
The King and Parliament went to war in 1642 and changed the course of the monarchy. In episode 7 in our series on the Puritan movement, the reformation of the Church of England moves ahead when Westminster Abbey discovers the disunity within Puritan belief and practice. Learn how the Presbyterians, Congregationalists, and Baptists differentiate themselves, the most contentious doctrinal points, and how these groups became settled in America.
Rev. Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for our nine-episode series on the History of the Puritan Movement in England. Find more from Dr. MacKenzie at video.ctsfw.edu.
Interested in going deeper? Recommended reading from Dr. MacKenzie includes Worldly Saints by Leland Ryken, English Puritanism by John Spurr, Reformation in England by Peter Marshall, Puritan Christianity in America: Religion and Life in 17th Century Massachusetts by John Carden, and Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan.
Rev. David Fleming, Director of Spiritual Care with DOXOLOGY, joins Andy, Sarah, and guest co-host Rev. Kevin Robson, Chief Mission Officer for the LCMS, during our series on Mercy Stories to talk about the work of DOXOLOGY for spiritual care and counsel for church workers, the challenges pastors and other church workers face today, how the Take Heart retreats served church workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how the In HIS Image conferences support parents and church workers facing current issues today. Learn about DOXOLOGY at doxology.us and find details about the In HIS Image programs at doxology.us/programs/in-his-image.
Read more about Mercy Work in the LCMS at lcms.org/how-we-serve/mercy.
This issue of LW focuses on the church as a teaching and learning community. Peter encourages Christian education oriented toward apologetics, the defense of the Christian faith: “Always [be] prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15). Lutherans have a wonderful resource for apologetics in the Small Catechism, which is a foundation and guide for deeper knowledge of the Holy Scriptures. Peter does not encourage Christians to force their faith on others but tells them to be well-prepared to — when asked! — offer a gentle, respectful account of why Christ the Lord is the way, the truth and the life.
Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the August 2024 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “A Community of Hope” on 1 Peter 3:8–17. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Elect Exiles” and will walk through the First Epistle of St. Peter. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
1 Peter 3:8–17Suffering for Righteousness' Sake8 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. 10 For
“Whoever desires to love life
and see good days,
let him keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from speaking deceit;
11 let him turn away from evil and do good;
let him seek peace and pursue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
and his ears are open to their prayer.
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.
Read full chapter
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org
How does a constantly changing congregation welcome new members, stay true to its Lutheran identity, and encourage young people to consider church work vocations? The Rev. Larry Peters, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Clarksville, TN, joins us for our Set Apart to Serve series from the 2024 LCMS Institute on Liturgy, Preaching and Church Music to talk about how they are an intentionally welcoming congregation, how they welcome new Lutherans into Lutheran liturgy and practice, how the church has grown over the years and how that has changed their staffing needs, and the realistic challenges of calling a new pastor. Learn more about Grace Lutheran Church at glctn.org.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
We’re celebrating 100 years of God’s blessings on KFUO Radio with a special series featuring guests from KFUO’s long history! In Episode 1, Dr. Paul Devantier, current producer and voice of BY THE WAY and previous executive director of LCMS Communications and KFUO, joins Andy, Sarah, and guest co-host Joanie Harwell, to talk about his years serving the LCMS and KFUO, how he saw the lives of listeners shaped and impacted by the message broadcast on KFUO, the landmark Supreme Court case that KFUO fought in the 1990s, the incredible expansion of technology during his tenure, and his favorite memories of working at KFUO.
Learn more about KFUO’s 100th Anniversary Celebration at kfuo.org/100.
How did the Scottish Rebellion happen, and what effect did this have on the Church of England? In episode 6 of our series on the Puritan movement, we learn more about how the separation but shared monarchy of England and Scotland causes political and religious issues. The Scottish Reformation had produced a Presbyterian church, so when Charles I tries to unite England and Scotland in worship practice, the Scots rebel. Hear how Charles’s dicey relationship with Parliament comes to a head during this time, how Charles decides to deal with the rebellion, and how the Catholics make this situation even more tenuous.
Rev. Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for our nine-episode series on the History of the Puritan Movement in England. Find more from Dr. MacKenzie at video.ctsfw.edu.
Interested in going deeper? Recommended reading from Dr. MacKenzie includes Worldly Saints by Leland Ryken, English Puritanism by John Spurr, Reformation in England by Peter Marshall, Puritan Christianity in America: Religion and Life in 17th Century Massachusetts by John Carden, and Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan.
Lauren Humphrey, junior Director of Church Ministries student at Concordia University Wisconsin and Summer Intern with LCMS Youth Ministry, joins Andy, Sarah, and guest co-host Rev. Kevin Robson, Chief Mission Officer for the LCMS, during our series on Mercy Stories to talk about her experiences performing acts of mercy while on mission trips with Concordia University Wisconsin, why these mission trips are formative for her and other students, how acts of mercy are integral to our Christian lives, and how mission trips helped her see the church at large and the value of our global partners.
Read more about Mercy Work in the LCMS at lcms.org/how-we-serve/mercy.
A group of Lutherans from Australia attended the LCMS Institute on Liturgy, Preaching, and Church Music in Seward, NE, and we want to share their story! Peter Wittwer, Chairman of the Creative Word Fellowship, and Hayley Simons, leader of Victorian Youth Camps, join Andy and Sarah from the LCMS Institute on Liturgy, Preaching, and Church Music to share how they serve in their local churches, how they got connected with the Institute, what they were hoping to learn and experience, what has been encouraging for them, some similarities and differences between Lutherans in Australia and Lutherans in the United States, and what they will bring back with them to their congregations in Australia.
How is a young church musician formed through Lutheran education at Concordia University Irvine? Olivia Thoelke, Church Music/Director of Parish Music student at Concordia University Irvine, joins Andy and Sarah from the LCMS Institute on Liturgy, Preaching and Church Music to talk about where her interest in church music began, who has been most influential in shaping her as a child of God and as a church musician, how she chose Concordia University Irvine for her church music formation, how her Lutheran education is preparing her to serve the church, and what she is gaining from her time at the Institute on Liturgy, Preaching and Church Music.
Learn more about Concordia University Irvine’s Director of Parish Music (DPM) Program at cui.edu/academicprograms/undergraduate/church-work/director-of-parish-music-program
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
How does the LCMS Institute on Liturgy, Preaching and Church Music help form musicians and church workers? Kathy May, serving at Peace Lutheran Church and Academy in Sussex, WI, joins Andy and Sarah from the LCMS Institute on Liturgy, Preaching and Church Music to share how she serves at Peace Lutheran Church and Academy, what she has learned from attending several Institutes over the years, how these experiences have served her in the church and her personal life as a musician, and how these Institutes have helped form new church musicians.
Charles I ascended to the throne in 1625. How did he approach his rule differently? In episode 5 of our series on the Puritan movement, we dive into both the political and religious issues during the reign of Charles I, including his touchy relationship with Parliament, his alliance with anti-Calvinists and Archbishop of Canterbury William Laud, the ensuing drama between the Archbishop and the Puritans, and how these relations caused twenty thousand Englishmen to settle in America.
Rev. Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for our nine-episode series on the History of the Puritan Movement in England. Find more from Dr. MacKenzie at video.ctsfw.edu.
Interested in going deeper? Recommended reading from Dr. MacKenzie includes Worldly Saints by Leland Ryken, English Puritanism by John Spurr, Reformation in England by Peter Marshall, Puritan Christianity in America: Religion and Life in 17th Century Massachusetts by John Carden, and Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan.
Why is giving attention to wellness and mental health important for church workers in today’s cultural context? Rev. Kevin Bueltmann, Executive Director of Shepherd’s Canyon Retreat in Wickenburg, AZ, joins Andy, Sarah, and guest co-host Rev. Kevin Robson, Chief Mission Officer for the LCMS, during our series on Mercy Stories to talk about how Shepherd’s Canyon serves the Church today, how church worker wellbeing impacts their ministry and mercy work, ways that church workers may experience exhaustion or burnout, and how congregations can support church workers in a culture of wellness. Learn more about Shepherd’s Canyon Retreat Ministry at shepherdscanyonretreat.org.
Read more about Mercy Work in the LCMS at lcms.org/how-we-serve/mercy and at https://lcms.org/mercystories.
The 1847 historical sanctuary, parsonage and school at St. John’s Lutheran Church in New Minden, IL, was destroyed by a tornado and subsequently rebuilt. How does this building serve the community of St. John’s and New Minden? The Rev. Tim Mueller, pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church in New Minden and St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Covington, IL (KFUO Radio’s Church of the Week), joins Andy and Sarah to share the amazing history of St. John’s Lutheran Church in New Minden, the many tornados that have affected this property, how St. John’s has served the community over the years, why the 1847 building was restored, and the upcoming building rededication on July 28. Learn more about St. John’s and how to attend the rededication at stjohnnewminden.360unite.com.
How does a Director of Parish Music serve in the church? Jacob Roggow, Director of Parish Music at Zion Lutheran Church in Fort Myers, FL, joins Andy and Sarah for the Set Apart to Serve series from the 2024 LCMS Institute on Liturgy, Preaching and Church Music to talk about where his interest in music and parish music began, his formation to become a Director of Parish Music at Concordia University, Nebraska, how he cares for mental health as a church worker, and what he’s learned while attending the Institute.
Learn more about our Lutheran understanding of worship at https://www.lcms.org/worship
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
How do Young Adult Volunteers (YAVs) serve at the LCMS Youth Gathering? Brandon Heath — LCMS Youth Gathering Planner: YAV Co-Manager and DCE at Christ Lutheran Church in La Mesa, CA, Laura Courvoisier — LCMS Youth Gathering Planner: YAV Co-Manager, Wes Gong — LCMS Youth Gathering Planner: YAV Leadership Team, and Leah Baranski — LCMS Youth Gathering Planner: YAV Leadership Team join Andy and Sarah to share their stories of serving as Young Adult Volunteers at previous Gatherings, how these experiences have shaped them into their current vocations, how YAVs will serve at the 2025 LCMS Youth Gatherings, and how to apply. Learn more and apply to be a YAV at lcmsgathering.com.
What was the state of the Church of England when Charles I became king? In episode 4 of our series on the Puritan Movement, learn about the difference between Calvinists and Anti-Calvinists/Anti-Puritanists, how Arminianism played a role in the developing theology of the time, who Charles Montague was and his role in the drama with Parliament and Charles I, and the growing tension between Charles I and his Parliament.
Rev. Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for our nine-episode series on the History of the Puritan Movement in England. Find more from Dr. Mackenzie at video.ctsfw.edu.
Interested in more? Recommended reading from Dr. MacKenzie includes Worldly Saints by Leland Ryken, English Puritanism by John Spurr, Reformation in England by Peter Marshall, Puritan Christianity in America: Religion and Life in 17th Century Massachusetts by John Carden, and Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan.
How does Project 24 change the lives of students and families in Kenya? Britt Odemba, serving the Lord as an LCMS missionary in Kenya, joins Andy and guest co-host Rev. Kevin Robson, Chief Mission Officer for the LCMS, during our series on Mercy Stories to talk about how she became a missionary in Kenya, the ways in which she serves today, what Project 24 is and how it serves students and families, the relationship between Project 24 and Christ’s Care for Children: Kenya, who she collaborates with on the mission field to accomplish her work, what students learn at Project 24 schools, and the outlook for the future of these students and schools. Learn more about Britt Odemba and how to support her work at lcms.org/odemba. Find more information on Project 24 and Christ’s Care for Children: Kenya at lcms.org/make-a-gift/christs-care-for-children-kenya.
Read more about Mercy Work in the LCMS at lcms.org/how-we-serve/mercy.
How do musicians serve the church in music composition? Kile and Jacqueline Smith, musicians serving the church, join Andy and Sarah at the 2024 LCMS Institute on Liturgy, Preaching and Church Music to talk about how music has been a part of their lives, how they met and how music was a part of their relationship, how they became a part of the LCMS, and how they serve the church as musicians and composers.
Learn more about our Lutheran understanding of worship at https://www.lcms.org/worship.
How does a Lutheran teacher build relationships with students, families, and colleagues? Debbie Armbruster, retired teacher at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church and School in Eureka, MO, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about her experiences in Lutheran education as a student, how she was formed in her Lutheran faith and vocations at Lutheran schools, her journey to becoming a Lutheran educator, and how she uses her creative and varied background to build relationships with students, families, and colleagues.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
How do visual art and graphic design serve the church and ministry of the Word? April Parviz, Graphic Designer and Visual Artist, joins Andy and Sarah from the 2024 Institute on Liturgy, Preaching, and Church Music to talk about her life as a graphic designer and visual artist, how excellence plays a role in creative arts, how her art is a reflection of who she is and what she believes, and her current series “Sleepers Awake.” Learn more about April and her work at aprilparviz.art. Learn more about Intersect Arts at intersectstl.org and the Holy Cross Lutheran feast service holycrossstl.org/feast.
Learn more about our Lutheran understanding of worship at https://www.lcms.org/worship.
We have come to the reign of King James in episode 3 of our series on the Puritan Movement. Who was King James and how did the Puritan Movement resurface during his reign? Hear about how the Puritan movement became the Separatists, when Puritans officially left the Church of England, the development of the group that would travel to the New World, and the story of the Puritans who traveled to Plymouth under Willliam Brewster.
Rev. Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for our nine-episode series on the History of the Puritan Movement in England. Find more from Dr. Mackenzie at video.ctsfw.edu.
Interested in more? Recommended reading from Dr. MacKenzie includes Worldly Saints by Leland Ryken, English Puritanism by John Spurr, Reformation in England by Peter Marshall, Puritan Christianity in America: Religion and Life in 17th Century Massachusetts by John Carden, and Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan.
How has Soldiers of the Cross supported LCMS church workers? Deaconess Maryann Hayter, LCMS Manager of Grants Administration, joins Andy and guest co-host Rev. Kevin Robson, Chief Mission Officer for the LCMS, during our series on Mercy Stories to talk about what Soldiers of the Cross is, the scenarios in which a church worker may need support from Soldiers of the Cross, how this program supports the mission priorities of the LCMS, and how support from donors makes this mercy program a reality. Learn more about Soldiers of the Cross at lcms.org/how-we-serve/mercy/serving-church-workers/soldiers-of-the-cross.
Read more about Mercy Work in the LCMS at lcms.org/how-we-serve/mercy and at https://lcms.org/mercystories.
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and School in Des Peres, MO, is celebrating 175 years with exciting expansion. Rev. Dr. Glen Thomas — Senior Pastor at St. Paul’s, Sharon Whitlock — Long-time member at St. Paul’s, and Mark Canon — President of the congregation at St. Paul’s, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the history of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and School, how Sharon is related to some charter members of the congregation, how the church and school have evolved over the years, how the church and school have served the surrounding community over 175 years, and the exciting building expansion happening as the congregation continues to grow. Learn more about St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and School at stpaulsdesperes.org.
How does a visual arts teacher serve in a Lutheran high school? Anna Bloomfield, visual arts teacher at Crean Lutheran High School in Irvine, California, joins Andy for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about who influenced her to consider and become a Lutheran school teacher, her journey to becoming a Lutheran school teacher, the types of things a visual arts teacher gets to share with students, how she builds relationships with her high school students, what gives her joy about being a Lutheran school teacher, and how she and her school helps to form and recruit future church workers. Learn more about Crean Lutheran High School at creanlutheran.org.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Steven Wolters, KFUO Radio listener and donor, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about when he first began listening to KFUO Radio, how it became a regular practice for him and his son, how our programs him help him in his daily vocations, and how listening to KFUO Radio has made a difference for his family. If you'd like to become a supporter like Steven, visit kfuo.org/give.
This program originally aired December 12, 2023.
What were the Puritan critiques of the Church of England? In episode 2 in our series on the Puritan Movement, learn what the Puritan movement stood for, how they sought to improve the preaching in the Church of England, and the many issues they had with the Church of England’s theology. These things include their idea of experiential piety, the sanctified life, Sabbatarianism, and the different facets of covenant theology.
Rev. Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for our nine-episode series on the History of the Puritan Movement in England. Find more from Dr. Mackenzie at video.ctsfw.edu.
Interested in more? Recommended reading from Dr. MacKenzie includes Worldly Saints by Leland Ryken, English Puritanism by John Spurr, Reformation in England by Peter Marshall, Puritan Christianity in America: Religion and Life in 17th Century Massachusetts by John Carden, and Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan.
What is the joy in teaching at a Lutheran High School? Rev. Joe Cox, head of Academics at Lutheran High School South in St. Louis, MO, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about his journey to the seminary and into the teaching vocation, what gives him joy as a Lutheran high school teacher, the relationships he builds with students as a part of their formation as young adults, how he and other school leadership work with parents in the formation journey, and his favorite lessons to teach students.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Today, June 27, the Christian church commemorates Cyril of Alexandria. Who was this significant historical figure? Dr. Geoffrey Boyle, Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry and Missions and Director of Field Education at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, joins Andy to discuss!
What are the origins of America’s biggest Protestant denominations? To answer this question, we must revisit 16th Century England. Today we begin a new history series with Dr. Cameron MacKenzie on the Puritan movement. In this episode, hear about Queen Elizabeth, the Act of Supremacy and the Act of Uniformity, the Book of Common Prayer, how the Puritan movement began in the Church of England, and what the Puritans were trying to keep “pure.”
Rev. Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for our nine-episode series on the History of the Puritan Movement in England. Find more from Dr. Mackenzie at video.ctsfw.edu.
Interested in more? Recommended reading from Dr. MacKenzie includes Worldly Saints by Leland Ryken, English Puritanism by John Spurr, Reformation in England by Peter Marshall, Puritan Christianity in America: Religion and Life in 17th Century Massachusetts by John Carden, and Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan.
We’re celebrating DCEs in preparation for National DCE Day on June 26! Melissa Luepke — Director of Faith Formation at Cornerstone Lutheran Church in Carmel, IN, Becca Klemm — Children’s Ministry Coordinator at Cornerstone Lutheran Church in Carmel, IN, and Nick Moss — DCE at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Lakeland, FL, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how they first learned about directors of Christian education, some key elements of formation and training to become a DCE, the general and specialized areas of service as DCEs, how they collaborate with church leaders and parents, and the DCEs who have influenced their ministry service.
How do new missionaries prepare to serve on the mission field? Stan and Dana Stigdon — serving the Lord in the Dominican Republic with the LCMS Office of International Mission, and Ariana Gomez — Manager of Missionary Recruitment with the LCMS Office of International Mission, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how the Stigdons are preparing to serve in the Dominican Republic, how their previous vocations prepared them to serve in these roles, the orientation and preparation to serve in these roles, and the other opportunities available to serve internationally. Learn more about the Stigdons and how to support their work at lcms.org/stigdon.
Discover how you can serve internationally at servenow.lcms.org.
What brings joy to elementary school teachers? Erin Rodgers, Teacher at First Lutheran Church and School in Knoxville, TN, Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about who influenced her to consider and become a Lutheran school teacher, her journey to becoming a Lutheran school teacher, what brings her joy as a Lutheran teacher, and how her congregation supports and forms future church workers. Find First Lutheran School at firstlutheranschooltn.com.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
What is life like serving as a missionary in Latvia? Rev. Dr. Quintin, Lindsay, and Carter Cundiff, serving the Lord in Latvia, join Sarah and Andy to talk about how they became missionaries in Latvia, the focus of their service, the community and culture in Latvia, and their family life and daily living. Follow the Cundiffs in Latvia Facebook page at facebook.com/TheCundiffsInLatvia. Learn more about the Cundiffs and how to support their work at: lcms.org/cundiff.
Who overcomes? Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing, author of Overcoming Life’s Sorrows: Learning from Jeremiah, joins Andy and Sarah for Part 8 of our series on Overcoming Life's Sorrows to talk about Jehoiachin’s outlook until the end of Jeremiah’s book, how Jehoiachin’s story was similar to Abraham's, how God brings us through exile, and what we can learn from the book of Jeremiah.
Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing is Professor of Theology & Ministry, Director of the Pre-Seminary Program, and Director of The Center for Biblical Studies at Concordia University St. Paul, and author of Overcoming Life’s Sorrows: Learning from Jeremiah available from Concordia Publishing House. Find all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/overcoming-lifes-sorrows.
Benjamin Kolodziej, member of Faith Lutheran Church in Plano, TX, highly active church organist and composer, and contributor to the Lutheran Service Book Hymnal Companion, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about three upcoming hymns in the Three Year Lectionary for Series A, Propers 14-16: Lutheran Service Book 717, 615, and 645. Learn more about the LSB Hymnal Companion and find your copy at music.cph.org/lutheran-service-book-companion-to-the-hymns.
This program originally aired August 5, 2020.
Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Presentation of the Augsburg Confession (which we commemorate on June 25), including the cultural and political context leading up to the Diet of Augsburg, what the Diet of Augsburg was and why it became necessary, how the Confessors prepared for this Diet in 1530, and the significance of what happened during the Diet.
Read more about this important historical event at lutheranreformation.org/history/presentation-augsburg-confession and ilc-online.org/2021/06/25/confessing-the-faith-reflections-on-the-presentation-of-the-augsburg-confession.
This is a rebroadcast from June 21, 2022.
What is the journey for a young person choosing to pursue full-time church work education? Elizabeth Crawford, Elementary Education Major, Lutheran Teacher Diploma Student at Concordia University, Nebraska, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about her faith formation growing up, how she decided to pursue a Lutheran teacher vocation, how her teachers have formed her through her years in Lutheran education, how she chose Concordia Nebraska, and how she is preparing to enter college as a freshman.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
A new classical Lutheran high school completed its first year on the campus of Concordia University, Nebraska (CUNE). How did Trinity Academy start, and how does this unique educational opportunity serve both Academy and CUNE students? Dr. Gabriel Haley — English professor at Concordia University, Nebraska, headmaster of Trinity Academy at Concordia University, Nebraska, and Trinity Academy parent, and Mr. John Rabe — Trinity Academy parent, join Sarah to talk about how the idea for Trinity Academy began, what makes this high school unique, the partnership between Trinity Academy and Concordia Nebraska, why they chose to send their children to Trinity Academy, and the exciting things in store for next year. Learn more about Trinity Academy at trinityacademycune.org and read the press release about Trinity Academy's successful first year at cune.edu/news/trinity-academy-concludes-first-school-year-worship-service-student-recognitions-and-special-cross-presentation.
Trinity Academy provides a Christ-centered high school education that assists parents in the cultivation of knowledge, self-discipline and virtue in their children. Trinity offers a classical liberal arts education, involving the study of foundational sources within an integrated curriculum that encourages students to pursue truth, goodness and beauty.
How does taking risks help us overcome life's sorrows? Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing, author of Overcoming Life’s Sorrows: Learning from Jeremiah, joins Andy and Sarah for Part 7 of our series on Overcoming Life's Sorrows to talk about overcoming through taking risks, including God's message to Jeremiah and exiles in Babylon, what this message means for followers of Jesus today, why God cares if we disconnect from society and relationships with others, the kinds of risks God gave Jeremiah to engage, and what this means for us today.
Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing is Professor of Theology & Ministry, Director of the Pre-Seminary Program, and Director of The Center for Biblical Studies at Concordia University St. Paul, and author of Overcoming Life’s Sorrows: Learning from Jeremiah available from Concordia Publishing House. Find all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/overcoming-lifes-sorrows.
Rev. Richard Woelmer — pastor of University Lutheran Church at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, and Julianna Shults, DCE — Program Manager with LCMS Youth Ministry, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the importance of campus ministry for college students, why it is critical in this stage of life to stay connected to Word and Sacrament ministry, what is essential to campus ministry, how LCMS campus ministry works, and how to get connected to an LCMSU chapter. Learn more about University Lutheran Church at indianalutheran.com/home.
Campus ministry resources:
- LCMSU Student Information Form: lcms.org/campus-ministry/lcms-u-campus-link
- LCMSU Chapter Locator: lcms.org/how-we-serve/national/campus-ministry/lcms-u-chapter-map
- LCMS Church Locator: locator.lcms.org/church (Advanced Search > Ministry Type to find campus ministry churches)
This program originally aired August 24, 2023.
CPH has exciting new resources! Jonathan Schultz, President and CEO of Concordia Publishing House (CPH), and Elizabeth Pittman, Director of Public Relations for CPH, join Andy and Sarah to talk about two new valuable resources for faithful daily life from Concordia Publishing House: The Lutheran Study Bible app, available for both iOS and Android, and Resilient Minds: Christ-Centered Mental Health Curriculum for middle school. Hear how the app was developed, how it's helpful specifically for Lutherans, why we need a Christ-centered mental health curriculum today, and how Resilient Minds can be implemented by teachers who are not mental health professionals. Find The Lutheran Study Bible app at cph.org/the-lutheran-study-bible-app and find the Resilient Minds curriculum at teachthefaith.cph.org/resilient-minds.
How does a family make the transition to Seminary? Ross and Jenni George, a new seminary family at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about Ross's first career and how he made the decision to pursue pastoral ministry, how the Divine Service and community at Memorial Lutheran Church in Houston helped to shape him, the conversations through the discernment process, how his previous experience has prepared him for Seminary, and their move across the country to Fort Wayne from Texas.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
What's life like serving as missionaries in Puerto Rico? The Rev. Adam and Christine Lehman, serving the Lord in Puerto Rico, join Andy to talk about their path to serving as missionaries, how they serve in Puerto Rico and who they serve alongside, how their previous experience prepared them to serve in this new mission field, and what they are looking forward to in the next year. Read the Lehmans' story and how to support their work at lcms.org/lehman.
What is shalom and where is it for followers of Jesus? Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing, author of Overcoming Life’s Sorrows: Learning from Jeremiah, joins Andy and Sarah for Part 6 of our series on Overcoming Life's Sorrows to talk about what shalom is, where we see the word "shalom" in Scripture, what we seek instead of shalom, and where followers of Jesus find shalom.
Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing is Professor of Theology & Ministry, Director of the Pre-Seminary Program, and Director of The Center for Biblical Studies at Concordia University St. Paul, and author of Overcoming Life’s Sorrows: Learning from Jeremiah available from Concordia Publishing House. Find all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/overcoming-lifes-sorrows.
Summer is a popular time for weddings, and 1 Peter 3:1–7 has much to say about Holy Matrimony. Although marriage was created in Paradise and remains a good gift of God, the first couple’s sin caused it to become a “marred blessing” (LW 1:71) with various difficulties placed upon them and their descendants: enmity with Satan, pain in childbearing, conflict between man and wife, difficulty providing for daily needs, and death (Genesis 3:15–19). For this reason, the New Testament not only proclaims the Offspring of the woman who would defeat Satan (Genesis 3:15) but also addresses how Christians are to live together in the community of Holy Matrimony.
Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the June/July 2024 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "The Community of Marriage" on 1 Peter 3:1–7. This year, "Searching Scripture" is themed "Elect Exiles" and will walk through the First Epistle of St. Peter. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
1 Peter 3:1–7Wives and Husbands3 Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they see your respectful and pure conduct. 3 Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— 4 but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. 5 For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.
7 Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you[a] of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.
Read full chapter
Footnotes1. 1 Peter 3:7 Some manuscripts since you are joint heirs
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org
What does it mean to shadow a missionary in a foreign country? Tabitha Dubke — Shadow a Missionary Participant, Mindy Thews — LCMS Lutheran Education Coordinator in Taiwan, and Ariana Gomez — LCMS Missionary Recruitment Manager, join Andy to talk about what sparked Tabitha's interest in shadowing a missionary, how she saw Mindy and other missionaries at work, what it means to Mindy to have others interested in missionary work, and what Shadow a Missionary opportunities are available in the future. Find opportunities to serve at servenow.lcms.org/opp/shadow-a-missionary. Learn more about the program on a previous Coffee Hour episode kfuo.org/2023/01/13/coffee-hour-011323-shadow-a-missionary-program-opportunities, and learn more about Mindy and how to support her work at lcms.org/thews.
Rev. Dr. Charles Gieschen — Provost and Professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary Fort Wayne, and Rev. Dr. Ronald Mudge — Provost and Chief Academic Officer and Professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary St. Louis, join Andy and guest co-host Rev. Dr. James Baneck for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about their journeys into church work, the various aspects of seminary life that shaped their individual pastoral formation, what has changed in pastoral formation and seminary life since their days in seminary, and the rigors of current seminary education.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
This program originally aired October 27, 2023.
How is Lutheran Heritage Foundation bringing the Good News of Jesus to people in many languages? Rev. Dr. Matthew Heise — Executive Director of Lutheran Heritage Foundation (LHF), and Rev. Dr. Ted NaThalang — Translation Coordinator for Asia with Lutheran Heritage Foundation, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the upcoming Translation Summit tied to the LCMS National Offering from the 2023 Synodical Convention, where both Dr. Heise and Dr. NaThalang have been able to travel, the impact of the many books LHF is able to produce, and upcoming projects for LHF. Learn more about the National Offering in the Coffee Hour episode here: kfuo.org/2023/02/28/coffee-hour-022823-lcms-national-offering and find Lutheran Heritage Foundation at LHFmissions.org.
How do we persist through the tests or trials of life in this broken world? Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing, author of Overcoming Life’s Sorrows: Learning from Jeremiah, joins Andy and Sarah for Part 5 of our series on Overcoming Life's Sorrows to talk about overcoming through persistence, where we see this theme of persistence in Jeremiah's story, the difference between persistence with commitment to God’s calling and being stuck in a rut, how our perspective impact our persistence, how we persist through the tests or trials of life, and what it means to be persistent in hope.
Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing is Professor of Theology & Ministry, Director of the Pre-Seminary Program, and Director of The Center for Biblical Studies at Concordia University St. Paul, and author of Overcoming Life’s Sorrows: Learning from Jeremiah available from Concordia Publishing House. Find all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/overcoming-lifes-sorrows.
What is the Lutheran World Federation, and how do they differ theologically from the LCMS and our partner churches today? Rev. Dr. Jonathan Shaw, LCMS Church Relations Director, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about ecumenism and how Lutherans have historically approached it, how and why the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) began, what was accomplished through the collaborative efforts of churches in the LWF, and how the LWF differs theologically from the LCMS and our partner churches today. Download and read Dr. Shaw's paper at resources.lcms.org/reading-study/church-relations-the-lutheran-world-federation-today.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, MSW, joins Andy and Sarah in our series on "Emotions and the Gospel" to talk about teens and emotions, including what might be in the emotional soup a teenager experiences, how changes in things like educational settings and biology can affect the emotional soup, and what parents and other adults who care about youth can do for our teens. Find the blog post mentioned at heidigoehmann.com/articles/the-truth-about-mental-health-teens-and-emotions-1.
Find your copy of Emotions and the Gospel: Created for Connection at books.cph.org/emotions-and-the-gospel. Listen to all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/emotions-and-the-gospel.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
This program originally aired May 8, 2023.
How does the Divine Service form Christians and church workers? Rev. Sean Daenzer, LCMS Director of Worship and LCMS International Center Chaplain, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about how the Lord guided him to become a pastor, how his love for church music and worship developed, who has most shaped his understanding and love of worship, how the Divine Service formed him as a Christian and pastor, and the importance of the Divine Service in forming church workers.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
KFUO Radio has been expanding, and now you can hear us all over the St. Louis metro area on FM stations! Gary Duncan, Executive Director of LCMS Radio / KFUO Radio, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about where we've been over the last 100 years, how KFUO has stayed at the forefront of technology since 1924, and how we came to own multiple AM and FM stations in the St. Louis area. Find coverage maps for the new FM and AM frequencies below.
KFUO Radio FM (and legacy AM)
- 92.7 FM: St. Charles County radio-locator.com/info/K224FT-FX
- 104.5 FM: Metro East, downtown St. Louis, and North St. Louis County radio-locator.com/info/K283CI-FX
- 105.3 FM: Mid-St. Louis County and North Jefferson County radio-locator.com/info/K287BY-FX
- 850 AM radio-locator.com/info/KFUO-AM
KXFN (sacred music and prayer)
- 1380 AM radio-locator.com/info/KXFN-AM
It's time for a new KFUO Radio intern! Benjamin Crawford, KFUO's Summer Intern, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what he's studying in college, why he was interested in the KFUO Radio internship, what he's learned so far and what he's looking forward to, and our classic Lightning Round of favorites.
How might the Lord use tests in our lives? Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing, author of Overcoming Life’s Sorrows: Learning from Jeremiah, joins Andy and Sarah for Part 4 of our series on Overcoming Life's Sorrows to talk about what it means for God to test us, how God's Word describes the state of our hearts, the difference between Biblical usage of "heart" and how we use it today, how tests were a part of Jeremiah's life, and how God provides for us through the tests.
Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing is Professor of Theology & Ministry, Director of the Pre-Seminary Program, and Director of The Center for Biblical Studies at Concordia University St. Paul, and author of Overcoming Life’s Sorrows: Learning from Jeremiah available from Concordia Publishing House. Find all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/overcoming-lifes-sorrows.
How do churches serve their immediate communities, and what does an LCMS Chaplain do? Rev. Jeremy Gorline, pastor of Child of God Lutheran Church and School in St. Peters, MO (KFUO Radio's Church of the Week), and US Navy Reserve Chaplain, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how Child of God Lutheran Church and School serves the community, how Rev. Gorline serves as an LCMS Chaplain, how Chaplains serve in the Armed Forces, and how his role as a Reserve Chaplain impacts and shapes the ministry at Child of God. Learn more about Child of God Lutheran Church and School at coglcs.com.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. How do we understand depression and help our loved ones with depression? Rev. Dr. Rick Marrs — author of Making Christian Counseling More Christ Centered (WestBow Press, 2019), Senior Professor of Practical Theology at Concordia Seminary, LCMS Pastor, and Licensed Psychologist, joins Andy and Sarah for Mental Health Monday to talk about the sorts of questions that people with mental disorders ask themselves and their counselors, how we help children understand mental disorders, what is the key to know when we need to seek help, a helpful way to think about depression, and the role of a pastor in treatment of depression. Find Dr. Marrs' booklet from Lutheran Hour Ministries Journey Through Depression at shoplhm.org/journey-through-depression.
Find Dr. Marrs' book at westbowpress.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/779045-Making-Christian-Counseling-More-Christ-Centered.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday."
What's the journey to becoming a deaconess student? Virginia Schweigert, deaconess student beginning in Fall 2024, and her pastor Rev. Warren Woerth, Pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Arnold, MO, join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about how Virginia learned about the deaconess vocation, why she was interested in pursuing this vocation as a second career, how her previous vocations will serve her in this work, how this journey has influence the congregation at Good Shepherd, and why forming church workers is important to both Pastor Woerth and Good Shepherd.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Where did the day of Pentecost come from, and how do we observe it today? Rev. Sean Daenzer, LCMS Director of Worship and Chaplain for the LCMS International Center, joins Andy and Pastor Cleland to talk about the history of the day of Pentecost. We look at the origins in the biblical Feast of Weeks and the Church's observance of Pentecost today.
This program originally aired May 20, 2021.
Is it possible to make idols out of good things in life? Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing, author of Overcoming Life’s Sorrows: Learning from Jeremiah, joins Andy and Sarah for Part 3 of our series on Overcoming Life's Sorrows to talk about how we define idols, how we take good gifts and twist them into idols, how we get rid of these idols, and how our ever-present God addresses our loneliness and discouragement.
Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing is Professor of Theology & Ministry, Director of the Pre-Seminary Program, and Director of The Center for Biblical Studies at Concordia University St. Paul, and author of Overcoming Life’s Sorrows: Learning from Jeremiah available from Concordia Publishing House. Find all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/overcoming-lifes-sorrows.
How does the host of Sharper Iron connect the radio ministry to his home congregation? Rev. Timothy Appel, pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL (KFUO Radio's Church of the Week), and host of Sharper Iron on KFUO Radio, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what makes Faith Lutheran Church unique, how children and adults are formed in the faith, how the saints at Faith serve each other and the surrounding community, and how hosting Sharper Iron serves not only the wide KFUO audience but also Faith Lutheran Church. Find Faith Lutheran Church at flcgodfrey.org and all episodes of Sharper Iron at kfuo.org/category/sharper-iron.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Why is this important to us as Christians, and how do we understand the national conversation about mental health? Rev. Dr. Rick Marrs — author of Making Christian Counseling More Christ Centered (WestBow Press, 2019), Senior Professor of Practical Theology at Concordia Seminary, LCMS Pastor, and Licensed Psychologist, joins Andy and Sarah for Mental Health Monday to talk about how many people in the US are affected by health problems or mental disorders, why it's important to talk about Mental Health, how people with Mental Disorders still get treated differently than people with physical illnesses like cancer or heart disease or diabetes, how attitudes about mental health have changed with each generation, and where we see mental health conversations normalized in culture now.
Find Dr. Marrs' book at westbowpress.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/779045-Making-Christian-Counseling-More-Christ-Centered.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday."
What is a Director of Church Ministries (DCM) program, and how are these students prepared to serve the Church? Paige Mielke — sophomore DCM student at Concordia University Wisconsin, and Grace Sugg — senior DCM student going to serve at Ascension Lutheran Church in Montreal, Quebec (Partnering with Mission of Christ Network), join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about the Director of Church Ministries program at Concordia University Wisconsin, why they each chose to pursue church work and the DCM program in particular, how their classes and formation have affirmed their interest in serving the church as a DCM, the classes they've taken to prepare to serve as a DCM, and their plans for the coming year. Learn mor about the Director of Church Ministries program at Concordia University Wisconsin at cuw.edu/academics/programs/director-church-ministries-bachelors/index.html.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
What does it take to organize and prepare for a Hymn Festival? Dr. John Behnke — Organist at Trinity Lutheran Church of Southwest Florida, Composer, and Professor Emeritus of Concordia University Wisconsin, and Mark Thoelke — Director of Worship and Music at Zion Lutheran Church Harvester in St. Charles, MO, join Sarah and guest co-host Jordan Harms to talk about Dr. Behnke's journey into serving as a church musician, where his love for music began, how he began to compose music, and where he studied and grew as a musician. Mark Thoelke shares about the history of the hymn festival at Zion and how Dr. Behnke has been a part of the hymn festival at Zion. Learn more about Zion and their events at zionharvester.org/churchevents.
Watch the performance of this hymn festival on YouTube at youtu.be/kSeINiHRdvw?si=5_tJGvlmYyA71SLc.
What does Jeremiah teach us about God’s Word? Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing, author of Overcoming Life’s Sorrows: Learning from Jeremiah, joins Andy and Sarah for Part 2 of our series on Overcoming Life's Sorrows to talk about the role of a prophet, what Jeremiah teaches us about God's Word, how Jeremiah interacts with God's Word in unique ways (see: eating a scroll), where Jesus is in the words of Jeremiah, and how Jeremiah uses God's Word.
Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing is Professor of Theology & Ministry, Director of the Pre-Seminary Program, and Director of The Center for Biblical Studies at Concordia University St. Paul, and author of Overcoming Life’s Sorrows: Learning from Jeremiah available from Concordia Publishing House. Find all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/overcoming-lifes-sorrows.
What are the latest happenings at The Old Latin School in Wittenberg, Germany? Rev. Dr. Wilhem Weber, Managing Director of the International Lutheran Society of Wittenberg and The Old Latin School in Wittenberg, joins Andy and guest co-host Aubrey Blank (KFUO Radio intern) to talk about the purpose of The Old Latin School, how Ukrainian refugees are being served at the Old Latin School and why this is important to them, how The Old Latin School is meeting the housing needs of refugees moving to Wittenberg, how The Old Latin School partners with other Lutheran organizations, the exciting additions to the library, and how daily prayer and corporate worship are a part of life at the Old Latin School. Learn more, including how to support and visit The Old Latin School, at oldlatinschool.org.
What work is happening in the Asia region of the LCMS Office of International Mission? Rev. Dr. Charles Ferry — Asia Regional Director with the LCMS Office of International Mission, and Sam Borgwardt — Asia Regional Business Manager with the LCMS Office of International Mission, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how big the Asia region is, the recent projects including a seminary and music conservatory, the partners they work with to carry out this work, what life looks like for those serving in Taiwan, and how the recent earthquakes affected their work. Learn more about the Asia region at international.lcms.org/asia. Find Rev. Ferry and how to support his work at lcms.org/ferry, and find Sam and how to support his work at lcms.org/borgwardt.
What is the Vicarage Placement Service and what's it like to experience this? Henry and Stacey Eising, second-year seminarian family at Concordia Seminary, join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about what a vicarage is, what preparation happens before vicarage assignment day, how field work and classes prepared Henry to serve, the planning that happens before moving for vicarage year, and what happens after vicarage.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
This issue of LW encourages us to be a praying community. First Peter 2 presents Jesus as the Shepherd who gave His life for the sheep on the cross, which brings to mind two of Jesus’ prayers from the cross: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34) and “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” (Luke 23:46; see also, Psalm 31:5). While the Righteous One suffered for sinners in order to reconcile them to God, He also showed us how to be patient under affliction and where to turn for help: His Father and ours, to whom we baptized children of God cry out, “Our Father…”
Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the May 2024 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "The Shepherd’s Community" on 1 Peter 2:11-25. This year, "Searching Scripture" is themed "Elect Exiles" and will walk through the First Epistle of St. Peter. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
1 Peter 2:11–2511 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. 12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.
Submission to Authority13 Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution,[a] whether it be to the emperor[b] as supreme, 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants[c] of God. 17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. 19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
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Footnotes1. 1 Peter 2:13 Or every institution ordained for people 2. 1 Peter 2:13 Or king; also verse 17 3. 1 Peter 2:16 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org
Who is Jeremiah, and what are we going to learn from him in this series? Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing, author of Overcoming Life’s Sorrows: Learning from Jeremiah, joins Andy and Sarah for Part 1 of our series on Overcoming Life's Sorrows to talk about how Jeremiah is, what we can understand about Babylon and Assyria, a brief overview of the timeline of Jeremiah, how the themes of hope and destruction are presented in Jeremiah, the writing style of Jeremiah, and what we have to look forward to in this series.
Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing is Professor of Theology & Ministry, Director of the Pre-Seminary Program, and Director of The Center for Biblical Studies at Concordia University St. Paul, and author of Overcoming Life’s Sorrows: Learning from Jeremiah available from Concordia Publishing House. Find all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/overcoming-lifes-sorrows.
What is a mission education team, and what is its purpose? Aaron Wade — First-year student at Concordia Theology Seminary Fort Wayne, Patrick Randolph — Fourth-year student at Concordia Theology Seminary Fort Wayne, and Erin MacKenzie — Volunteer Coordinator for the Latin America and Caribbean Region with the LCMS Office of International Mission, join Andy to talk about their service on a mission education team, why Aaron and Patrick were interested in the mission education team to the Dominican Republic, what they learned during their time in the Dominican Republic, and how their time has shaped their seminary education and pastoral formation. Learn more about serving on a mission education team at servenow.lcms.org.
What is the emotion of Agency, and how do we experience it? Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, MSW, joins Andy and Sarah in our mini-series on Emotions to talk about how "agency" is defined, where or when we experience agency, how agency is subjective and/or objective, how agency is related to accessibility, and a helpful exercise to experience agency.
Find your copy of Emotions and the Gospel: Created for Connection at books.cph.org/emotions-and-the-gospel. Listen to all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/emotions-and-the-gospel.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
What does formation as a Director of Christian Education (DCE) student look like? Concordia University Chicago DCE students Scott Treptow, Josh Meeks, Emily Minor, Justin Weber, and Mckenna Stanley, along with Dr. Debbie Arfsten — Professor of Christian Education, DCE Program Director, Director of Synodical Placement for Concordia University Chicago, join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about the students' interest in becoming a DCE, how the DCE program has affirmed their interest in this service to the Lord and His church, which classes have been key to their formation as servants in the church, and how Dr. Arfsten considers the experiences that are most important to the formation of servant leaders in Christian education.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
What happens during Christ Academy events at Concordia Theological Seminary? Rev. Matthew Wietfeldt, Assistant Vice President of Admission and Director of Christ Academy at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how Christ Academy has become a regular part of seminary life for the seminary community, the various offerings of Christ Academy each year, the focus of Christ Academy Family Institute, and what happens at Christ Academy Family Institute. Learn more and register at ctsfw.regfox.com/2024-christ-academy-family-institute-cafi.
How is Vocatio a great experience for high schoolers considering church work? Rev. Micah Glenn, Director of Recruitment and Enrollment at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what "Vocatio" means, how students gain a clearer understanding of church work and vocation at Vocatio, what students learn and experience during this event, and how this event has made a difference for past attendees. Learn more and register at csl.edu/admissions/visit/vocatio-high-school.
Why have a conference on Liturgy, Preaching and Church Music? Rev. Sean Daenzer — Director of Worship for the LCMS, and Christina Roberts — Kantor at Our Savior Lutheran Church and School in Grand Rapids, MI, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the 2024 Institute on Liturgy, Preaching and Church Music happening July 9-12, 2024, at Concordia University, Nebraska (CUNE) in Seward, Nebraska. They talk about how this conference will benefit pastors and church musicians, the theme of this year's conference, what attendees will learn in the keynote and special sessions, the fellowship festivities, and details about registration. Learn more and register at lcms.org/worshipinstitute.
What is the place of singing in Classical Lutheran education? Rev. Robert Paul, Associate Pastor and Headmaster at Memorial Lutheran Church and School in Houston, Texas, joins Andy and guest co-host Jordan Harms to talk about why classical Lutheran education is important to him and why he is invested in it, what happens at a CCLE conference, the place of singing in classical Lutheran education, and what this year's conference attendees will learn. Learn more and register at ccle.org/current-conference.
Consortium for Classical Lutheran Education Conference
July 23-26 at Concordia University Nebraska
“Cantate: Sing to the LORD a New Song.”
What is the emotion of anger, and how do we experience it? Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, MSW, joins Andy and Sarah in our mini-series on Emotions to talk about what may be difficult to understand about anger, how anger is associated with justice and fairness, some anger-adjacent emotions, and how we can healthily process anger.
Find your copy of Emotions and the Gospel: Created for Connection at books.cph.org/emotions-and-the-gospel. Listen to all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/emotions-and-the-gospel.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
How is gift planning beneficial for KFUO Radio and its donors? Mike Fischer, Senior Gift Planning Advocate with LCMS Mission Advancement, joins Andy and Sarah during Sharathon 2024 to talk about his work with Mission Advancement, what Mission Advancement's guiding theme of "Blessed to be a Blessing" means for KFUO Radio listeners, and how Mission Advancement can help KFUO listeners with planned giving. For more information, contact Mary Schmidt at (314) 996-1518.
Learn more about Sharathon 2024 and give now at kfuo.org/sharathon.
How is KFUO Radio an essential part of prison ministry? Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Nehrt, pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Greenville, IL, and Prison Ministry Coordinator for the LCMS Southern Illinois District, joins Andy and Sarah during Sharathon 2024 to share the success of the recent Prison Ministry Conference and how KFUO Radio has been helpful to him and those he serves.
Learn more about Sharathon 2024 and give now at kfuo.org/sharathon.
Why is it important to tell the church’s story of how she raises up faithful church workers? Rev. Dr. James Baneck, LCMS Executive Director of Pastoral Education and Executive Director of Set Apart to Serve, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series during Sharathon 2024 to talk about the Set Apart to Serve stories we've shared over the last two years, who these stories have shaped his view of church work, some of his favorite stories, why it's important to share these stories, and what's next for the Set Apart to Serve Initiative.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Learn more about Sharathon 2024 and give now at kfuo.org/sharathon.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Why is it important to remember and teach the church’s history today? Rev. Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah during Sharathon 2024 to talk about why learning history is so important for Christians, why it's important for laity as much as pastors and church leaders, his favorite era in church history to teach, and what we can look forward to in the next series in church history.
Learn more about Sharathon 2024 and give now at kfuo.org/sharathon.
Why is it important to hear God’s Word daily? Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison, President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins Sarah during Sharathon 2024 to talk about the treasure of God's Word, what he would say to the team of founders of KFUO as they were considering this new medium of AM Radio 100 year ago, and how important our listeners and donors are as we continue this radio ministry for another 100 years.
Learn more about Sharathon 2024 and give now at kfuo.org/sharathon.
How does the LWML share God's Word, and how does KFUO partner with LWML? Eden Keefe, President of LWML - Lutheran Women in Mission, joins Andy and Sarah for Sharathon 2024 to talk about how LWML partners with other organizations and ministries to proclaim the Good News of Jesus, what is beautiful and good about these partnerships, how the tiny little mite boxes make a big difference for these opportunities to support Gospel work around the globe, what's on deck for LWML this year and next year, and how KFUO has been a blessing for the LWML.
Learn more about Sharathon 2024 and give now at kfuo.org/sharathon.
What do we learn about Christ in the Five Books of the Psalms? Does the order of Psalms actually matter? Rev. Dr. Adam Hensley, associate professor of exegetical theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the order of the Psalms and why that matters, the pictures of Christ in the Psalms, what we learn about Christ through these pictures, and how the Psalms shape his own teaching and devotional life.
Dr. Hensley is a Keynote Speaker at the upcoming LCMS Institute On Liturgy, Preaching and Church Music, happening July 9-12 at Concordia University Nebraska in Seward, Nebraska. Learn more and register at lcms.org/worshipinstitute.
KFUO Radio's Annual Sharathon is happening April 18-20, and we need your support to continue sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ around the world. Mary Schmidt — KFUO Radio Director of Development, and Rev. Doug Griebenaw KFUO Radio Mission Advocate, join Andy and Sarah to talk about what we mean when we say we are listener-supported, what happens during Sharathon each year, how KFUO programming supports Lutherans in their daily lives, how necessary your contributions really are (hint: very necessary!), and our thank-you gifts this year. Learn more and give at kfuo.org/sharathon.
What is the emotion of calm, and how do we experience it? Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, MSW, joins Andy and Sarah in our mini-series on Emotions to talk about what "calm" actually is and how it's different from "peace," why we seek calm, how calm is related to anxiety, the relationship between brokenness and calm, and how we recognize or find calm.
Find your copy of Emotions and the Gospel: Created for Connection at books.cph.org/emotions-and-the-gospel. Listen to all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/emotions-and-the-gospel.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
How do Lutheran Schools elevate church work vocations and raise up the next generation of church workers? Alicia Levitt — Director of Academic Excellence and Interim Executive Director of The Lutheran Schools Partnership in Northeast Indiana, and Jacob Pennekamp — Head of School for Concordia Lutheran High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana, join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about how they serve in Lutheran Schools, their journeys into church work, the role each of them plays in forming and recruiting youth to consider full-time church work, the dual-credit program Concordia Lutheran High School offers students “for teaching preparation from the Lutheran Christian perspective,” and the “Champions for Church Workers” program in the Partnership. Learn more about The Lutheran Schools Partnership at thelutheranschools.org and Concordia Lutheran High School at clhscadets.com.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
What do we mean when we say “principles of biblical interpretation”? Dr. James W. Voelz, Dr. Jack Dean Kingsbury Professor of New Testament Theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his book Principles of Biblical Interpretation for Everyone, including who this book is for, what "biblical interpretation" means, why it's important to have a common or shared set of principles of interpretation, why we can't just leave the Bible literally, and a key foundation to establishing principles for biblical interpretation. Find Dr. Voelz's book at store.csl.edu/product-category/publications, and find his Fall Online Greek course at concordiasem.regfox.com/online-greek-part-1-fall-2024.
How do the Psalms form us in our daily lives and the rhythm of worship? Dr. Geoffrey Boyle, Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry and Missions at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the posture of worship, how the Lord speaks to us in the Psalms, what the Psalms reveal about our Lord, how the Psalms shape our worship, and how the Psalms form us as children of God.
Dr. Boyle is a Keynote Speaker at the upcoming LCMS Institute On Liturgy, Preaching and Church Music, happening July 9-12 at Concordia University Nebraska in Seward, Nebraska. Learn more and register at lcms.org/worshipinstitute.
What's it like to serve on a short-term mission team with the LCMS? Rev. Richard Woelmer — Pastor of University Lutheran Church at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, Lewis Ostermeyer — Member of University Lutheran Church at IU and short-term mission participant, and Anne Gonzalez — manager of Short-term Mission Training and Engagement with the LCMS Office of International Mission, join Andy and Sarah to share about the team from University Lutheran Church who served in the Czech Republic, how they were able to serve, what they learned while they were there, and how you can serve in a similar way. To inquire about service opportunities, reach out to mission.teams@lcms.org and visit servenow.lcms.org.
What is the emotion of wonder, and how do we experience it? Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, MSW, joins Andy and Sarah in our mini-series on Emotions to talk about how wonder is connected to curiosity and surprise, the place of wonder in the midst of brokenness and the ugliness we experience in the world, the sensory and cognitive components of wonder, how wonder is a spiritual emotion, and how we practice wonder.
Find your copy of Emotions and the Gospel: Created for Connection at books.cph.org/emotions-and-the-gospel. Listen to all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/emotions-and-the-gospel.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
What does a young man's path to seminary look like, and how is he formed during seminary for the pastoral vocation? Jason Kohm, 4th-year seminarian at Concordia Seminary in St Louis, and Zachary Staehr, 4th-year seminarian at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about how they decided to study for the pastoral ministry, their path to and through seminary, who was most influential in their journeys, their vicarage experience and how that formed them for ministry, and how they feel looking forward to Call Day.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
When Jesus first saw Peter, He said to him, “‘You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas’ (which means Peter)” (John 1:42). God the Father chose Peter to make the great confession of Jesus, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). Then Jesus made a play on words with Peter’s name, “You are Peter (Petros), and on this rock (petra) I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18). This rock was not Peter himself but rather his confession of Jesus as the Christ. Later, in the epistle that bears his name, Peter further confessed Jesus as a living stone, chosen and precious to God, and the cornerstone of God’s spiritual house of chosen children.
Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the April 2024 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "A Chosen Community" on 1 Peter 2:4–10. This year, "Searching Scripture" is themed "Elect Exiles" and will walk through the First Epistle of St. Peter. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
1 Peter 2:4–104 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it stands in Scripture:
“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone,
a cornerstone chosen and precious,
and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”
7 So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe,
“The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone,”[a]
8 and
“A stone of stumbling,
and a rock of offense.”
They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.
9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
Read full chapter
Footnotes1. 1 Peter 2:7 Greek the head of the corner
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org
How significant is singing the psalms in the life of the congregation? Dr. Charles Brown, professor of music and chair of the arts division at Concordia University Chicago, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how the Psalms are accessible for congregational singing, what is unique about singing the Psalms, how singing Psalms encourages congregational song in general, what is unifying about singing the Psalms, and how singing the Psalms can be both technical and expressive.
Dr. Brown is a Keynote Speaker at the upcoming LCMS Institute On Liturgy, Preaching and Church Music, happening July 9-12 at Concordia University Nebraska in Seward, Nebraska. Learn more and register at lcms.org/worshipinstitute.
What does a volunteer coordinator do on the mission field, and how can you serve in a role like this? Erin MacKenzie — Volunteer Coordinator for the Latin America and Caribbean Region with the LCMS Office of International Mission, and Ariana Gomez — Manager of Missionary Recruitment with the LCMS Office of International Mission, join Sarah to share Erin's story about being a Volunteer Coordinator, including how she came to serve in this role, her day-to-day responsibilities, what she loves about this position, and some necessary skills for serving in a role like this. More opportunities to serve in roles like this are open now! To learn more and apply for a long-term (2+ year) missionary position, visit servenow.lcms.org and lcms.org/careers. Chat directly with Ariana about potential openings at ariana.gomez@lcms.org.
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia! Sing a beautiful Easter Cantata with us today. Rev. Brian Hamer, US Navy Chaplain, joins Sarah and Andy to talk about J.S. Bach's BWV 4, "Christ lag in Todesbanden" (Christ Lay in Death's Strong Bands), including the texts for this cantata, unique features that set it apart from Bach's other sacred works, the familiar melody that unites each movement, and beautiful highlights from each of the movements. Find the familiar hymn, Lutheran Service Book 458, at hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/458, and read Chaplain Hamer's column on this cantata and hymn at whatdoesthismean.org/lifted-voice--brian-hamer/cantatas-over-coffee-christ-jesus-lay-in-deaths-strong-bands.
What can we learn from Maundy Thursday hymns? Benjamin Kolodziej, Church Organist and Musicologist, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Maundy Thursday Hymns, their history, theology, and author. Hear this discussion on Lutheran Service Book 445 "When You Woke That Thursday Morning," Lutheran Service Book 446 "Jesus, Greatest at the Table," and Lutheran Service Book 617 "O Lord, We Praise Thee."
Rev. Sean Daenzer, Director of Worship for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and International Center Chaplain, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the services of the Triduum during Holy Week, the origins of these services, what makes Tenebrae a unique service among the others, and the beautiful Responsories used in the Medieval church during these Tenebrae services.
Listen to the Responsories by Carlo Gesualdo on YouTube.
This program originally aired April 5, 2023.
How does Lutheran Elementary education make a difference for students, and how does LESA support families and educators? Amee Colvin — Director of Fund Development and Marketing with Lutheran Elementary School Association (LESA) in St. Louis, MO, and Mark Debrick — Principal of Zion Lutheran School in St. Charles, MO, join Sarah to talk about how Zion Lutheran serves the surrounding community, what makes Zion a unique place for children to learn about Jesus, how Zion partners with LESA to provide exemplary education for their students, the work that LESA does to support families and educators, and the upcoming A Night for Kids Dinner and Auction on April 13, 2024. Learn more about the Dinner and Auction at lesastl.org/2024-a-night-for-kids-dinner-auction-pre-event. Find the St. Louis Post-Dispatch article on Lutheran Schools at stltoday.com.
We hear Psalm 22 during Holy Week, so how do we see it fulfilled? Rev. Andrew Jones, pastor of First Lutheran Church and Preschool in Concord, California, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the place of Psalm 22 in Holy Week, the theme of Psalm 22, how it walks us through Holy Week, and where we see fulfillments of the Psalm in Holy Week. Read his CPH blog post at blog.cph.org/study/the-fulfillment-of-psalm-22-in-holy-week.
This program originally aired March 30, 2021.
Why is supporting church workers important to the LWML? Eden Keefe, President of LWML (Lutheran Women in Mission), joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about both her personal interest and LWML's interest in supporting and loving church workers, why LWML is invented in forming and recruiting church workers in congregations and school, the $100,000 mission offering grant for Set Apart to Serve, and her encouragement for women and laity to intentionally encourage young people to consider full-time church work. Learn more about the LWML and their mission grants at lwml.org.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, Texas, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the difference between Palm Sunday and Sunday of the Passion, how the Church typically observes Palm Sunday, what makes this day unique in the Church Year, and the scripture readings and hymns we have for this day. Learn more about our Lutheran Church Year and practices at lcms.org/worship.
This program originally aired March 25, 2021.
How does Lutheran Braille Workers reach the blind and visually impaired with the Gospel? Daniel Jenkins, President of Lutheran Braille Workers (LBW), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the current status of the blind and visually impaired population in the US, the opportunities for sharing the Gospel with this population, how LBW has reached the blind and visually impaired in the last year, how LBW is able to serve those in prison, and stories of the growing need for accessible Bibles and faith-development materials. Learn more about LBW's work and how to support them, including volunteer opportunities, at lbwloveworks.org.
How can parents respond when a child wanders from the faith? Kay Meyer — Founder and Director of Family Shield Ministries, and Paula Isakson — Founder of Faith Family Reunion, join Andy and Sarah to share Paula's story of bring raised in a Christian family, wandering away from faith, how her parents responded to her decisions, and what ultimately brought her back to the church. Learn more about Family Shield Ministries, including the merger with Faith Family Reunion, at familyshieldministries.com.
J.S. Bach's St. John Passion is an experience like none other during Holy Week. Dr. Maurice Boyer, Music Director of the American Kantorei, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Bach's St. John Passion and how it fits into his body of work, why this is an important piece in music history as we celebrate its 300th anniversary, some key highlights of the work, and what will sound familiar to those listening to the work. Learn more about American Kantorei at americankantorei.org.
Resources from this episode:
- The Beginner's Guide to the St. John Passion: witness.lcms.org/2022/a-beginners-guide-to-bachs-st-john-passion
- St. John Passion from the Netherlands Bach Society: youtube.com/watch?v=zMf9XDQBAaI
Sunday, March 24th
The Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus
Concordia Seminary
801 Seminary Place, Clayton, MO 63105
Tuesday, March 26th
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church
12345 Manchester Road, Des Peres, MO 63131
Additionally, Concordia Seminary is celebrating J.S. Bach in additional ways! You are invited to a celebration of the 300th anniversary of the St. John Passion at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, beginning with a lecture at 5 p.m. Thursday, March 21, in the Hasse Library and will continue with a concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 24 — Palm Sunday — in the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus on the Seminary campus, 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO 63105. The lecture will feature Dr. Maurice Boyer, music director of the American Kantorei. A reception will follow at 6 p.m. in the Hasse Library. The free concert will feature the American Kantorei, with a reception following the performance at 5:30 p.m. in Koburg Hall.p.m. To learn more about the Seminary’s annual music events, including the Concordia Seminary Concert Series, please visit csl.edu/music.
How does the LCMS English District make it a priority to raise up church workers from their congregations? Rev. Dr. Jamison Hardy, Bishop of the LCMS English District, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about his own story of how he became a pastor, what the English District is doing to encourage men and women to consider full-time church work, some stories of how he has witnessed men and women enter full-time church work, and how Set Apart to Serve is a resource to help the English District form and recruit church workers.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
In what ways are LCMS Chaplains and others providing spiritual care for the incarcerated today? Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Nehrt, pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Greenville, IL, and Prison Ministry Coordinator for the LCMS Southern Illinois District, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how he became involved in prison ministry, how prison ministry has made a difference for the incarcerated, who serves in prison ministry, and how continuing education is important for those serving in prison ministry. Learn more about the Prison Ministry Coordinator Conference on April 15-16 at sidlcms.org/2024/03/05/prison-2024-ministry-coordinator-conference. For registration information, email sidlcmssage@gmail.com or text/call Pastor Nehrt at 618-292-4392.
Why does good leadership matter, and what makes an effective leader? Dr. Elisabeth Bennett, Associate Professor and Director of the Master of Science in Leadership at the Batterman School of Business at Concordia University Wisconsin, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about her own leadership story, some key qualities of an effective leader, and how the leadership programs at CUW and CUAA help leaders develop these qualities. Learn more about these faith-based programs at cuw.edu/academics/programs/leadership-masters/index.html and cuaa.edu/academics/programs/leadership-masters/index.html.
Register for the upcoming Master of Science in Leadership Information Session on March 20 at 2:00 p.m. CT at cuwaa.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_RhTlTII0Ro6rd5yMwAmkzw.
What should someone look for when identifying a mental health professional for myself or a loved one? Stephen M. Saunders, PhD, Schneider Endowed Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Marquette University, and author of Martin Luther on Mental Health: Practical Advice for Christians Todayavailable from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about factors to consider when looking for a mental health professional, red flags to avoid, how to overcome some fears of seeing a mental health professional for the first time, expected outcomes of a first session, and how to speak about faith with a mental health professional.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9:00 a.m. CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
Disclaimer: Dr. Saunders is a professional clinical psychologist and is very pleased to offer ideas and suggestions about mental health and mental health problems on these shows. However, one of the most important pieces of advice Dr. Saunders frequently gives is to get professional help when you need it. Nothing said on these shows should be taken as therapy or treatment or as a substitute for personal consultation with a professional.
How do relationships, opportunities, and invitations encourage young people to remain in the church and consider church work? Rev. Seth Flick, pastor of Divine Redeemer Lutheran Church in Hartland, WI , joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about his formation as a pastor and who encouraged him in this pursuit, his congregation's emphasis on their duty to raise up future church workers, how they use relationships and opportunities and invitations to encourage children in the faith, and the roles of other church workers and parents in their approach.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
What's it like to lead a team of college students on an international mission trip to the Czech Republic? Rev. Richard Woelmer — Pastor of University Lutheran Church at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, and Erin Alter — Director of Short-Term Missions for the LCMS Office of International Mission, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how international mission trips have been a valuable part of Pastor Woelmer's ministry to students, what was most helpful to him in preparing to lead a team, what was the most challenging part of leading an international team for the first time, what students are looking forward to on the upcoming trip to the Czech Republic, and how LCMS Office of International Mission equips team leaders for short-term mission events. Find ways to serve at servenow.lcms.org and follow LCMS Office of International Mission at facebook.com/LCMSInternationalMission and instagram.com/lcmsinternationalmission.
How did the new "Missouri Synod" position itself in the midst of other synods? Was fellowship possible with other groups? What became of the other synods that existed in the mid-1800s, and when did the German identity become less significant for the Lutherans who founded the Missouri Synod? Hear these stories and the influence of characters such as Johannes Andreas August Grabau and L.F.E Krause.
Rev. Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for our nine-episode series on the History of the LCMS. Find more from Dr. Mackenzie at video.ctsfw.edu.
This issue of LW encourages us to be a hopeful community. In current English usage, “hope” usually expresses a wish about something yet to be determined, such as, “I hope I don’t have cancer,” or “I hope the Astros win the World Series.” In the Bible, hope does not convey mere wishfulness; rather, it conveys expectation — patiently waiting for God’s reliable promises in His Word to be fulfilled, since He “has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3). Christian hope is not in this life, with all its changes and chances. Paul says, “If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead” (1 Corinthians 15:19–20). Through Christ, you “are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God” (1 Peter 1:21). Your hope is sure and certain because it rests upon “the word of the Lord [that] remains forever” (1 Peter 1:25).
Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the March 2024 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "A Community of the Word" on 1 Peter 1:22–2:3. This year, "Searching Scripture" is themed "Elect Exiles" and will walk through the First Epistle of St. Peter. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
1 Peter 1:22–2:322 Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, 23 since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; 24 for
“All flesh is like grass
and all its glory like the flower of grass.
The grass withers,
and the flower falls,
25 but the word of the Lord remains forever.”
And this word is the good news that was preached to you.
A Living Stone and a Holy People2 So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. 2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org
What is the role and scope of a pastor or a mental health professional when someone is experiencing a mental health crisis? Stephen M. Saunders, PhD, Schneider Endowed Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Marquette University, and author of Martin Luther on Mental Health: Practical Advice for Christians Todayavailable from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy, Sarah, and guest co-host Deaconess Tiffany Manor to talk about the scope of help a pastor or church worker might offer to one experiencing a mental health problem, the scope of a mental health professional when it comes to mental health and faith, why it's important to understand and respect these distinctions, what congregations can do to be helpful in caring for those with mental health problems, and what congregations can do to address the stigma of mental health problems and mental illness. Find more information on NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness) at nami.org.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9:00 a.m. CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
Disclaimer: Dr. Saunders is a professional clinical psychologist and is very pleased to offer ideas and suggestions about mental health and mental health problems on these shows. However, one of the most important pieces of advice Dr. Saunders frequently gives is to get professional help when you need it. Nothing said on these shows should be taken as therapy or treatment or as a substitute for personal consultation with a professional.
How does a church family and culture help to form and shape future church workers? Rev. Dr. Scott Murray, Senior Pastor at Memorial Lutheran Church in Houston, Texas, and 3rd Vice President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about his formation as a pastor, who was significantly supportive during his pastoral education and formation, how Memorial Lutheran Church shows her commitment to encouraging and raising up church workers, how the acolyte program has given opportunities to encourage youth to consider church work, and how the vicarage program has increased awareness in the congregation of church work vocations.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
What progress has been made in Black Ministry in the last 50 years, and what challenges still remain? Ms. Nikki Rochester — active in the Coalition of Lutherans in Black Ministry, and Rev. Donald Anthony — Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Concord and Crown In Glory Lutheran Church in Salisbury, North Carolina, join Andy and Sarah to share their own involvement in LCMS Black Ministry, some key developments of LCMS Black Ministry in the last several decades, and how community-building and relationships matter in this work.
Resources in this series:
- LCMS Black Ministry lcms.org/how-we-serve/national/black-ministry
- Roses and Thorns by Dr. Richard C. Dickenson cph.org/roses-and-thorns-black-lutheran-centennial
- Recommended reading from LCMS Black Ministry lcms.org/how-we-serve/national/black-ministry/recommended-reading
- This Far by Faith augsburgfortress.org/store/category/286353/This-Far-by-Faith
- One Nation under God: Healing Racial Divides in America by Keith Haney cph.org/one-nation-under-god-healing-racial-divides-in-america-downloadable
We've come to the creation of The German Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and Other States in the first convention in Chicago in 1847. What happened at this convention, and who made up the first Synod? What institutions joined the Synod? Who was the first missionary, and where did he serve? Hear these things and a bit of trivia about the church where this first convention was held.
Rev. Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for our nine-episode series on the History of the LCMS. Find more from Dr. Mackenzie at video.ctsfw.edu.
How does Classical Education serve the community and congregation? Rev. Stephen Kieser, Headmaster and Associate Pastor at Faith Lutheran Church & School in Plano, Texas, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how and why Faith Lutheran School began, how a classical Lutheran school supports families in their congregation and community, the challenges of a congregation operating a classical Lutheran school in a consumer-driven culture, and stories from parents and children about why they love having a classical Lutheran school. Learn more about Faith Lutheran School at flsplano.org.
What is a helpful conversation? What is not a helpful conversation? Stephen M. Saunders, PhD, Schneider Endowed Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Marquette University, and author of Martin Luther on Mental Health: Practical Advice for Christians Todayavailable from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy, Sarah, and guest co-host Deaconess Tiffany Manor to talk about what makes good conversation about mental health, the goal of a helpful conversation, an example from Luther that can illustrate the application of advice we’ve discussed so far for helpful conversations, and what we should consider if planning to have a helpful conversation.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9:00 a.m. CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
Disclaimer: Dr. Saunders is a professional clinical psychologist and is very pleased to offer ideas and suggestions about mental health and mental health problems on these shows. However, one of the most important pieces of advice Dr. Saunders frequently gives is to get professional help when you need it. Nothing said on these shows should be taken as therapy or treatment or as a substitute for personal consultation with a professional.
Why is it fitting for Lutherans to adopt today, and what may be unique about Lutheran or Christian adoption? Rev. Michael Salemink, Executive Director Lutherans for Life, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the upcoming Lutheran Adoption Conference, the need for adoption today, why it is fitting for Lutherans to adopt today, and what may be unique about Lutheran or Christian adoption. Learn more and register at Lutheransadopt.org.
What did Black Ministry look like in the 1960s and 1970s, and how did the civil unrest during that time shape Black Ministry? Rev. Dr. McNair Ramsey — Retired Pastor from Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wittenburg, Alabama, and serving as 1st Vice President of the LCMS Southern District of the LCMS, and Rev. Michael Shannon — Pastor of Faith Lutheran in Shreveport, Louisiana join Andy and Sarah to share their own stories of Lutheranism, Dr. Ramsey's education under Dr. Rosa Young in Alabama, Rev. Shannon's experience of converting to Lutheranism, the significant developments of LCMS Black Ministry in the 1960s and 1970s, and how the unrest among the broader society during this era shape Black Ministry.
Resources in this series:
- LCMS Black Ministry lcms.org/how-we-serve/national/black-ministry
- Roses and Thorns by Dr. Richard C. Dickenson cph.org/roses-and-thorns-black-lutheran-centennial
- Recommended reading from LCMS Black Ministry lcms.org/how-we-serve/national/black-ministry/recommended-reading
As Lutherans continue to form synods in America, what is the story of the Ohio Synod, and how did American Protestantism begin to have a poor influence on Lutherans? Why were the German Lutherans so concerned about retaining the German language? Hear these stories and the history of the meetings leading up to the First Convention of The German Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and Other States.
Rev. Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for our nine-episode series on the History of the LCMS. Find more from Dr. Mackenzie at video.ctsfw.edu.
How can the arts, specifically music and rap, engage communities and reach people with the Gospel? Flame — Lutheran rap artist, author of Extra Nos: Discovering Grace outside Myself(available from CPH), and creative behind Extra Nos Academy, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about rap as art, art in outreach to engage communities, what he's been working on and upcoming projects, Extra Nos Conferences, and the value he sees in equipping laity to understand great Biblical doctrine. (Plus, hear his answers to our Lightning Round!) Find Flame's book at books.cph.org/extra-nos and find Extra Nos Academy at extranosacademy.com.
What is Luther's advice for managing behaviors associated with mental health?
Stephen M. Saunders, PhD, Schneider Endowed Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Marquette University, and author of Martin Luther on Mental Health: Practical Advice for Christians Todayavailable from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy, Sarah, and guest co-host Deaconess Tiffany Manor to talk about Luther's advice for behavior, Luther's understanding of Anfechtung, how Anfechtung is different from mental illness, and Luther's personal experience with Anfechtung.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9:00 a.m. CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
Disclaimer: Dr. Saunders is a professional clinical psychologist and is very pleased to offer ideas and suggestions about mental health and mental health problems on these shows. However, one of the most important pieces of advice Dr. Saunders frequently gives is to get professional help when you need it. Nothing said on these shows should be taken as therapy or treatment or as a substitute for personal consultation with a professional.
How do faithful Lutheran school leaders encourage children to pursue church work? Thomas Wrege, Principal of Zion Lutheran Church & School in Georgetown, TX, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about his journey from the military to Concordia Nebraska to Lutheran education, how the military prepared him for service in the church, how he sees faithful Lutheran school leaders encouraging children to consider church work vocations, how his relationship with students resulted in some of them considering a church work vocation, and how we form and recruit Lutheran school principals. Learn more about the Lutheran Education Association (LEA) at lea.org.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
What was life like as a pastor's kid during LCMS Black Ministry from 1927-1977? Mrs. Cheri Laurent Blair joins Andy and Sarah to share her personal family history of LCMS Black Ministry, including her family's story, her father's service to the church, where her father trained to become a pastor, her memories of how her father cared for his congregation, and more stories from her childhood.
Resources in this series:
- LCMS Black Ministry lcms.org/how-we-serve/national/black-ministry
- Roses and Thorns by Dr. Richard C. Dickenson cph.org/roses-and-thorns-black-lutheran-centennial
- Recommended reading from LCMS Black Ministry lcms.org/how-we-serve/national/black-ministry/recommended-reading
How did Lutheranism settle on the American frontier, and what was the religious culture like in those remote areas? What was the relationship between the Lutheran missionaries and Native Americans on the frontier? Hear these stories and the influence of men like Friedrich August Craemer and Wilhelm Sihler on the frontier Lutheran churches and the formation of Lutheran church bodies and seminaries.
Find the Lutheran Ladies’ Lounge podcast episode about Dorothea Craemer at kfuo.org/2021/04/09/lutheran-ladies-lounge-episode-080-story-time-with-sarah-dorothea-craemer-goes-to-america.
Rev. Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for our nine-episode series on the History of the LCMS. Find more from Dr. Mackenzie at video.ctsfw.edu.
What can humans do that artificial intelligence will never be able to do? Why should we care? Dr. Robert Marks — Distinguished Professor at Baylor University, Director of Discovery’s Walter Bradley Center for Natural & Artificial Intelligence, and author of Non-Computable You: What You Do Artificial Intelligence Never Will, and Dr. Elisabeth Bennett — Associate Professor and Director of the Master of Science in Leadership for the Haab School of Business at Concordia University Wisconsin, join Andy and Sarah to talk about what sparked Dr. Marks' interest in design and AI that led to a full career in research and academia in this field, how AI has become useful to the average person and business, what humans do that AI never will, and the upcoming leadership conference at Concordia Unversity Wisconsin that will provide opportunities to learn more about human-centered leadership in the time of artificial intelligence. Find registration information for the Ignite & Inspire Leadership Conference at learn.cuw.edu
Dr. Marks’ books:
- Non-Computable You: What You Do Artificial Intelligence Never Will
- For a Greater Purpose
- Minding the Brain
What was the state of medicine and mental health care during the Renaissance Era and the time of Martin Luther? Stephen M. Saunders, PhD, Schneider Endowed Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Marquette University, and author of Martin Luther on Mental Health: Practical Advice for Christians Todayavailable from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy, Sarah, and guest co-host Deaconess Tiffany Manor to talk about how he first learned about Martin Luther’s experience with mental health problems, the understanding of medicine and mental health care during the Renaissance Era and the time of Luther, how mental illnesses typically were treated by physicians or other caregivers in this era, and how Martin Luther cared for souls with mental health problems and mental illness.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9:00 a.m. CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
Disclaimer: Dr. Saunders is a professional clinical psychologist and is very pleased to offer ideas and suggestions about mental health and mental health problems on these shows. However, one of the most important pieces of advice Dr. Saunders frequently gives is to get professional help when you need it. Nothing said on these shows should be taken as therapy or treatment or as a substitute for personal consultation with a professional.
It's soup season, so we're having a Live Soup-er Bowl Social! Mike Broberg, Administrator of Residential Services at Concordia Seminary in St Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Concordia Seminary Food Bank, how this service helps seminary students and their families, and how people can support the Food Bank. Call 314-505-7029, email Foodbank@csl.edu, and visit csl.edu/campus-life/food-bank to learn more.
What did the first 50 years of LCMS Black Ministry look like, from 1877-1927? Rev. Dr. James McDaniels, serving St. Luke Lutheran Church in High Point, North Carolina, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Lutheran Synodical Conference's work in evangelization, some important figures in the early work of missionary work to Black Americans, Black Lutheran congregations that flourished in North Carolina and other areas, how Black professional church workers were raised up, some challenges of this work, and the joyful outcome of this work.
Resources in this episode:
- LCMS Black Ministry lcms.org/how-we-serve/national/black-ministry
- Concordia Seminary's post about Marmaduke Carter facebook.com/ConcordiaSem/posts/948333803689601
- Roses and Thorns by Dr. Richard C. Dickenson cph.org/roses-and-thorns-black-lutheran-centennial
- Recommended reading from LCMS Black Ministry lcms.org/how-we-serve/national/black-ministry/recommended-reading
What role did Frederick Wyneken and August Craemer play in Lutherans settling in Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan? Hear about these settlements, how Wyneken and Wilhelm Loehe partnered to send more German missionaries to America, and what happened with the Lutherans who remained in the German states. Find the Lutheran Ladies' Lounge podcast episode about Dorothea Craemer at kfuo.org/2021/04/09/lutheran-ladies-lounge-episode-080-story-time-with-sarah-dorothea-craemer-goes-to-america.
Rev. Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for our nine-episode series on the History of the LCMS. Find more from Dr. Mackenzie at video.ctsfw.edu.
The February issue of the Lutheran Witness explores a broken community. Peter summons Christians to gather as a holy community — consecrated by and set apart for the One who alone is holy, God the Holy Trinity. Whenever Christians fall short of this calling, they inevitably revert to “the passions of [their] former ignorance” (1 Peter 1:14) and “the futile ways inherited from [their] forefathers” (1 Peter 1:18), whether the Gentile proclivity for idolatry and licentiousness or the Jewish inclination toward self-righteousness. Peter wisely guides us away from both antinomianism and legalism by upholding both Law and Gospel as God’s unchanging Word for humanity. He proclaims our redemption from sin by the blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:18–19) while urging sober-mindedness and reverent conduct (1 Peter 1:13, 17). In fact, believers can receive Peter’s quotation of Leviticus 11:44, “You shall be holy, for I am holy” (1 PETER 1:16), as both a command and promise: He will make us holy by His Word, so we must always “be holy in all [our] conduct” (1 Peter 1:15).
Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the February 2024 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "A Holy Community" on 1 Peter 1:13–21. This year, "Searching Scripture" is themed "Elect Exiles" and will walk through the First Epistle of St. Peter. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
1 Peter 1:13–21Called to Be Holy13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action,[a] and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 17 And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, 18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 20 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you 21 who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.
Read full chapter
Footnotes1. 1 Peter 1:13 Greek girding up the loins of your mind
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org
What do we do with the stigma and shame around mental health problems? Stephen M. Saunders, PhD, Schneider Endowed Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Marquette University, and author of Martin Luther on Mental Health: Practical Advice for Christians Todayavailable from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy, Sarah, and guest co-host Deaconess Tiffany Manor to talk about what has led to stigma and shame around mental health problems, why we struggle with shame, and how we can understand mental illness and mental health problems.
If you or someone you know struggles with self-harm, call or text the suicide prevention hotline at 988. Help is available, and you are not alone.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9:00 a.m. CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
Disclaimer: Dr. Saunders is a professional clinical psychologist and is very pleased to offer ideas and suggestions about mental health and mental health problems on these shows. However, one of the most important pieces of advice Dr. Saunders frequently gives is to get professional help when you need it. Nothing said on these shows should be taken as therapy or treatment or as a substitute for personal consultation with a professional.
How do men from various backgrounds become LCMS pastors? Rev. Harrison Goodman, Content Executive for Higher Things, and Rev. Randy Sturzenbecher, Vice President of Higher Things, join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about their paths to the pastoral ministry, how pastors serve in many and various ways in the church, who encouraged them to become pastors, and how Higher Things encourages youth to consider church work through their conferences and large amount of other resources. Learn more about Higher Things at higherthings.org.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
What's it like to be a writer, and what can we learn from Lutheran writers? Presenters from this year's Texas Lutheran Writers Roundup join Andy and Sarah to talk about their presentations and what people will learn at this year's event. Learn more about the Texas Lutheran Writers Roundup, including how you can attend if you're in Central Texas, at facebook.com/events/1121263108907395.
Today's guest lineup:
- Sarah Baughman is the author of A Flame in the Dark (available from CPH). Find Sarah at sarahbaughman.org.
- Christina Hergenrader is the author of Inspired by the Holy Spirit: Four Habits for Faithful Living (available from CPH). Find Christina at christinahergenrader.com.
- Rev. Dr. Brian Kachelmeier is the author of Reading Isaiah with Luther(available from CPH). Find this book on CPH FaithCourses at youtube.com/watch?v=QAOPUOsLVKU.
- Rev. Dr. Christopher Kennedy is the author of Jesus Said What? (available from CPH).
- Ruth Meyer is the author of N for Nativity (available from CPH). Find Ruth at Ruthmeyerbooks.com.
- Donna Snow is the author of Meant for Good: a Study of Joseph (available from CPH). Find Donna at artesianministries.org.
Out of any place the Saxons could have settled in America, why did they choose Missouri? Hear about their journey, C.F.W. Walther's role in settling Lutherans in both St. Louis and Perry County, and the fallout from Martin Stephan's dramatic story with the Saxon immigrants. Find the Lutheran Ladies' Lounge episode on C.F.W Walther's wife Emilie at kfuo.org/2020/09/11/lutheran-ladies-lounge-episode-050-story-time-with-sarah-walthers-wife-emilie.
Rev. Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for our nine-episode series on the History of the LCMS. Find more from Dr. Mackenzie at video.ctsfw.edu.
Kay Meyer, Founder and Director of Family Shield Ministries, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how Family Shield Ministries began, how they have served families throughout the history of the organization, and the work of Family Shield Ministries today. Learn more about Family Shield Ministries at familyshieldministries.com.
How are thoughts, emotions, and behaviors related to mental health, and how are these affected by social media? Stephen M. Saunders, PhD, Schneider Endowed Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Marquette University, and author of Martin Luther on Mental Health: Practical Advice for Christians Todayavailable from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and guest co-host Deaconess Tiffany Manor to talk about how mental health is related to emotions and behaviors, how social media affects our mental health, unique things about social media that may contribute to mental health problems in adolescents and young adults, and some practical advice for parents and others who care for youth and young adults.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9:00 a.m. CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
Disclaimer: Dr. Saunders is a professional clinical psychologist and is very pleased to offer ideas and suggestions about mental health and mental health problems on these shows. However, one of the most important pieces of advice Dr. Saunders frequently gives is to get professional help when you need it. Nothing said on these shows should be taken as therapy or treatment or as a substitute for personal consultation with a professional.
How does a love of languages serve future church workers? Rev. Joshua Hayes, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer, KS, editor of Johann Gerhard’s Theological Commonplaces (available from CPH), and a contributing translator to the American Edition of Luther’s Works, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about his story of considering and becoming a pastor, the challenges and joys in his journey, his love of languages, what a day in the life of a pastor looks like, and how he and his congregation encourages and forms youth and adults in the Christian faith and to consider a church work vocation.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
What happens at the National March for Life and how has it changed since the Dobbs decision in 2022? Deaconess Dr. Tiffany Manor, LCMS Director of Life Ministry, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the 2024 National March for Life, the long list of events surrounding the March, how state Marches have become more significant in the last few years, and LCMS resources that are available for congregations and groups interested in supporting life in their states and communities. Learn more about LCMS Life Ministry and the state Marches at lcmslife.org and find information on the Million Dollar Life Match grants at lcms.org/serve/grants/life-grant.
What's the rest of the story about Martin Stephan? How did his actions affect the Saxons in Perry County? Hear about his dramatic exit from the Lutheran community as well as the journey of the Saxons into their new homeland.
Rev. Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for our nine-episode series on the History of the LCMS. Find more from Dr. Mackenzie at video.ctsfw.edu.
Robert Lunak, Superintendent of Lutheran Neighborhood Schools in the LCMS South Wisconsin District, joins Andy to talk about Lutheran education in South Wisconsin, what makes Lutheran Neighborhood Schools different, how this creative model will benefit students, and how our tradition of excellence in Lutheran education continues in this unique educational experience. Learn more about Lutheran Neighborhood Schools at mylns.org.
This program originally aired October 19, 2023.
What are some risk factors for mental illness, and how are mental illnesses different in adolescents and young adults? Stephen M. Saunders, PhD, Schneider Endowed Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Marquette University, and author of Martin Luther on Mental Health: Practical Advice for Christians Todayavailable from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and guest co-host Deaconess Tiffany Manor to talk about risk factors for mental illness, how mental illness present differently in young people, and how mental health problems have increased over the last 13 years.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9:00 a.m. CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
Disclaimer: Dr. Saunders is a professional clinical psychologist and is very pleased to offer ideas and suggestions about mental health and mental health problems on these shows. However, one of the most important pieces of advice Dr. Saunders frequently gives is to get professional help when you need it. Nothing said on these shows should be taken as therapy or treatment or as a substitute for personal consultation with a professional.
Why is it important for parents to teach their children the faith, immerse them in God's Word in the home, and bring them faithfully to church? Allison and Michael Zeller, Members of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Fenton MO, join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about how they were formed in the faith and why it is important to teach their children the faith, what they do at home to teach the faith, how they see their roles in teaching their children the faith, and why it's important for them to bring their children to the Divine Service and Sunday school.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Do you love creating and posting social media, keeping websites up to date, and diving into digital content? We're hiring a Digital Media Associate! Derek Olsen, Human Resources Specialist with The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the role of social media in what we do at KFUO Radio, what the new Digital Media Associate will do at KFUO Radio as part of Sarah's team, and the benefits of working at the LCMS International Center. Find the job posting and apply at kfuo.org/careers.
How were Rationalism and Unionism affecting the Lutheran church in Germany, and who was reacting in Saxony? We meet Martin Stephan and C.F.W. Walther, two significant characters in the story as Lutherans settle in Perry County, MO. How did Stephan become the leader, and what drama did he begin to have within the group?
Rev. Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for our nine-episode series on the History of the LCMS. Find more from Dr. Mackenzie at video.ctsfw.edu.
What's it like to plant churches and serve people on the mission field in Uruguay? Rev. James, Angela, and Maggie Sharp, serving the Lord in Uruguay, join Sarah to talk about how the Lutheran congregations have grown across Uruguay over their time on the field, what it's like to be back in America for home service, and the short term mission opportunities in Uruguay. Learn more about the Sharp family and how to support their work at lcms.org/sharp,sharpmission.org, and facebook.com/sharpmission.
What does Martin Luther say about Mental Health, and how does it apply today? Stephen M. Saunders, PhD, Schneider Endowed Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Marquette University, and author of Martin Luther on Mental Health: Practical Advice for Christians Todayavailable from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and guest co-host Deaconess Tiffany Manor to talk about how he serves as a mental health professional, why it was important to him to write about Martin Luther on Mental Health, and the difference between mental illness and a mental health struggle.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9:00 a.m. CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
Disclaimer: Dr. Saunders is a professional clinical psychologist and is very pleased to offer ideas and suggestions about mental health and mental health problems on these shows. However, one of the most important pieces of advice Dr. Saunders frequently gives is to get professional help when you need it. Nothing said on these shows should be taken as therapy or treatment or as a substitute for personal consultation with a professional.
How do cantors use church music to teach children the faith and form future church workers? Jonathan Rudy, Cantor at Grace Lutheran Church in Clarksville, TN, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about the influence of Grace Lutheran’s music program on forming and recruiting church workers in the LCMS, how Lutheran liturgy and hymnody contribute to children loving being in the church, and his role in the Mid-South District Set Apart to Serve church work recruitment committee and collaboration with SAS.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Summer camp provides unique opportunities for campers and staff alike! Keith Peters — Director of Summer and Youth Ministry at Camp Lutherhaven in Albion, Indiana, and Derrick "Rocky" Minnick — Ministry Impact Worker at Camp Lutherhaven, join Andy and Sarah to talk about their memories of time at camp, how camp experiences impact kids and teens, the outlook for staff this summer at NLOMA Camps, and how to apply to work at camp this summer. Learn more and apply at nloma.org.
We embark on the epic story that is the creation of The Lutheran Church—Missouri. In this episode, we begin in mid-1800s Saxony and Prussia, focusing on the Prussian Union. What prompted the immigration from Saxony to the United States in the mid-1800s? What are rationalism and unionism, and how did these deeply affect Lutherans in the German states?
Rev. Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for our nine-episode series on the History of the LCMS. Find more from Dr. Mackenzie at video.ctsfw.edu.
How can Lutheran congregations support military service members and veterans through Operation Barnabas? Jill Tendler — Operation Barnabas volunteer at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Eureka, MO, and Lee Hinton — Administrative Coordinator for LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces, join Andy and Sarah to talk about Jill's military family story, why Operation Barnabas is important to her, and how small actions make a huge difference for veterans and military families. Learn more at 314-996-1337 andlcms.org/ministry-to-the-armed-forces/operation-barnabas.
Photo: Jill's Father's New Testament (mentioned in the episode) that saved his life.
Every four years in the USA, the presidential campaign preoccupies our populace, culminating in the November election of the next “president elect.” But for Christians, whose “kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36), the most important “election” has been made by God and revealed in our Baptism into Christ: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9). As God’s “elect exiles” (1 Peter 1:1) during our pilgrimage through a sinful world on the way to our heavenly home, the First Epistle of St. Peter is a wonderful guide for our life together in Christian communities today under “the Shepherd and Overseer” (1 Peter 2:25) of our souls.
Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the January 2024 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "A Community of Exiles" on 1 Peter 1:1-12. This year, "Searching Scripture" is themed "Elect Exiles" and will walk through the First Epistle of St. Peter. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
1 Peter 1:1–12Greeting1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,
To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood:
May grace and peace be multiplied to you.
Born Again to a Living Hope3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, 11 inquiring what person or time[a] the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. 12 It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.
Read full chapter
Footnotes1. 1 Peter 1:11 Or what time or circumstances
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org
Rev. James and Deaconess Christel Neuendorf, who serve the Lord in Puerto Rico, join Andy and Sarah to talk about some history and trivia about where they live and serve in Puerto Rico, how Advent and Christmas is observed in their churches and communities, how seriously Puerto Ricans take Christmas (hint: a lot), some of the local traditions, and their own family traditions. Learn more about the Neuendorfs and how to support their work at lcms.org/neuendorf.
Joyce Erber, who serves the Lord in Accra, Ghana, with her husband Rev. David Erber, joins Sarah to talk about the Lutheran Women's group she serves with in Ghana, how this group serves the community around them, how Advent and Christmas is observed in West Africa, and their own family traditions for Christmas. Learn more about the Erbers and how to support their work at lcms.org/erber.
Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard, pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Minot, ND, and author of Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up? available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah in our series on the Sundays in Advent to talk about the Gospel Reading for the Fourth Sunday in Advent. Why did the Jew ask who John was, and why did the Pharisees care? Are there different kinds of Baptism? What does John mean when he talks about the Lamb of God?
John 1:19-29The Testimony of John the Baptist19 And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” 20 He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” 21 And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.” 22 So they said to him, “Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” 23 He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight[a] the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.”
24 (Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.) 25 They asked him, “Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” 26 John answered them, “I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know, 27 even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.” 28 These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
Behold, the Lamb of God29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
Read full chapter
Footnotes1. John 1:23 Or crying out, ‘In the wilderness make straight
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org
Rev. Brian Hamer, active duty Navy Chaplain and author of the Lifted Voice column in Around the Word: Theology for the Curious Christian, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Luther's first Christmas hymn, "We Praise You, Jesus, at Your Birth" (Lutheran Service Book 382), including Martin Luther as a hymn writer, Luther's theology of music, how this hymn describes Christ's incarnation, and how our sung confession is incarnational, not "attractional."
Deaconess Kim Bueltmann, serving the Lord in Germany, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Weihnachten (Christmas) in Deutschland (Germany), including some history about Leipzig and Chemnitz where she lives and works, how Advent and Christmas are observed in Germany, what Christkindlesmarkts are like in Germany, how the influx of refugees has shaped the local traditions how Bach is a part of local traditions, and traditional Christmas foods. Learn more about Deaconess Kim and how to support her work at lcms.org/bueltmann.
Chaplain Steven Hokana — Assistant Director of LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces, and Lee Hinton — Administrative Coordinator for LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces, join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about their own time in the armed forces, how they became interested in military service, what deployment is like, how Christmas is observed during deployment, how Chaplains made an incredible difference while deployed, and the path to becoming an LCMS Chaplain in the Armed Forces. Learn more about LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces at lcms.org/armedforces.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Let's sing Christmas Carols! Friends from the International Center Rev. Doug Griebenaw, Katie Rickords, Prince Solomon, Rev. Sean Daenzer, Deaconess Cara Patton, Anne Gonzalez, Courtney Zalmonoff, Peter Slayton, and Aubrey Blank join us live in studio to sing some of our favorite carols. Sing along in your Lutheran Service Book! View the caroling live on Facebook at facebook.com/KFUORadio/videos/371244222228616.
Rev. Peter Ill, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Corinthians 14:1-25.
Keeping in mind the most excellent way that is love, St. Paul instructs the Corinthians concerning their use of prophecy and speaking in tongues. He holds up prophecy as the more helpful gift, because prophecy builds up the entire church, while speaking miraculously in a known foreign language benefits only the individual, unless someone translates. As the Corinthians seek to use the gifts bestowed by the Spirit within their public worship services, they should consider how they can benefit the whole congregation. If an outsider witnessed the foreign languages, the scene would appear only to be confusion and only add to his judgment. However, prophecy would serve to proclaim the Word of God that would bring the unbeliever to repentance and faith in Christ.
“Nothing But Christ Crucified” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the epistle of 1 Corinthians. In response to correspondence from the Christians in Corinth and reports about matters arising in the congregation, St. Paul writes to address various matters of Christian faith and life. Throughout it all, he directs our attention to the power and wisdom of God for our salvation: Christ crucified.
Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard, pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Minot, ND, and author of Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up? available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah in our series on the Sundays in Advent to talk about the Gospel Reading for the Third Sunday in Advent. Why is John the Baptist so important in Advent? Why does Jesus ask questions when He already knows the answers? What do all of these miracles mean?
Matthew 11:2-102 Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples 3 and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” 4 And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers[a] are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. 6 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”
7 As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 What then did you go out to see? A man[b] dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. 9 What then did you go out to see? A prophet?[c] Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is he of whom it is written,
“‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
who will prepare your way before you.’
Read full chapter
Footnotes1. Matthew 11:5 Leprosy was a term for several skin diseases; see Leviticus 13 2. Matthew 11:8 Or Why then did you go out? To see a man… 3. Matthew 11:9 Some manuscripts Why then did you go out? To see a prophet?
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org
Steven Wolters, KFUO Radio listener and donor, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about when he first began listening to KFUO Radio, how it became a regular practice for him and his son, how our programs him help him in his daily vocations, and how listening to KFUO Radio has made a difference for his family. If you'd like to become a supporter like Steven, visit kfuo.org/give.
Deaconess Carol Halter, serving the Lord as an evangelistic missionary among the Chinese people in Hong Kong since 1981, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what she's experienced over her many years on the mission field in Hong Kong, the culture where she serves, the ways she can share Jesus' love to the people in Hong Kong, and her experience working in the Cantonese language. Learn more about Deaconess Halter and how to support her work at lcms.org/halter.
Deaconess Amy Rast — Associate Director of Deaconess Formation at Concordia Theological Seminary Fort Wayne, Deaconess Dr. Gillian M. Bond — Director of Deaconess Studies at Concordia Seminary St. Louis, and Deaconess Kristin Wassilak — Program Leader for Deaconess Studies and Interim Dean of the College of Theology, Arts & Humanities at Concordia University Chicago, join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about their journeys to serving as Deaconesses, how they've been able to serve in unique ways as Deaconesses, and wisdom for women considering diaconal formation. Learn more about these respective programs at ctsfw.edu, csl.edu, and cuchicago.edu.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Dr. Jeff Held, Assistant Dean of Music and Artistic Director of the Concordia PBS Broadcast at Concordia University Irvine (CUI), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the annual Christmas festivities with the arts at CUI, the preparations for the annual PBS Christmas Concert broadcast, the music that listeners will experience, and how this broadcast fits into the arts programs at CUI. Find details and local PBS broadcast details at cui.edu/Christmas.
Jennifer Nitchman, flutist with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the upcoming Christmas celebrations happening with the St. Louis Symphony, including the Gospel Christmas Concert, Mercy Holiday Celebration, two film scores (with films!), and the New Year's Eve Celebration. Find details for all of these events at slso.org or call the Box Office at (314) 534-1700.
Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard, pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Minot, ND, and author of Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up? available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah in our series on the Sundays in Advent to talk about the Gospel Reading for the Second Sunday in Advent. Why does Jesus keep talking about fig trees? What will the Second Coming be like? How does this story connect to Old Testament Prophecies?
Luke 21:25-36The Coming of the Son of Man25 “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, 26 people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
The Lesson of the Fig Tree29 And he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. 31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
Watch Yourselves34 “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. 35 For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
Read full chapter
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org
Rev. Anthony Oliphant, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Elmhurst, IL, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the December 2023 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "Grace Be With You" on Philippians 4:8-23. This is the final "Searching Scripture" feature for 2023 on the book of Philippians. Stay tuned for a new study in 2024 to follow along and search Scripture with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Philippians 4:8-238 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned[a] and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
God's Provision10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
14 Yet it was kind of you to share[b] my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.[c] 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Final Greetings21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar's household.
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
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Footnotes1. Philippians 4:9 Or these things—9which things you have also learned 2. Philippians 4:14 Or have fellowship in 3. Philippians 4:17 Or I seek the profit that accrues to your account
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org
Kantor Matthew Gerhardt at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church & School in Des Peres, MO, our KFUO Radio Church of the Week, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the place of music in congregational life at St. Paul’s Des Peres, how the service of Lessons and Carols has become a tradition at St. Paul’s, what happens in Lessons and Carols, and what we can look forward to in this year’s Lessons and Carols on December 9 and 10. Find more details at stpaulsdesperes.org/news/seasonal-services.
Saturday, December 9, 5:00pm | Sunday, December 10, 4:00pm
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 12345 Manchester Road, Des Peres, MO (Corner of Manchester and Ballas Roads, Across from West County Shopping Center)
stpaulsdesperes.org/music
Music included in this episode:
- Elizabeth Poston (1905-1987) - “Jesus Christ the Apple Tree” - Listen on YouTube
- John Gardner (1917-2011) - “Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day” - Listen on YouTube
- George Frederick Handel (1685-1759) - “And the Glory” - Messiah - Listen on YouTube
- Carl Schalk (1929-2021) - “Where Shepherds Lately Knelt” - Listen on YouTube
- Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) - Fantasia on Christmas Carols - Listen on YouTube
The Rev. Dr. Cory J. Rajek — Regional Director for Eurasia Region in Riga, Latvia, and the Rev. Charles Ferry — Regional Director for Asia Region, Chiayi, Taiwan, join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about their very different journeys into pastoral ministry, how they each considered serving as a missionary, their journeys to the mission field, how missionaries serve in their respective regions, the challenges missionaries face today, and first steps for someone considering serving on the mission field.
Read Dr. Rajek's story and how to support his work at lcms.org/rajek. Read Rev. Ferry's story about how to support his work at lcms.org/ferry.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Rev. Dr. Matthew Heise, Executive Director of Lutheran Heritage Foundation, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about challenges faced by church and organization partners around the world to distribute God's Word, how digital media is creating new opportunities to spread God's Word around the globe, and resources in Haiti, Sudan/South Sudan, Mayan language in Mexico, Finland, Africa, and Chinese books in Sibera. Learn more about all of these projects and more at lhfmissions.org.
Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard, pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Minot, ND, and author of Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up? available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah in our series on the Sundays in Advent to talk about the Gospel Reading for the First Sunday in Advent. What does Advent even mean? Why are we reading about Palm Sunday in Advent? What does it mean that Jesus arrives on a donkey?
Matthew 21:1-9The Triumphal Entry21 Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.” 4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying,
5 “Say to the daughter of Zion,
‘Behold, your king is coming to you,
humble, and mounted on a donkey,
on a colt,[a] the foal of a beast of burden.’”
6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. 8 Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”
Read full chapter
Footnotes1. Matthew 21:5 Or donkey, and on a colt
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org
Sharon Delmore from Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Chesterfield, MO, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about this year's Return to the Manger event on December 2 & 3, including some highlights from last year's event, how the story of the nativity is expressed in this event, and how visual and immersive artistic programs are an important part of the outreach of Lord of Life Lutheran Church. Learn more and reserve your seats at lordoflifelcms.org/dec-2-3-2023-return-to-the-manger.
Trish Erzfeld, tourism director with Perry County Heritage Tourism, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what's unique about the history of Perry County and surrounding communities, a brief history of the Christmas Country Church Tour, some of the sights and sounds and tastes people will experience on the Christmas Country Church Tour, and some of the most interesting places on the tour. Find details and download your tour map at visitperrycounty.com/christmas-country-church-tour.
Signe White — Executive Director of Camp Perkins and National Lutheran Outdoors Ministry Association (NLOMA) Joint Recruitment Chair, and Chase "Telli" Crawford, former Summer Camp counselor and current Camp Perkins staff member, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how camp is a formative experience for youth, Telli's story of camp and how it shaped how she wants to serve in the future, how young adults serve at camp, and what positions are available for summer 2024. Learn more about NLOMA and camp employment opportunities at nloma.org.
Rear Admiral Gregory N. Todd — Navy Chaplain and 28th Chief of Navy Chaplains, and Rev. James Hopkins — Navy Chaplain, join Andy and guest co-host Jordan Harms from the LCMS National Convention for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about their paths to becoming Navy Chaplains, the need for chaplains today, the most challenging and rewarding parts of serving as chaplains, and how others can serve as Navy Chaplains. Learn more about LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces at lcms.org/armedforces.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
This program originally aired August 4, 2023.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Rev. Peter Bender, Director of the Concordia Catechetical Academy, and Rev. Dr. Al Espinosa, member of the board of directors for the Concordia Catechetical Academy, join Andy and Sarah to talk about what catechesis is, what the Catechism is, why catechesis is important, how the Concordia Catechetical Academy began, how the Concordia Catechetical Academy serves the church at large, and how the status as a Recognized Service Organization will help them better carry out this faithful work. Find the Concordia Catechetical Academy at peacesussex.org/cca.
This program originally aired September 19, 2023.
Benjamin Kolodziej, Church Organist and Musicologist, joins Andy and Sarah for our series on the first 100 years of LCMS Music History to talk about the creation of The Lutheran Hymnal, the move from German to English in the LCMS, and the key people during these years of music in the LCMS.
Benjamin and Rebecca Helge, who serve the Lord in the Eurasia region based in the Czech Republic, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the communities where they serve, what's unique about the culture in these communities, the needs they meet and how they serve the community, the people they serve alongside, the relationship with the Lutheran church in the Czech Republic, and how they celebrate Advent and Christmas. Read their story and how to support their work at lcms.org/helge.
Christina Stackle, DCE at Peace Lutheran Church in St Louis, our Church of the Week, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the history of Peace Lutheran Church, special Advent and Christmas services at Peace, the Tree Lot, and the Boar's Head Festival. Find details for all of these events at peacelutheranstl.org.
Deaconess Dr. Tiffany Manor — Managing Director for Human Care and Ministerial Support and Director of Life Ministry with the LCMS Office of National Mission, and Rev. Ken Krueger — Vice President and Chief Customer Officer for Concordia Plans, join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about how each of them became church workers, why worker wellness is important to them, what worker wellness and the wellness wheel are, how the Synod is addressing worker wellness, and how different ministries across Synod work together to ensure worker wellness. Learn more about Church Worker Wellness at lcms.org/wellness and Concordia Plans at concordiaplans.org.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Randy Ronning and Leah Sallach, LCMS Servant Event Planners, and Rev. Mark Kiessling, Director of LCMS Youth Ministry, join Andy and Sarah to talk about what LCMS Servant Events accomplish every year, why they love Servant Events, what experiences participants have at these events that are unique and life-changing, and what to know about 2024 Servant Events.
2024 LCMS Servant Events | Now Available!
Service opportunities provide young people with the chance to grow in their God-given gifts and show them how their skills can be used both in church work and in roles outside the church. LCMS Servant Events across the country are now open for summer 2024. Find a servant event for your group by clicking below, and find out more about LCMS Servant Events at lcms.org/servantevents.
Benjamin Kolodziej, Church Organist and Musicologist, joins Andy and Sarah for our series on the first 100 years of LCMS Music History to talk about interesting historical characters from 1860-1920, how Lutheran church music was being influenced during the turn of the century, and how global events influenced many things in the Lutheran church. Find the YouTube video mentioned at Order of the Holy Communion, Lutheran Church Missouri Synod 1941.
Dick Gast —President of Southern California Lutheran Layman League and General Chairman of the Lutheran Hour Float Committee, and Lynn Gast — Chair of Petal Pushers, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how Petal Pushers began and what they do with the Lutheran Hour Ministries float in the annual Rose Parade, some of the more memorable floats they've been a part of, how the floats are decorated (which might surprise you!), what happens throughout the year as they build the float, and how to volunteer your time as a float decorator. Learn more about how to volunteer as a float decorator or to support the work of the Petal Pushers at shop.petalpushers.org.
Deaconess Kim Bueltmann, serving the Lord in Germany, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Leipzig and Chemnitz communities where she lives and serves in Germany, how these communities have changed since she first began serving in Germany, the challenges of Lutheran theological resources in Farsi, translating hymns and prayers into Farsi, and how she's seen the Lord at work in His Word and Sacraments in the congregations she serves. Read Kim's story and how to support her work at lcms.org/bueltmann and facebook.com/DeaconessKim.
Rev. Joel Fritsche — Director of Vicarage and Deaconess Internships and Assistant Professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary in St Louis, and Dr. Todd Peperkorn — Director of Vicarage and Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry and Missions at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, join Andy for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about their journeys into pastoral ministry, what vicarage is and how it was an important part of their formations, what they want students to gain in their vicarage experiences, what they consider when coordinating vicarages for current pastoral formation students, what factors affect vicarage placement, the relationship of the vicar to his pastoral supervisor, and important things for a congregation to understand when requesting a vicar.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Rev. Rick Jones, Vice President—Spiritual Life at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the reality that some youth face today regarding trauma and mental health/illness, the services offered through Dakota Ranch, what sets Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch apart from other residential treatment centers, what it looks like to care for the whole person, and stories of how Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch has made a difference for youth. Learn more about Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch and the unique ways you can support their ministry at dakotaranch.org.
Benjamin Kolodziej, Church Organist and Musicologist, joins Andy and Sarah for our series on the first 100 years of LCMS Music History to talk about the research he's doing into LCMS Church Music from 1847-1947, what he's been learning, how good church music is relevant to us in our daily lives, and some interesting things about the time period 1847-1860.
Deaconess Lorraine Roach, LCMS Ukraine Project Consultant, joins Andy and Sarah to give an update on the LCMS Ukraine Refugee Grant Program, including the need for U.S. sponsors for Ukrainian refugees, how the LCMS grants work for LCMS Congregations that welcome this opportunity to welcome new neighbors, how these grants have blessed refugees so far, and how congregations and RSOs can apply for these grants. Learn more and find the applications at lcms.org/serve/grants/ukraine-refugee-grant-program.
Rev. Warren Woerth, pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Arnold, MO, our Church of the Week for November 5-11, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how Good Shepherd serves the local community in Arnold, why Good Shepherd supports KFUO Radio, and the events coming up including the Veterans' Day Parade, Thanksgiving Day Service, Christmas Cookie Parade, and Advent & Christmas Services. Learn more about Good Shepherd Arnold at goodshepherdarnold.org.
Rev. Anthony Oliphant, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Elmhurst, IL, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the November 2023 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "Imitation of Christ" on Philippians 3:17–4:7. This year, "Searching Scripture" will study the book of Philippians, so stay tuned each month for a new Bible study. Follow along and search Scripture with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Philippians 3:17–4:717 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.
4 Therefore, my brothers,[a] whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.
Exhortation, Encouragement, and Prayer2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion,[b] help these women, who have labored[c] side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness[d] be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Footnotes1. Philippians 4:1 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 8, 21 2. Philippians 4:3 Or loyal Syzygus; Greek true yokefellow 3. Philippians 4:3 Or strived (see 1:27) 4. Philippians 4:5 Or gentleness
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org
Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard, pastor of St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Minot, ND, and author of Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up? available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about his upbringing in the Church, his journey into pastoral ministry, how he came from the Lutheran Brethren to the LCMS, the colloquy process to become an LCMS pastor, and how his experience with various Christian denominations helps him serve in his vocations as pastor and author.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
We're celebrating PIE on The Coffee Hour! Pastor Matt Clark, Senior Pastor of Ascension Lutheran Church in St. Louis and Co-host of Wrestling with the Basics on KFUO Radio, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about food in fellowship at church, why he loves pie so much, and if there's a right and wrong way to do pie. Olivia Tischler, Founder and Owner of Teleo Coffee in Kirkwood, MO, shares the story of Teleo Coffee (our coffee sponsor for the day), how Teleo serves the community, and her favorite coffee and pie pairings. We also play some pie trivia! Find Teleo at teleocoffee.com.
What's YOUR favorite pie?
Download the PDF Pi Day Activity Booklet at piecouncil.org.
Rev. Dr. Jamison Hardy — Bishop of the LCMS English District and author of Pastoral Leadership, Shepherding and Caring for God’s People available from Concordia Publishing House, and Deaconess Dorothy Krans — director of LCMS Recognized Service Organizations, join Andy and Sarah for our series on Leadership to talk about what they observe in group dynamics, the characteristics of healthy and unhealthy teams, how conflict and discord on councils and boards are a symptom of spiritual issues, how unhealthy teams can turn the ship around and thrive as a healthy team, and what great leadership of an executive or administrative team looks like.
Find Bishop Hardy's book from CPH at cph.org/pastoral-leadership-shepherding-and-caring-for-gods-people.
Find Dr. Kurt Senske's book from CPH at cph.org/the-ceo-and-the-board-the-art-of-nonprofit-governance-as-a-competitive-advantage.
Rev. Nabil S. Nour — a Palestinian Christian from Nazareth, Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Hartford, SD, and Fourth Vice President of the LCMS, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his heritage as a Palestinian Christian, his childhood in Israel, the history of the conflict between Palestine and Israel, how each group's understanding of land possession plays a role in this conflict, how we understand the Israel of the Scriptures and the nation-state of Israel established in 1948, what this conflict presents for an Arab Palestinian Christian from Israel living in the USA, and if there's a solution for this seeming unending conflict. Download Pastor's Nour's Bible Study by clicking here.
Rev. Brian Hamer, active duty Navy Chaplain and author of the Lifted Voice column in Around the Word: Theology for the Curious Christian, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Sacred Music for Child-Loss Month, including why sacred music is meaningful when addressing the topic of child loss, his encounter with the concept of the unborn Christ child, and three pieces of music that are especially helpful in this conversation.
These pieces are:
- James MacMillan: A Child's Prayer | Seattle Pro Musica youtu.be/tIgDUVUbOng?feature=shared
- Maurice Duruflé: Requiem, Op. 9: Kyrie youtu.be/cauEGSW73hg?feature=shared
- VOCES8: Nunc Dimittis - Paul Smith youtu.be/qwyqJoTmPCM?feature=shared
Read more from Chaplain Brian Hamer at whatdoesthismean.org/lifted-voice--brian-hamer.
Rev. Dr. Charles Gieschen — Provost and Professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary Fort Wayne, and Rev. Dr. Ronald Mudge — Provost and Chief Academic Officer and Professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary St. Louis, join Andy and guest co-host Rev. Dr. James Baneck for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about their journeys into church work, the various aspects of seminary life that shaped their individual pastoral formation, what has changed in pastoral formation and seminary life since their days in seminary, and the rigors of current seminary education.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Rev. Dr. John Bombaro, Associate Director of Eurasia for the LCMS and Chair of the Systematics Department for Luther Academy in Rīga, Latvia, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about today's age of Humanitarian ethics and the mission of Humanitarianism, how identity plays a role in this worldview, where we see these ethics at play today, and how to recognize and combat these ethics in our families and congregations.
Learn more about the Lutheran Church in Latvia, Dr. Bombaro's work with Luther Academy, and the LCMS Eurasia region at engage.lcms.org/latvia-spring-2021.
This program originally aired January 13, 2022.
Rev. Dr. Jamison Hardy, Bishop of the LCMS English District and author of Pastoral Leadership, Shepherding and Caring for God’s People available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah for our series on Leadership to talk about leadership as a means of pastoral care, including the relationship of pastoral duties (preaching, teaching, and administering the sacraments) to all other aspects of pastoral leadership, how leadership issues are related to spiritual issues, how pastoral leadership is stewarding the gifts entrusted to you, and how someone can become and remain a high-quality pastoral leader.
Find Bishop Hardy's book from CPH at cph.org/pastoral-leadership-shepherding-and-caring-for-gods-people.
Rev. Mark Kiessling — Director of LCMS Youth Ministry, Julianna Shults — Program Manager for LCMS Youth Ministry, and Meredith Smith — Communications Specialist for LCMS Youth Ministry, join Andy to talk about the 2025 LCMS Gathering theme Endure based on Hebrews 12:1-3. They discuss what happens in the four days that make up an LCMS Youth Gathering, why this is a valuable experience for LCMS youth and adults, and what attendees will experience in New Orleans on July 19–23, 2025!
Follow all things gathering at lcmsgathering.com, facebook.com/lcmsgathering, and instagram.com/lcmsgathering.
Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing, Professor of Theology & Ministry and Director of The Center for Biblical Studies at Concordia University St. Paul, joins Andy to talk about questions surrounding Israel’s role in God’s plan of salvation as the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict continues and intensifies. They discuss some modern-day misunderstandings we should address, how divergent methods of biblical interpretation play a role in our misunderstandings about modern-day Israel, what Premillennial-Dispensationalism is, whether there is a difference between the modern nation or land now known as Israel and the Israel we read about in the Old Testament, a proper biblical understanding of the land now known as Israel and Palestine, and how we can lovingly talk about this Truth with friends who believe that the nation-state of Israel is a sign of the end times.
Find the "Lutheran Response to The Left Behind Series" at files.lcms.org and the companion Bible study at files.lcms.org.
Robert Finch, pre-seminary student at Concordia University St. Paul, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about his journey to Lutheranism and Concordia St. Paul, how he discovered Lutheran doctrine, what he's learning in pre-seminary studies, why he loves learning Biblical languages, and how this program will prepare him for his next chapter at seminary. Learn more about the pre-seminary program and $0 tuition at Concordia St. Paul at csp.edu/program/pre-seminary.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Robert Lunak, Superintendent of Lutheran Neighborhood Schools in the LCMS South Wisconsin District, joins Andy to talk about Lutheran education in South Wisconsin, what makes Lutheran Neighborhood Schools different, how this creative model will benefit students, and how our tradition of excellence in Lutheran education continues in this unique educational experience. Learn more about Lutheran Neighborhood Schools at mylns.org.
Rev. Dr. Jamison Hardy, Bishop of the LCMS English District and author of Pastoral Leadership, Shepherding and Caring for God’s People available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah for our series on Leadership to talk about financial matters and why they're important as a pastor, including how one’s understanding of money is significant in leadership and mission, why it's not enough to only teach good biblical stewardship from the pulpit, some financial terms and concepts that a pastoral leader should know, how laziness or complacency to financial matters impacts the health of a congregation, and why the pastor should be involved in the budgeting process.
Find Bishop Hardy's book from CPH at cph.org/pastoral-leadership-shepherding-and-caring-for-gods-people.
Mike Fischer, Senior Gift Planning Advocate with LCMS Mission Advancement, and Mark Hofman, Executive Director of LCMS Mission Advancement, join Andy to talk about what LCMS Mission Advancement is and how it supports the LCMS, Why Mission Advancement offers and promotes gift planning, what the theme of “Blessed to Be a Blessing?” means for Mission Advancement, and how to learn more about gift planning. Learn more at giftplanning.lcms.org.
Crysten Sanchez, Events Executive for Higher Things, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Retreat in a Box and the 2024 "Who Am I" Conferences, including what comes in the Retreat in a Box and how congregations can use it, the theme for next summer's main conferences, who will be presenting at these conferences, and what these conferences on identity and vocation will teach youth and young adults. Find Retreat in a Box at higherthings.org/events/riab and 2024 Summer Conference information at higherthings.org/events/who-am-i-2024.
Dr. Russell Dawn, president of Concordia University Chicago (CUC), joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about his interesting path to becoming a church worker, how his varied background gives him perspective in leading a university and forming young people for service, CUC's role in preparing men and women for full-time church work, what sets the deaconess program apart from other programs, how to overcome distance when attending a university far away from home, and how CUC has partnered with Set Apart To Serve to raise up more church workers. Learn more about Concordia University Chicago at cuchicago.edu.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Karen Lanter, Executive Director of St. Louis Health Equipment Lending Program (HELP), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how St. Louis HELP has made a difference for individuals and families, how St. Louis HELP began and how it continues to meet the needs of the community, the upcoming Equipment Drive on Saturday October 21, and what to donate to this equipment drive. Learn more and find locations for the equipment drive at stlhelp.org.
Rev. Dr. Ross Johnson, Director of LCMS Disaster Response, joins Andy to talk about flooding in southern Brazil, including the LCMS's relationship to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Brazil (IELB), his visit to southern Brazil, the damaged caused by flooding and how it impacted the homes and communities of Lutherans, how the IELB is working to serve communities affected by floods, and how LCMS Disaster is supporting the IELB. Learn more about LCMS Disaster Response at lcms.org/disaster.
Rev. Dr. Jamison Hardy, Bishop of the LCMS English District and author of Pastoral Leadership, Shepherding and Caring for God’s People available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah for our series on Leadership to talk about uplifting others in their leadership positions, including why it's important to do this to be an effective leader, what we mean by "servant leadership," where we find examples of this in Scripture, the role recognition plays in raising up new leaders, and what it means to lead without a title.
Find Bishop Hardy's book from CPH at cph.org/pastoral-leadership-shepherding-and-caring-for-gods-people.
Aubrey Blank, KFUO Radio Intern, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why she was interested in serving as an intern at KFUO Radio, some of the skills she's gained so far, what's been most challenging and most enjoyable, and what she's hoping to gain from this experience.
Applications are open now for Spring 2024 internship opportunities. Apply at lcms.org/careers.
Rev. Ken Krueger, President and Chair of Ministry Focus, joins Sarah to talk about the investment and cost of the education to become a rostered church worker, how debt can become a distraction for pastors and other called workers, how MinistryFOCUS addresses this challenge, who supports this ministry, and who is eligible for support. Learn more and apply at ministryfocus.org.
Kay Berry and Julia Petrovic — volunteer team leaders for short-term mission trips, Erin Mackenzie — volunteer coordinator for the Latin America & the Caribbean region, and Anne Gonzalez — manager of Short-term Mission Training and Engagement with the LCMS Office of International Mission, join Andy and Sarah to talk about Kay and Julia's service as team leaders, the different mission trips they've experienced, the responsibilities of a team leader, how a team leader ensures success of the trip, how Erin interacts with the team leaders, and qualifications for serving as a team leader. Find current opportunities to serve at servenow.lcms.org.
Dr. Alan Freeman — Director of LCMS School Ministry, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about the faithful service of Lutheran Teachers during Church Worker Appreciation Month, including the teachers that influenced his journey to church work, what sets Lutheran teachers apart, and how he's able to interact with Lutheran educators in his role. Learn more about LCMS School Ministry at lcms.org/schools.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Rev. Anthony Oliphant, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Elmhurst, IL, joins Andy and guest co-host Jordan Harms to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the October 2023 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "Pressing on Toward the Goal" on Philippians 3:12-16. This year, "Searching Scripture" will study the book of Philippians, so stay tuned each month for a new Bible study. Follow along and search Scripture with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Philippians 3:12-16Straining Toward the Goal12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained.
Read full chapter
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org
Rev. Dr. Jamison Hardy, Bishop of the LCMS English District and author of Pastoral Leadership, Shepherding and Caring for God’s People available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah for our series on Leadership to talk about effective communication, including models of communication pastors use and what might be most effective, how communication in a ministry setting can differ from communication in other situations, what information is worth communicating, the role of listening in communication, and what makes an effective communicator.
Find Bishop Hardy's book from CPH at cph.org/pastoral-leadership-shepherding-and-caring-for-gods-people.
Rev. Dr. Kirk Clayton, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Mascoutah, IL, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the upcoming Apologetics 101 Workshop at Zion Lutheran, including what "apologetics" actually means, why apologetics is important to him, how we can use apologetics in our conversations, and the lineup of speakers. Learn more at sidlcms.org/2023/08/13/apologetics-101-apologetics-workshop.
Rev. Dr. Lee Hagan — President of the LCMS Missouri District, and Josh Swartz — Director of Schools for the LCMS Missouri District, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how how Concordia Universities and Seminaries are unique, how attending these institutions was important for both of them, what College Fair participants will experience, and how to attend. Learn more at mo.lcms.org/college-fair.
Josh Douglas, Gift Planning Advocate with LCMS Mission Advancement, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why he joined LCMS Mission Advancement, what a Gift Planning Advocate does, how he builds relationships with people across Synod as he helps them plan their giving, why joyful giving matters, and how to start the process of a long-term gift for the LCMS. Learn more at giftplanning.lcms.org.
Jennifer Glicker, Principal of Hephatha Lutheran School in Anaheim Hills, CA, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about what led her to Hephatha Lutheran School, her work in public schools before coming to Lutheran schools, the colloquy process she went through to become a commissioned rostered worker in the LCMS, why it was important for her to become a commissioned rostered worker, the work she does now as a Lutheran school principal, and her advice to other educators who are considering a second career as a LCMS educator. Find Hephatha Lutheran School at school.hephatha.net.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Rev. David Gruenwald, pastor of Resurrection Lutheran Church in St. Louis, MO, and Libby Gutberlet, CEO of the Lutheran Elementary School Association (LESA), join Andy and Sarah to talk about why Lutheran Schools are important for kids and families, how Lutheran education has made a different for both of their families, how LESA supports Lutheran schools and families in the St. Louis area, and the upcoming Brew in the Lou fundraising event for LESA. Learn more about LESA at lesastl.org and find more information and tickets for Brew in the Lou at brewinthelou.com.
Rev. Dr. Jamison Hardy, Bishop of the LCMS English District and author of Pastoral Leadership, Shepherding and Caring for God’s People available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah for our series on Leadership to talk about responsibilities in the office of Pastoral Leader, including how the success of others is important to the role of the leader, why words must match actions of the leader, how manual labor can be a valuable experience for leaders, and how to use relationships to read underneath someone's criticisms.
Find Bishop Hardy's book from CPH at cph.org/pastoral-leadership-shepherding-and-caring-for-gods-people.
Rev. Stephen Starke — published hymnwriter and retired Pastor of St. John Amelith Lutheran Church in Bay City, MI, Bary Bobb — published composer of choral and organ music and Director of the Center for Church Music at Concordia University Chicago, and Dr. Steven Wente — Distinguished Emeritus Professor of Music at Concordia University Chicago, join Andy and Sarah to talk about Lectures in Church Music happening at Concordia University Chicago October 15-17, 2023. They discuss the history of this event and how it has served church musicians over the years, Pastor Starke's plenary session on congregational singing, how congregational singing binds us together as a congregation, Barry Bobb's workshop on American Lutheran Hymnals Since 1993, and why it's important to study a variety of hymnals in American Lutheranism. Learn more, see the full schedule and workshop lineup and register at cuchicago.edu/events/2023/10/lectures-in-church-music.
Daniel Jenkins, President of Lutheran Braille Workers, and Nate Paredes, CFO of Lutheran Braille Workers, join Andy to talk about how many people are blind or visually impaired worldwide and in the US, what resources like Bibles are available to the blind and visually impaired, some roadblocks to resources like these being widely available, how LBW is meeting the needs of these people, and stories of lives who have been impacted by Lutheran Braille Workers. Learn more about Lutheran Braille Workers at lbwloveworks.org.
Deaconess Pamela Boehle-Silva, R.N. — serving at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Rocklin, CA, and Founding director of Always Mercy, a US non-profit supporting the work of Rehema Open Door hospice and palliative care center in Kenya — joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about when she first learned about the office of deaconess, the path from serving as a parish nurse to a deaconess, what these service roles have in common, the focus of her service as a deaconess today, and how many experiences in countries around the world have led to Always Mercy and the Rehema Open Doors hospice and palliative care center in Kenya. Learn more about Always Mercy at alwaysmercy.org.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Rev. Dr. Alfonso Espinosa, pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Irvine, CA, Chair of the LCMS Board for National Mission, and author of the forthcoming book Faith that Shines in the Culturefrom Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how this book fits into his trilogy of books about faith and culture, how we understand vocation as Lutherans, our vertical relationship with God and horizontal relationships with our neighbors, what "light" has to do with all of this, and how we understand vocation within the three estates. Find your copy of Faith that Shines in the Culture at cph.org/faith-that-shines-in-the-culture.
Rev. Dr. Jamison Hardy, Bishop of the LCMS English District and author of Pastoral Leadership, Shepherding and Caring for God’s People available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah for our series on Leadership to talk about learning from your mistakes as a leader, understanding the beauty of forgiveness even for leaders, responding to criticism, leading the perpetually unhappy person, where the 8th commandment plays into this conversation, and how a leader works through betrayal.
Find Bishop Hardy's book from CPH at cph.org/pastoral-leadership-shepherding-and-caring-for-gods-people.
Rev. Peter Bender, Director of the Concordia Catechetical Academy, and Rev. Dr. Al Espinosa, member of the board of directors for the Concordia Catechetical Academy, join Andy and Sarah to talk about what catechesis is, what the Catechism is, why catechesis is important, how the Concordia Catechetical Academy began, how the Concordia Catechetical Academy serves the church at large, and how the status as a Recognized Service Organization will help them better carry out this faithful work. Find the Concordia Catechetical Academy at peacesussex.org/cca.
Rev. Stephen Kieser, Headmaster of Faith Lutheran School in Plano, Texas, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about classical Lutheran education, the marks of classical Lutheran education, why classical education has become a growing movement, why classical education works for Lutherans, the value schools being distinctly Lutheran, and the upcoming golf tournament to support Faith Lutheran School. Learn more about Faith Lutheran School at flsplano.org.
Rev. Dr. Roosevelt Gray, LCMS Director of LCMS Black Ministry, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about his journey to the LCMS and then to the pastoral ministry, his experiences as a Black Lutheran pastor, the work that LCMS Black Ministry and the Black Clergy Caucus do today, and the opportunities he sees for these ministries to use SAS resources to encourage young people to consider church work vocations. Find LCMS Black Ministry at lcms.org/blackministry.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Rev. Kevin Graudin — volunteer for missionary kid programming at the Eurasia Region missionary conference, and Anne Gonzalez — Manager of Short-Term Mission Training and Engagement with the LCMS Office of International Mission, join Andy and Sarah to talk about Pastor Graudin's experience serving in short-term international mission, what his responsibilities were on the team taking care of the missionary kids, what he learned on this experience, and how this experience compares to other short-term volunteer opportunities. Find more missionary kid program volunteer opportunities and other ways to serve at servenow.lcms.org.
Rev. Dr. Jamison Hardy, Bishop of the LCMS English District and author of Pastoral Leadership, Shepherding and Caring for God’s People available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah for our series on Leadership to talk about keeping the focus on leadership, maintaining purpose and motivation, being proactive in leadership, managing criticism and fear, and being a leader instead of a follower.
Find Bishop Hardy's book from CPH at cph.org/pastoral-leadership-shepherding-and-caring-for-gods-people.
Chelsea Irwin, serving the Lord in the Eurasia Region as missionary coordinator for volunteer opportunities based out of the Czech Republic, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what she does as coordinator for volunteer opportunities, what is most rewarding and challenging about this work, what she loves about living and serving in the Czech Republic, how her education and experience have prepared her for this work, and what she loves about being a young adult missionary. Learn more about Chelsea and how to support her work at lcms.org/irwin.
Mindy Thews, serving as Lutheran Education Coordinator in Taiwan with the LCMS Office of International Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about her new role as Lutheran Education Coordinator for the Asia region, what education looks like in Taiwan, what curriculum and pedagogy look like on the mission field, the materials available for Lutheran education in Taiwan, and what's on the horizon for her and this new position. Learn more about Mindy and how to support her work at lcms.org/thews.
Rev Dr. Kurt Taylor, Director of Church Ministries program director for Concordia Wisconsin, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about the role and job description of an average Director of Church Ministries, why DCMs are so important in our church and support the pastor in the congregation, what specialties exist within the DCM program, and how this program appeals to individuals who are looking for a second career in a church work capacity.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Deaconess Lorraine Roach — LCMS Ukraine Project Consultant - U.S., and Rev. Mark Sell — pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Fenton, MO, join Andy to talk about how Our Savior in Fenton became sponsors for a Ukrainian refugee family, how the congregation has been able to support them, how LCMS congregations can support Ukrainian refugees like Our Savior in Fenton has done, how the LCMS Grants help congregations carry out this kind of mercy work. Learn more at lcms.org/serve/grants/ukraine-refugee-grant-program.
Dr. Jinah Yoo Knapp, Music Director at Timothy Lutheran Church in St. Louis, MO, along with violinist Amadi Azikiwe and pianist Min Ji Kwon, join Andy to talk about the upcoming concert at Timothy Lutheran Church, including their careers as professional musicians, how music is an important part of Timothy's ministry, and what to know about the pieces at this concert. Learn more at timothystl.org/events/timothy-autumn-concert/2023-09-16.
September 16th at 4:00pm
Program:
Deliver my Soul - David Baker (1931-2016) - Blues
Zigeunerweisen, op. 20 - Pablo de Sarasate (1844- 1908) - Dramatic
Suite for Violin and Piano - William Grant Still (1895-1978)
- African Dancer
- Mother and Child
- Gamin
Sonata for Violin and Piano in E-flat Major, op. 12 no. 3 - Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
- Allegro con spirito
- Adagio con molta espressione - in C major
- Rondo: Allegro molto
Rev. Dr. Jamison Hardy, Bishop of the LCMS English District and author of Pastoral Leadership, Shepherding and Caring for God’s People available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah for our series on Leadership to talk about the struggles and difficulties while leading.
Rev. Dr. John Bombaro, Associate Director of Eurasia for the LCMS and Chair of the Systematics Department for Luther Academy in Rīga, Latvia, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about today's age of Humanitarian ethics and the mission of Humanitarianism, how identity plays a role in this worldview, where we see these ethics at play today, and how to recognize and combat these ethics in our families and congregations.
Learn more about the Lutheran Church in Latvia, Dr. Bombaro's work with Luther Academy, and the LCMS Eurasia region at engage.lcms.org/latvia-spring-2021.
This is a rebroadcast from January 13, 2022.
Rev. Dr. James Baneck — LCMS Executive Director of Pastoral Education and the Set Apart to Serve Initiative, and Michael Ten Clay — Manager with Standing Partnership, join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about why we invest in recruiting future church workers, how Set Apart to Serve provides a framework for all LCMS members to encourage youth and adults to consider church work, what we've learned with the pilot partners that will be shared in the Set Apart to Serve Town Hall, where we've already seen Set Apart to Serve taking root and bearing fruit, some of the resources and tools we’ll learn about in the Town Hall, and how to attend the virtual Set Apart to Serve Town Hall on September 27.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative and register for the Town Hall at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Rev. Roy Askins, managing editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about some of the heresies explained in the August 2023 LW “Heresies: Ancient and Modern,” including Gnosticism, Moralistic Therapeutic Deism, and Prosperity Gospel. Pick up a copy to read more about these heresies and also Arianism, Nestorianism, Eutychianism, Pelagianism, and Double Predestination. Find it at witness.lcms.org/2023/lutheran-witness-august-2023.
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Rev. Dr. Jamison Hardy, Bishop of the LCMS English District and author of Pastoral Leadership, Shepherding and Caring for God’s People available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah for our series on Leadership to talk about the story of Jethro and Moses, how this story shows us a Biblical perspective for leadership structure, how we steward the resources God has provided, and what selfish pride or perfectionism can do to leadership.
Find Bishop Hardy's book from CPH at cph.org/pastoral-leadership-shepherding-and-caring-for-gods-people.
Anne Gonzalez, DCE — Manager of Short-term Mission Training & Engagement with the LCMS Office of International Mission, and Stephanie Hovland — Deaconess Intern with the LCMS Office of International Mission, join Andy and Sarah to talk about "Missions Unpacked for Kids: The Church Lives!" including how students are immersed in the life of the Church around the world through Missions Unpacked, who kids will meet in Missions Unpacked, what they'll learn about our international friends, how the curriculum can be used, and tips and tricks for using the curriculum. Find Missions Unpacked for Kids at international.lcms.org/missions-unpacked-for-kids.
Emily Sitzes, Director of Community Wellness at LSS Laclede Groves in Webster Groves, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the new Harmony Garden at LSS Laclede Groves, including how music plays a role in wellness for the members of the LSS community, what prompted the idea for a harmony garden, what can be found in the harmony garden at Laclede Groves, and how residents are making use of this new feature. Read more at lssliving.org/news/resources/music-for-all-in-harmony-garden.
Diane Sinclair, Director of Volunteer and Community Engagement with Lutheran Senior Services, then talks about volunteer opportunities with Senior Connections Plus, including how volunteering with LSS Senior Connections Plus makes a difference both for LSS residents and for the volunteers, examples of relationships that grew out of this volunteer opportunity, qualifications and training for volunteers, and how to apply. Learn more at lssliving.org/news/resources/building-connections-one-life-at-a-time-volunteer-with-senior-connections-plus.
Rev. Dr. Daniel Jastram, serving the Lord in Asia in Tokyo, Japan, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his journey to serving as a missionary, the work he does while in Japan, how his time growing up in Japan influences the work he does now, the need for theology and worship resources in Japan, the current state of Lutheranism in Japan, and what family life is like in Tokyo. Learn more about the Jastram family and how to support their work at lcms.org/jastram.
Rev. Juan Zamora — Assistant Pastor and Apostolic Missionary at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Irving, TX, Lead Mission Developer for T2C2 (Together Transforming Churches and Communities), and President of the Hispanic Missionary League, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about his work in Hispanic Ministry, what Hispanic / Spanish-speaking ministry looks like across the United States, how people can reach out to those around them who may not know the Gospel of Jesus, how the Hispanic Missionary League is addressing church worker recruitment, and how the Set Apart to Serve resources benefit Hispanic Ministry. Learn more about the Hispanic Missionary League at hispanoslcms.com.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Rev. Richard Woelmer — pastor of University Lutheran Church at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, and Julianna Shults, DCE — Program Manager with LCMS Youth Ministry, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the importance of campus ministry for college students, why it is critical in this stage of life to stay connected to Word and Sacrament ministry, what is essential to campus ministry, how LCMS campus ministry works, and how to get connected to an LCMSU chapter. Learn more about University Lutheran Church at indianalutheran.com/home.
Campus ministry resources:
LCMSU Student Information Form: lcms.org/campus-ministry/lcms-u-campus-link
LCMSU Chapter Locator: lcms.org/how-we-serve/national/campus-ministry/lcms-u-chapter-map
LCMS Church Locator: locator.lcms.org/church (Advanced Search > Ministry Type to find campus ministry churches)
Rev. Dr. Jamison Hardy, Bishop of the LCMS English District and author of Pastoral Leadership, Shepherding and Caring for God’s People available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah for our series on Leadership to talk about why and where leadership is important, who benefits from talking about leadership, what Biblical leadership is and where we see leadership styles in Scripture, and what we'll cover in this series.
Find Bishop Hardy's book from CPH at cph.org/pastoral-leadership-shepherding-and-caring-for-gods-people.
Deaconess Kristin Wassilak — Interim Dean of the College of Theology, Assistant Professor of Theology, and Program Lead for Deaconess Studies at Concordia University Chicago, Katie Kaufmann — deaconess graduate from Concordia University Chicago, and Deaconess Danelle Putnam — serving as a career missionary through the LCMS in the Dominican Republic, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the recent Deaconess student trip to the Dominican Republic, including how they prepared for the trip, the people they met and worked alongside, they they learned on this trip, and how this experience shaped their understanding of deaconess ministry. Find how you can serve on short-term mission trips at servenow.lcms.org. Learn more about the Deaconess program at Concordia University Chicago at cuchicago.edu/deaconess and how to support the work of Deaconess Putnam at lcms.org/putnam.
Subha Kumpaty, D.Min., Ph.D. — Engineering Program Chair for Concordia University Wisconsin/Concordia University Ann Arbor, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his journey to doctoral degrees in theology and engineering, what he loves about both of these areas, how his faith informs his teaching as a professor and engineer, the new engineering degrees at CUW/AA, the outlook for engineering careers today, and how the engineering programs at CUW/AA will prepare students for successful careers. Learn more about these programs at cuw.edu.
Dr. Thaddeus Warren, DCE — Chair of Human and Social Sciences at Concordia University, Nebraska, and Maria Devenport, DCE — Director of Discipleship Ministries at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fort Collins, Colorado, join Andy for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about their journeys to becoming church workers, what their formation as DCEs looked like, who supported and encouraged them to become church workers, and how they serve today. Learn more about the National Association of Directors of Christian Education at nadce.wildapricot.org.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Rev. Chris Hull, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Tomball, TX, joins Andy and Sarah at the Higher Things conference in Carbondale, IL, to talk about the breakaway session he taught to the young adults about dating within the faith, including the purpose of dating, how young adults should approach dating, the importance of dating someone of the same faith, and some questions he answered from the youth. Learn more about Higher Things at higherthings.org.
Rev. Steven and Martha Mahlburg, serving the Lord as missionaries in Sri Lanka, join Andy and Sarah at the Higher Things conference in Carbondale, IL, to talk about their journey to the mission field, the work they do as missionaries in Sri Lanka, the state of the Lutheran church in Sri Lanka, and exciting things happening in the future of the Ceylon Evangelical Lutheran Church. Read the Mahlburgs' story and how to support their work at lcms.org/mahlburg.
Read the Reporter article on the new church partner fellowship with the Ceylon Evangelical Lutheran Church (and four other international church bodies) at reporter.lcms.org/2023/synod-convention-welcomes-new-partners-in-proclaiming-the-gospel.
Seminarian James Gramzow, summer vicar with Higher Things, joins Andy and Sarah from the Higher Things conference in Carbondale, IL, to talk about what a summer vicar does with Higher Things, how have hymns been a part of his faith formation and daily vocation, how hymns teach the faith, and some insights he shared with youth and adults in his breakaway session "Hymnody: The Sung Apologetic." Learn more about Higher Things at higherthings.org.
Rev. Dr. Christian Tiews, serving the Lord in Germany, joins Andy and guest co-host Jordan Harms from the LCMS National Convention to talk about his upbringing in Germany and journey to the church and seminary, the work he does in Germany, how Iranian refugees receive the Gospel, and the challenges the refugees face. Learn more about Dr. Tiews and the work in Germany at lcms.org/tiews and facebook.com/christian.tiews.
Rev. Doug Griebenaw, mission advocate for KFUO Radio, joins Andy for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about his journey into ministry, his vocation prior to becoming a pastor, how this experience shaped his vocational journey, how he serves today, and his encouragement especially for men to consider second-career church work as a pastor.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Rev. Juan Pablo Lanterna — President of the Confessional Lutheran Church of Chile, and Rev. Alceu Alton Figur — President of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Paraguay, joins Andy and guest co-host Jordan Harms from the LCMS National Convention to talk about a history of their respective church bodies, what they have been learning at this Convention, the new Himnario Luterano for Spanish worship services, why it's important to have a hymnal with hymns from Latin America, and how partnership with the International Lutheran Council is helpful. Learn more about the Confessional Lutheran Church of Chile at ilc-online.org/members/latin-america/chile and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Paraguay at ilc-online.org/members/latin-america/paraguay.
Listen to more about Himnario Luterano in this Hymn Sing with Sarah episode from Lutheran Ladies' Lounge: kfuo.org/2022/09/16/lutheran-ladies-lounge-episode-155-hymn-sing-with-sarah-himnario-luterano-spanish-lutheran-hymnal
The Rev. Dr. Juhana Pohjola — bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland, and Dr. Päivi Räsänen — medical doctor and longstanding member of the Finnish Parliament, join Andy and guest co-host Jordan Harms from the LCMS National Convention to talk about a brief history of the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland, the marks of Finnish culture today, how Dr. Räsänen's vocation as physician enables her uniquely to serve her neighbors and church, what prompted the 2004 pamphlet (Man and Woman He Created Them: Homosexuality and the Challenge to the Christian Concept of Man), and how this pamphlet was received. Read more of this story at reporter.lcms.org/2022/finnish-lutherans-fully-acquitted and download the pamphlet at media.lhfmissions.org/file/lhf-missions/pdfs/English-Male-and-Female-He-Created-Them.pdf.
Rev. Robert Rahn, Founder of Lutheran Heritage Foundation (LHF), joins Andy and guest co-host Jordan Harms from the LCMS National Convention to talk about how LHF began in 1992, where LHF has had the privilege of partnering with local believers to build a strong foundation for starting Lutheran churches, how the process of translating and publishing materials has developed since 1992, and stories from his years with LHF. Learn more about Lutheran Heritage Foundation at lhfmissions.org.
Rev. Anthony Oliphant, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Elmhurst, IL, joins Andy and guest co-host Jordan Harms to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the August 2023 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "Count It All as Loss" on Philippians 3:1-7. This year, "Searching Scripture" will study the book of Philippians, so stay tuned each month for a new Bible study. Follow along and search Scripture with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Philippians 3:1-7 Righteousness Through Faith in Christ
3 Finally, my brothers,[a] rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.
2 Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God[b] and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— 4 though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law,[c] blameless. 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.
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Footnotes Philippians 3:1 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 13, 17
Philippians 3:3 Some manuscripts God in spirit Philippians 3:6 Greek in the law
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org
Rear Admiral Gregory N. Todd — Navy Chaplain and 28th Chief of Navy Chaplains, and Rev. James Hopkins — Navy Chaplain, join Andy and guest co-host Jordan Harms from the LCMS National Convention for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about their paths to becoming Navy Chaplains, the need for chaplains today, the most challenging and rewarding parts of serving as chaplains, and how others can serve as Navy Chaplains. Learn more about LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces at lcms.org/armedforces.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Eden Keefe, LWML President (elected 2023), joins Andy and guest co-host Jordan Harms from the LCMS National Convention, to talk about how she got involved with the LWML, what the LWML "On the Go" podcast is, a recap of the recent LWML National Convention, and what she's looking forward to in the next Biennium. Learn more about the LWML at lwml.org.
Bishop Peter Anibati Abia of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of South Sudan/Sudan, joins Andy and guest co-host Jordan Harms from the LCMS National Convention to share a brief history of the Evangelical Lutheran Church South Sudan/Sudan, the prevailing religion in South Sudan/Sudan, how Lutherans are regarded in South Sudan and Sudan today, the current challenges in South Sudan and Sudan, and the newly minted partnership with the LCMS. Learn more about the Evangelical Lutheran Church of South Sudan/Sudan at elcss-s.org.
Dr. Dinku Bato, Africa Area Director for Lutheran Heritage Foundation (LHF), joins Andy and guest co-host Jordan Harms from the LCMS National Convention to talk about how he came to serve with Lutheran Heritage Foundation, the nature of his work with LHF, and the various requests for Lutheran books and resources in Africa. Learn more about Lutheran Heritage Foundation at lhfmissions.org.
Dr. Ted NaThalang, Asia Area Director for Lutheran Heritage Foundation (LHF), joins Andy and guest co-host Jordan Harms from the LCMS National Convention to talk about how he came to serve with Lutheran Heritage Foundation, the nature of his work with LHF, and the various requests for Lutheran books and resources in Asia. Learn more about Lutheran Heritage Foundation at lhfmissions.org.
Chaplain Craig Muehler, Director of LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces, joins Andy and guest co-host Jordan Harms from the LCMS National Convention to talk about the St. Martin of Tours Silver Medal, who St. Martin of Tours is, and the recipient of this award at the National Convention. Learn more about Synod Convention at lcms.org/convention and Ministry to the Armed Forces at lcms.org/ministry-to-the-armed-forces.
Rev. Dr. Nathan Meador, Executive Assistant to the President of the LCMS South Wisconsin District, joins Andy and guest co-host Jordan Harms from the LCMS National Convention to talk about his role in the South Wisconsin District, this District's role in the National Convention this year, and what it means to be a Lutheran in Wisconsin. Find all things Convention at lcms.org/convention.
Matthew Machemer, Assistant Kantor at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series during Bach Week to talk about who helped him consider a career in church music, his path to where he is serving today, his responsibilities as a Kantor / Director of Parish Music, the influence of Bach in the role of a Kantor today, and what about Bach’s life and service to the Church has influenced him as a Kantor.
Listen to all previous Bach Week episodes at kfuo.org/tag/bach-week.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Dr. Martin Dicke, former LCMS missionary in Papua New Guinea and board member for David’s Harp, joins Andy and Sarah during Bach Week to talk about Bach’s celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the Lutheran Chorale in 1724 with the Chorale Cantata Cycle, what is unique about the Lutheran chorale, how Luther's influence on church music was carried on by Bach, how the Chorale Cantata Cycle has persisted the test of time, and the resources David's Harp is producing in celebration of Reformation-era Lutheran music. Learn more about David's Harp at davidsharpmusic.org.
Listen to all previous Bach Week episodes at kfuo.org/tag/bach-week.
Paul Soulek — cantor of St. John Lutheran Church in Seward, NE, and cantor for Higher Things, and Renata Peperkorn — Higher Things Summer Cantoral Intern, join Andy and Sarah at Higher Things in Carbondale, IL, to talk about their duties as Cantor and Cantoral Intern at Higher Things, what worship looks like at a Higher Things conference, their teaching about the work of church musicians and hymnody to the youth at Higher Things, and how Bach has played a role in their formation as church musicians. Learn more at Higher Things at higherthings.org.
Listen to all previous Bach Week episodes at kfuo.org/tag/bach-week.
Dr. Jonathan Wessler, Kantor at First Lutheran Church in Boston, MA, joins Andy and Sarah during Bach Week to talk about Liturgy in Bach’s Leipzig, including the role of the cantata in the service, how hymn singing worked in those days versus what we're used to now, the “pulpit service” and preaching and its associated music, and music in the service and how everything except the sermon was sung.
Listen to all previous Bach Week episodes at kfuo.org/tag/bach-week.
Rev. Brian Hamer, active duty Navy Chaplain and author of Cantatas Over Coffee - J. S. Bach Cantata 75, “The Poor Shall Eat and be Satisfied”, joins Andy and Sarah during Bach Week to talk about why Cantata 75 is so unique to Bach's Leipzig heritage, the liturgical context for Cantata 75, Hamer's Highlights for the Cantata, how the people of Leipzig reacted to the cantata, and the beautiful hymn we have inherited from the Cantata. Read Chaplain Hamer's article at whatdoesthismean.org/lifted-voice--brian-hamer/cantatas-over-coffee-j-s-bach-cantata-75-the-poor-shall-eat-and-be-satisfied and find Lutheran Service Book 760 "What God ordains is always good" at hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/760.
Listen to all previous Bach Week episodes at kfuo.org/tag/bach-week.
Erica Sorensen — Executive Director for Higher Things, and Rev. Harrison Goodman — Content Executive for Higher Things, join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about the mission of Higher Things, how Higher Things facilitates conversations with youth about considering full-time church work, how Higher Things supports church workers in their vocations, and why conferences are important for teaching the faith to youth. Learn more about Higher Things at higherthings.org.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Lars Gindler and Stephen Christian, CCVs at Higher Things in Carbondale, IL, join Andy and Sarah to talk about what a CCV (College Conference Volunteer) does to make conferences run smoothly, what they've learned as they've served in this way, why it's important for them to serve, and how this experience shapes their thoughts about future vocations. Learn more about Higher Things at higherthings.org.
Rev. Dr. Stephen Oliver, serving the Lord in Taiwan and the Asia Region, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how he serves in Taiwan, mission projects happening in the Asia region, exciting new things happening in the Asia region, and the current project he's working on. Learn more about the Oliver family and how to support their work at lcms.org/oliver.
Rev. Carl, Chenhsi, and Lydia Hanson, Serving the Lord in South Korea, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how they serve in South Korea, the community where International Lutheran Church is in Seoul, their transitions on the mission field, and how they share the Gospel in their community. Learn more about the Hansons and how to support their work at lcms.org/hanson and International Lutheran Church at ilcseoul.org.
Dr. Jonathan Butterfield — Head of School at Lutheran High School South in St Louis, Savannah Butterfield and Aidan Toner — Lutheran High School South students, and Erin MacKenzie — missionary serving the Lord in Latin America and the Caribbean based in the Dominican Republic, join Andy and Sarah to talk about their time serving in the Dominican Republic, how they prepared for their service, who they interacted with in the Dominican Republic, what they learned from this trip, and how this experience impacted their thoughts and plans for the future. Learn more about serving on a short term team at servenow.lcms.org.
Lisa Clark — Senior Editor for Curriculum Resources with Concordia Publishing House (CPH), and Jonathan Schultz — President and CEO of Concordia Publishing House, join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about how they came to be at CPH, the Set Apart to Serve curriculum currently in development, how a curriculum like this is developed, how this curriculum will benefit churches and schools, and who will receive this curriculum when it is released. Follow updates on this exciting project at lcms.org/sas.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Rehema Kavugha, Director of Synod Relations for Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Synod 175 Student Art Contest from LCEF, including why LCEF created this contest, who was eligible, the response they received, and what the winners received.
Then, some of the winners share about their artwork! These winners are: Lorraine Hester, Ava Anderson, Alayna Schnare, Lucia Schnare, Isaiah Schnare, Juda Schnare, Noah Casper, Sophia Williams (and Mrs. Leamon), Pearl Curtis, Eve Curtis, Arabella Blakely, Eli Boehmer, Chase Erickson, Irene Ball, and Serena Baumgarn.
Learn more about this art contest and the full list of winners at lcef.org/artcontest.
Ruth Meyer, author of N is for Nativity: Christmas from A to Z and Our Faith from A to Z, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about where the idea began to write an alphabet book on the Christmas story, the creative process for writing an alphabet book, and how families can enjoy this new book for Christmas. Find her books at cph.org/n-is-for-nativity-christmas-from-a-to-z, cph.org/our-faith-from-a-to-z, and ruthmeyerbooks.com.
Rev. Bryan Roberts, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Pevely, MO, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the needs of the community in Jefferson County, how LCMS congregations in Jefferson County work together to meet the needs of this community, what is available at Grace Day, and how this day supports families in the Jefferson County area. Learn more about Zion Pevely and Grace Day at zionpevely.com and facebook.com/zionpevely.
FLAME, Lutheran artist and author of "Extra Nos: Discovering Grace outside Myself," available now from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his journey into the Lutheran faith, the people who were influential in this journey from childhood, how his love of rap music blossomed into more than just a hobby, how he discovered Lutheran theology, and why clarity in theology and confession is a top priority for him. Find FLAME's book at cph.org/extranos and all things Extra Nos Academy at extranosacademy.com.
Andy and Sarah talk with presenters at the upcoming CCLE Conference XXIII at Concordia University Nebraska, July 18-21. Rev. Robert Paul, Headmaster of Memorial Lutheran Church and School in Houston, TX, talks about "Culture Cultivation and the Administrator’s Role," including the role of an administrator in creating school culture and parents also play a role. Rev. Phillip Fischaber, pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Walnut, IL, talks about "Teaching Latin and Other Languages the Lutheran Way," including why Latin and other languages important today and how teachers can teach Latin to their students. Matt Rivers, Parent and Volunteer Instructor in Music at Faith Lutheran High School in Plano, TX, talks about "Teaching Hymn Composition to High School Students," including what happens when we set high expectations for our students and how he teaches hymn composition to high schoolers.
Learn more about CCLE Conference XXIII at live.eventtia.com/en/6340/Home and the work of CCLE at ccle.org.
Bill Schranz — Director of Education & Synodical Careers and Director of Colloquy at Concordia University Nebraska, and Lead Placement Director for the Concordia University System, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about his path to becoming a Lutheran teacher, the process of formation to placement for commissioned church workers, his role as placement director in the formation and placement of commissioned church workers, what Synod and Concordia Universities are doing to address the church worker shortage, and what you can do to begin addressing a shortage in church workers.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Amy Hubach — DCE Internship Placement Coordinator and Assistant Professor at Concordia University Nebraska, Deaconess Caitlin Ramirez — LCMS missionary serving the Lord in Peru, and Anne Gonzalez — Manager of Short-term Mission Training & Engagement with the LCMS Office of International Mission, join Andy and Sarah to talk about serving on an international short-term mission team, learning about tradition and culture in Peru, how they served while in Peru, how these teams are a great partnership with missionaries in the region, and upcoming opportunities to serve as an international volunteer with the LCMS. Learn about opportunities at servenow.lcms.org.
Rev. Dr. Lawrence Rast, Jr, President of Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, joins Andy and Sarah for our History of Lutheranism in America series to talk about the formation of the German Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and Other States, including the people who began the ground work for forming what became The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, the challenges that they faced, how the creation of our Synod happened, and what we can we learn from our history that would be helpful as we gather for convention this year.
Find all three episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/history-of-lutheranism-in-america.
Rev. Dr. James Gimbel, President of Concordia Lutheran Seminary in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how we understand “vocation” from a Biblical perspective, the difference between vocation and career, how Martin Luther understood and taught about vocation, what it means to be a "mask of God," and how we see vocation playing out in different areas of our lives. Read Dr. Gimbel's insightful article from The Canadian Lutheran at canadianlutheran.ca/on-vocatio.
This is a rebroadcast from August 24, 2022.
Rev. Roger James, Assistant to the General Secretary for the International Lutheran Council, joins Andy and guest co-host Rev. Brady Finnern at the 2023 LWML National Convention to talk about who makes up the International Lutheran Council, why this Council was formed, the church bodies that are active members (including the LCMS), and what is accomplished through this partnership. Learn more about the International Lutheran Council at ilc-online.org.
Mike Schiemann, Principal of Bethany Lutheran School in Parma, Ohio, joins Andy for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about how the church and church work were a part of his childhood and youth, when he began thinking about church work as a possible vocation, how church worker formation different in the Lutheran Church-Canada than The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, what his formation as a Lutheran teacher looked like, and his advice for a young adult or college student who is uncertain about what their future vocations and callings might be.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Rev. Dr. Jamison Hardy, Bishop of the English District of the LCMS, joins Andy and Sarah at the 2023 LWML National Convention to talk about his book Pastoral Leadership available from Concordia Publishing House, including his background in leadership, how he defines pastoral leadership, when learning about leadership happens, how we learn from mistakes, what it means to be a leader not a follower, and why listening is critically important. Find his book at books.cph.org/pastoral-leadership.
Rev. Dr. Lawrence Rast, Jr, President of Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, joins Andy and Sarah for our History of Lutheranism in America series to talk about how churches began to organize into large synods, how language played a role in the development of these synods, challenges these Lutherans faced, and two important characters in this story: C.F.W. Walther and Martin Stephan.
Find all three episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/history-of-lutheranism-in-america.
Rev. Charles Ferry, Regional Director for Asia Region with the LCMS Office of International Mission, joins Andy and Sarah at the 2023 LWML National Convention to talk about what countries make up the Asia Region, the creation of a music conservatory in Taiwan, how music is a key bridge into communities in Asia, other exciting things happening in the Region, and the need for partner churches in this Region. Learn more about what's happening in Asia at lcms.org/asia and learn more about Rev. Ferry at lcms.org/ferry.
Rev. Ed and Sheryl Dewitt, Founders of Redeeming Life Outreach in Sanford, Florida, join Andy and Sarah live at the 2023 LWML National Convention to talk about how Redeeming Life Outreach Ministries began, why this ministry is so important to them, how this ministry helps women with unplanned pregnancies, the need for this type of outreach, and how Redeeming Life is expanding. Learn more at rlom.org.
Rev. Dr. Mark Wood — Managing Director for Church Planting, Renewal and Support with the LCMS Office of National Mission, joins Andy for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about his life and career before seminary, how he made the decision to pursue seminary education and church work vocation, the challenges of moving to seminary as a second career family, how seminary life was for his family, and his encouragement for men to consider second-career pastoral vocations.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Presentation of the Augsburg Confession (which we commemorate on June 25), including the cultural and political context leading up to the Diet of Augsburg, what the Diet of Augsburg was and why it became necessary, how the Confessors prepared for this Diet in 1530, and the significance of what happened during the Diet.
Read more about this important historical event at lutheranreformation.org/history/presentation-augsburg-confession and ilc-online.org/2021/06/25/confessing-the-faith-reflections-on-the-presentation-of-the-augsburg-confession.
This is a rebroadcast from June 21, 2022.
Rev. Dr. Lawrence Rast, Jr, President of Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, joins Andy and Sarah for our History of Lutheranism in America series to talk about the different groups leaving the Holy Roman Empire German states for America, how things like Pietism and Rationalism affected their decision to leave, the variety of groups that immigrated to America, and Rev. Muhlenburg and the Pennsylvania Ministerium.
Find all three episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/history-of-lutheranism-in-america.
Benjamin Kolodziej, member of Faith Lutheran Church in Plano, TX, highly active church organist and composer, and contributor to the Lutheran Service Book Hymnal Companion, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about three upcoming hymns in the Three Year Lectionary for Series A, Propers 14-16: Lutheran Service Book 717, 615, and 645. Learn more about the LSB Hymnal Companion and find your copy at music.cph.org/lutheran-service-book-companion-to-the-hymns.
This is a rebroadcast from August 5, 2020.
Dr. Wilhelm Weber, Director of the Old Latin School in Wittenberg, Germany, joins Andy to talk about what's been happening at the Old Latin School, including how Ukrainian refugee families have been served by the School, the joys and challenges of serving a large number of people, how these refugees are being fed the Gospel, and what is happening in the coming months. Learn more about the Old Latin School at oldlatinschool.org.
Linda Dehn, Teacher and Principal at Our Savior Lutheran School in Fenton, MO, joins Andy for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about how the Lord brought her to the Lutheran church, her journey into church work as a second-career Lutheran teacher, how her family supported this decision, the colloquy process she went through, and her advice for others considering second-career church work.
Visit lcms.org/sas to learn more about Set Apart to Serve.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Rev. Sean Daenzer, director of worship for the LCMS and International Center Chaplain, joins Sarah to talk about how the Athanasian Creed became part of our Confessions, who St. Athanasius was and his relationship to this creed, how it's similar and different to the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds, some of the language that might make us uncomfortable and also the beautiful language to pay attention to. Find this Creed on pages 319-320 in the Lutheran Service Book or download it from this link on lcms.org.
This is a rebroadcast from June 8, 2022.
Rev. Dr. John Sias, Secretary of the LCMS, joins Andy to talk about what happened during Floor Committee Weekend leading up to the LCMS Convention, including what Floor Committees do, what they accomplished over the weekend, and how this weekend helps in preparation for an efficient and productive convention. Learn more about all things LCMS Convention at www.lcms.org/convention/national.
Rev. Dr. Nathan Meador, Executive Assistant to the President for Mission, Mercy, and Stewardship at South Wisconsin District – LCMS, joins Andy to talk about volunteering at this year's LCMS Synodical Convention. Learn more and register to volunteer in a variety of ways at swd.lcms.org/serve.
The Rev. Ted Krey, Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean for the LCMS Office of International Mission, joins Andy for an update on the Lord's work in that region, including the growth of the Seminario Concordia el Reformador in the Dominican Republic. To learn more about Pastor Krey and the Lord's work in Latin America and the Caribbean region visit lcms.org/krey
Rev. Dr. Cory Rajek, Eurasia Regional Director for the LCMS Office of International Mission joins Andy for an update on the Lord's work in Eurasia including growth at Luther Academy, the seminary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia. To Learn more about Dr. Rajek's service in Eurasia visit lcms.org/rajek
Rev. J.P. and Aimee Cima join Andy for an update on the Lord's work in Cambodia. Pastor Cima travels throughout Cambodia to equip and empower the leaders of the Cambodia Lutheran Church with mentorship and theological education. Aimee serves as the Mercy Manager for the Asia region, supporting other personnel serving in this region. She also works with local church partners to coordinate mercy work. The Cimas share an update on family life, post-pandemic in Cambodia including school, travel, and favorite foods.
You can follow updates on the Lord's work in Cambodia and the Cima family at CimaFam.com
Rev. Bryan Roberts, joins Andy for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about transitioning from a military career to seminary to being a parish pastor. Pastor Roberts shares stories of family life in the midst of transition and pastoral formation. He also shares the stories of ministry in the lives of his congregation members that have formed him into the pastor the Lord would have him be.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Sheryl Tietz, teacher and director, Jesus Our Savior Preschool, Winnebago, Nebraska joins Andy with stories of 25 years of ministry to indigenous children and their families. The preschool began at the request of the Ho-Chunk tribe in the late 1990's and has continued by God's grace to bring the Good News of Jesus to young hearts and their families. Ministry on the reservation has provided opportunities to learn the language and culture and be welcomed into the community of the Ho-Chunk tribe. You can read more about Jesus Our Savior Preschool in the Spring 2023 issue of Lutherans Engage: https://engage.lcms.org/winnebago-outreach-spring-2023/
Beth Kramer, Marketing Manager for Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy to talk about what she loves about reading, why reading is an important part of summer break for kids, how CPH is helping kids keep up reading skills and supporting their faith this summer, and how to participate in the CPH Reads program. Learn more and sign up at cph.org/cph-reads.
The Rev. Dr. Matthew Heise, executive director of Lutheran Heritage Foundation joins Andy to provide an update on the recent political unrest in Sudan and South Sudan and it's impact on the Evangelical Lutheran Church in South Sudan and Sudan. Sudanese are fleeing the capital city of Khartoum seeking safe refuge to the West and South. Lutheran Heritage Foundation played a key role in the development of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in South Sudan and Sudan and continues to support the church today with books in the languages of the people.
Rev. Dr. Adam Filipek, pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Lidgerwood, North Dakota, joins Andy and guest co-host Jordan Harms to talk about his new book, Life in Christ: Rooted, Woven, and Grafted into God’s Story, available from Concordia Publishing House, including the state of Biblical literacy today in the wider society and within the church, what changes in us with increased Biblical literacy, what we learn about God and us in the history of key figures and events in the Old and New Testaments, and how we can use this book. Find your copy at cph.org/life-in-christ-rooted-woven-and-grafted-into-gods-story and amazon.com.
Rev. Anthony Oliphant, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Elmhurst, IL, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the June/July 2023 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "Receive Him in the Lord" on Philippians 2:19–3:1. This year, "Searching Scripture" will study the book of Philippians, so stay tuned each month for a new Bible study. Follow along and search Scripture with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Philippians 2:19–3:1Timothy and Epaphroditus19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. 20 For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. 21 For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know Timothy's[a] proven worth, how as a son[b] with a father he has served with me in the gospel. 23 I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, 24 and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.
25 I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, 26 for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. 29 So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, 30 for he nearly died[c] for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.
Righteousness Through Faith in Christ3 Finally, my brothers,[d] rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.
Footnotes1. Philippians 2:22 Greek his 2. Philippians 2:22 Greek child 3. Philippians 2:30 Or he drew near to the point of death; compare verse 8 4. Philippians 3:1 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 13, 17
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org
Rev. Sam Shick, pastor of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Oviedo, Florida, a Set Apart to Serve pilot project participant, joins Andy and guest co-host Jordan Harms for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about his journey into pastoral ministry, how the Set Apart to Serve Pilot Project is going in his congregation, how he and the congregation encourage young people and adults to consider church work, how he sees these resources being useful for Synod at large, and his advice for encouraging others to consider church work vocations.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Feature image: The Rev. James H. Rockey, president of the LCMS Florida-Georgia District (far right) prays with church workers from local congregations in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian on Saturday, Oct. 01, 2022, at Grace Lutheran Church, Naples, Fla. LCMS Communications/Erik M. Lunsford
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Rev. Dr. John Reinke, founder of Deaf Outreach, joins Andy to talk about his path to Deaf Outreach, what the hearing community might not know or understand about the Deaf community, how American Sign Language is different from other forms of communication, who can learn ASL, what hearing congregations can do to reach our Deaf neighbors with the Good News of Jesus, and the upcoming Jesus Signs Immersion Event 2023. Learn more and register at deafoutreach.org.
Julianna Shults, Program Manager with LCMS Youth Ministry, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why it's important to develop leadership among youth in our churches, some misconceptions we might have about the capability of youth to serve as leaders, some proven ways to develop leadership among youth, how YouthLead works to develop young leaders in the church, and how to participate in YouthLead. Learn more and register at lcms.org/youth-ministry/youthlead.
John Klinger, Chief Information Officer at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis joins Andy to talk about the upcoming annual carillon concert at the Seminary, including what a carillon is and how it's played, how these concerts are a tradition at the Seminary, some of the artists that we'll hear this summer, and the best way to enjoy these summer concerts at the Sem. Learn more and find the summer schedule at csl.edu/event/summer-carillon-concert-2023-06-06.
Rev. Andrew Dinger, pastor of Timothy Lutheran Church in St. Louis, MO, and Dr. Jinah Yoo Knapp, Music Director at Timothy Lutheran Church, join Andy to talk about an upcoming Summer concert at Timothy, including the neighborhood where Timothy is located and how the congregation reaches out into the neighborhood, the role that music plays in the life of the congregation and their connection to the community, and the lineup for the Summer Concert on June 3 at Timothy Lutheran Church. Learn more at timothystl.org/events/timothy-summer-concert/2023-06-03.
Rev. James Sharp, Serving the Lord in Uruguay with the LCMS Office of International Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the church fellowship talks between the LCMS and the Lutheran Church in Bolivia, the exciting updates on the mission field in Uruguay, and how the team on the ground has been growing. Learn more about the Sharp family and how to support their missionary work at lcms.org/sharp.
This is a rebroadcast from April 19, 2023.
Rev. Dr. Nabil Nour, Senior Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hartford, South Dakota, and 4th Vice President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins Andy and guest co-host Jordan Harms for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about how he came from Nazareth to being a pastor in South Dakota, what made him decide to leave the painting business and enter the seminary, what he learned about being a second-career pastor that he would share with others, how his experience prior to seminary prepared him to serve in the church, and words of wisdom he would share with men who are contemplating the holy ministry as a second career.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Emmy Woock — Director of Parish Music at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Elmhurst, Illinois, and Dr. Charles Brown — Professor of Music, Music Education Coordinator, and Director of Choral Activities at Concordia University Chicago (CUC), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how students at CUC are formed into Lutheran music teachers and church musicians, the skills that are unique to teaching music to children, how music can be used in a school setting to enhance learning, why hymnody is important to teach young children, and the upcoming FAME Music Certification Workshop to help anyone who teaches music enhance their teaching skills. Learn more and register at cuchicago.edu/events/2023/06/fame-music-certification-workshop.
Laura Gaskell and Joann Cizel — Volunteers with the LCMS Office of International Mission for the Africa Missionary Retreat, and Erin Alter — Director of Short-Term Missions with the LCMS Office of International Mission, join Sarah to talk about how they prepared for this volunteer opportunity, how their previous experiences prepared them to serve, what their days looked like while caring for missionary kids, what they learned about the missionaries who serve in Africa, and how their experience has shaped how they see the world now.
Learn how you can serve in a similar way at servenow.lcms.org.
Rev. Dr. Richard Marrs, Professor of Practical Theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah during Mental Health Awareness Month to talk about how to help your therapist understand Lutheran theology and worldview, including how professional therapists are equipped to care for clients and respect their religious beliefs, how it might be beneficial for a therapist to understand a client’s religious beliefs, what might be helpful for a therapist to know about one’s religious beliefs and practices, and what a client can share with my therapist that would help him better understand Lutheran theology and worldview. Find Dr. Marrs' book Making Christian Counseling More Christ Centered at westbowpress.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/779045-making-christian-counseling-more-christ-centered.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, MSW, joins Andy and Sarah in our series on "Emotions and the Gospel" during Mental Health Awareness Month to talk about Autism, Neurodiversity, and Emotions, including what misconceptions we might have about Autism and Neurodiversity, what we need to know about how autism affects the senses, what Autism might look like and what it might feel like for the child experiencing it, the emotions parents might experience as they navigate having a child with Autism, and how parents can handle moments when they feel judged by other parents. Find the resource mentioned from Heidi at heidigoehmann.com/mental-health-1.
Find your copy of Emotions and the Gospel: Created for Connection at books.cph.org/emotions-and-the-gospel. Listen to all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/emotions-and-the-gospel.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Steve Law, pastor of Wollaston Lutheran Church in Quincy, MA, and Chairman of CLiMB, Chinese Lutherans in Mission Building, joins Andy and guest co-host Jordan Harms for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about his journey into pastoral ministry, his work with CLiMB, how CLiMB is addressing church work recruitment with roadblocks and successes, how he sees Set Apart to Serve resources benefiting CLiMB, and some first steps for a listener who knows of an ethnic neighborhood near them who may not be hearing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Learn more about CLiMB at en.climb-lutheran.org and facebook.com/ClimbLutheran.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Rev. Dr. Jon Vieker, Associate Professor of Practical Theology and Dean of Chapel at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about a brief history of the Feast of the Ascension of Our Lord, where we see these observances throughout history, how we observe Ascension today, and the Scripture and hymns for this Feast.
Amanda Walker, CEO of Lutheran Federal Credit Union (LFCU), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what LFCU is and why it was started, how Amanda came to join the team, why a credit union for Lutherans is an important thing, what services LFCU provides, and how LFCU has made a difference for those it serves. Learn more about LFCU at lutheranfcu.org.
Stephen M. Saunders, Ph.D., Professor and Chairperson of the Department of Psychology at Marquette University, joins Sarah during Mental Health Awareness Month to talk about reducing stigma associated with mental illness, including examples of this stigma, stigma affects someone living with a mental illness, what we need to know about mental illness that would help us reduce associated stigma, and what is unique to understanding mental illness in a Lutheran worldview.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, MSW, joins Andy and Sarah during Mental Health Awareness Month to talk about the major life transition of Going to College, including what emotions a student might experience preparing for and going to college, how boundaries can be valuable, what physical health might look like for new college students, and how caring for spiritual health in college is incredibly important.
Find your copy of Emotions and the Gospel: Created for Connection at books.cph.org/emotions-and-the-gospel. Listen to all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/emotions-and-the-gospel.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Brian Heller, Manager of Specialized Spiritual Care Ministry with the LCMS Office of National Mission, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about who is served by professionals in Specialized Spiritual Care Ministry (formerly Specialized Pastoral Ministry), in what ways chaplains serve, how he began considering formation to be a chaplain, the special training that professionals in Specialized Spiritual Care Ministry receive, and how to begin the steps to becoming a chaplain. Learn more at lcms.org/how-we-serve/mercy/specialized-pastoral-ministry.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Anna Mussmann, Lutheran homeschool mom and writer and author of "Why (and How) to Teach Your Children Classic Poems" in the May 2023 issue of The Lutheran Witness, joins Sarah to talk about why poetry is an important part of our language arts, how a Christian worldview influences how we view poetry, why we should teach our children classic poems, ways we can reclaim this in our family life, and some resources. Read her article and find her suggested books at witness.lcms.org/2023/why-and-how-to-teach-your-children-classic-poems.
Craig S. Oldenburg — Executive Director of Camp Concordia in Gowen, Michigan, and Bill Indelli — Executive Director of Walcamp in Kingston, Illinois, join Andy and Sarah to talk about why kids go to summer camp, what kids get to experience in the great outdoors at camp, things at camp that they are not likely to get to experience elsewhere, how campers hear the Good News of Jesus for them at camp, some common questions parents might have, and how to prepare for camp.
Find a camp for you and your family:
- Camp Concordia: campconcordia.org
- Walcamp: walcamp.org
- NLOMA Camps around the country: nloma.org
The KFUO Radio staff joins Andy and Sarah to thank their teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, MSW, joins Andy and Sarah in our series on "Emotions and the Gospel" to talk about teens and emotions, including what might be in the emotional soup a teenager experiences, how changes in things like educational settings and biology can affect the emotional soup, and what parents and other adults who care about youth can do for our teens. Find the blog post mentioned at heidigoehmann.com/articles/the-truth-about-mental-health-teens-and-emotions-1.
Find your copy of Emotions and the Gospel: Created for Connection at books.cph.org/emotions-and-the-gospel. Listen to all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/emotions-and-the-gospel.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Micah Glenn, Director of Recruitment at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about how church workers such as pastors and deaconesses formed at Concordia Seminary, opportunities for high school students to learn about these paths to church work at Concordia Seminary, what students gain from their time at Vocatio, and what a typical day looks like during this program. Vocation runs June 24-July 1, with registration due May 27. Learn more and register at csl.edu/admissions/visit/vocatio.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Rev. Matthew Wietfeldt, Assistant Vice President of Admission and Director of Christ Academy at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about how church workers such as pastors and deaconesses formed at Concordia Theological Seminary, opportunities for high school students and their families to learn about these paths to church work at CTSFW, what families will gain from their time at Christ Academy Family Institute, and why it's important to include families in these visitation opportunities. Learn more at the links below:
- Family Institute: ctsfw.edu/ctsfw-events/event-christ-academy-family-institute-2023
- Christ Academy - Phoebe School: ctsfw.edu/ctsfw-events/event-christ-academy-phoebe-school-2023
- Christ Academy - Timothy School: ctsfw.edu/ctsfw-events/event-christ-academy-timothy-school-2023
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Rev. Dr. John Sias, Secretary of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about where we are in the Convention timeline, what's happening with nominations and elections, what happens at Floor Committee Weekend, some of the Overtures in the Convention Workbook, and the Convention Bible Study. Find the Workbook and all things for Convention at lcms.org/convention.
Rev. Anthony Oliphant, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Elmhurst, IL, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the May 2023 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "A Drink Offering" on Philippians 2:12-18. This year, "Searching Scripture" will study the book of Philippians, so stay tuned each month for a new Bible study. Follow along and search Scripture with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Philippians 2:12-18Lights in the World12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. 17 Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.
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English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org
Rev. Eric Andrae — pastor of First Trinity Lutheran Church in Pittsburgh, PA, and Lutheran Student Fellowship Pittsburgh, and Rev. Michael Meyer — managing director in the LCMS Office of National Mission, join Andy and Sarah to talk about why ministry to college students is important today, how campus ministry made a difference for both of them when they were students, what campus ministry looks like today, and how campus ministry staff and leaders will be equiped in the LCMSU Campus Ministry Staff Conference 2023. Find Lutheran Student Fellowship Pittsburgh at lsfpgh.com and register for the LCMSU Campus Ministry Staff Conference at calendar.lcms.org/event/lcms-u-campus-ministry-staff-conference-2023.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, MSW, joins Andy and Sarah in our series on "Emotions and the Gospel" to talk about Felt Compassion, including what makes "felt compassion" different from our usual idea of compassion, how felt compassion is different from "love" or "kindness" or "comfort," the characteristics of felt compassion, and where we see felt compassion in Scripture.
Find your copy of Emotions and the Gospel: Created for Connection at books.cph.org/emotions-and-the-gospel. Listen to all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/emotions-and-the-gospel.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
This is a rebroadcast from March 13, 2023.
Rev. Dr. James Baneck, LCMS Executive Director of Pastoral Education and the Set Apart to Serve Initiative, joins Andy and Sarah during Sharathon 2023 to talk about how KFUO Radio has partnered with the Set Apart to Serve Initiative, why this partnership is important, and why KFUO Radio is important in his personal life as well. Learn more about Set Apart to Serve at lcms.org/sas and find all Set Apart to Serve podcasts at kfuo.org/SetApartToServe.
It's Sharathon 2023, and we need YOUR support!By God’s grace and with your generous support, we’ve been sharing the Gospel for close to 99 years to millions of listeners worldwide.
- Our Bible studies help to explain and deepen your understanding of God’s Word.
- Our worship services proclaim salvation in Christ and give you the words that the church has always used to proclaim the Gospel.
- And our hymns—the sacred music of the church—are the joyous exultation of God’s people that explain, proclaim, and announce the joy of salvation in Christ alone.
In short, your gift makes it possible for the listener-supported Broadcast Ministry of KFUO Radio to continue filling our world with God’s Word.
Start, sustain, or strengthen your partnership with KFUO Radio during Sharathon 2023. Give now at kfuo.org/sharathon.
Rev. Dr. Matthew Heise, Executive Director of Lutheran Heritage Foundation (LHF), joins Andy and Sarah during Sharathon 2023 to talk about where LHF serves our neighbors with resources to support them in the faith, why these resources are critical for the people they serve, the latest projects happening at LHF, and why it's important for LHF to partner with the work of KFUO Radio. Learn more about Lutheran Heritage Foundation at lhfmissions.org.
It's Sharathon 2023, and we need YOUR support!By God’s grace and with your generous support, we’ve been sharing the Gospel for close to 99 years to millions of listeners worldwide.
- Our Bible studies help to explain and deepen your understanding of God’s Word.
- Our worship services proclaim salvation in Christ and give you the words that the church has always used to proclaim the Gospel.
- And our hymns—the sacred music of the church—are the joyous exultation of God’s people that explain, proclaim, and announce the joy of salvation in Christ alone.
In short, your gift makes it possible for the listener-supported Broadcast Ministry of KFUO Radio to continue filling our world with God’s Word.
Start, sustain, or strengthen your partnership with KFUO Radio during Sharathon 2023. Give now at kfuo.org/sharathon.
Flame — Lutheran rap artist, author, and creative behind Extra Nos Academy, joins Andy and Sarah during Sharathon 2023 to talk about the latest with Extra Nos Academy, his book releasing in July 2023 from Concordia Publishing House (available for pre-order now), and how Lutheran creatives can use their talents to share the Gospel of Christ around the globe. Find Extra Nos Academy at extranosacademy.com and find his book "Extra Nos" at cph.org/extranos.
It's Sharathon 2023, and we need YOUR support!By God’s grace and with your generous support, we’ve been sharing the Gospel for close to 99 years to millions of listeners worldwide.
- Our Bible studies help to explain and deepen your understanding of God’s Word.
- Our worship services proclaim salvation in Christ and give you the words that the church has always used to proclaim the Gospel.
- And our hymns—the sacred music of the church—are the joyous exultation of God’s people that explain, proclaim, and announce the joy of salvation in Christ alone.
In short, your gift makes it possible for the listener-supported Broadcast Ministry of KFUO Radio to continue filling our world with God’s Word.
Start, sustain, or strengthen your partnership with KFUO Radio during Sharathon 2023. Give now at kfuo.org/sharathon.
Julianna Shults — Program Manager with LCMS Youth Ministry, and Rev. Mark Kiessling — Director of LCMS Youth Ministry, join Andy and Sarah during Sharathon 2023 to talk about what's happening with LCMS Youth Ministry this year, the key strengths of LCMS Youth Ministry today, how their investment in research has been useful to synod and the local congregation, and what listeners will find on the End Goals Podcast. Find the podcast at kfuo.org/EndGoals.
It's Sharathon 2023, and we need YOUR support!By God’s grace and with your generous support, we’ve been sharing the Gospel for close to 99 years to millions of listeners worldwide.
- Our Bible studies help to explain and deepen your understanding of God’s Word.
- Our worship services proclaim salvation in Christ and give you the words that the church has always used to proclaim the Gospel.
- And our hymns—the sacred music of the church—are the joyous exultation of God’s people that explain, proclaim, and announce the joy of salvation in Christ alone.
In short, your gift makes it possible for the listener-supported Broadcast Ministry of KFUO Radio to continue filling our world with God’s Word.
Debbie Larson, President of LWML (Lutheran Women in Mission), joins Andy and Sarah during Sharathon 2023 to talk about the work of LWML today, where we see LWML serving the church and our neighbors, details about the LWML National Convention this summer, and what happens when the saints share the gifts given to them for the sake of the Gospel.
It's Sharathon 2023, and we need YOUR support!By God’s grace and with your generous support, we’ve been sharing the Gospel for close to 99 years to millions of listeners worldwide.
- Our Bible studies help to explain and deepen your understanding of God’s Word.
- Our worship services proclaim salvation in Christ and give you the words that the church has always used to proclaim the Gospel.
- And our hymns—the sacred music of the church—are the joyous exultation of God’s people that explain, proclaim, and announce the joy of salvation in Christ alone.
In short, your gift makes it possible for the listener-supported Broadcast Ministry of KFUO Radio to continue filling our world with God’s Word.
Start, sustain, or strengthen your partnership with KFUO Radio during Sharathon 2023. Give now at kfuo.org/sharathon.
Erik Lunsford, Managing Photojournalist for the LCMS, joins Andy and Sarah during Sharathon 2023 to talk about where his job takes him around the world, how KFUO Radio is a part of his daily family routine, how this makes a difference in how his day begins or ends, and why it's important that his children hear God’s Word regularly.
It's Sharathon 2023, and we need YOUR support!By God’s grace and with your generous support, we’ve been sharing the Gospel for close to 99 years to millions of listeners worldwide.
- Our Bible studies help to explain and deepen your understanding of God’s Word.
- Our worship services proclaim salvation in Christ and give you the words that the church has always used to proclaim the Gospel.
- And our hymns—the sacred music of the church—are the joyous exultation of God’s people that explain, proclaim, and announce the joy of salvation in Christ alone.
In short, your gift makes it possible for the listener-supported Broadcast Ministry of KFUO Radio to continue filling our world with God’s Word.
Start, sustain, or strengthen your partnership with KFUO Radio during Sharathon 2023. Give now at kfuo.org/sharathon.
Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison, President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins Andy and Sarah during Sharathon 2023 to talk about how KFUO Radio is a valuable part of the mission and work of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, the importance of hearing and studying God’s Word regularly, and the importance of the listener support for this broadcast ministry.
It's Sharathon 2023, and we need YOUR support!By God’s grace and with your generous support, we’ve been sharing the Gospel for close to 99 years to millions of listeners worldwide.
- Our Bible studies help to explain and deepen your understanding of God’s Word.
- Our worship services proclaim salvation in Christ and give you the words that the church has always used to proclaim the Gospel.
- And our hymns—the sacred music of the church—are the joyous exultation of God’s people that explain, proclaim, and announce the joy of salvation in Christ alone.
In short, your gift makes it possible for the listener-supported Broadcast Ministry of KFUO Radio to continue filling our world with God’s Word.
Start, sustain, or strengthen your partnership with KFUO Radio during Sharathon 2023. Give now at kfuo.org/sharathon.
Christian Boehlke, Interim Director of the LCMS Office of International Mission, joins Andy and Sarah during Sharathon 2023 to talk about where LCMS Missionaries serve today, how these missionaries serve, and how KFUO Radio is a partner and support to our missionaries. Learn more about LCMS International Mission at international.lcms.org.
It's Sharathon 2023, and we need YOUR support!By God’s grace and with your generous support, we’ve been sharing the Gospel for close to 99 years to millions of listeners worldwide.
- Our Bible studies help to explain and deepen your understanding of God’s Word.
- Our worship services proclaim salvation in Christ and give you the words that the church has always used to proclaim the Gospel.
- And our hymns—the sacred music of the church—are the joyous exultation of God’s people that explain, proclaim, and announce the joy of salvation in Christ alone.
In short, your gift makes it possible for the listener-supported Broadcast Ministry of KFUO Radio to continue filling our world with God’s Word.
Start, sustain, or strengthen your partnership with KFUO Radio during Sharathon 2023. Give now at kfuo.org/sharathon.
Delano and Linda Meyer, Jacques Breman, and Gwen Zagore join Andy and Sarah to talk about preparing for your garden. They discuss establishing a garden plan, choosing a site, preparing soil, and selecting seeds for live plants.
This is a rebroadcast from March 26, 2021.
Signe White, executive director of Camp Perkins in Stanley, Idaho, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what happens at NLOMA camps each day during the summer, how summer staff make this experience a reality, Signe's own story of coming to camp, and opportunities to serve this summer at a NLOMA Camp. Learn more about NLOMA (National Lutheran Outdoor Ministry Association) camps and apply at nloma.org, and find Camp Perkins at campperkins.org.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the role psychologists play in mental health care, how the variety of mental health professionals interact in our lives, and how to seek care. Read the full list with explanations at resources.lcms.org/reading-study/commentaries/life-transitions-church-work-marriage.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
This is a rebroadcast from October 11, 2021.
Rev. Joshua Brakhage, Associate Pastor at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Edmond, Oklahoma, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about his career in television broadcasting before becoming a pastor, what shaped his decision to change careers and start a new journey as a church worker, his journey through seminary as a second-career church worker, how his previous career helps in what he does now as a pastor, and how his congregation encourages students and second career adults to consider church work vocations.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Deaconess Sandra Rhein, Sacred Music Educator in Asia for the LCMS Office of International Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Easter hymns! Learn about Lutheran Service Book 458 "Christ Jesus Lay in Death's Strong Bands," Lutheran Service Book 476 "Who Are You Who Walk in Sorrow," and Lutheran Service Book 466 "Christ is Arisen, Alleluia." Read Deaconess Rhein's story and how to support her work at lcms.org/rhein.
This is a rebroadcast from April 6, 2021.
Rev. James Sharp, Serving the Lord in Uruguay with the LCMS Office of International Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the church fellowship talks between the LCMS and the Lutheran Church in Bolivia, the exciting updates on the mission field in Uruguay, and how the team on the ground has been growing. Learn more about the Sharp family and how to support their missionary work at lcms.org/sharp.
Rev. Tim Droegemueller, Pastor of Living Faith Lutheran Church in Cumming, Georgia, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the importance of adult catechesis and how the seasons of the church year play into how the catechism and vocation are taught in his congregation. Read the explanation of his process at livingfaithlutheran.com/im-new.
This is a rebroadcast from June 8, 2018.
Mary Schmidt — Manager of Development for KFUO Radio, and Rev. Doug Griebenaw — Mission Advocate for KFUO Radio, join Andy and Sarah to preview Sharathon 2023, including why we have this time every year to talk about our mission and ask for financial support, the levels of giving for this year, and the thank-you gifts at these levels. Learn all the details (including photos of the thank-you gifts) and get a head start on your Sharathon gift by giving now at kfuo.org/sharathon!
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how to be mentally well during a time of transition, the different categories of mental health professionals, and how to decide which professional you might want to start with. Read the full list with explanations at resources.lcms.org/reading-study/commentaries/life-transitions-church-work-marriage.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
This is a rebroadcast from October 4, 2021.
Myrna Baneck — Preschool Teacher at Our Savior Lutheran Church & School in Fenton, MO, and Brett Mueller — Middle School Teacher at Our Savior Lutheran Church & School in Fenton, MO, join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about how they became Lutheran school teachers, why Lutheran education is important for children today, what their days look like as teachers, the most rewarding part of being a teacher, and how they talk to their students about church work vocations.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Rev. Dr. Stanish Stanley — Executive Director of Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA) in St. Louis, and Marlene Schroeder — Friend A Family Mentor with Christian Friends of New Americans in St. Louis, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the work of CFNA today, how American families partner with CFNA and new American families, how Marlene supports Afghan refugee families, the needs of these Afghan refugee families, and how volunteers can support the work of CFNA. Learn more and volunteer at cfna-stl.org.
Emily Worthmore — KFUO Radio Intern, and Ian Burger — KFUO Production Associate, join Andy and Sarah as our newest KFUO Radio team members to talk about how they came to be KFUO Radio team members, how they contribute to the team, the experiences that Emily is learning in her internship, how Ian's prior experience prepared him for his current position, and how faith plays a role in what they get to do here.
Rev. Dr. Daniel Harmelink — Executive Director of Concordia Historical Institute, and Molly Lackey — Social Media and Special Projects Assistant at Concordia Historical Institute, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the history of the India Evangelical Lutheran Church and its relationship with the LCMS, the archives of the IELC and what happened to them in 2017 with Cyclone Ockhi, how Concordia Historical Institute has been helping the IELC preserve their history, and how this preservation is building collaboration between IELC and the LCMS. Read Molly's article about this project in Lutherans Engage at engage.lcms.org/india-spring-2023.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, MSW, joins Andy and Sarah during our mini-series on Social Media to talk about intentionality and conflict, including what we need to understand about ourselves in order to develop intentions for our social media use, how we set those intentions if we're already drowning in social media, how conflict on social media can affect our mental health, resolving conflict on social media, and how being intentional about social media use can help us navigate the conflict we experience.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
View Deaconess Heidi’s Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
This is a rebroadcast from May 23, 2022.
Chaplain Brian Hamer, active duty Navy Chaplain, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the importance of Good Friday in the rhythm of the Church Year, how the Passion has been a part of Holy Week since the Early Church, how J.S. Bach approached the observation of Holy Week, and how Bach expresses the text of the Passion in his beautiful music for Holy Week. Listen to "Es ist vollbracht" at youtu.be/8sURg5yT69U. Read more from Chaplain Hamer at WhatDoesThisMean.org.
This is a rebroadcast from April 12, 2022.
Rev. Sean Daenzer, Director of Worship for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and International Center Chaplain, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the services of the Triduum during Holy Week, the origins of these services, what makes Tenebrae a unique service among the others, and the beautiful Responsories used in the Medieval church during these Tenebrae services.
Listen to the Responsories by Carlo Gesualdo on YouTube.
Rev. Anthony Oliphant, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Elmhurst, IL, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the April 2023 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "The Example of Christ" on Philippians 2:1–11. This year, "Searching Scripture" will study the book of Philippians, so stay tuned each month for a new Bible study. Follow along and search Scripture with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Philippians 2:1-11Christ's Example of Humility2 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,[a] 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,[b] 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant,[c] being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Read full chapter
Footnotes1. Philippians 2:5 Or which was also in Christ Jesus 2. Philippians 2:6 Or a thing to be held on to for advantage 3. Philippians 2:7 Or slave (for the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface)
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, MSW, and Tanner Olson of Written to Speak, join Andy and Sarah to talk about "A Night of Hope" that they have created as an experience for groups, including what this experience entails, why people need to hear words of hope, how poetry and stories help people process hard things, and how this experience can help different groups of people. Learn more about this experience and how to bring Tanner and Heidi to your congregation at writtentospeak.com/music-and-words.
Find everything by Tanner Olson at writtentospeak.com.
Find your copy of Emotions and the Gospel: Created for Connection at books.cph.org/emotions-and-the-gospel. Listen to all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/emotions-and-the-gospel.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
Dr. Shanna Opfer — Associate Professor of Education and Elementary Education Director at Concordia University Nebraska (CUNE), and Macy Gebhardt — elementary education student at Concordia University Nebraska, join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about why Lutheran school education is important for our children, how CUNE equips the next generation of Lutheran teachers, success stories from Lutheran Teacher Education students, what Macy's journey into teacher education has been, how CUNE is preparing her to be a successful teacher, and what she's looking forward to after graduation. Learn more about CUNE at cune.edu.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Ashley Lehr — Outreach Specialist who serves with LCMS International Mission in Puerto Rico, Eddie Carlton — Volunteer in Panama, and Nancy Opheim — Volunteer in Panama, join Andy and Sarah to talk about serving on a volunteer team in Panama, the work they did to continue remodeling a church parsonage, why this work is important, what they learned during their time in Panama, and future opportunities to serve on teams in Panama and elsewhere. Learn more and apply at servenow.lcms.org/opp/parsonage-remodel-teams-panama.
Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for Episode 9 in our series on The English Reformation. In this episode, hear the story of the Puritans, how they stemmed from the English Reformation, and how they came to America.
Listen to all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/the-english-reformation. Find "The Reformation" by Dr. MacKenzie at cph.org/the-reformation and Amazon.com.
Dr. David J. Peter, professor of practical theology and the dean of faculty at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, and author of Organizing for Ministry: Options for Church Structure available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his experience and service to the church prior to teaching, how he's experienced organization and administration of parish ministry in various settings, what Scripture teaches us about organization in the local congregation, the concepts that help us organize, and options for organization in the church. Find Dr. Peter's book at cph.org/organizing-for-ministry-and-mission-options-for-church-structure.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, MSW, and Rev. Dr. Richard Marrs, Professor of Practical Theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah in our series on "Emotions and the Gospel" to continue the conversation about the differences between men and women in mental health, including how men and women perceive emotions, why some may seek out therapy before others, and how we can use this knowledge to build up relationships around us.
Find Dr. Marr’s Making Christian Counseling More Christ Centered at Amazon.com and westbowpress.com.
Find your copy of Emotions and the Gospel: Created for Connection at books.cph.org/emotions-and-the-gospel. Listen to all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/emotions-and-the-gospel.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
Drew Oswald, 4th-year Master of Divinity student at Concordia Seminary in St Louis, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about why he decided to go to seminary for pastoral formation, how his experience as a teacher has served him in seminary preparations, what pastoral formation at the seminary looks like for MDiv students, how his formation experiences go beyond the classroom, and what he's looking forward to after graduation and Call Day. Learn more about Concordia Seminary St. Louis at csl.edu.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Libby Gutberlet — Executive Director of Lutheran Elementary School Association (LESA) in St. Louis, and Laura Montgomery — Director of Educational Resources for LESA and Interim Principal at Salem Lutheran School in Affton, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Lutheran schools in the St. Louis area, why Lutheran schools are needed today, how LESA makes a Christ-centered Lutheran education a reality for many families today, and the upcoming Dinner Auction on Saturday, April 15th. Learn more at lesastl.org.
Rehema Kavugha, Director of Synod Relations with Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how families are involved with LCEF, what the Young Investors program offers to kids, and the Take Heart Scholarship opportunity for kids involved in the Young Investors program. Learn more about Take Heart Scholarship at lcef.org/scholarship.
Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for Episode 9 in our series on The English Reformation. In this episode, hear about how the Spanish Armada played a role in the English Reformation.
Listen to all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/the-english-reformation. Find "The Reformation" by Dr. MacKenzie at cph.org/the-reformation and Amazon.com.
Dr. Daniel Zager, retired from the Eastman School of Music (University of Rochester) in Rochester, New York, and author of Lutheran Music and Meaning from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his 20 years at Eastman and organization of the Sibley Music Library, what gives Lutheran music meaning, the relationship between text and melody, how music serves people during worship services, how music was instrumental during the Reformation, and how we can actively listen to music. Find Dr. Zager's book at cph.org/lutheran-music-and-meaning.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, MSW, and Rev. Dr. Richard Marrs, Professor of Practical Theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, join Andy and Sarah as we wrap up our series on "Emotions and the Gospel" for part one of the promised conversation about the differences in men and women as it relates to mental health and emotions. They discuss their own experiences in counseling both men and women, disclaimers and caveats we have to acknowledge when we talk about the differences between men and women, and how generalizations can be problematic as we discuss this topic. Stay tuned next week for part two of this conversation.
Find Dr. Marr's Making Christian Counseling More Christ Centered at Amazon.com and westbowpress.com.
Find Deaconess Heidi's Emotions and the Gospel: Created for Connection at books.cph.org/emotions-and-the-gospel. Listen to all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/emotions-and-the-gospel.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
Dr. Tom Egger, president Concordia Seminary in St. Louis and professor of Exegetical Theology, joins Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about his path to becoming a church worker, how relationships made a difference in his vocational path and also in the lives of the students at Concordia Seminary, how residential pastoral formation is a blessing to the Church, opportunities for pastoral and diaconal formation at Concordia Seminary, and his encouragement to those people who are considering church work vocations. Learn more about Concordia Seminary at csl.edu.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Dr. Erik Ankerberg, President of Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor (CUWAA), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his path into church work in higher education, what he loves about poetry and literature, why he is passionate about Lutheran higher education, what CUWAA is doing to raise up a generation of faithful Lutherans to serve in various vocations, and what the future holds for CUWAA. Learn more at cuw.edu and cuaa.edu.
Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for Episode 7 in our series on The English Reformation. In this episode, hear the continuation of the story of Queen Mary, an introduction to Queen Elizabeth, and the Elizabethan Settlement.
Listen to all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/the-english-reformation. Find "The Reformation" by Dr. MacKenzie at cph.org/the-reformation and Amazon.com.
Nick Palmer, Daniel Bueckman, and Joanna Wescoatt from the Concordia Seminary St Louis community and short-term volunteers in the Dominican Republic, along with Erin Mackenzie, serving the Lord in Latin American and the Caribbean in the Dominican Republic, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how they were connected to this volunteer opportunity, what they knew about the Dominican Republic and how they prepared for this trip, how they served while they were in the Dominican Republic, and what they learned about themselves and the people they served alongside. Find your opportunity to serve on a short-term mission trip at servenow.lcms.org.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, MSW, joins Andy and Sarah in our series on "Emotions and the Gospel" to talk about Felt Compassion, including what makes "felt compassion" different from our usual idea of compassion, how felt compassion is different from "love" or "kindness" or "comfort," the characteristics of felt compassion, and where we see felt compassion in Scripture.
Find your copy of Emotions and the Gospel: Created for Connection at books.cph.org/emotions-and-the-gospel. Listen to all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/emotions-and-the-gospel.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. John Zimmerman — pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Scranton, PA, and Marli Ockander — teacher at Sioux Falls Lutheran School in Sioux Falls, SD, join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about their paths to becoming church workers, how they overcame barriers in their paths, how their church and school became part of the Set Apart to Serve Pilot Program, the goals they have for church worker recruitment, and challenges they've encountered when talking with young people about church work.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Sam Borgwardt — business manager for the Asia region with LCMS International Mission, and Blake Warren — Director of Business Operations with LCMS International Mission and former business manager in the Latin America & the Caribbean region, join Andy and Sarah to talk about their journeys to the mission field, how business managers serve on the mission field, how this role of a business manager is critical to the work of other missionaries, and the current opportunities to serve with LCMS International Mission as a business manager. Learn more and apply for these positions at lcms.org/serve/careers/job-postings, and find all missionary opportunities at servenow.lcms.org.
Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for Episode 6 in our series on The English Reformation. In this episode, hear about the prayer books of the Church of England, what happened with King Edward died, Lady Jane as the "9 Days Queen," the reign of Catholic Queen Mary, the introduction of the Geneva Bible, and the Martrydom of Protestants in England.
Listen to all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/the-english-reformation. Find "The Reformation" by Dr. MacKenzie at cph.org/the-reformation and Amazon.com.
Ed Riojas — liturgical artist, Jessie Bell — homeschool mom and artist at Concordia Collective, and Rev. Sean Daenzer — director of worship for the LCMS, join Sarah and guest co-host Jordan Harms to talk about the new Easter Vigil coloring book available from LCMS Worship, including why Easter Vigil is a unique service in the church year and Holy Week, ways families can connect to the story of salvation during this service, and how this resource can be used in the home and in church. Find the Coloring Book at resources.lcms.org/worship-planning/easter-vigil-childrens-coloring-book.
Find Ed's work at edriojasartist.com. Find Jessie's work through Concordia Collective at concordiacollective.shop, facebook.com/concordiacollective, and instagram.com/concordiacollective.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, MSW, joins Andy and Sarah in our series on "Emotions and the Gospel" to talk about Perplexity, including how perplexity is different from confusion, how the experience of relationship helps us handle perplexity, what we learn from Scripture about perplexity, and why perplexity is difficult for today’s culture.
Find your copy of Emotions and the Gospel: Created for Connection at books.cph.org/emotions-and-the-gospel. Listen to all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/emotions-and-the-gospel.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
Deaconess Raquel Rojas — Redeemer Lutheran Church in Bronx, New York, and Rev. Jonathan Walla — Bethel Lutheran Church/Martin Luther School in Bismarck, North Dakota, join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about how they became church workers, the people and communities their churches serve, how they became part of the Set Apart to Serve Pilot Program, how they think this initiative is going to positively impact their communities, and what they're looking forward to as part of this initiative.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Rev. Anthony Oliphant, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Elmhurst, IL, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the March 2023 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "Encouragement in Christ" on Philippians 1:27-2:2. This year, "Searching Scripture" will study the book of Philippians, so stay tuned each month for a new Bible study. Follow along and search Scripture with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Philippians 1:27-2:227 Only let your manner of life be worthy[a] of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. 29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, 30 engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
Christ's Example of Humility2 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
Footnotes1. Philippians 1:27 Greek Only behave as citizens worthy
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org
Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for Episode 5 in our series on The English Reformation. In this episode, hear about more characters in the story including Thomas Howard, Stephen Gardiner, Jane Seymour, Edward VI. Also hear the struggle between the the Protestant faction and the Catholic faction in the English Reformation, whether Catholic doctrines and practices will be kept in the Church of England, King Edward's Protestant reforms in the Church of England, and Tomas Cranmer's contributions.
Listen to all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/the-english-reformation. Find "The Reformation" by Dr. MacKenzie at cph.org/the-reformation and Amazon.com.
Dave Anderson, Founder of Shepherd’s Canyon Retreat in Wickenburg, Arizona, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about who Shepherd’s Canyon Retreat serves, the need for this type of counseling and respite care for church workers, what is learned and experienced at retreats, and how to join in on the upcoming retreats. Learn more and register at shepherdscanyonretreat.org.
Rev. Kevin Robson — Chief Mission Officer of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, and Mark Hofman — Executive Director of LCMS Mission Advancement, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the National Offering, how past National Offerings have served the mission of the LCMS, the purpose of the 2023-2026 LCMS National Offering, and how congregations can prepare for and participate in the LCMS National Offering. Learn more at lcms.org/convention/national/offering.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, MSW, joins Andy and Sarah in our series on "Emotions and the Gospel" to talk about Contempt, including the forms of contempt we may experience in this life, what contempt might feel like, what happens when it's left unchecked, how it's different from other emotions, and the relationship of contempt to honor.
Find your copy of Emotions and the Gospel: Created for Connection at books.cph.org/emotions-and-the-gospel. Listen to all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/emotions-and-the-gospel.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
Ruth Meyer — author of Our Faith From A to Z, and the Sola Series from Concordia Publishing House (ruthmeyerbooks.com/books), Sarah Baughman — author of A Flame in the Dark from Concordia Publishing House (sarahbaughman.org), Pastor Chris Kennedy — author of Jesus Said What?,Grace Under Pressure, and Equipped from Concordia Publishing House (pastorchriskennedy.com/books), and Donna Snow — author of several books from Concordia Publishing House including Chosen, Perseverance, Forgiveness, and the forthcoming book Meant for Good, a study of Joseph (artesianministries.org/books), join Andy and Sarah live from the Texas Lutheran Writers Round Up to talk about how they became authors, how their writing intersects their other vocations, a practice they've found helpful for successful writing, how their reading influences their writing, and what they're working on right now. Find all of their books at cph.org.
Mike Behr, Executive Director of LCMS Communications, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his journey into this role at the LCMS International Center, what LCMS Communications does on a daily basis (hint: it's a lot!), how LCMS Communications serves the Church at large, and what he's looking forward to in this new role.
Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for Episode # in our series on The English Reformation. In this episode, hear about what happened under the leadership of King Henry VIII and the stories of Thomas Cranmer, Thomas Cromwell, and Anne of Cleaves.
Listen to all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/the-english-reformation. Find "The Reformation" by Dr. MacKenzie at cph.org/the-reformation and Amazon.com.
Dr. Al Freeman, Director of LCMS School Ministry, joins Andy to talk about his journey into church work, how LCMS School Ministry serves the LCMS at large, important things that LCMS Schools does for our Lutheran schools, what he's looking forward to in his new role. Learn more about LCMS Schools at lcms.org/school-ministry and LCMS School Resources at luthed.org.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, MSW, joins Andy and Sarah in our series on "Emotions and the Gospel" to talk about Indignation, including how indignation is related to other things like anger and grief, how grief plays into indignation, the role of justice when we feel indignation, how indignation moves us forward in service to our neighbor, and the difference between Jesus’ indignance and ours?
Find your copy of Emotions and the Gospel: Created for Connection at books.cph.org/emotions-and-the-gospel. Listen to all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/emotions-and-the-gospel.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. James Cleland, Associate Pastor at St. Mark Lutheran Church & School in Houston, TX, and Student Recruitment Ambassador with Concordia Seminary in St Louis, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about his winding journey into church work, how his experience as an educator has served him in his pastoral formation and now as a full-time pastor, and his encouragement to others who are considering church work. Find more information about Concordia Seminary at csl.edu/admissions.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Rev. Jim and Pearl Rhiver, Lutheran Older Adult Retreat planners, join Andy to talk about the Lutheran Older Adult Retreat sponsored by the Missouri and Southern Illinois Districts of the LCMS, including why they hold a retreat for older adults, what kinds of activities happen at this retreat, who is eligible to attend, and how to register. Learn more at sidlcms.org/2023/02/13/lutheran-older-adult-retreat-2023.
Mike Fischer, Gift Planner with LCMS Mission Advancement, joins Andy to talk about how a gift planner serves people in the church, how recent legislation may affect charitable giving, who this affects, and how to receive professional advice about future charitable gifts. Learn more about LCMS Gift Planning at giftplanning.lcms.org.
Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for Episode # in our series on The English Reformation. In this episode, hear the rest of William Tyndale's story and begin into the story of how King Henry VIII is wrapped up in many details of the English Reformation.
Listen to all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/the-english-reformation. Find "The Reformation" by Dr. MacKenzie at cph.org/the-reformation and Amazon.com.
Dr. Paul Robinson, Professor of Historical Theology and Director of Library Services at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, and Bruce Durazzi, librarian for special collections at Concordia Seminary, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the upcoming Bach Birthday Celebration at the Seminary, including the exciting lecture this year from Leonard Slatkin, why celebrating Bach is important to the Seminary community, the Bach Bible on display for this event, and what we know about J.S. Bach from his Bible and other collected books. Learn more about this celebration at csl.edu/event/bach-birthday-celebration.
Dr. Jeff Held — Professor of Music, Music Director of the Orchestras, and Assistant Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences for Music and the Arts at Concordia University Irvine, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Concordia University Irvine Symphony Orchestra, why music education and experiences are integral to Concordia Irvine students, and the upcoming Midwest tour dates in the St. Louis area. Learn more about Concordia University Irvine at cui.edu and about this tour at cui.edu/tickets. View a preview video at youtu.be/o4fbuxp6Vno.
- Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Collinsville - Feb. 25, 4:00 pm
- Peace Lutheran Church, St. Louis - Feb. 26, 9:20 and 10:30 worship services
- Zion Lutheran Church, St. Charles - Feb. 26, 6:00 pm
- Lutheran High North - Feb. 27, morning chapel
- Concordia Seminary - Feb. 28, morning chapel and post-chapel concert
- First Presbyterian Church Con Spirito Concert Series - Feb. 28, 7:30 PM
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, MSW, joins Andy and Sarah in our series on "Emotions and the Gospel" to talk about Weariness, including definitions of weariness, examples of weariness found in Scripture, and how weariness affects our capacity.
Find your copy of Emotions and the Gospel: Created for Connection at books.cph.org/emotions-and-the-gospel. Listen to all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/emotions-and-the-gospel.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
Dr. Jeffrey Blersch, Professor of Music at Concordia University Nebraska, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about his formation as a church musician, what the need is for church organists and musicians today, how CUNE is equipping young people to serve in church work vocations, how studying organ is unlike studying any other musical instrument, and how students at CUNE serve the church even as they're still in university. Learn more about CUNE Music at cune.edu/academics/undergraduate/church-music.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Rev. Anthony Oliphant, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Elmhurst, IL, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the February 2023 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "Reasons to Rejoice" on Philippians 1:12-26. This year, "Searching Scripture" will study the book of Philippians, so stay tuned each month for a new Bible study. Follow along and search Scripture with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Philippians 1:12-26The Advance of the Gospel12 I want you to know, brothers,[a] that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard[b] and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word[c] without fear.
15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.
To Live Is ChristYes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, 20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.
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Footnotes1. Philippians 1:12 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters; also verse 14 2. Philippians 1:13 Greek in the whole praetorium 3. Philippians 1:14 Some manuscripts add of God
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org
Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for Episode 2 in our series on The English Reformation. In this episode, hear a quick recap of key figures in the English Reformation, the stories of Robert Barnes and William Tyndale, and why these two men were very influential in the English Reformation.
Listen to all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/the-english-reformation. Find "The Reformation" by Dr. MacKenzie at cph.org/the-reformation and Amazon.com.
Rev. Dr. John Sias, Secretary of the LCMS, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about congregation end-of-year statistics and current list of lay leaders that is gathered yearly, how this congregational information is helpful, and how churches can submit their information to the Synod. Submit information to lc.lcms.org and email rosters.stats@lcms.org or call the LCMS Church Information Center at 888-843-5267 with any questions.
Rev. Dr. Jon Vieker, Dean of Chapel and Associate Professor of Practical Theology at Concordia Seminary in St Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the upcoming Prevallet Hymn Writer’s Workshop at CSL, including the hymnwriters who have influenced the worship life of Lutherans throughout history, what is essential to being a Lutheran hymn writer, and what attendees will learn at this workshop happening on February 18. Learn more and register at csl.edu/event/prevallet-hymn-writing-workshop.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, MSW, joins Andy and Sarah in our series on "Emotions and the Gospel" to talk about Distress, including what distress might feel or look like, what can happen when distress is left untended, what we do with distress, and is there any good that can come from distress.
Find your copy of Emotions and the Gospel: Created for Connection at books.cph.org/emotions-and-the-gospel. Listen to all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/emotions-and-the-gospel.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Dr. Lawrence R. Rast Jr., President of Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana (CTSFW), and professor of American Christianity and American Lutheranism, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about his formation as a pastor, the people who encouraged him along the way, what formation for church workers looks like at CTSFW, and the need he sees for church workers. Learn more at CTSFW at ctsfw.edu.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Chelsea Irwin — Serving the Lord in Eurasia in the Czech Republic, Erin Mackenzie — Serving the Lord in Latin American and the Caribbean in the Dominican Republic, and Shara Osiro — Serving the Lord in Africa in Kenya, join Andy and Sarah to talk about opportunities to serve on a Short Term Mission team this summer in Poland, Malawi, and the Dominican Republic. These opportunities are:
- English Bible Camp- Poland, August 2-14, 2023. Team members will lead English Bible Camps with the local church for community outreach.
- Youth Conference- Malawi, July 30-August 6, 2023. Team members will assist with hosting/leading a youth conference for the Malawian Lutheran Church.
- Missionary Kid Program Team, August 7-14, 2023, in the Dominican Republic. Team members will lead a VBS-style program for missionary kids during the regional retreat. Spanish or Portuguese skills are very helpful (but not required) in this context.
Find these opportunities and apply at servenow.lcms.org.
Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for Episode 1 in our series on The English Reformation. In this episode, hear about what we mean by "Reformation" and "English Reformation," why many Lutherans know so little about the English Reformation, where this Reformation began, what was happening in other countries at this time, and some of the key figures to know (Thomas Bilney, Hugh Latimer, Thomas Wolsey).
Listen to all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/the-english-reformation. Find "The Reformation" by Dr. MacKenzie at cph.org/the-reformation and Amazon.com.
Natalie Mayor, Choir Director at Lutheran High School South in St. Louis, Missouri, along with Junior students Peyton and Vashek, join Andy and Sarah during Lutheran Schools Week to talk about why their families chose Lutheran South for their education, how Lutheran South is preparing them for their next chapters in life, how God's Word is a part of their school day, and why Ms. Mayor loves teaching music at Lutheran South. Learn more about Lutheran High School South at lslancers.org and follow them on social at facebook.com/lhssstl, instagram.com/lhssstl, and twitter.com/lhssstl.
Kantor Matthew Gerhardt at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church & School in Des Peres, Missouri, along with students Miriam and Reid, join Andy and Sarah during National Lutheran Schools Week to talk about why their families chose St. Paul's for them, what they love about being students there, when they hear about Jesus during the school day, the role music has in education at St. Paul's, and what Kantor loves about teaching the children there. Learn more about St. Paul's Lutheran School at stplutheranschool.org, and find them on social at facebook.com/stpaulsschoolecc and instagram.com/splsaints.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, MSW, joins Andy and Sarah in our series on "Emotions and the Gospel" to talk about Delight, including where we find delight in our lives, how relationship is key to delight, how delight helps us hold opposite emotions in tension, and how we can acknowledge delight in our lives.
Find your copy of Emotions and the Gospel: Created for Connection at books.cph.org/emotions-and-the-gospel. Listen to all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/emotions-and-the-gospel.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
Dr. Erik Hermann — professor of Historical Theology, dean of Theological Research and Publication, director of the Center for Reformation Research, and director of Concordia Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, and Erika Bennett, director of Continuing Education at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, join Sarah and guest co-host Jordan Harms live from the Faith and Film Festival at Concordia Seminary to talk about the value of film for telling stories, how we can find Christian themes in movies that are not explicitly Christian, what we learn from Sci Fi and Fantasy films, and what Festival participants will learn and experience. Learn more at csl.edu/resources/continuing-education/faith-and-film-festival.
Rev. Dr. Geoffrey Boyle, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church and Trinity Lutheran Church in Wichita, Kansas, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about who St. John Chrysostom was, the era in which he lived, how he served the church, and what we learn from him as a forefather of the faith.
This is a rebroadcast from January 27, 2022.
Rev. Dr. Daniel Paavola, Professor of Theology and Theology Department Chair at Concordia University Wisconsin, joins Andy and Sarah on the Commemoration of St. Titus to talk about who St. Titus was, how the Lord used him the church, his relationship with St. Paul, and what we learn from St. Titus and Paul's letter to him.
This is a rebroadcast from January 26, 2022.
Deaconess Maryann Hayter, LCMS manager of grants administration, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how national development grants help LCMS entities make known the Love of Christ, some examples of how past recipients of the LCMS national development grants program have carried the mission forward, the criteria to be eligible, and the application process for the grants. Learn more and apply at lcms.org/serve/grants/development.
Mrs. Karen Shimkus — Choral, Strings, and Guitar Teacher at Metro East Lutheran High School (MELHS) in Edwardsville, Illinois, along with MELHS seniors Sophia, Jakob, and Joey, join Andy and Sarah during National Lutheran Schools Week to talk about why their families chose MELHS for them, how MELHS is preparing them for the next chapter in life, how God's Word is part of their day, what makes MELHS a unique experience for students, and why Mrs. Shimkus loves teaching there. Learn more about MELHS at melhs.org and on Facebook at facebook.com/MetroEastLutheranHS
Scott and Drew Prachar, short-term volunteers with LCMS International Mission, along with Erin Alter, Director of Short-term Missions for LCMS International Mission, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the father and son team's experiences serving on short-term volunteer teams, how they got connected to serve in Puerto Rico, how they served on this trip, and what exciting opportunities are coming up for those interested in serving on a short-term trip.
Find short-term mission opportunities at servenow.lcms.org.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, MSW, joins Andy and Sarah in our series on "Emotions and the Gospel" to talk about Forgotten Emotions of Scripture, including why sorting through feelings and emotions can be daunting or intimidating, how a robust vocabulary helps us sort through emotions, how we can expand our emotions vocabulary, and some examples of overlooked or forgotten emotion words of Scripture.
Find your copy of Emotions and the Gospel: Created for Connection at books.cph.org/emotions-and-the-gospel. Listen to all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/emotions-and-the-gospel.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
Dr. Roger Paavola, President of the Mid-South District of the LCMS, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about his journey into church work from the business world, why he is passionate about encouraging people to consider church work, how others helped him and his family work through challenges, the message he is giving others about the blessings of church work, and how the Mid-South District is supporting the Set Apart to Serve Initiative.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Rev. Dr. Matthew Heise, Executive Director of Lutheran Heritage Foundation (LHF), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the current global needs that LHF is meeting, challenges like witchcraft and idol worship that they encounter in certain cultures, what it means for recipients to receive faithful resources in their own language, and the current pressing needs for LHF. Learn more about Lutheran Heritage Foundation at lhfmissions.org.
Rev. Dr. Steven Schave, Executive Director of LAMP Ministry, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the work of LAMP, the history of residential schools and the abuse and trauma in Indigenous communities, the challenges of youth living in remote villages, how LAMP brings the comfort of the Gospel to people in remote and isolated areas, and a new initiative for the 55th Anniversary of LAMP to reach even more communities with the love of Christ. Learn more about LAMP and how you can participate in 55 for 55 at lampministry.org.
David Vandercar, Men’s Gathering Co-founder and Planner, joins Andy to talk about why they have a gathering for men, the theme and speaker for this year's gathering, what else is on the agenda beyond Bible study and fellowship, and the accommodations for this year's gathering. Learn more and register at mensgathering.us.
Rev. Brian Heller, Manager of LCMS Specialized Pastoral Ministry, joins Andy to talk about Specialized Pastoral Ministry, the upcoming SPM Conference, who should attend this conference, what topics will be covered, and how to register. Learn more about SPM at lcms.org/spm and register for the conference happening February 28 - March 1 at calendar.lcms.org/event/lcms-specialized-pastoral-ministry-conference-2023.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, MSW, joins Andy and Sarah in our series on "Emotions and the Gospel" to talk about Connection, including some examples of connection, what is required for emotional processing through connection, how this can be challenging in some cultures and easier in others, how things like transference and projection play a role in connection, and the place of vulnerability and boundaries in connection.
Find your copy of Emotions and the Gospel: Created for Connection at books.cph.org/emotions-and-the-gospel. Listen to all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/emotions-and-the-gospel.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Mark Rabe — Director of Missionary Recruitment with LCMS International Mission, Ariana Gomez — Manager of Missionary Recruitment with LCMS International Mission, and Chelsea Irwin — LCMS Missionary serving in the Czech Republic, join Sarah to talk about the Shadow a Missionary Program for those interested in missionary service, including the wide variety of roles in which missionaries serve, how they all discerned missionary service for themselves, how this immersive program is helpful in that discernment process, and opportunities for this program available now. Learn more and apply at servenow.lcms.org/opp/shadow-a-missionary.
Anne Gonzalez, Manager of Short-term Mission Training & Engagement with LCMS International Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what happens in Online English Conversation Partner programs, the current group of students studying with Luther Academy in Latvia who are in need of English Conversation Partners, how this program is helpful to those who participate, who can participate as a Conversation Partner, and how to get involved. Learn more and apply at servenow.lcms.org/opp/online-english-conversation-partner-latvia.
Rehema Kavugha, Director of Synod Relations with Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about LCEF’s long history of serving the LCMS, how LCEF's magazine Interest Time is different from other LCMS publications, how each issue features some aspect of our Lutheran faith, and how people can get Interest Time. Learn more at interesttime.org.
Cal, Nathaniel, Alana, Austin, and Aiden, along with their robot RoTato, from Robo Raiders FTC7129 of Mascoutah, Illinois, join Andy and Sarah to talk about their robotics program Robo Raiders, how they're each involved in the process for building a robot and preparing for competition, what they learn throughout this process, and how their robot functions. Follow the Robo Raiders at roboraiders.net, facebook.com/roboraidersftc7129, and on Youtube.
Rev. Anthony Oliphant, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Elmhurst, IL, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the January 2023 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "Grace and Peace to You" on Philippians 1:1-11. This year, "Searching Scripture" will study the book of Philippians, so stay tuned each month for a new Bible study. Follow along and search Scripture with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Philippians 1:1-11Greeting1 Paul and Timothy, servants[a] of Christ Jesus,
To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers[b] and deacons:[c]
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thanksgiving and Prayer3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. 7 It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace,[d] both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
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Footnotes1. Philippians 1:1 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface 2. Philippians 1:1 Or bishops; Greek episkopoi 3. Philippians 1:1 Or servants, or ministers; Greek diakonoi 4. Philippians 1:7 Or you all have fellowship with me in grace
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, MSW, joins Andy and Sarah in our series on "Emotions and the Gospel" to talk about Exploration, including the benefits of having an emotional processing toolbox, what Heidi learned when reading and searching the Bible for emotions, the relationship between our physical senses and emotions, how physical movement plays a role in processing emotions, and emotional valence and how it;s helpful.
Find your copy of Emotions and the Gospel: Created for Connection at books.cph.org/emotions-and-the-gospel. Listen to all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/emotions-and-the-gospel.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
Benjamin Kolodziej — member of Faith Lutheran Church in Plano, TX, professional church organist and composer, and contributor to the Lutheran Service Book Hymnal Companion, joins Andy and Sarah to explore our rich hymnody for the season of Christmas! Today, we learn about Lutheran Service Book 376, "Once in Royal David's City." Find this hymn at hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/376.
Theme music, “Lo, How A Rose Er Blooming” from theHymnalProject.com, used with permission.
Find your edition of the Lutheran Service Book at music.cph.org/lutheran-service-book/related-products and the LSB Companion to the Hymns at cph.org/p-33586-lutheran-service-book-companion-to-the-hymns-2-volume-set.aspx. Find more research at hymnary.org.
Benjamin Kolodziej — member of Faith Lutheran Church in Plano, TX, professional church organist and composer, and contributor to the Lutheran Service Book Hymnal Companion, joins Andy and Sarah to explore our rich hymnody for the season of Christmas! Today, we learn about Lutheran Service Book 375, "Come, Your Hearts and Voices Raising." Find this hymn at hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/375.
Theme music, “Lo, How A Rose Er Blooming” from theHymnalProject.com, used with permission.
Find your edition of the Lutheran Service Book at music.cph.org/lutheran-service-book/related-products and the LSB Companion to the Hymns at cph.org/p-33586-lutheran-service-book-companion-to-the-hymns-2-volume-set.aspx. Find more research at hymnary.org.
Benjamin Kolodziej — member of Faith Lutheran Church in Plano, TX, professional church organist and composer, and contributor to the Lutheran Service Book Hymnal Companion, joins Andy and Sarah to explore our rich hymnody for the season of Christmas! Today, we learn about Lutheran Service Book 359, "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming." Find this hymn at hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/359.
Theme music, “Lo, How A Rose Er Blooming” from theHymnalProject.com, used with permission.
Find your edition of the Lutheran Service Book at music.cph.org/lutheran-service-book/related-products and the LSB Companion to the Hymns at cph.org/p-33586-lutheran-service-book-companion-to-the-hymns-2-volume-set.aspx. Find more research at hymnary.org.
Benjamin Kolodziej — member of Faith Lutheran Church in Plano, TX, professional church organist and composer, and contributor to the Lutheran Service Book Hymnal Companion, joins Andy and Sarah to explore our rich hymnody for the season of Christmas! Today, we learn about Lutheran Service Book 384, "Of the Father's Love Begotten." Find this hymn at hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/384.
Theme music, “Lo, How A Rose Er Blooming” from theHymnalProject.com, used with permission.
Find your edition of the Lutheran Service Book at music.cph.org/lutheran-service-book/related-products and the LSB Companion to the Hymns at cph.org/p-33586-lutheran-service-book-companion-to-the-hymns-2-volume-set.aspx. Find more research at hymnary.org.
Benjamin Kolodziej — member of Faith Lutheran Church in Plano, TX, professional church organist and composer, and contributor to the Lutheran Service Book Hymnal Companion, joins Andy and Sarah to explore our rich hymnody for the season of Christmas! Today, we learn about Lutheran Service Book 387, "Joy to the World." Find this hymn at hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/387.
Theme music, “Lo, How A Rose Er Blooming” from theHymnalProject.com, used with permission.
Find your edition of the Lutheran Service Book at music.cph.org/lutheran-service-book/related-products and the LSB Companion to the Hymns at cph.org/p-33586-lutheran-service-book-companion-to-the-hymns-2-volume-set.aspx. Find more research at hymnary.org.
Benjamin Kolodziej — member of Faith Lutheran Church in Plano, TX, professional church organist and composer, and contributor to the Lutheran Service Book Hymnal Companion, joins Andy and Sarah to explore our rich hymnody for the season of Christmas! Today, we learn about Lutheran Service Book 381, "Let Our Gladness Have No End." Find this hymn at hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/381.
Theme music, “Lo, How A Rose Er Blooming” from theHymnalProject.com, used with permission.
Find your edition of the Lutheran Service Book at music.cph.org/lutheran-service-book/related-products and the LSB Companion to the Hymns at cph.org/p-33586-lutheran-service-book-companion-to-the-hymns-2-volume-set.aspx. Find more research at hymnary.org.
Benjamin Kolodziej — member of Faith Lutheran Church in Plano, TX, professional church organist and composer, and contributor to the Lutheran Service Book Hymnal Companion, joins Andy and Sarah to explore our rich hymnody for the season of Christmas! Today, we learn about Lutheran Service Book 363, "Silent Night, Holy Night." Find this hymn at hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/363.
Theme music, “Lo, How A Rose Er Blooming” from theHymnalProject.com, used with permission.
Find your edition of the Lutheran Service Book at music.cph.org/lutheran-service-book/related-products and the LSB Companion to the Hymns at cph.org/p-33586-lutheran-service-book-companion-to-the-hymns-2-volume-set.aspx. Find more research at hymnary.org.
Benjamin Kolodziej — member of Faith Lutheran Church in Plano, TX, professional church organist and composer, and contributor to the Lutheran Service Book Hymnal Companion, joins Andy and Sarah to explore our rich hymnody for the season of Christmas! Today, we learn about Lutheran Service Book 379, "O Come, All Ye Faithful." Find this hymn at hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/379.
Theme music, “Lo, How A Rose Er Blooming” from theHymnalProject.com, used with permission.
Find your edition of the Lutheran Service Book at music.cph.org/lutheran-service-book/related-products and the LSB Companion to the Hymns at cph.org/p-33586-lutheran-service-book-companion-to-the-hymns-2-volume-set.aspx. Find more research at hymnary.org.
Benjamin Kolodziej — member of Faith Lutheran Church in Plano, TX, professional church organist and composer, and contributor to the Lutheran Service Book Hymnal Companion, joins Andy and Sarah to explore our rich hymnody for the season of Christmas! Today, we learn about Lutheran Service Book 372, "O Jesus Christ, Thy Manger Is." Find this hymn at hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/372.
Theme music, “Lo, How A Rose Er Blooming” from theHymnalProject.com, used with permission.
Find your edition of the Lutheran Service Book at music.cph.org/lutheran-service-book/related-products and the LSB Companion to the Hymns at cph.org/p-33586-lutheran-service-book-companion-to-the-hymns-2-volume-set.aspx. Find more research at hymnary.org.
Benjamin Kolodziej — member of Faith Lutheran Church in Plano, TX, professional church organist and composer, and contributor to the Lutheran Service Book Hymnal Companion, joins Andy and Sarah to explore our rich hymnody for the season of Christmas! Today, we learn about Lutheran Service Book 358, "From Heaven Above to Earth I Come." Find this hymn at hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/358.
Theme music, “Lo, How A Rose Er Blooming” from theHymnalProject.com, used with permission.
Find your edition of the Lutheran Service Book at music.cph.org/lutheran-service-book/related-products and the LSB Companion to the Hymns at cph.org/p-33586-lutheran-service-book-companion-to-the-hymns-2-volume-set.aspx. Find more research at hymnary.org.
Rev. James and Angela Sharp, who serve the Lord as missionaries in Uruguay, join Andy and Sarah to talk about their respective work as church planter and educator, what makes Uruguay a unique country to share the Gospel of Jesus, how Uruguayans celebrate Christmas and other holidays in a very secular culture, and their own favorite Christmas traditions. Learn more about Rev. James and Angela Sharp, their family, and their work at lcms.org/sharp.
Shara Osiro, who serves as the regional shared ministries manager for the LCMS in Eastern and Southern Africa, and her husband Michael join Andy and Sarah to talk about her work in Kenya and across Africa, the team she works with to accomplish this work, how she and Michael met, the Christmas traditions in Kenya, and their favorite parts of Christmas in Kenya. Learn more about Shara and Michael at lcms.org/osiro.
Rev. Dr. John Bombaro, LCMS Eurasia Director of Theological Education based in Prague, Czech Republic, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the region and communities he serves, the various theological education institutions in the Eurasia region, what Christmas looks like in Prague, and Christmas traditions in the church and their home. Learn more about Dr. Bombaro, his family, and his work at lcms.org/bombaro.
Rev. Andrew Fedder, Missionary and Theological Educator and Area Facilitator for the Balkan-Mediterranean sub-region for LCMS International Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Balkan-Mediterranean sub-region, the needs in this large region, how he serves as a theological educator, Christmas traditions in the Balkans, and their own Christmas traditions in the home. Learn more about Rev. Fedder, his family, and his work at lcms.org/fedder.
Rev. Scott Heitshusen, pastor of Lifebridge Community Church in Sealy, Texas, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why affirming life is important to him and the saints of Lifebridge, the needs of the surrounding community in Sealy, how Lifebridge is meeting those needs, and how the LCMS Million Dollar Life Match is helping them care for their neighbors in life-affirming service. Learn more about the Million Dollar Life Match at lcms.org/life and lcmslife.org.
Deaconess Dr. Tiffany Manor — Director of LCMS Life Ministry, and Nicole Chappell — Deaconess Intern with LCMS Life Ministry, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the purpose of the Million Dollar Life Match, the types of ministries that have received grants, the goals of the projects that have received this grant, remaining opportunities to apply, and what’s on the horizon for Life Ministry in 2023. Learn more about the Million Dollar Life Match and local Life Marches at lcms.org/life and lcmslife.org.
Nick Sargent, Vice President of Standing Partnership, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about the work of Standing Partnership as they partner with organizations to create campaigns like Set Apart to Serve, why it's important to him that we talk to our youth about church work as a potential vocation, the upcoming Pilot Program with Set Apart to Serve, and how this Pilot Program will help create more conversations about church work vocations.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Rev. Bart Day, President and CEO of Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how LCEF has fared with the rocky economy, ways that LCEF is planning for a sustainable future, and how building relationships has been important throughout the years. Learn more about LCEF at lcef.org.
Roger Kaza, Principal Horn player with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Christmas celebrations with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, including Gospel Christmas, Mercy Holiday Celebration, film score concert and movie nights, and New Year’s Eve concerts. Learn more at slso.org!
Rev. Weslie Odom, Associate Pastor and Headmaster at Our Savior Lutheran Church and School in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about St. Lucia on her commemoration day, including what we know about her life and upbringing, the state of the Roman Empire during this time, what led to her martyrdom, and our traditions associated with her commemoration.
Steve Johnson — Director of Lutheran Valley Retreat and host of an LCMS Servant Event, Jo Ellen Miskoksi — Project Coordinator for an LCMS Servant Event, and Randy Ronning— Project Coordinator for an LCMS Servant Event, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how LCMS Servant Events began, what their individual first Servant Events were and how they got involved in the program, some projects completed at past Servant Events, how communities have benefited from LCMS Servant Events in the past, who can participate in an LCMS Servant Event, and where Servant Events will be held in 2023. Learn more and register at servantevents.lcms.org.
Rev. Dr. Theodore Hopkins — Associate Professor of Theology, and Program Director for Pre-Seminary and Family Life Ministry at Concordia University Ann Arbor, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about what a Director of Family Life Ministry (DFLM) is trained to do, how this work is important in the lives of families both in the church and home, how this vocation complements other church work vocations, and how students are prepared to serve in this vocation. Learn more about Concordia Ann Arbor and the DFLM program at cuaa.edu/academics/programs/family-life-bachelors/index.html.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Dr. Elizabeth Grimpo, Professor of Music at Concordia University Nebraska and contributor to David’s Harp, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about her involvement in creating the David's Harp "Hymns of the Season" piano books for students of multiple levels, how she arranged hymns for a wide range of skill levels, what has resulted from this partnership, and what is in the latest Volume 4 of "Hymns of the Season." Find these books and more from David's Harp at davidsharpmusic.org/resources.php.
Leah S. Sieveking — Director of Mission Advancement for the LCMS Missouri District, and Josh Swartz — Director of School Ministry for the LCMS Missouri District, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the MO Scholars program through the State of Missouri, how the LCMS Missouri District is involved in this program, how many students have applied for the program, the needs that are still remaining, and how people can make a contribution using tax credits. Learn more at mo.lcms.org/mo-scholars.
Rev. Dr. Joel Elowsky, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah on the commemoration of St. Ambrose of Milan to talk about this saint's history, what we know about his early life and family, Ambrose's position on the Arianism, his relationship to the Roman emperor, and where we see him in our Lutheran traditions (specifically hymnody) today.
Chaplain Amadeus Gandy, LCMS Chaplain at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about St. Nicholas of Myra, what we know about his history, the many legends associated with him, his connection to Santa Claus, and the traditions associated with the Church's commemoration of him.
Find a handout from the Gandys on traditions for St. Nicholas (including a recipe for Speculaas!) on Lutheran Homeschool lutheranhomeschool.com/product/st-nicholas-bishop-of-myra-dec-6.
Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the December 2022 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "Stand Firm" on Ephesians 6:1-24. This year, "Searching the Scriptures" will study the book of Ephesians, so stay tuned each month for the next Bible study. Follow along and search the Scriptures with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Ephesians 6:1-24Children and Parents6 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), 3 “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” 4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Bondservants and Masters5 Bondservants,[a] obey your earthly masters[b] with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, 6 not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, 7 rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, 8 knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free. 9 Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master[c] and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.
The Whole Armor of God10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
Final Greetings21 So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts.
23 Peace be to the brothers,[d] and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.
Footnotes1. Ephesians 6:5 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface; also verse 6; likewise for bondservant in verse 8 2. Ephesians 6:5 Or your masters according to the flesh 3. Ephesians 6:9 Greek Lord 4. Ephesians 6:23 Or brothers and sisters
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org
Joseph Greenmyer, Vicar at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mitchell, South Dakota, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about his journey to pastoral formation, how he worked through challenges on the path to entering seminary, how seminary education has been formational for him, what vicarage looks like for pastoral education students, and his encouragement to those considering church work.Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Sarah Bernhardt, Executive Director of Intersect Arts Center in St. Louis, and Rev. Dr. Jim Marriott, Department Coordinator for Music at Concordia University Texas, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the work of Intersect Arts, how the arts can help connect people from different backgrounds, the Dovetail events at Intersect, and the upcoming Heads, Faces, and Spiritual Encounter Dovetail Reception and Concert on December 6th from 5-7pm featuring an art exhibit, a five-course menu, theatrical performances, and an Advent hymn sing presented by Jim Marriott and Flame. Learn more and register at intersectstl.org/events.
Rev. Dr. David Lewis — Associate Professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary St Louis, Erika Bennett — Director of Continuing Education at Concordia Seminary St Louis, Heather Choate Davis — Faith & Film Festival Co-Creator, and Rev. Jacob Wampfler — Faith & Film Festival Co-Creator, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the Faith & Film Festival at Concordia Seminary, including how the Festival began, what makes film a unique medium for discussing theological topics, the films and speakers on the agenda for the 2023 festival, and how to register. Learn more and register at csl.edu/resources/continuing-education/faith-and-film-festival.
Molly Lackey, Social Media and Special Projects Assistant with Concordia Historical Institute, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the "Martin Chemnitz at 500: The Second Martin’s Life, Work, and Legacy" exhibit at Concordia Historical Institute, including how Martin Chemnitz became known as the Second Martin, what we know about Chemnitz's upbringing and education, his contributions to the Reformation and Lutheran doctrinal writings, and why he is an important figure in our Lutheran history. View the exhibit online at concordiahistoricalinstitute.org/martin-chemnitz-at-500.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, MSW, joins Andy and Sarah in our series on "Emotions and the Gospel" to talk about Articulation, including how this fits in the emotional processing toolbox, how articulation helps us process our emotions, how our vocabulary serves us in articulation of emotions, how our context shapes our understanding and articulation of emotions, and where Scripture gives us vocabulary to articulate emotions.
Find your copy of Emotions and the Gospel: Created for Connection at books.cph.org/emotions-and-the-gospel. Listen to all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/emotions-and-the-gospel.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
Paul Soulek, Director of Parish & School Music at St. John Lutheran Church in Seward, Nebraska, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Advent hymnody! They discuss The King of Glory Comes (from One and All Rejoice), O Savior, Rend the Heavens Wide (Lutheran Service Book 355), and Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus (Lutheran Service Book 338).
This is a rebroadcast from December 7, 2021.
Rev. Sean Daenzer, Director of Worship for the LCMS and International Center Chaplain, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what the season of Advent is all about, how this season brings us comfort and hope, how we bring this season into our homes, and resources from the LCMS for families. Learn more at lcms.org/advent and cph.org/advent.
This is a rebroadcast from November 25, 2020.
Sharon Delmore, Member of Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Chesterfield, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how telling the story of the nativity of our Lord in creative ways has been a part of Lord of Life Lutheran Church for many years, the preparations to present this year's “Return to the Manger,” the highlights of the event, and how to attend. Learn more and save your seat for this free event at lordoflifelcms.org.
Dr. Jerrode Marsh, Director of Music at Saint Paul Lutheran High School in Concordia, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what makes a Christkindlesmarkt unique from other Christmas events, how this has become a tradition at Saint Paul, all the sights and smells visitors will experience, and why people should come to visit! Learn more at splhs.org/events.
3rd Annual Saint Paul Christkindlesmarkt | Friday December 9th - Saturday, December 10th Everyone is invited to attend the 3rd Annual Saint Paul Christkindlesmarkt on the 40-acre campus of Saint Paul Lutheran High School in Concordia, MO on Friday, December 9th from 4:00-8:00pm and Saturday, December 10th from 11:00am-7:00pm. The event will be entirely outdoors. The opening ceremony will take place on Friday, December 9th at 6:00pm. The 2021 Christkindlesmarkt saw nearly 3,000 visitors! We'd love to welcome back old vendors, add new vendors, and continue to grow this spectacular event!
DeWayne Trainer, St. Louis Symphony Chorus Member, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the St. Louis Symphony's presentation of Handel's Messiah, including his first experience with this major work, how the orchestra and chorus work together to produce this beautiful music, what makes the Messiah unique, and what the audience will experience during the presentation of the full Messiah. Learn more and find tickets at slso.org.
Handel's Messiah
Friday, Dec 2, 2022 , 7:30PM Saturday, Dec 3, 2022 , 8:00PM Sunday, Dec 4, 2022 , 3:00PM
Laurence Cummings, conductor Amanda Forsythe, soprano Key'mon Murrah, countertenor John Matthew Myers, tenor Jonathon Adams, baritone St. Louis Symphony Chorus
GEORGE FRIDERIC HANDEL Messiah
Conductor Laurence Cummings makes his SLSO debut with what he calls “a journey from darkness to light.” Handel’s treasured Messiah with the St. Louis Symphony Chorus is a masterwork last performed in December 2018.
Dr. Louis A. Menchaca, Professor of Music and Music Department Chair at Concordia University Wisconsin, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Christmas at Concordia, including how this event has become a well-loved tradition, the ensembles and the music that will be presented this year, what makes Christmas at Concordia a unique experience, and how people can attend in person and online. Learn more at blog.cuw.edu/christmas-concordia-tickets.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, MSW, joins Andy and Sarah in our series on "Emotions and the Gospel" to talk about Contemplation, including how this fits in the Emotional Processing Toolbox, the biblical foundation of contemplation, why this can be difficult for some, and some ways to practice and improve contemplation.
Find your copy of Emotions and the Gospel: Created for Connection at books.cph.org/emotions-and-the-gospel. Listen to all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/emotions-and-the-gospel.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Kevin Robson, Chief Mission Officer for the LCMS, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about discerning vocation especially as a second-career church worker, including the unique challenges and opportunities second-career church workers face, the process for discerning whether church work is the right path, the critical need for church workers, and the hopeful future we have in the Church.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Dr. Maurice Boyer, Music Director of the American Kantorei, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the music of J.S. Bach and the American Kantorei's upcoming concert on Sunday, November 20, 2022, at 3:oo pm at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Des Peres, MO, including the theme of the concert of Jesus as our Prince of Peace, how J.S. Bach's cantatas teach us beautiful theology, and some highlights from each of the cantatas for the concert. Listen to the cantatas mentioned at the links below! Find American Kantorei online at americankantorei.org.
BWV 116 "Du Friedefürst, Herr Jesu Christ" (You Prince of Peace, Lord Jesus Christ) - 25th Sunday after Trinity - youtu.be/-EwuuvsSMS0
BWV 77 "Du sollt Gott, deinen Herren, lieben" (You shall love the Lord your God) - 13th Sunday after Trinity - youtu.be/5674HbEJQaQ
BWV 67 "Halt im Gedächtnis Jesum Christ" (Keep in mind Jesus Christ) - Quasimodogeniti (the 1st Sunday after Easter) - youtu.be/YsTYtlpRVkQ
Kristine "Sparrow" Regalado — NLOMA summer staffer and current Concordia University Texas student, and Bruce Wall — Executive Director at Camp Luther in Nebraska, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how serving on summer staff is a hugely formational experience for young people, how Kristine grew as a young adult and leader during her time, what young people learn during their time at camp, and the need for camp staffers. Learn more and apply at nloma.org/employment/summer/serviceprofile.
Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the November 2022 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "A Profound Mystery" on Ephesians 5:22-33. This year, "Searching the Scriptures" will study the book of Ephesians, so stay tuned each month for the next Bible study. Follow along and search the Scriptures with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Ephesians 5:22-33 Wives and Husbands
22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.
25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.[a] 28 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, 30 because we are members of his body. 31 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. 33 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. Read full chapter Footnotes
Ephesians 5:27 Or holy and blameless
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, MSW, joins Andy and Sarah in our series on "Emotions and the Gospel" to talk about Emotional Process, including what processing emotions has to do with health and well-being, what happens when we avoid processing emotions, how building a toolbox for processing emotions is helpful, some common defense mechanisms we use to avoid processing emotions, and how the Psalms are useful in understanding healthy emotional processing.
Find your copy of Emotions and the Gospel: Created for Connection at books.cph.org/emotions-and-the-gospel. Listen to all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/emotions-and-the-gospel.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Matthew Wietfeldt, Vice President of Admission and Director of Christ Academy at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne (CTSFW), joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about the seminary's role in forming future church workers, including his own journey to the seminary as a student and then to the Admission office, how Christ Academy serves young people, and why an immerse experience like this at a seminary can be very important to future vocations. Learn more about Christ Academy at ctsfw.edu/ctsfw-events/christ-academy.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Rev. Dr. Stanish Stanley — Executive Director of Christian Friends of New Americans, Rev. Dr. Allan Buckman — Chairperson for Christian Friends of New Americans, and Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison — President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how Christian Friends of New Americans began, the early years of ministry and how that ministry has changed over the years, the partnerships CFNA formed in order to carry out this work, how CFNA is serving neighbors today, and why mercy ministry like this is critically important today. Learn more about the work of CFNA, how you can get involved, and how you can support the ministry at cfna-stl.org.
Dr. David Schmitt — Professor of Practical Theology, Chairman of the Department of Practical Theology, and Gregg H. Benidt Memorial Professor of Homiletics and Literature at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, joins Sarah to talk about the new stained glass windows in the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus on the Seminary's campus, including the history of the Chapel's windows prior to these stained glass windows, how the concept and art for the new windows were planned, the theme for the entire chapel, and a few descriptions of the beautiful windows.
Learn more about these stained glass windows, including detailed descriptions, pictures, and a video, at csl.edu/campus-life/chapel/chapel-stained-glass. Watch the virtual tour at youtu.be/4E-yK6_NXRM.
Rev. Warren Woerth, pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Arnold, Missouri, which is KFUO Radio's Church of the Week for November 6-12, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the history of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, how the saints at Good Shepherd receive God's gifts every week, how these gifts equip the saints to serve in their daily vocations, upcoming special events, and how to connect with Good Shepherd. Hear "Moments in Creation" with Pastor Woerth weekdays at around 12:30pm CT or find them on demand at kfuo.org/category/moments-with-kfuo-radio/a-moment-in-creation. Find Good Shepherd Lutheran Church online at goodshepherdarnold.org.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, MSW, joins Andy and Sarah in our series on "Emotions and the Gospel" to talk about regulation, including the difference between the noticeable emotions we recognize and the ones don't notice, how emotional regulation can be like nutritional regulation, why we need emotional regulation, the difference between control and modulation, what dysregulation might look like or feel like, and how we develop emotional regulation.
Find your copy of Emotions and the Gospel: Created for Connection at books.cph.org/emotions-and-the-gospel. Listen to all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/emotions-and-the-gospel.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
Dr. Jeffrey Leininger, campus pastor and pre-seminary director at Concordia University Chicago, and author of Callings for Life: God’s Plan, Your Purpose available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about our understanding of vocations and callings, his conversations with students about their own callings in life, the blessings and burdens of ministry vocations, and encouragement for young people to consider church work. Find Dr. Leininger's booka t cph.org/p-33514-callings-for-life-gods-plan-your-purpose.aspx.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Rev. Jeffrey Nehrt, pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Greenville, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the history of Greenville and OUr Redeemer Lutheran Church, how the community and church have changed over the years, how the introduction of the Federal Corrections Facility has shaped the ministry of Our Redeemer, and how they are observing their 90th anniversary.
Saturday, Nov. 5th, 9am-3pm, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Greenville, Illinois, will be hosting Dr. Paul Maier. He will be giving a presentation on his new book, 'The Genuine Jesus, Fresh Evidence from History and Archeology.' This event is open to the Southern Illinois District. Lunch will be provided for by the church (a free will offering will be available). To ensure we have enough food for everyone, please make your reservation by emailing us: ourredeemergreenville@gmail.com. Come and be a part of this wonderful event and be inspired by the knowledge and information that Dr. Paul Maier gives us.
Kantor Kevin Hildebrand from Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the upcoming Good Shepherd Institute (November 6-8), including why it's important for pastors and church musicians to have this respite in their vocations, the exciting presentations on various topics in church music and hymnology, how learning from our past is edifying for our future in the church, and details for participation. Learn more and view livestreamed sessions at ctsfw.edu/ctsfw-events/event-good-shepherd-institute-2022.
Kantor Kevin Hildebrand from Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the upcoming Good Shepherd Institute (November 6-8), including why it's important for pastors and church musicians to have this respite in their vocations, the exciting presentations on various topics in church music and hymnology, how learning from our past is edifying for our future in the church, and details for participation. Learn more and view livestreamed sessions at ctsfw.edu/ctsfw-events/event-good-shepherd-institute-2022.
Rev. Sean Daenzer, LCMS Director of Worship and Chaplain for the LCMS International Center, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about All Saints' Day, including some historical context for how the church has celebrated days for saints, some differences between how Lutherans and other denominations observe saint days, what makes Lutheran observance of saint days and All Saints' Day unique, and the readings and hymns for this day.
Rev. Sean Daenzer, LCMS Director of Worship and Chaplain for the LCMS International Center, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about All Saints' Day, including some historical context for how the church has celebrated days for saints, some differences between how Lutherans and other denominations observe saint days, what makes Lutheran observance of saint days and All Saints' Day unique, and the readings and hymns for this day.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, MSW, joins Andy and Sarah in our series on "Emotions and the Gospel" to talk about Unified Facial Response, including what this term means, whether facial expressions of emotions are universal, how facial expressions communicate our emotions, how culture shapes our expression of emotion, and how we can navigate knowing what someone else is experiencing.
Find your copy of Emotions and the Gospel: Created for Connection at books.cph.org/emotions-and-the-gospel. Listen to all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/emotions-and-the-gospel.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, MSW, joins Andy and Sarah in our series on "Emotions and the Gospel" to talk about Unified Facial Response, including what this term means, whether facial expressions of emotions are universal, how facial expressions communicate our emotions, how culture shapes our expression of emotion, and how we can navigate knowing what someone else is experiencing.
Find your copy of Emotions and the Gospel: Created for Connection at books.cph.org/emotions-and-the-gospel. Listen to all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/emotions-and-the-gospel.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Justin Panzer, President of the LCMS Kansas District, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about his journey into church work, how he has seen pastors and other adults lead formation and vocation culture in their congregations, how this culture made a difference in his own journey, how the Kansas District is encouraging church work vocations, and how we can help youth determine if church work vocations are the path for them.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Rev. Justin Panzer, President of the LCMS Kansas District, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about his journey into church work, how he has seen pastors and other adults lead formation and vocation culture in their congregations, how this culture made a difference in his own journey, how the Kansas District is encouraging church work vocations, and how we can help youth determine if church work vocations are the path for them.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Rev. Jeremy Schultz, Senior Pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Arnold, MO, and Jason Christ, longtime member of St. John’s, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the 175th Anniversary of St. John's, including the founding of the church and school almost 175 years ago, some significant parts of St. John's history, how the church and school have served the community over the years, and how St. John's continues to serve the community now and into the future. Learn more about St. John's Lutheran Church and School in Arnold and the exciting anniversary events at sjlarnold.org.
Rev. Jeremy Schultz, Senior Pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Arnold, MO, and Jason Christ, longtime member of St. John’s, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the 175th Anniversary of St. John's, including the founding of the church and school almost 175 years ago, some significant parts of St. John's history, how the church and school have served the community over the years, and how St. John's continues to serve the community now and into the future. Learn more about St. John's Lutheran Church and School in Arnold and the exciting anniversary events at sjlarnold.org.
Rev. Jonathan Manor, Director of PALS, Continuing Education, and PED Statistics and Data with LCMS Pastoral Education, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his journey to serving as a pastor, what PALS (Post-Seminary Applied Learning and Support) is, how the program has been beneficial to ministry families including his own, how church workers participate in continuing education, and what he's looking forward to in his new role. Learn more about PALS at lcms.org/how-we-serve/education/pastoral/post-seminary-applied-learning-and-support.
Rev. Jonathan Manor, Director of PALS, Continuing Education, and PED Statistics and Data with LCMS Pastoral Education, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his journey to serving as a pastor, what PALS (Post-Seminary Applied Learning and Support) is, how the program has been beneficial to ministry families including his own, how church workers participate in continuing education, and what he's looking forward to in his new role. Learn more about PALS at lcms.org/how-we-serve/education/pastoral/post-seminary-applied-learning-and-support.
Chaplain Brian Heller, Manager of Specialized Pastoral Ministry (SPM) in the LCMS Office of National Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his journey into serving as a pastor and in chaplaincy, the difference between institutional chaplaincy and military chaplaincy, how chaplains serve, the training chaplains receive through Specialized Pastoral Ministry, and what he's looking forward to in his new role. Learn about Specialized Pastoral Ministry and serving as a chaplain at lcms.org/how-we-serve/mercy/specialized-pastoral-ministry.
Chaplain Brian Heller, Manager of Specialized Pastoral Ministry (SPM) in the LCMS Office of National Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his journey into serving as a pastor and in chaplaincy, the difference between institutional chaplaincy and military chaplaincy, how chaplains serve, the training chaplains receive through Specialized Pastoral Ministry, and what he's looking forward to in his new role. Learn about Specialized Pastoral Ministry and serving as a chaplain at lcms.org/how-we-serve/mercy/specialized-pastoral-ministry.
Rev. Dr. Joel Elowsky, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah on the Church's commemoration of Dorcas, Lydia, and Phoebe to talk about who each of these women were in the Early Church, why their vocations mattered, and what we can learn from them in our current day. Read more at blog.cph.org/read/church-year/commemoration/dorcas-lydia-phoebe-faithful-women.
Rev. Dr. Joel Elowsky, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah on the Church's commemoration of Dorcas, Lydia, and Phoebe to talk about who each of these women were in the Early Church, why their vocations mattered, and what we can learn from them in our current day. Read more at blog.cph.org/read/church-year/commemoration/dorcas-lydia-phoebe-faithful-women.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, MSW, joins Andy and Sarah in our series on "Emotions and the Gospel" to talk about being "Too Emotional," including why we hear this phrase, why might be intended by it, why we are afraid of being "too emotional," how this is a misconception, how the Bible helps us understand emotion and the human experience, and how validation is an important thing in our relationships.
Find your copy of Emotions and the Gospel: Created for Connection at books.cph.org/emotions-and-the-gospel. Listen to all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/emotions-and-the-gospel.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich, President of Concordia University St. Paul, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about his journey into church work, the formational experiences he had when he was in elementary and high school, who encouraged him to consider church work, how Concordia St. Paul provides excellent formation for church work students, barriers that church work students face, and how Concordia St. Paul is helping students through those barriers. Learn more about Concordia St. Paul at csp.edu.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the October 2022 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "Walk in the Light" on Ephesians 5:1-21. This year, "Searching the Scriptures" will study the book of Ephesians, so stay tuned each month for the next Bible study. Follow along and search the Scriptures with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Ephesians 5:1-21 Walk in Love
5 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
3 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. 4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. 5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not become partners with them; 8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,
“Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Read full chapter
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org
Dr. Ronald Mudge — provost, chief academic officer and professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his journey into church work, his time as a missionary in Africa, why theological education is important to him, what a provost actually does, and what he enjoys about serving the church. Read his full bio at csl.edu/directory/ronald-mudge and learn more about Concordia Seminary at csl.edu.
Rev. Nathan Sherrill, Executive Director of David’s Harp, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the new and exciting things happening at David's Harp in the last several months, how a church can start a music conservatory, and the new resources available for children and families. Find resources and more from David's Harp at davidsharpmusic.org.
Rev. Stephen Kieser, Headmaster of Faith Lutheran School in Plano, Texas, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about a brief history of Faith Lutheran School and the community it serves today, what makes CCLE (Consortium for Classical Lutheran Education) accreditation unique, why accreditation is an important step for schools, and how families can find Faith Plano. Learn more at flsplano.org.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, MSW, joins Andy and Sarah in our series on "Emotions and the Gospel" to talk about Positive and Negative Emotions, including why we obsess over categorizing everything, what emotions are commonly perceived as good and bad, what language we can use to better describe wanted or unwanted emotions, and how our judgment of emotions impacts how we manage them.
Find your copy of Emotions and the Gospel: Created for Connection at books.cph.org/emotions-and-the-gospel. Listen to all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/emotions-and-the-gospel.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
Kaye Wolff, LWML Nominations Chairman and featured speaker for various Synodical events, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about encouraging young Black Lutherans to consider church work vocations, including Kaye's own story of becoming involved in church work, the legacy of Rosa Young throughout the years, the need for church workers, and how individuals and congregations can support those who decide to pursue church work. Learn about Rosa Young and her legacy at lcms.org/thefirstrosa.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Rev. Dr. Matthew Heise, Executive Director of Lutheran Heritage Foundation, joins Sarah to talk about all the work being done to provide Ukrainian refugees and children with Lutheran publications, the ongoing partnership and new church fellowship between the LCMS and the ELCSS/S [Evangelical Lutheran Church of South Sudan and Sudan], and the production of the new Spanish Hymnal and introduction in the Dominican Republic. Find all publications from Lutheran Heritage Foundation and their many projects at lhfmissions.org.
In the first half, Missouri State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick joins Andy and Sarah to talk about where the idea for the MO Scholars Program began, what this program accomplishes, who is eligible to apply, how these scholarships are funded, and how Missouri residents can contribute. Find the State of Missouri resources at treasurer.mo.gov.
In the second half, Leah Sieveking — Director of Mission Advancement with the LCMS Missouri District, and Josh Swartz — Director of Schools with the LCMS Missouri District, join the conversation to talk about how the LCMS Missouri District serves as an Educational Assistance Organization (EAO) for MOScholars, what Lutheran schools are eligible for MOScholars scholarship program, how this program increases opportunities for students to attend Lutheran schools in their communities, and how you can contribute to the scholarship funds for LCMS Schools. Learn more at mo.lcms.org/mo-scholars.
Rev. Lee Hagan — President of the Missouri District of the LCMS, and Josh Swartz — Director of Schools with the LCMS Missouri District, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the College Fair being held on Saturday, November 5 at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, including the Concordia Universities and Seminaries that will be present, why parents and students should consider a Concordia University or Seminary, and what attendees will learn during the fair. Learn more at mo.lcms.org/college-fair.
Rev. Dr. Ross Johnson, Director of LCMS Disaster Response, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the LCMS response to Hurricane Ian, the churches and church workers who have been impacted by the storm, the level of property damage sustained by churches and homes, and how volunteers can help in the response. Find how you can volunteer at lcms-lert.org, learn about LCMS Disaster Response at lcms.org/disaster, and follow on Facebook at facebook.com/LCMSDisasterResponse.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, MSW, joins Andy and Sarah in our series on "Emotions and the Gospel" to talk about partial truths, including why we adopt partials truths, some examples of common ones, how something becomes a "half-truth," how these half-truths impact our mental and emotional health, and how acknowledging half-truths can be helpful. Find Tanner Olson's podcast on choosing joy at anchor.fm/walk-a-little-slower/episodes/07-You-dont-have-to-choose-joy-e1h4pai.
Find your copy of Emotions and the Gospel: Created for Connection at books.cph.org/emotions-and-the-gospel. Listen to all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/emotions-and-the-gospel.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
John Lewis, Assistant Executive Director & Senior Mission Advocate with LCMS Mission Advancement, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about his journey to his role with the LCMS, the role of Mission Advancement in funding Synodical initiatives, the need for church workers now and in the future, and mission advancement opportunities that are available for donors who are interested in Set Apart to Serve. The matching gifts specific to the Set Apart to Serve pilot program can be found at lcms.org/make-a-gift/matching-gifts.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, Minnesota, and host of Thy Strong Word on KFUO Radio, joins Andy and Sarah to answer the question "Who is Rev. Dr. Phil Booe?" including his story of becoming Lutheran, what prompted his decision to become a pastor, his doctoral study, what he loves most about hosting Thy Strong Word, and how hosting a Bible study has been helpful for him and guest pastors. The conversation ends with a riveting round of lightning icebreaker questions.
Find Thy Strong Word at kfuo.org/thystrongword or wherever you get your podcasts.
Erik Lunsford — Managing Photojournalist for the LCMS, and Megan Mertz — Managing Editor of Lutherans Engage for the LCMS, join Andy and Sarah to talk about a few stories in the Fall 2022 issue of Lutherans Engage:
“Immerse without Drowning” (engage.lcms.org/vicarage-fall-2022), about the role of vicarage in pastoral formation, the unique mentoring relationship between a vicar and his supervisor, and what a vicar learns on vicarage to prepare him to serve the Church.
“Hope for the Future” (engage.lcms.org/project-24-fall-2022), about Project 24 in Kenya, how the LCMS and Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya (ELCK) partner together for this program, and how this program supports Christian education and formation in Kenya.
“Walking Side by Side in Christ” (engage.lcms.org/brazil-convention-fall-2022), about the relationship between the LCMS and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Brazil (IELB), the history of how the IELB was formed, and the similarities between these sister churches.
Subscribe to and read Lutherans Engage at engage.lcms.org.
Sue Nahmensen, Executive Director of the Lutheran Elementary School Association (LESA) in St. Louis, and Eric Brofford, Principal at Grace Chapel Lutheran School in St. Louis, Missouri, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how Grace Chapel is a unique Lutheran school, how LESA supports the work of Grace Chapel and schools like it, and the upcoming Brew in the Lou event that helps to fund the critical work LESA does every day for Lutheran education. Learn more and Brew in the Lou and how to attend at lesastl.org.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, MSW, joins Andy and Sarah in our series on "Emotions and the Gospel" to talk about Brokenness and Grace, including how brokenness impacts our experience of emotions, how we have a healthy relationship between emotions and our actions, whether Heidi made up "meta-emotions" and what they are, and how God cares for us in our emotional brokenness.
Find your copy of Emotions and the Gospel: Created for Connection at books.cph.org/emotions-and-the-gospel. Listen to all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/emotions-and-the-gospel.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
Clint Colwell, Director of Admissions at St. Paul Lutheran High School in Concordia, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about how St. Paul Lutheran High School (SPLHS) has had success in encouraging youth who show an interest in church work, including the unique atmosphere and culture at this Lutheran boarding school, opportunities for leadership in the school and community, and how SPLHS has fostered this culture over the years. Learn more about SPLHS at splhs.org.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Michelle Bauman, Director of Y4Life with Lutherans for Life, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about engaging youth with topics about life, ow youth view matters of life today, how Y4Life reaches young adults on life topics, and what she will be presenting about at the National Lutherans for Life Conference happening Friday, October 21, and Saturday, October 22, in Rock Island, Illinois. Learn more about Y4Life at y4life.org and register for the Lutherans for Life conference at lutheransforlife.org/conference.
Rev. Michael Salemink, Executive Director of Lutherans for Life, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the National Lutherans for Life Conference happening Friday, October 21, and Saturday, October, 22 in Rock Island, Illinois, including what happens at these National Conferences, who the Conference is for (you!), and the exciting lineup of keynote and breakout speakers. Learn more and register at lutheransforlife.org/conference.
Rev. Sean Daenzer, Director of Worship for the LCMS, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels, which the Church celebrates on September 29, to discuss what we know about angels, the various misconceptions about who angels are and what they do, the vivid story in Revelation 12 about the war in heaven, and the propers and hymns assigned for this day.
Hymn of the Day: Lutheran Service Book 522 (Another wonderful hymn: Lutheran Service Book 521)
Lectionary: Daniel 10:10-14; 12:1-3 Psalm 91 Revelation 12:7-12 Matthew 19:1-11 or Luke 10:17-20
This is a rebroadcast from September 29, 2020.
Rev. Juan Zamora — President of the Hispanic National Convention of the LCMS and Missionary/Pastor at Faith Lutheran Church in Grand Prairie, TX, and Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Irving, TX, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his journey to pastoral ministry, how he serves in Texas, the work of the Hispanic National Convention of the LCMS and the Hispanic Missionary League, who attends the Hispanic National Convention, and some highlights from this year's Convention. Read the Reporter story on the Convention at reporter.lcms.org/2022/hispanic-national-convention and learn more about the Hispanic National Convention at hispanoslcms.com and lcms.org/hispanicministry.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, MSW, joins Andy and Sarah in our series on "Emotions and the Gospel" to talk about what the Image of God has to do with our emotions, what emotions of God are found in Scripture, in what ways we bear the image of God and what that means for our emotions, how we consider God's perfect emotions and our imperfect emotions, and what our emotions reveal about God.
Find your copy of Emotions and the Gospel: Created for Connection at books.cph.org/emotions-and-the-gospel. Listen to all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/emotions-and-the-gospel.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
Glenn Rollins, Manager of the Set Apart to Serve Initiative, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about his journey to becoming a church worker, the church workers who influenced his thoughts about future vocations as a youth, how teachers have opportunities to talk with children about future vocations, and how teachers are influencers in the lives of youth.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Rev. Airton Schroeder and Rev. Heder Pieper Gumz — Vice Presidents in the Igreja Evangélica Luterana do Brasil (IELB), Evangelical Lutheran Church of Brazil, and Christian Boehlke — Interim Executive Director of LCMS International Mission, join Sarah to talk about how the IELB serves the people of Brazil, the Alliance Missionary program between the IELB and the LCMS, challenges the IELB has faced in recent years, and exciting things happening for Lutheranism in Brazil. Learn more about IELB at ielb.org.br, follow IELB on Facebook at facebook.com/ielboficial and on Instagram at instagram.com/ielboficial.
Vic Garcia, who along with his wife Mirian adopted a child through Lutheran Family Service, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about when he and his wife began considering adoption, their two adoption stories of their daughter and son, the blessings of an open adoption for their family, and his encouragement for others who are considering adoption. Learn more about Lutheran Family Service of Iowa at lutheranfamilyservice.org.
Lisa Clark, Senior Editor of Curriculum Resources at Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Sunday School through the years, including when it first began, how it made its way to the United States, concerns about this method of teaching at the beginning of the practice, and how Sunday School has changed in the LCMS in the last 50 years. Read Lisa and Deaconess Anna Johnson's article "Teaching the Word: Sunday School Through the Years" in the September 2022 Lutheran Witness. Find Sunday School materials from CPH at teachthefaith.cph.org/enduring-faith.
See what is included in the September 2022 issue of LW at witness.lcms.org/2022/lutheran-witness-september-2022. Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, MSW, joins Andy and Sarah in our series on "Emotions and the Gospel" to talk about what an emotion foundation is any why it's important, the relationship of God to our bodies and emotions, how emotion is a gift, how sin and brokenness has affected emotions, and whether emotions are sinful.
Find your copy of Emotions and the Gospel: Created for Connection at books.cph.org/emotions-and-the-gospel. Listen to all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/emotions-and-the-gospel.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Dr. James Baneck, Executive Director for LCMS Pastoral Education, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about Church Worker Appreciation Month, why it's important to show appreciation to church workers, how congregations can show appreciation beyond just the month of October, and how the Set Apart to Serve initiative ties-in with appreciating and recognizing our church workers.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Joleen Cary and Katy Baetz-Matthews — Volunteers with LCMS International Mission for the Missionary Kid Program Team in the Dominican Republic, and Erin Mackenzie — LCMS Missionary in the Latin America and Caribbean region, based in the Dominican Republic, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how they learned about this opportunity to serve in the Dominican Republic, the preparations for serving in this way, what they were able to do while they served the missionary kids, and advice for those considering serving in this way. Find how you can serve (including this opportunity for next summer!) at servenow.lcms.org. Learn more about Erin Mackenzie and her service in the Dominican Republic at lcms.org/mackenzie.
Missionary Kids and short-term mission team at the 2022 Missionary Conference in the Dominican Republic.
Karen and Tracy Bougher, who adopted a child through Lutheran Family Service of Iowa, join Andy and Sarah to talk about when they first began considering adoption for their family, how Lutheran Family Service connected them to families, the long process of waiting for a child, and how they've been doing since adoption day. Learn more about Lutheran Family Service of Iowa at lutheranfamilyservice.org.
Rev. Jason M. Braaten, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Tuscola, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the history of Vacation Bible School, as he wrote about in the September 2022 of The Lutheran Witness, including the concept of the first Vacation Bible Schools in the United States, how these programs were vastly different depending on the location of the students, how Vacation Bible School has chanted over the last 50 years, and how a locally developed program may be very beneficial to individual congregations and their children.
See what is included in the September 2022 issue of LW at witness.lcms.org/2022/lutheran-witness-september-2022. Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, MSW, joins Andy and Sarah in our series on "Emotions and the Gospel" to talk about what we know about emotions (and what we don't know), the Church's relationship with emotions, her own relationship with emotions, and what we're going to dive into in this series on emotions.
Find your copy of Emotions and the Gospel: Created for Connection at books.cph.org/emotions-and-the-gospel. Listen to all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/emotions-and-the-gospel.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. James Woelmer, Pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Plano, Texas, joins Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about empowering parents to talk with their children about considering church work, including where church work vocations begin, why it's important for parents to have these conversations, some examples of how parents (and other adults) can faithfully encourage, some key points for parents to consider, and other actions parents can take when encouraging young people to think about church work vocations. Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/SetApartToServe.
This is a rebroadcast from June 10, 2022.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/SetApartToServe.
Rev. Doug Griebenaw visited the 2022 Consortium for Classical Lutheran Education Conference at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and had the opportunity to chat with CCLE board members and conference presenters.
Hear his conversation with Mrs. Cheryl Swope, Author of Simply Classical curriculum for children with special needs (Memoria Press), as they discuss classical education for all including those with special needs. Find more information on the Consortium for Classical Lutheran Education at ccle.org.
Rev. Doug Griebenaw visited the 2022 Consortium for Classical Lutheran Education Conference at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and had the opportunity to chat with CCLE board members and conference presenters.
Hear his conversation with Dr. Gabriel Haley, Associate Professor of English at Concordia University Nebraska, as they discuss the importance of reading the Great Books and other outstanding literature as part of a classical Lutheran education.. Find more information on the Consortium for Classical Lutheran Education at ccle.org.
Landon, Teresa, and Thérèse-Marie Poss join Andy and Sarah to talk about their adoption story through Lutheran Family Service of Iowa, including why they first considered adoption for their family, how they connected with Lutheran Family Service of Iowa, their (somewhat harrowing) journey to being adoptive parents, and how Thérèse-Marie is doing today. Learn more about Lutheran Family Service of Iowa at lutheranfamilyservice.org.
Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the September 2022 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "Walk in Love" on Ephesians 4:17-32. This year, "Searching the Scriptures" will study the book of Ephesians, so stay tuned each month for the next Bible study. Follow along and search the Scriptures with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Ephesians 4:17-32 The New Life
17 Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. 18 They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. 19 They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. 20 But that is not the way you learned Christ!— 21 assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, 22 to put off your old self,[a] which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. 26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil. 28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. 29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Read full chapter
Footnotes Ephesians 4:22 Greek man; also verse 24
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org
Benjamin Kolodziej, member of Faith Lutheran Church in Plano, TX, highly active church organist and composer, and contributor to the Lutheran Service Book Hymnal Companion, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about three upcoming hymns in the Three Year Lectionary for Series A, Propers 14-16: Lutheran Service Book 717, 615, and 645. Learn more about the LSB Hymnal Companion and find your copy at music.cph.org/lutheran-service-book-companion-to-the-hymns.
This is a rebroadcast from August 5, 2020.
Rev. Dr. Arthur Just, Professor of New Testament Exegetical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary Fort Wayne and Associate Executive Director of LCMS International Mission for Theological Education, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about his path to becoming a pastor and missionary, who encouraged him as he considered these vocations, the need for church workers today, and how adults can encourage young people to consider church work vocations. Learn more about Dr. Just at lcms.org/just and international theological education at international.lcms.org/category/theological-education.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Rev. Delwyn Campbell, domestic missionary and pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Gary, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the community of Gary, how the community has changed and the place of St. John in the community, and how this church is reaching into the surrounding community. Learn more about Rev. Campbell and the work in Gary at lcms.org/campbell.
Erin Alter, Director of Short-Term Missions with LCMS International Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the 5 Minutes with a Missionary Podcast, why she and the International Mission team developed this podcast, the stories you can hear in Season 1, and what to look forward to in Season 2 dropping in September! Subscribe to the 5 Minutes with a Missionary Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, or listen at kfuo.org/missionarypodcast.
Learn more about LCMS International Mission at international.lcms.org.
Rev. Doug Griebenaw visited the 2022 Consortium for Classical Lutheran Education Conference at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and had the opportunity to chat with CCLE board members and conference presenters.
Hear his conversation with Mr. Nathaniel Pullman, Headmaster of Redeemer Classical Lutheran School in Fort Wayne, Indiana, as they discuss ideas for starting a classical Lutheran school at your church. Find more information on the Consortium for Classical Lutheran Education at ccle.org.
Rev. Doug Griebenaw visited the 2022 Consortium for Classical Lutheran Education Conference at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and had the opportunity to chat with CCLE board members and conference presenters.
Hear his conversation with Rev. Robert Paul, Associate Pastor and Headmaster of Memorial Lutheran Church and School in Houston, Texas, as they discuss why classical education is Lutheran. Find more information on the Consortium for Classical Lutheran Education at ccle.org.
Rev. Jeremy Klaustermeier, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Warrenton, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Romans 11:25-36.
A mystery indeed! St. Paul’s original readers, especially the Jews, would have been bewildered at the notion that the Gentiles were part of God’s plan from the beginning. But after explaining in first half of this chapter how they are grafted into the “olive tree” that is the true Israel and rooted in Christ, the Apostle now says that a “partial hardening” has come upon the Jews “until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.” (v. 25). What does this mean? And what does it mean that “in this way all Israel will be saved?” (v. 26) In this episode, Pastors Booe and Klaustermeier cover the mystery and controversy of this difficult passage.
Rev. Doug Griebenaw visited the 2022 Consortium for Classical Lutheran Education Conference at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and had the opportunity to chat with CCLE board members and conference presenters.
Hear his conversation with Rev. Steven Kieser, President of the CCLE Board of Directors and Associate Pastor and Headmaster of Faith Lutheran Church and School in Plano, Texas, as they discuss the work of CCLE, classical Lutheran education, and the history of the CCLE conference. Find more information on the Consortium for Classical Lutheran Education at ccle.org.
Rev. Doug Griebenaw visited the 2022 Consortium for Classical Lutheran Education Conference at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and had the opportunity to chat with CCLE board members and conference presenters.
Hear his conversation with Rev. Paul Cain, Pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Sheridan, Wyoming, as they talk about the importance of classical education and especially studying rhetoric. Find more information on the Consortium for Classical Lutheran Education at ccle.org.
Rev. Doug Griebenaw visited the 2022 Consortium for Classical Lutheran Education Conference at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and had the opportunity to chat with CCLE board members and conference presenters.
Hear his conversation with Dr. Jackie Veith, Author of Simply Classical curriculum for children with special needs, and who serves on CCLE Board, as they discuss what accreditation is and how schools benefit from this. Find more information on the Consortium for Classical Lutheran Education at ccle.org.
Rev. Doug Griebenaw visited the 2022 Consortium for Classical Lutheran Education Conference at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and had the opportunity to chat with CCLE board members and conference presenters.
Hear his conversation with Mrs. Jocelyn Benson, Head Teacher at Wittenberg Academy in Chatfield, Minnesota, as they talk about how classical education works for homeschooling families. Learn more about Wittenberg Academy at wittenbergacademy.org.
Find more information on the Consortium for Classical Lutheran Education at ccle.org.
Danny Frastaci, Operations Director for Lakeview Ministries in Seymour, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about his path into camp ministry, how camp provides a unique place for young people to consider church work vocations, how young people learn leadership skills at camp, and how camps partner with parents and congregations to raise up leaders in the Church.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Guests from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis: Erika Bennett — Director of Continuing Education, Dr. David Maxwell — Professor of Systematic Theology, and Dr. Joel Elowsky — Professor of Historical Theology, Dean of Advanced Studies and Coordinator of International Seminary Exchange Programs, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the upcoming Theological Symposium at Concordia Seminary, including Dr. Elowsky's presentation on interprestations of the Wedding Feast at Cana, Dr. Maxwell's presentation on the exegetical approach of the early church versus the modern approach, and why these Symposium events are important for pastoral continuing education. Learn more and register at csl.edu/resources/continuing-education/theological-symposium.
Sara Correnti, MS RD LD, Manager of Health and Wellness with Concordia Plan Services, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about back to school meal ideas, how to plan for success with meals, and some of her favorite tricks and tips! Find "Plan to Eat" at plantoeat.com/tour/online-recipe-organizer/.
Breakfast
Overnight Slow Cooker Steal Cut Oats (from wellplated.com/overnight-steel-cut-oats-recipe) Serves: 6 Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 7-8 hours (overnight)
Simple Breakfast Quesadilla (from cookieandkate.com) Serves: 1 Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 5 minutes
Lunch
Protein Boxes (from theforkedspoon.com/protein-snack-pack-lunch-meal-prep) Serves: 1 Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 0 minutes
Dinner
Eggroll in a Bowl (from theseasonedmom.com/egg-roll-in-a-bowl) Serves: 4 Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes
Over Fajitas (from realmomkitchen.com) Serves: 4 Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes
Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet (from lifeloveliz.com) Serves: 6 Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes
Rev. Dr. James Gimbel, President of Concordia Lutheran Seminary in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how we understand “vocation” from a Biblical perspective, the difference between vocation and career, how Martin Luther understood and taught about vocation, what it means to be a "mask of God," and how we see vocation playing out in different areas of our lives. Read Dr. Gimbel's insightful article from The Canadian Lutheran at canadianlutheran.ca/on-vocatio.
Rev. Dr. Mark Wood, Director of LCMS Witness and Outreach, and Revitalization, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Making Disciples for Life Conferences, how errant worldviews have impacted our lives and vocations, the temptations we face in light of these errant worldviews, how we respond to others talking about these worldviews, and what attendees to the Making Disciples for Life Conference "Let Us Keep Awake" will learn about a Biblical understanding of errant worldviews. Learn more and register for the Conference at calendar.lcms.org/event/making-disciples-for-life-conference-fall-2022.
Kim Laube — Executive Director of Life Ministries at Lutheran Family Service in Urbandale, Iowa, and Wendy Solawetz, LMFT — Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with Lutheran Family Service, join Andy and Sarah to talk about what makes the work of Lutheran Family Service unique, their relationship to Pregnancy Care Centers (PRCs), how PRCs are able to care for women in times of crisis, the mental health challenges that PRC workers face, and how Lutheran Family Service is working to support the mental and emotional health of PRC workers. Learn more about the work of Lutheran Family Service at lutheranfamilyservice.org.
Rev. Dr. Bill Harmon, President of the LCMS Southeastern District, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about his path to becoming a pastor, how the encouragement of others was so important for him, how a church cultivates a culture of church worker formation, and the internship program his most recent congregation was able to implement.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Benjamin Kolodziej — member of Faith Lutheran Church in Plano, Texas, highly active church organist and composer, and author of Joyful Singing: A Story of Texas Lutheran Music (available on Amazon.com), and Rev. Sean Daenzer — LCMS Director of Worship and Chaplain for the LCMS International Center, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the role music plays in church services, how music directors/kantors and pastors work together to put together each church service, and the very exciting upcoming church music conference in Austin, TX on September 8-10. Learn more and register at stpaulaustin.org/events/in-service-to-the-gospel-through-word-music.
Rev. Tyler Walworth — pastor of Emmanuel Lutheran Church and School in Dearborn, Michigan, and Our Savior Lutheran Church of the Deaf in Birmingham, Michigan, and Administrator of St. Martin Lutheran School for the Deaf in Dearborn, Michigan, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Deaf community in the Metro Detroit area, how St. Martin Lutheran School for the Deaf started, the partnership between Emmanuel Lutheran and St. Martin School, and the amazing impact this school has on families with Deaf children. Learn more about St. Martin Lutheran School for the Deaf at smlid.org and Ephphatha Lutheran Mission Society at elms-deaf.org.
David Vandercar, Men's Gathering planner and Executive Director of Lakeview Ministries in Seymour, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why it's valuable for men to gather for prayer and fellowship, what happens at the Men’s Gathering, how this Fall Gathering is different from the annual Spring Gathering, what's on deck for this year, and who can come to this event. Learn more and register at mensgathering.us.
Scott Jarus, Project Chairman—MAC Homeschool Zoo Days with the Missouri Association for Creation, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the work of the Missouri Association for Creation, how a visit to the zoo can be a meaningful way to learn about Creation, the exciting things that happen during a MAC MAC Homeschool Zoo Day, and how to register. Learn more at missouricreation.com/zoo-day and email Scott at maczootour@gmail.com.
Rev. Charles Henrickson — Instructor of Online Greek and Latin Courses for Consortium for Classical Lutheran Education (CCLE) and Pastor of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Bonne Terre and Grace Lutheran Church in De Soto, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about when he first studied Greek and Latin, how these languages have served him, why a layperson would want to learn Greek and/or Latin, and how adults can learn Greek and/or Latin online with CCLE. Learn more at ccle.org/2022-2023-adult-greek-and-latin-online-classes. Resources mentioned in this episode include Wheelock's Latin, Fundamental Greek Grammar, and a Greek New Testament.
Ruthann Gieseke, Teacher at Green Park Lutheran School in St. Louis, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about her path to becoming a teacher, the influence of teachers in the lives of children and youth, how teachers help children and youth begin thinking about church work vocations, and how parents play an integral role in this encouragement.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
The Rev. Dr. Adam Koontz, pastor and evangelist of Trinity Lutheran Church in Denver, Colorado, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his article in the August 2022 issue of The Lutheran Witness titled "Four Accounts: One Truth, The Baptism of Jesus," including some misunderstandings regarding events recorded in Scripture in multiple accounts or by multiple writers, how to best approach these sections of Scripture, how each Gospel writer delivers the account of Jesus' Baptism, and how this can be beneficial for us as we digest God's Word. Read Dr. Koontz's article at witness.lcms.org/2022/four-accounts-one-truth.
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the August 2022 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "United in the Bond of Peace" on Ephesians 4:1-16. This year, "Searching the Scriptures" will study the book of Ephesians, so stay tuned each month for the next Bible study. Follow along and search the Scriptures with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Ephesians 4:1-16 Unity in the Body of Christ
4 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. 8 Therefore it says,
“When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.”[a]
9 (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth?[b] 10 He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds[c] and teachers,[d] 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood,[e] to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
Read full chapter
Footnotes Ephesians 4:8 The Greek word anthropoi can refer to both men and women Ephesians 4:9 Or the lower parts of the earth? Ephesians 4:11 Or pastors Ephesians 4:11 Or the shepherd-teachers Ephesians 4:13 Greek to a full-grown man
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org
Rev. Dr. Ross Johnson, Director of LCMS Disaster Response, and Rev. Michael Meyer, Director of Training with LCMS Disaster Response, join Andy to talk about how LERT and Disaster Response become a part of LCMS congregations, what happens at the LCMS National Disaster Response Conference, the theme of this year's conference “Day by Day We Magnify Thee: LERT in the Life of the Church,” and how to register and and attend this conference. Learn more at calendar.lcms.org/event/2022-lcms-national-disaster-response-conference.
Rev. Paul Ernewein, Founder and Director of Forged by Fire, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how the idea for Forged by Fire began, how this organization has been able to serve those in need, the volunteers who make this organization a success, some of the favorite recipes when they serve large groups, and the connection between food, mercy and serving in the midst of a disaster. Learn more about Forged by Fire at fbf501c3.com.
Jolene Siebarth, DCE at Immanuel Lutheran Church & School in St. Charles, Missouri, joins Andy for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about when she first learned about Directors of Christian Education, her path to becoming a DCE, the formation of a DCE, who encouraged her to pursue this vocation, and how she serves as a DCE.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Rev. Dr. John Sias, Secretary of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about nominations for boards and commissions for the Synod, where these volunteers come from and the qualifications to serve, how important these positions are for the work of the Synod, and the process for nomination. Find the nomination information and forms at lcms.org/convention.
Lea Verslues, KFUO Radio Summer Intern, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about her time as the summer intern, what she's learned about radio and media, how this experience has changed her perspective on media and film, and what's next for her!
We are very grateful for Lea's time with us and wish her all the best in the future!
Rev. Mark Kiessling, Director of LCMS Youth Ministry, joins Andy and Sarah to recap the 2022 LCMS Youth Gathering, including what made this a unique Gathering, the servant events that youth participated in during the Gathering, the planning process for this Gathering, and the plans already underway for the 2025 Gathering in New Orleans! Find all things LCMS Gathering at lcmsgathering.com. Read the Reporter article on the Gathering at reporter.lcms.org and view photos of the event at photo.lcms.org.
Rev. Sean Daenzer, LCMS Director of Worship and Chaplain of the LCMS International Center, joins Sarah on the commemoration day of Joanna, Mary, and Salome — Myrrhbearers to talk about who these women are, where we read about them in Scripture, the traditions of burial practice in Biblical times, and what we learn from their reverent actions toward Jesus' body.
Anne Gonzalez, Manager of Short-term Mission Training & Engagement with LCMS International Mission, and Matt Pleshek, volunteer for English Bible Camps in the Czech Republic with LCMS International Mission, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how Matt learned about this opportunity to serve, his unique connection to the Czech Republic, how he and his team prepared to serve internationally, and his experiences while serving there. Find where you can serve, including next summer's English Bible Camps, at servenow.lcms.org.
Rev. Tim Droegemueller, Pastor of Living Faith Lutheran Church in Cumming, Georgia, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the importance of adult catechesis and how the seasons of the church year play into how the catechism and vocation are taught in his congregation. Read the explanation of his process at livingfaithlutheran.com/im-new.
This is a rebroadcast from June 8, 2018.
Brenda Jank, founder of Run Hard. Rest Well., joins Andy and Sarah to talk about whether men and women rest differently, how that looks in daily life, and why it matters to couples and families. Read her blog post at runhardrestwell.com/7813-2 and follow Run Hard. Rest Well. at facebook.com/runhardrestwell.
This is a rebroadcast from May 1, 2018.
Bethany Johnson, Kantor / Director of Parish Music at St. John Lutheran Church in Topeka, Kansas, joins Andy and Sarah during Bach Week for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about her role as Kantor, the things she gets to do on a weekly basis througout the church year, her path to becoming a church musician, who was influential in her path to this vocation, and how J.S. Bach has play a role in her formation as a church musician and Kantor.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Dr. Maurice Boyer, Professor of Music at Concordia University Chicago and Music Director of the American Kantorei, joins Andy and Sarah during Bach Week to talk about J.S. Bach as composer, including his musical style and how it compared to other composers of his time, who he composed for and who his audience was, how his compositions have been regarded through multiple generations, and a few selections that are beautiful works for us to enjoy.
Referenced in today's episode:
BWV 7 “Es is das Heil uns kommen her” ("Salvation Unto Us Has Come," Lutheran Service Book 555) — 6th Sunday after Trinity OR 7th after Pentecost) youtu.be/zq1IAR_J0NI
BWV 93 “Wer nur den lieben Gott laesst walten” ("If Thou but Trust in God to Guide Thee," Lutheran Service Book 750) — 5th Sunday after Trinity OR 6th after Pentecost youtu.be/in5XDlJnrB8
BWV 137 “Lobe den Herren, den maechtigen Koenig Der Ehren” ("Praise to the Lord, the Almighty," Lutheran Service Book 790) — 12th Sunday after Trinity OR 13th after Pentecost youtu.be/rNAxuzyDLzs
Chaplain Brian Hamer, active duty Navy Chaplain and author of a forthcoming article, “Bach Behind the Iron Curtain: A Musical Post Card from Russia, 1962,” joins Andy and Sarah during Bach Week to talk about the Robert Shaw Chorale and their global tours, the Chorale's tour of Russia in 1962, how audiences in Russia reacted to J.S. Bach's B Minor Mass on this tour, and what this event implies for the legacy of Bach's music in our own day. Find articles from Chaplain Hamer (including this one, publishing in September) at whatdoesthismean.org under the "Lifted Voice" column.
Luther Gulseth, Church Musician and Sacred Music Curator for KFUO Radio, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the differences between a chorale and a hymn, some hymn tunes we might find in Bach's chorales, and things to listen for as you listen to these familiar tunes. Find the chorales mentioned at the links below:
A Mighty Fortress (LSB 656/657), Cantata BWV 80 Movement 8 (Ein Feste Burg) youtu.be/dRCRPzcLQBk
Christ Jesus Lay in Death's Strong Bands (LSB 458), Cantata BWV 4 Movement 4 (Christ Lag In Todesbanden) youtu.be/7vGWlk8oiZM (starts at 10:45)
O Sacred Head Now Wounded (LSB 449/450) (Herzlich Tut Mit) youtu.be/8o7GFn1vbd4
From Heaven Above to Earth I Come (LSB 358/385) (Vom Himmel Hoch) youtu.be/BJYn7H1Labw
Dr. Nancy Peterson — Organist and Director of Music at Zion Lutheran Church in Mascoutah, IL, Coordinator of St. Clair County Christian Home Educators, and Homeschool Mom of 10, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how Bach has shaped her work as an organist, how Bach play a role in her own schooling at home and the classes she teaches to others, what Bach can teach us through his music, and how Bach and other classical music is connected to various subjects such as math, history, perhaps even science. Find Dr. Peterson's favorite book to teach Bach, Sebastian Bach by Opal Wheeler, on Amazon.com or wherever books are sold.
Deaconess Mika Patron of Grace Lutheran Church in Auburn, Michigan, joins Andy for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about how she learned about deaconesses, her formation as a deaconess, and how she serves today at Grace Lutheran Church.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Rev. Craig Muehler, Director of LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the needs of military connected families in the days ahead, how we can be supportive of these families, and how we can pray for our troops and chaplains. Learn more about LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces at lcms.org/armedforces. Interested in becoming a chaplain? Contact Chaplain Muehler at lcmschaps@lcms.org.
This is a rebroadcast from January 9, 2020.
Rev. Merritt Demski, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Waterloo, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about a few hymns common during the "Green Season," or the season after Pentecost or Trinity. These hymns are: LSB 708 "Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart," LSB 722 "Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me," and LSB 729 "I Am Trusting Thee, Lord Jesus."
This is a rebroadcast from August 27, 2019.
Matt Machemer, Associate Kantor with Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about just a few of the hymns we sing in the "Green Season" of the church and why they are great ones to sing, including Lutheran Service Book 536, 541, and 552.
This is a rebroadcast from August 1, 2019.
Rev. Trevor Sutton, Pastor of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Lansing, Michigan, joins Andy to talk about narcissism on social media, what the idea of "self-amputation" means in the social media world, and how we can act like Christians on social media. Read his article in The Gospel Coalition at thegospelcoalition.org/article/dont-social-media-narcissist.
This is a rebroadcast from September 13, 2019.
Laura Montgomery, Director of Educational Resources with Lutheran Elementary School Association in St. Louis, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how we can keep kids sharp in creative and unique ways that summer offers, some favorite tried-and-true activities for kids and families, and how to incorporate learning into fun activities.
This is a rebroadcast from June 7, 2019.
Donna Snow, author of Chosen, a Study of Esther (CPH) and Perseverance, Praying Through Life's Challenges (CPH) joins Andy and Sarah at the LCMS Youth Gathering in Houston to discuss why and how she volunteers for the Youth Gathering.
Nathan Haak, Chief Financial Officer of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod joins Andy and Sarah to discuss his path to serving as CFO, the duties of the his office, and the financial practices of the LCMS.
The Rev. Dr. John Sias, Secretary of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod joins Andy and Sarah to discuss preparations for the LCMS Convention taking place in Milwaukee, July 29-August 3, 2023. To learn more about the LCMS Convention visit lcms.org/convention.
Dr. Bernard Bull, President of Concordia University Nebraska, joins Andy and Sarah at the 2022 LCMS Youth Gathering for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about why Lutheran education is important to him, where the formation of church workers begins, what is key in early years of formation, and how he has been able to be a part of the formation of church workers.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Flame, Lutheran rap artist and founder of Extra Nos Academy, joins Andy and Sarah at the 2022 LCMS Youth Gathering to talk about his experiences at his first Gathering, what he's been up to since the release of Word and Water, how he's involved in this year's Gathering, and how he approaches his creative work. Hear a sneak peek of what he's working on next! Find everything from Flame, including music, merchandise, and how to request an appearance, at ExtraNosAcademy.com.
Tanner Olson — Author, Poet, and Speaker, joins Andy and Sarah at the 2022 LCMS Youth Gathering to talk about what he's doing during the Gathering, the special little booklet in all of the Gathering backpacks, what he's currently working on, and what he appreciates most about the Gathering. Find everything from Tanner, including how to invite him to your church, at writtentospeak.com.
Find these books from Tanner:
Continue: Poems and Prayers of Hope (2022) Walk A Little Slower: A Collection of Poems and Other Words (2021)
As You Go: Words for the Unknown (2020) I’m All Over the Place (2019)
Paul Krentz, serving in the LCMS Texas District and as the LCMS Gathering Host for Special Guests, joins Andy and Sarah at the 2022 LCMS Youth Gathering to talk about his experiences attending all 15 Gatherings, including how his service as a church worker began, stories from the early Gatherings, and how he has seen the Gatherings change over the years. Find all things Gathering at lcmsgathering.com.
Lisa and Louis, International students from Germany at the LCMS Youth Gathering, join Andy and Sarah to talk about their experiences at the Gathering, what they love about attending, and who they've been able to meet while they're in the United States. Find all things Gathering at lcmsgathering.com.
Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Kloha, Chief Curatorial Officer of the Museum of the Bible, joins Andy and Sarah live at the LCMS Youth Gathering to talk about what is new at the Museum of the Bible, what his work entails as the Chief Curatorial Officer, what's involved in curating content, and what youth are experiencing at the Museum of the Bible exhibit at the Youth Gathering. Learn more about the Museum of the Bible and how you can visit at museumofthebible.org.
Gabby Rabe, Julianna Rabe, Mika Nelson, and Ambrose Sharp, whose families all serve internationally with the LCMS, join Andy and Sarah live from the LCMS Youth Gathering to talk about what it's like to live overseas and what they're enjoying about this year's LCMS Youth Gathering.
Dr. Bruce Schultz — Board of Regents for Concordia University Chicago and professor at a biomedical university in Kansas, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about how he has seen laypeople be influential in the lives of young people, how these laypeople can encourage young people to consider church work vocations, how laypeople in all vocations can support young people, and how his own children were supported to pursue church work vocations.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Rev. Dr. John Brenner — minister of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod and Professor at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, WI, and Rev. Dr. Cameron MacKenzie — minister of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the 150th anniversary of the Evangelical Lutheran Synodical Conference of North America, including the history of Lutherans in North America in the mid to late 1800s, how the Evangelical Lutheran Synodical Conference of North America came about, how this conference shaped the future of Lutherans in North America, and how the Synodical Conference came to an end. Read about the WELS celebration of this anniversary at wels.net/event/wels-synod-anniversary-the-synodical-conference-founded-on-fundamental-unity.
Recommended reading:
The Synodical Conference: Ecumenical Endeavor by Armin Schuetze
A Tale of Two Synods: Events that Led to the Split between Wisconsin and Missouri by Dr. Marc Braun Rosa Young: Light in the Dark Belt by Rosa Young Jars of Clay: A History of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary (1863-2013) by Rev. Dr. John Brenner
Rev. Karl Gibbs, Pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Carrollton, MO, and Disaster Response Chaplain for the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) of Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the tragic train derailment that occurred on July 27 in Mendon, MO, how he was able to respond as a chaplain for SEMA, the critical role of chaplains in disasters such as this one, and how others could become chaplains and serve in this capacity. Read more about the community response to the derailment at reporter.lcms.org/2022/lcms-pastor-cares-for-first-responders-after-amtrak-derailment and learn more about becoming a SEMA chaplain at sema.dps.mo.gov/programs/chaplaincy/index.htm.
Dr. Beverly Yahnke, Executive Director for Christian Counsel for DOXOLOGY — The Lutheran Center for Spiritual Care and Counsel, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the challenges that church workers typically face, how these challenges are different among different vocations, the great need for respite and care for pastors and commissioned workers, the experiences people have at Take Heart Retreats, and why these retreats are so important. Learn about upcoming Take Heart Retreats at doxology.us/take-heart.
Rev. Dr. Mark J. Schreiber — US Navy Chaplain, Retired, CAPT, CHC, USN (Ret.), and author of Nailed! Moral Injury: A response from the Cross of Christ for the Combat Veteran, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his path to becoming a Navy Chaplain, where he served as a Chaplain, what moral injury is and how it's different from PTSD, how moral injury affects combat veterans, and how chaplains and pastors bring the Word of God and the Cross of Christ to veterans experiencing moral injury. Find Nailed! Moral Injury: A response from the Cross of Christ for the Combat Veteran at amazon.com. Learn more about military chaplaincy through LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces at lcms.org/armedforces.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or self-harm, help is available. Contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741 or visit crisistextline.org. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255 or chat online at suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
This is a rebroadcast from November 11, 2021
Daniel Sanchez, Camp Director at Camp Io-Dis-E-Ca, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about creating essential experiences for young people in church, including how his views of church work vocations were shaped as a child, why its important for him to help youth consider church work vocations, how he has opportunities to encourage youth in his vocation at camp.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Rev. Dr. Jonathan Shaw, LCMS Director of Church Relations and assistant to the LCMS president, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Russia-Ukraine War, including the questions we should ask to understand if we should be involved in this war, how we understand the kingdom of the right and the kingdom of the left, how we understand just war theory, how our understanding of these things have changed throughout history, and what we as the Church can do about this war.
Read Dr. Shaw's article 'The Russia-Ukraine War' in the June/July 2022 issue of The Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org/2022/the-russia-ukraine-war.
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Rev. Luke Timm — pastor of Living Faith Lutheran Church in Clive, Iowa, and Volunteer with LCMS International Mission, and Krista Young — Partnership Coordinator for LCMS Africa Region with LCMS International Mission, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how Pastor Timm became involved in serving internationally, the wonderful relationships and partnerships he and his team have been able to make, the importance of building relationships for long-term impact, the fruits of all of this labor of building relationships and partnerships, and projects that are ongoing, including Xaris Xoffee.
Find Short Term Mission opportunities at servenow.lcms.org and contact Krista Young at krista.young@lcms.org for more information on how your church can start building long-term international partnerships.
Dr. Donna Harrison, CEO of American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists (AAPLOG), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the overturning of Roe v Wade, including how this will affect health care for pregnant mothers, whether this decision will be detrimental for life-threatening situations, the difference between elective abortion and other medical procedures that are performed to save a mother's life, and how the pro-life community moves forward after this decision. Learn more about AAPLOG and women's health at aaplog.org. Follow AAPLOG on Facebook at facebook.com/ProLifeOBGYNs and on Twitter at twitter.com/aaplog.
Read the full SCOTUS decision at supremecourt.gov or download the PDF here.
Find LCMS resources after the Dobbs v Jackson decision at reporter.lcms.org/2022/lcms-responds-to-scotus-decision-on-dobbs-v-jackson.
Deaconess Tiffany Manor, Director of LCMS Life Ministry, joins Sarah and Andy to talk about the Supreme Court's overturn of Roe v Wade, including the case of Dobbs v Jackson that was argued in December 2021, the decision that was published on June 24, what the decision means and does not mean, how this might impact state laws regarding abortion, and how we can talk about this with empathy and compassion.
Read the full SCOTUS decision at supremecourt.gov or download the PDF here.
Find LCMS resources after the Dobbs v Jackson decision at reporter.lcms.org/2022/lcms-responds-to-scotus-decision-on-dobbs-v-jackson.
Rev. Karl Bollhagen, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Hampton Iowa, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about the need for church workers in the LCMS today, how pastors and congregation members shape the culture in a congregation to support young people pursuing church work vocation, what is key to cultivating a culture that raises up church workers, and how he and others in his congregation speak to youth about church work vocations.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
New KFUO Radio Team Members Lea Verslues — Summer Intern, and Jordan Harms — Media Production Specialist, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how they came to KFUO Radio, what they love about media production, the things they'll be doing for KFUO Radio, and an always entertaining lightning round of favorite things.Welcome, Lea and Jordan!
Dr. Peter Nafzger, Associate Professor of Practical Theology and Director of Student Life at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, and Theological Advisor for the LCMS Youth Gathering, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the theme of the LCMS Youth Gathering "In All Things," what students will be studying in the Bible studies at the Gathering, and some of the amazing key themes in the text from Colossians 1:15-20. Learn more about the Gathering and this year's theme at lcmsgathering.com/about.
Colossians 1:15-20
The Preeminence of Christ
15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by[a] him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
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Footnotes Colossians 1:16 That is, by means of; or in
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org
Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Presentation of the Augsburg Confession (which we commemorate on June 25), including the cultural and political context leading up to the Diet of Augsburg, what the Diet of Augsburg was and why it became necessary, how the Confessors prepared for this Diet in 1530, and the significance of what happened during the Diet.
Read more about this important historical event at lutheranreformation.org/history/presentation-augsburg-confession and ilc-online.org/2021/06/25/confessing-the-faith-reflections-on-the-presentation-of-the-augsburg-confession.
Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the June/July 2022 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "Knowing the Unknowable" on Ephesians 3:14-21. This year, "Searching the Scriptures" will study the book of Ephesians, so stay tuned each month for the next Bible study. Follow along and search the Scriptures with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Ephesians 3:14-21 Prayer for Spiritual Strength
14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family[a] in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
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Footnotes Ephesians 3:15 Or from whom all fatherhood; the Greek word patria in verse 15 is closely related to the word for Father in verse 14
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org
Rev. Andrew Wehling, Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Liberal, Kansas, joins Andy for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about his own journey into his vocation of pastor, why it's important to talk with parents and families about the possibility of the young people in their lives pursuing church work vocations, some doubts parents might have about church work as a future for their children, how he addresses the difficulties and joys of church work vocations with parents and families, and what pastors could consider as they talk with parents and families about church work vocations.
Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Anna Mussmann, homeschool mom of four and author of "Making the Most of Your Kids’ Summer Boredom" on The Lutheran Witness Online, joins Sarah and guest co-host Rachel Bomberger, co-host of the Lutheran Ladies' Lounge Podcast, to talk about how healthy boredom is a good thing, why we are so uncomfortable with boredom and solitude, how adults can overcome this uneasiness and lean into the boredom, and how we can help our children grow and thrive with boredom. Read Anna's article at witness.lcms.org/2022/making-the-most-of-your-kids-summer-boredom.
Rev. Dr. Ross Johnson — Director of LCMS Disaster Response, and Rev. Kevin Robson — LCMS Chief Mission Officer, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the history of the India Evangelical Lutheran Church (IELC) and Concordia Theological Seminary in Nagercoil, the destruction that happened to the Seminary in 2017, how this disaster impaired the operation of the seminary, how the LCMS helped partner with the Seminary and IELC to rebuild the campus, and why it's so important for theological students in India to be able to have pastoral formation in their own cultural context. Read the story about the dedication of the rebuilt seminary at reporter.lcms.org/2022/rebuilt-seminary-dedicated-in-nagercoil-india.
Read more about this Seminary and the IELC at:
reporter.lcms.org/2018/from-the-mission-field-april-2018
reporter.lcms.org/2018/from-the-mission-field-mexico-and-india
reporter.lcms.org/2019/from-the-mission-field-india-evangelical-lutheran-church
Concordia Theological Seminary in Nagercoil, India, was rebuilt with the assistance of the LCMS after being destroyed by Cyclone Ockhi in 2017. (Ross Johnson)
Dr. Thomas Korcok — Associate Professor of Theology at Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada; Consortium for Classical Lutheran Education's (CCLE) 2022 magister magnus award winner; and author of Serpents in the Classroom: The Poisoning of Modern Education and How the Church Can Cure It, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why Classical Lutheran education is important today, where Classical Lutheran education first began for him, questions he addresses in his book, the theological presuppositions that undergird contemporary education, and how CCLE supports families, schools, and educators. Learn more about CCLE at ccle.org and find Dr. Korcok's book at shop.1517.org/products/serpents-in-the-classroom-the-poisoning-of-modern-education-and-how-the-church-can-cure-it.
Tanner Olson, poet with Written to Speak and author of the new book Continue: Poems and Prayers of Hope from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why poetry is important (and not lame) for us today, the theme of his new book, a new adventure in partnering with Concordia Publishing House for this book, and where you can see Tanner live this summer. Find his book at books.cph.org/continue.
Rev. Herb and Markie Burch, serving the Lord in Belize, join Andy to talk about serving in Belize, the presence of Lutherans in Belize, the work they're carrying out in Belize, and how partnerships are an important part of the work. Read their story and how to support their work at lcms.org/burch.
Rev. James Woelmer, Pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Plano, Texas, joins Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about empowering parents to talk with their children about considering church work, including where church work vocations begin, why it's important for parents to have these conversations, some examples of how parents (and other adults) can faithfully encourage, some key points for parents to consider, and other actions parents can take when encouraging young people to think about church work vocations. Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
Benjamin Kolodziej — member of Faith Lutheran Church in Plano, TX, highly active church organist and composer, and contributor to the Lutheran Service Book Companion to the Hymns, joins Sarah to talk about the Festival of the Holy Trinity and some of the hymns we sing for this festival. Learn interesting things about Lutheran Service Book 498/99 “Come, Holy Ghost, Creator Blest,” Lutheran Service Book 505 “Triune God, Be Thou Our Stay,” and Lutheran Service Book 507 “Holy, Holy, Holy.”
Rev. Sean Daenzer, director of worship for the LCMS and International Center Chaplain, joins Sarah to talk about how the Athanasian Creed became part of our Confessions, who St. Athanasius was and his relationship to this creed, how it's similar and different to the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds, some of the language that might make us uncomfortable and also the beautiful language to pay attention to. Find this Creed on pages 319-320 in the Lutheran Service Book or download it from this link on lcms.org.
Michelle Diercks, author of the new book Promised Rest: Finding Peace in God’s Presence available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Sarah to talk about her inspiration for writing this book, the "Five Rs" you can use as you study God's character, how learning about the characteristics of our God can help us find rest, and how readers can use this book. Find your copy at cph.org/rest.
Deaconess Anna Johnson, Senior Manager of Marketing with Concordia Publishing House, joins Sarah to talk about CPH Reads, why it's important to encourage reading over the summer, the wonderful books you can enjoy this summer, and how to participate in this program. Learn more and register at read.cph.org.
Rev. Merritt Demski, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Waterloo, Illinois, joins Sarah to talk about the role of social media in a congregation, some common pitfalls that pastors and congregations can fall into, and examples of how to do social media well while staying focused on Christ crucified.
This is a rebroadcast from June 24, 2019.
Rev. Merritt Demski, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Waterloo, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about a few seasons common during the "Green Season," or the season after Pentecost or Trinity. These hymns are: LSB 708 "Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart," LSB 722 "Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me," and LSB 729 "I Am Trusting Thee, Lord Jesus."
This is a rebroadcast from August 27, 2019.
Rev. Tyrel Bramwell, pastor of St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ferndale, California, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about whether the 4th Commandment looks different as we and our parents mature, how the 4th Commandment applies as we care for aging parents, and how we can model the 4th Commandment well for our children.
"The Fourth Commandment: Honor your father and your mother. What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not despise or anger our parents and other authorities, but honor them, serve and obey them, love and cherish them." Find the 10 Commandments at catechism.cph.org/en/10-commandments.html.
This is a rebroadcast from May 20, 2019.
Jeannine Leibmann, MA, LPC, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the "sandwich generation," the common struggles that happen for those of us in the sandwich generation, and some helpful thoughts for navigating this time in life when caring for both children and parents.
This is a rebroadcast from May 20, 2019.
Matt Machemer, Associate Kantor at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Pentecost hymns, the wonderful texts in these hymns, and what we learn about Pentecost by singing them.
This is a rebroadcast from June 6, 2019.
Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the connection of Pentecost in the New Testament to Shavuot in Old Testament, what happened at Pentecost that is still celebrated by the Church today, and what traditions commemorate this feast.
This is a rebroadcast from June 5, 2019.
Rev. Tom Messer, pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in Alma, Michigan, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his life as a pastor, how this vocation can be challenging on physical health, what led up to his healthy lifestyle change, and how this lifestyle change has made a difference in his vocations as pastor, husband, and father.
This is a rebroadcast from February 17, 2022.
Mrs. Janet Landgraf, Kindergarten Teacher at St. Mark’s Lutheran School in Eureka, Missouri, talks with Andy about kindergarten readiness, including how early stages of writing impact reading and practical steps parents can take at home with their preschoolers to prepare for kindergarten.
Photo: Host Andy Bates talks with Mrs. Janet Landgraf. Courtesy St Mark’s Lutheran Church & School, Eureka MO.
This is a rebroadcast from February 14, 2018.
Kevin Hildebrand, Kantor at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, and Matt Machemer, Associate Kantor at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the CTSFW Kantorei, the role that a choral group like the Kantorei plays in pastoral formation, and how the Kantorei serves the church at large. Learn more at ctsfw.edu/choirs.
This is a rebroadcast from January 14, 2020.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what God’s memory has to do with growth, what God remembers (i.e. His character, His children, truth), how God's memory is wonderfully different than our own, and how remembering God's faithfulness is part of our growth.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
This is a rebroadcast from January 11, 2021.
Rev. James Cleland, Production Specialist with KFUO Radio and Associate Pastor-Elect for St. Mark Lutheran Church & School in Houston, Texas, joins Andy and Sarah during his final days with KFUO Radio to share about his path to Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, how he ended up at KFUO Radio, what he enjoyed and learned during his time in St. Louis, and how he will be serving the saints at St. Mark in Houston. We will miss you, Pastor Cleland! God's blessings as you begin your new vocation.
Erika Bennett, Director of Continuing Education with Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how continuing education supports the layperson as well as the church worker in their local context, what the Prof Insights Workshops entail, topics covered in the Prof Insights Workshops this year, where these workshops will be held across the country, and what attendees will experience. Learn more and register for these opportunities at csl.edu/resources/continuing-education/workshop-series.
Rev. Dr. Joel Elowsky, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about when the historic church began observing the Feast of the Ascension of Our Lord as its own festival, the sources we have from the early church about the church's practices, what this celebration might have looked like, where we see the Ascension depicted in early church art, and why remembering the Ascension is important for the Church today. Read about the Ascension in the May 2022 issue of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org/2022/lutheran-witness-may-2022.
Steph Schulte — regional coordinator for mercy medical work in West and Central Africa with LCMS International Mission, and David Watt — Volunteer for the Mercy Medical team to Sierra Leone join Sarah and guest co-host Anne Gonzalez — Manager of Short-term Mission Training & Engagement with LCMS International Mission, to talk about the recent Mercy Medical Team in Sierra Leone, what these teams normally do, how this work serves the local community both physically and spiritually, why sharing the Gospel of Jesus is a crucial part of this work, and how people can serve on upcoming Mercy Medical Teams. Learn more about service opportunities at servenow.lcms.org.
Erin Mackenzie — LCMS missionary in the Latin America and Caribbean region based in the Dominican Republic, Rev. Dr. Brian Gauthier — Assistant Professor of Theology at Concordia University Nebraska, and Owen Dawson — Volunteer from Concordia University Nebraska, join Sarah and guest co-host Anne Gonzalez — Manager, Short-term Mission Training & Engagement with LCMS International Mission, to talk about international volunteer opportunities through Concordia University Nebraska, including the trip that Owen and Dr. Gauthier recently took to the Dominican Republic, how the team was able to serve, how these teams make a difference in the lives of the people they serve, and how this opportunity shapes the future. Learn how you can serve with LCMS International Mission at servenow.lcms.org.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, MSW, joins Andy and Sarah during our mini-series on Social Media to talk about intentionality and conflict, including what we need to understand about ourselves in order to develop intentions for our social media use, how we set those intentions if we're already drowning in social media, how conflict on social media can affect our mental health, resolving conflict on social media, and how being intentional about social media use can help us navigate the conflict we experience.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Kevin Twit (PCA), Founder of Indelible Grace Music and Campus Minister at Reformed University Fellowship in Belmont, TN, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his vocation as campus minister in the Reformed tradition, why it's important for his students to sing hymns, what he looks for in hymns for teaching his students, and what he'll be sharing on Indelible Grace's Hymns and Stories tour. Learn more about Indelible Grace at igracemusic.com and find Hymns and Stories tour dates at linktr.ee/indeliblegrace.
Rev. Dr. Steven Schave, Executive Director of LAMP, joins Andy to talk about the work of LAMP in remote regions of Canada, the people who LAMP is able to serve, opportunities to volunteer, and how these volunteers make a difference in the lives of people in Canada. Learn more and apply to volunteer at lampministry.org.
Rev. Dr. Paul Grime — Professor of Pastoral Ministry and Mission, Dean of Chapel Dean of Spiritual Formation, and Co-Director of the Good Shepherd Institute at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Project Director for the Lutheran Service Book and Companion Volumes with Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Companion volumes to the Lutheran Service Book, what inspired the development of the new Companion to the Services, how this book compares to the Companion to the Hymns, the services and liturgical history covered in the Companion to the Services, and what readers will gain from the knowledge in this book. Find your copy of the Companion to the Services at cph.org/p-33889-lutheran-service-book-companion-to-the-services.aspx.
Dr. David Peter, Professor of Practical Theology and Dean of Faculty at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what makes the book of Revelation unique, some examples of how we can understand confusing or unclear parts of Revelation, the interesting language used in Revelation, and what participants at his upcoming "Prof Insights: Faculty-Led Workshop" in Chandler, AZ, will learn. Learn more and register at csl.edu/event/prof-insights-faculty-led-workshop-professor-peter-in-chandler-az.
Rev. Micah Glenn, Director of Recruitment and Enrollment for Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Joins Sarah to talk about why the Seminary hosts a program for high school youth, what students learn at Vocatio, how this experience can be formational for their future vocations, and how students can attend this (free) event happening June 25 - July 2. Learn more and register at csl.edu/vocatio.
Peter Slayton, Social Media Manager for the LCMS, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how context collapse affects how we interact with each other on social media, what scripture says about how we talk about hot topics (like abortion), and what it means to behave like a Christian online while still speaking the truth.
This is a rebroadcast from May 23, 2019.
1 Peter 3:13-17 ESV
13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org
Rev. Dr. Richard Marrs, Associate Professor of Practical Theology and Director of the M.Div. and Residential Alternate Route (RAR) Programs at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what God says about emotions, why we have emotions, and what role emotions play in our well-being, decision making, and faith. Find his book Making Christian Counseling More Christ Centered from WestBow Press at amazon.com and westbowpress.com.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday."
This is a rebroadcast from May 17, 2021.
Rev. Dr. Wilhelm Weber, Director of the Old Latin School in Wittenberg, Germany, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why we have an International Lutheran Center in the Old Latin School, what happens at the Old Latin School each week, what is available to visitors the Old Latin School, how the war in the Ukraine has affected the Wittenberg community, and how groups can make use of the Old Latin School as they visit Germany. Learn more at oldlatinschool.org.
Rev. Dr. Michael Paul — theological educator in Asia with LCMS International Mission, serving in Taiwan, and Rev. Dr. Matthew Heise — Executive Director of Lutheran Heritage Foundation, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the new Chinese translation of the Book of Concord, how this project was started, why it was important for Lutheran Heritage Foundation to be involved, other Lutheran theological resources available in the Chinese language, and how this translation will be very useful for those who speak the Chinese language. Learn more about Lutheran Heritage Foundation at lhfmissions.org and contact Dr. Paul at michael.paul@lcms.org for more information about this translation project.
(L-R) Rev. Dr. Joseph Lu, vice president, China Evangelical Lutheran Church (CELC); Rev. Andrew Miao, president, CELC; Rev. Charles Ferry, Asia Regional Director, LCMS International Mission; Rev. Dr. Michael Paul
Rev. Dr. Mark Wood, Director of Witness & Outreach and Revitalization with LCMS National Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Every One His Witness, how the Every One His Witness website is helpful in additional learning about witnessing, the content is the in-depth context modules, and what is available for participants.
All of this content will be available to everyone on May 23, 2022! Check LCMS and Every One His Witness Facebook pages, and find all the details at everyonehiswitness.org.
Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the May 2022 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "The Mystery of Christ" on Ephesians 3:1-13. This year, "Searching the Scriptures" will study the book of Ephesians, so stay tuned each month for the next Bible study. Follow along and search the Scriptures with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Ephesians 3:1-13 The Mystery of the Gospel Revealed
3 For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— 2 assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you, 3 how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. 4 When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. 6 This mystery is[a] that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
7 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power. 8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in[b] God, who created all things, 10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. 13 So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.
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Footnotes Ephesians 3:6 The words This mystery is are inferred from verse 4
Ephesians 3:9 Or by
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, MSW, joins Andy and Sarah during our mini-series on Social Media to talk about the potential benefits of social media such as connection, support, and a sense of community.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Tim Mueller, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in New Minden, Illinois, joins Andy to talk about the history of St. John's (a charter congregation of the LCMS), the original timber-frame structure that served the congregation, events in 2013 that impacted the 1847 structure, and the upcoming event to raise the 1847 structure again.
“Church Raising” at St. John’s, New Minden
St. John’s Lutheran Church, New Minden, Illinois, announces that, God willing, its 1847 timber-frame church will once again be raised on Saturday, May 7, 2022. The 20’ x 33’ building was flattened in the tornado that struck New Minden November 17, 2013. When the interior is completed, the building will be dedicated as the “Jesus Sends You Missionary Chapel.” Comments Tim Mueller, Pastor of St. John’s, “When the tornado hit, our church and community were richly blessed with help from many people in Southern Illinois, the St. Louis region, and all over the country. We want to share our joy as this last item of the rebuild is put back in place. Thanks be to God!”
Project Manager Tom Polczynski of Nashville, assisted by Donovan Holle of Hoyleton, and other volunteers have been diligently working to refurbish and reassemble the timbers. They have been aided by the diligence of original builders Heinrich Kasten and Christian Brink, who 175 years ago carved matching Roman numerals where pieces were to be joined. Like the original builders, those working on the structure 175 years later are all volunteers.
When originally constructed, Pastor C.F.W. Scholz and his bride lived behind a partition wall twelve feet from the west wall. During the six years (1847-1853) they lived in that 12’ by 20’ space, two sons were born to them. The 20’ by 20’ space on the other side of the partition served as both church and school. By 1853, as both the congregation and the Pastor’s family were growing, the partition was removed and a separate house provided for the Pastor and his family. The entire building was then dedicated for use as a church. The rebuilding project aims to reproduce the configuration of the building at that time (1853), though visitors will readily see where the original partition was. After a stone church was built in 1863 (still used as the house of worship), the timber-frame building was used solely as a school building. When another school building was built in 1879, the timber-frame building served as a classroom for the lower grades. In 1920 this use was discontinued when all grades were housed in the present-day Schoolhouse. From 1920 until 2013, the building served as a tool shed. In 2013 the building was moved to a new site for restoration, where the tornado took it down before it could be properly anchored.
Though built with historic components, the building is being rebuilt for modern use, with handicapped accessibility and modern heating and cooling. It is envisioned as an intimate venue for worship and other meetings. Pastor Mueller explains the name, the “Jesus Sends You Missionary Chapel”: “This building is really all about Jesus. After He rose from the dead He told His disciples, ‘As the Father has sent Me, even so I am sending you.’ The first pastor who came here from Germany was a missionary, trained and sent by the faithful over there in order to preach and teach the Good News of Jesus, the Savior, over here. Jesus is the Son of God who was sent from the Father to save the world with His life, death, and resurrection. This same Jesus sent Pastor Scholz, not to India (where he first wanted to go), but to our ancestors, these pioneers in southern Illinois. We believe that Jesus is still sending each of us today into the world; we pray that visitors to this little church will remember what Jesus has done for them and ask, ‘To whom is Jesus sending me?’ ‘How can I share the love of Jesus in word and deed?’ ‘On what mission is He sending me?’ It may simply be He is sending you back home to your family members and neighbors and the people with whom you work, but surely He has someone in mind who needs His love and the Good News of His forgiveness.”
Jacob Weber, Associate Editor of Music and Worship with Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy to talk about "Eternal Anthems: The Story Behind Your Favorite Hymns," including where the idea for this book came from, what we'll find in this book, some of the hymns and hymnwriters selected for the book, and how might this book be useful in devotional life. Find "Eternal Anthems" at cph.org/eternalanthems
Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Frederick the Wise (Frederick III, Elector of Saxony), including why he was such a crucial figure in the Reformation, how his role as Elector allowed him to protect Martin Luther, what he did to influence the playing out of the Reformation, and how Reformation theology affected him and his personal beliefs
Brian Ryherd, Principal of Abiding Savior Lutheran School in St. Louis, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah during Teacher Appreciation Week to talk about why he decided to pursue a vocation in education, how Lutheran teachers make a difference every day, and what he loves about serving with Lutheran teachers. Find Abiding Savior Lutheran School at aslsonline.org. Learn more about LCMS School Ministry at lcms.org/schools.
Rev. Brian Hamer, Active Duty Navy Chaplain, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about J.S. Bach's Cantata 104, how this fits in the Church Year with Good Shepherd Sunday, the Scripture basis of this Cantata, what we find in the text of this Cantata, and where we find these tunes outside of just this Cantata. Find articles from Chaplain Hamer at whatdoesthismean.org/lifted-voice--brian-hamer. View Cantata 104 from the Netherlands Bach Society at youtu.be/eZaL8XakQLo.
Dr. Joel Elowsky, professor of Historical Theology and coordinator of International Seminary Exchange Programs at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the life and legacy of St. Athanasius of Alexandria, including what we know of his early life, what has going on in church history at his time (294-373), his role in this history, his conflicts with Arius and Arianism, and how he helped shape the church confessions and creeds we have today. Find "On the Incarnation" by Athanasius at svspress.com/on-the-incarnation-english-only.
This is a rebroadcast from May 5, 2021.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, MSW, joins Andy and Sarah during our mini-series on Social Media to talk about boundaries on social media, including what we've learned about the impact of social media on mental health, how mental health can be adversely affected by social media use, why boundaries can be helpful to protect our mental health, some ways to establish boundaries on your own social media, and how to communicate these boundaries to others.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
Daniel Jenkins, Interim President of Lutheran Braille Workers (LBW), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about who LBW serves, the variety of unique resources LBW provides to this population of blind and visually impaired people, how he has seen these resources put to use, and stories from people who value these resources. Learn more about how to volunteer or receive resources at lbwloveworks.org.
FLAME, GRAMMY® nominated and Stellar Award-winning hip-hop artist, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his latest creative endeavors in Extra Nos Academy, why he started creating Lutheran content in this manner, his new EP on Baptism "Word and Water" available on April 29, the creative process for this new EP, and how he has grown as a Lutheran musical artist in this journey. Find Extra Nos Academy at extranosacademy.com and his Word and Water EP wherever you stream music.
Bob Polansky — Executive Director of Camp Wartburg in Waterloo, IL, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what happens at summer camp, who can attend, special programs available at Camp Watrburg, needs for summer staff this year, and how to apply. Find all NLOMA Summer Camps at nloma.org.
Find Camp Wartburg at campwartburg.com.
Craig S. Oldenburg — Executive Director of Camp Concordia in Gowen, MI, and Keith Peters — Program Director at Camp Lutherhaven in Albion, IN, join Andy and Sarah to talk about what happens at summer camp, who can attend, special programs available at Camp Concordia and Camp Lutherhaven, needs for summer staff this year, and how to apply. Find all NLOMA Summer Camps at nloma.org.
Find Camp Concordia at campconcordia.org and Camp Lutherhaven at lutherhaven.org.
Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah on the 175th Anniversary of the founding of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod to talk about the founding of Die Deutsche Evangelical-Lutherische Synode von Missouri, Ohio, und Andern Staaten as it was called in the original German. Hear about why German Lutheran immigrated to the United States, what daily life and congregational life was like for these immigrants, why it became necessary to organize as a synod, who the original congregations were, and how education played a role in the forming of the Synod. Read the article referenced in this conversation at witness.lcms.org/2022/die-deutsche-evangelisch-lutherische-synode-von-missouri-ohio-und-andern-staaten.
Also, find the Lutheran Ladies' Lounge podcast episodes on Walther League, Dorothea Craemer, and Emilie Walther at kfuo.org/lutheranladieslounge.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Pastor Cleland to talk about understanding different types of therapy, what is happens in a typical session, and how they may be useful.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
This is a rebroadcast from October 18, 2021.
Rev. Roy Askins, managing editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy, Sarah, and Rev. Sean Smith, host of Concord Matters on KFUO Radio and pastor of dual parish of Immanuel-Campbell Hill and St. Paul-Wine Hill, Illinois (and soon-to-be pastor of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mason City, Iowa), during Sharathon 2022 to talk about the history of the Lutheran Witness, how people can listen to the Lutheran Witness Podcast, and how KFUO is a valuable resource. Give now for Sharathon 2022 at kfuo.org/sharathon.
Rev. Sean Smith, host of Concord Matters on KFUO Radio and pastor of dual parish of Immanuel-Campbell Hill and St. Paul-Wine Hill, Illinois (and soon-to-be pastor of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mason City, Iowa), joins Andy and Sarah during Sharathon 2022 to talk about what he's learned about the Lutheran Confessions in his time hosting Concord Matters on KFUO Radio, why these confessions are so important, listeners comments in reaction to the shows, and how God's Word is living and active in our lives. Find Concord Matters (which Pastor Smith will continue to host when he moves to Iowa) at kfuo.org/concordmatters.
Jonathan Schultz, President and CEO of Concordia Publishing House (CPH), joins Andy and Sarah during Sharathon 2022 to talk about the work of CPH today, how KFUO has been a part of CPH history, how CPH supports the vocations of families today, and how CPH has progressed to the digital era. Give now for Sharathon 2022 at kfuo.org/sharathon.
The Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins Andy and Sarah during Sharathon 2022 to talk about why it's important to hear God's Word daily, how KFUO Radio supports listeners in their vocations, and the role of joyful giving in the work of LCMS ministries such as KFUO Radio. Give now for Sharathon 2022 at kfuo.org/sharathon.
Friends from LCMS International Mission: Christian Boehlke — Interim Executive Director, Anne Gonzalez — Manager of Short-term Mission Training and Engagement, and Krista Young, DCE — Partnership Coordinator for LCMS Africa Region, join Andy and Sarah during Sharathon 2022 to talk about how KFUO supports our missionaries and international partners in their vocations, the importance of this support to those serving the Lord in international settings, and how KFUO has been a part of their lives. Learn more about LCMS International Mission at international.lcms.org and give now for Sharathon 2022 at kfuo.org/sharathon.
Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Reformer Johannes Bugenhagen, including his relationship to Martin Luther as his pastor and confessor, how he got involved in the Reformation, how he was influential in the life of Martin Luther, and the immense contributions he made to the spread of Lutheranism during the time of the Reformation. Read more about his life and work at reformation500.csl.edu/bio/johannes-bugenhagen.
Chaplain Craig Muehler, Director of LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces, joins Andy and Sarah to share about his experiences as a deployed military chaplain during Lent and Easter, how services in the midst of battle are both similar and vastly different to services at home, and how military chaplains are incredibly important to our service members. Learn more about LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces (MAF) at lcms.org/armedforces. Interested in military chaplaincy? Contact LCMS MAF at LCMSchaps@lcms.org.
This is a rebroadcast from April 23, 2019.
Mary Schmidt, Manager of Development for KFUO Radio, and Rev. Doug Griebenaw, Mission Advocate for KFUO Radio, join Andy and Sarah to talk about Sharathon 2022, including how you can partner with us to continue sharing the Gospel message around the globe, the different levels of giving, and special thank-you gifts for this year's event. Learn more and give at kfuo.org/sharathon.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about generations and mental health, including what "generativity" is and how we approach this term, why caring about the generations to come is important for our mental health, and what scripture says about God's love for all generations.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
This is a rebroadcast from March 8, 2021.
Rev. Andrew Jones, pastor of First Lutheran Church and Preschool in Concord, California, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the place of Psalm 22 in Holy Week, the theme of Psalm 22, how it walks us through Holy Week, and where we see fulfillments of the Psalm in Holy Week. Read his CPH blog post at blog.cph.org/study/the-fulfillment-of-psalm-22-in-holy-week.
This is a rebroadcast from March 30, 2021.
Rev. Chris Hull— senior pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Tomball, Texas, and Lynea Sander— music director and organist at Zion Lutheran Church in Tomball, Texas, join Andy and Sarah to talk through the Easter Vigil service on Holy Saturday, including the history of this service, what the flow of the service is through the readings and liturgy, and what makes this service so unique in our church year.
This is a rebroadcast from March 31, 2021.
Chaplain Brian Hamer, active duty Navy Chaplain, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the importance of Good Friday in the rhythm of the Church Year, how the Passion has been a part of Holy Week since the Early Church, how J.S. Bach approached the observation of Holy Week, and how Bach expresses the text of the Passion in his beautiful music for Holy Week. Listen to "Es ist vollbracht" at youtu.be/8sURg5yT69U. Read more from Chaplain Hamer at WhatDoesThisMean.org.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what it means to turn toward Hope, including what restoration means, how naming brokenness helps us turn toward Hope, how brokenness is different when you have the cross and Hope, and how we can be bearers of hope to our neighbors.
Find your copy of Finding Hope: From Brokenness to Restoration at cph.org/findinghope.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
Ben Bedroske — Choir Director at Martin Luther High School in Greendale, WI, Erin Janetzke — Assistant Principal at Martin Luther High School, and MLHS students Amelia and Dylan join Andy and Sarah to talk about how MLHS is preparing them for the next chapter in their lives, what they enjoy most about participating in choir at MLHS, how the arts are part of Christian education at MLHS, and what makes MLHS a unique place for students in the Milwaukee area.
Mr. Jonathan Butterfield, Principal at Lutheran High School South in St. Louis, along with LHSS students Noah, Maggie, and Anna, join Andy to talk about the service project they participated in at the LCMS International Center, other service projects they've enjoyed as students at LHSS, the place of service in Lutheran education, and how students have opportunities to serve their neighbors as part of their education.
Hayley Steinbauer — Senior at Concordia University Nebraska (CUNE) and volunteer with LCMS, Julie Johnston-Hermann — Director of Global Opportunities at CUNE and volunteer with LCMS, and Erin Alter — Director of Short-Term Missions with LCMS International Mission, join Andy and Sarah to talk about Hayley's experiences as a volunteer on a short-term mission trip to Puerto Rico as part of her studies at CUNE, why opportunities like this are part of the educational formation at CUNE, and how others can serve on short-term teams like Hayley and Julie. Learn about these programs at CUNE at cune.edu/faith-and-life/serve-abroad and find service opportunities with the LCMS at servenow.lcms.org.
Rev. Dr. Daniel Harmelink, Executive Director of Concordia Historical Institute, joins Sarah on the Commemoration day for Albrecht Dürer and Lucas Cranach to talk about the historical context of both men, their connections to the Lutheran Reformation and Martin Luther himself, how their work is important in the history of the Lutheran Church and Christendom in general, and works of theirs that we should know and recognize today. Learn more about Concordia Historical Institute, including how you can visit, at concordiahistoricalinstitute.org. Read about the Cranach Reformation Altar at the LCMS International Center at reporter.lcms.org/2016/cranach-reformation-altar-reproduction-installed.
Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the April 2022 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "Reconciled in Christ" on Ephesians 2:11-22. This year, "Searching the Scriptures" will study the book of Ephesians, so stay tuned each month for the next Bible study. Follow along and search the Scriptures with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Ephesians 2:11-22 One in Christ
11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— 12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens,[a] but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by[b] the Spirit.
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Footnotes Ephesians 2:19 Or sojourners Ephesians 2:22 Or in
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Messes in Creation: A Broken World, including what brokenness is, how our brokenness affects others, how the devil uses brokenness to try to separate us from the hope we have in Christ, and what can happen when we name the brokenness in our lives.
Find your copy of Finding Hope: From Brokenness to Restoration at cph.org/findinghope.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
It is April 1st and the new program Tea Time: a half hour with half the caffeine, commences with wisdom you can put to use today. The Reverends of Radio: Pastor Timothy Appel, Pastor Brady Finnern, and Pastor James Cleland join Andy Bates to impart relevant information to help you in your daily vocations and improve family time around the dinner table. . . or maybe just something to make you chuckle.
Daniel Sanchez — Camp Director at Camp Io-Dis-E-Ca, and Crysten Sanchez — Events Executive for Higher Things, join Andy and Sarah to talk about Higher Things Confirmation Camp at Camp Io-Dis-E-Ca, who is eligible to attend, what happens during the camp, and how this camp is a wonderful opportunity for confirmation-age youth. Learn more about Camp and register at campiodiseca.org/htcamp and leader.higherthings.org/events/confirmation-camp.
Krista Young, DCE — Partnership Coordinator for LCMS Africa Region, and Tara Wolf, DCE — volunteer with LCMS International Mission and Director of Next Generations Ministries at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Ft. Collins, Colorado, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how volunteers serve with LCMS International Mission, Tara's story of volunteering, how she served and what she learned, where the current needs are for volunteers, and how to get involved. Contact Krista directly at krista.young@lcms.org and find all service opportunities at servenow.lcms.org.
Dr. Debbie Arfsten — Professor of Christian Education, Director of Christian Education (DCE) Program Director, and Director of Synodical Placement at Concordia University Chicago (CUC), along with CUC DCE students Brian, Grace, Samantha, Benjamin, and Abby, join Andy and Sarah to talk about what DCEs are, how long DCEs have been an office in the LCMS, how DCEs serve the church today, and what their DCE formation looks like at CUC. Learn more about DCE formation at Concordia Chicago at cuchicago.edu/dce
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Community, including the types of community we may experience throughout our lives, the relationship of identity to community, how naming brokenness in our communities is helpful, and the role of the Christian in the various communities in which we exist.
Find your copy of Finding Hope: From Brokenness to Restoration at cph.org/findinghope.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Sean Daenzer, Director of Worship for the LCMS and International Center Chaplain, joins Sarah to talk about the Annunciation of our Lord, the place of this feast day in our Church Year, how the Church has recognized this feast day in our history, why this day is incredibly important to us, and the Scripture and hymnody we hear on this day.
Rev. Kevin Johnson, pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Carlisle, Iowa, and the Holy Cross Lutheran Homeschool Co-op, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why his congregation supports homeschool families, how they are able to provide this support, the details of the upcoming Home School Conference at Holy Cross, and what attendees need to know about this free resource conference. Learn more and register at holycrosscarlisle.org.
Jennifer Hummel, Program Coordinator for Christ’s Care for Children: Kenya with the LCMS, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what Christ’s Care for Children: Kenya (CCCK) is, the needs of the children they serve in Kenya, how this program meets those needs, and some exciting things happening in the future for CCCK. Learn more at lcms.org/make-a-gift/christs-care-for-children-kenya.
Deaconess Dr. Chrissie Gillet — Director of Word of Hope with Lutherans for Life, and Lisa Fox — President of the Lutherans for Life St. Charles Chapter, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how Word of Hope began, the circumstances that women and families find themselves in when they reach out to Word of Hope, who is supported by these services, the things happening in the St. Louis Metro area in life issues, how hope is being offered in this area, and how to get involved in both organizations. Learn more about Word of Hope at lutheransforlife.org/about/word-of-hope and the at lutheransforlifestcharlesmo.org.
Ms. Jennifer Brauer, Director of the Lutheran High School Northwest Concert Choir and Lutheran High School Westland Honors Choir (part of the Lutheran High School Association of Metro Detroit), along with students Annie from LHWL and London from LHNW, join Andy and Sarah to talk about what their school days look like at their respective high schools, how the Word of God is taught in their schools, how their experiences are preparing them for their future vocations, and the role of music in their education and daily life. They also discuss how Ms. Brauer became a Lutheran educator, the role of arts in Lutheran education, and how she aims to equip her students for their next chapter in life. Learn more about Lutheran Westland, Lutheran Northwest, and the Lutheran High School Association in Metro Detroit at lhsa.com.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Body of Christ, including what brings and keeps the Body of Christ together, the place of connection and community in the Body of Christ, what brokenness looks like in the Body of Christ, and the hope we have as the Body of Christ.
Find your copy of Finding Hope: From Brokenness to Restoration at cph.org/findinghope.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Dr. Stephen Pietsch, lecturer in pastoral theology at Australian Lutheran College in North Adelaide, Australia, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about acedia and how to respond to it, including what acedia is, the symptoms of this in our lives, how to keep praying through acedia, talking back to Satan (antirrhesis), and more ways to fight acedia. Read his article "Fighting Acedia: Tips for the Struggle Against Sloth" in the March issue of The Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org/2022/fighting-acedia.
Dr. John F. Brug, General Editor and Old Testament Editor with the Wartburg Project, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Evangelical Heritage Version (EHV) translation of the Bible, what sets this translation apart from other translations like English Standard Version, challenges in publishing a study Bible today, and the exciting features in the new EHV Study Bible. Learn more about Wartburg Project at wartburgproject.org and the EHV Study Bible at online.nph.net/an-ehv-study-bible.html.
Sally Handrick, President of the LWML Missouri District, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what happens at a Missouri District LWML Convention, the highlights of the gathering, her favorite parts of the convention, and details for attending. Learn more at missourilwml.org.
Monica Shannon, District Life Coordinator for the LCMS Southern Illinois District Advocates for Life, and Rev. Dr. Kirk Clayton, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Mascoutah, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the work the SID Advocates for Life does, why this work is important in Southern Illinois, and the upcoming Life-Affirming Prayer Vigil at Planned Parenthood in Fairview Heights, IL, on March 26. Find details about this Prayer Vigil at sidadvocatesforlife.com.
Rev. Sean Daenzer, LCMS Director of Worship and International Center Chaplain, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the history and legacy of St. Patrick, what is significant about his early years, the misunderstandings we may have about him, the impact of his work on Ireland and the rest of Christianity, and where we find his work in our Lutheran circles. Find Lutheran Service Book 604, St. Patrick's Breastplate, at hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/604.
This is a rebroadcast from March 17, 2021.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Friendship, including some of our common misconceptions about friendship, how friendships are started and sustained, what God's Word teaches us about friendship, elements of authentic friendship, and how brokenness affects friendship.
Find your copy of Finding Hope: From Brokenness to Restoration at cph.org/findinghope.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the March 2022 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "By Grace You Have Been Saved" on Ephesians 2:1-10. This year, "Searching the Scriptures" will study the book of Ephesians, so stay tuned each month for the next Bible study. Follow along and search the Scriptures with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Ephesians 2:1-10 By Grace Through Faith
2 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body[a] and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.[b] 4 But[c] God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
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Footnotes Ephesians 2:3 Greek flesh Ephesians 2:3 Greek like the rest Ephesians 2:4 Or And
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org
Jonathan Schultz, President and CEO of Concordia Publishing House (CPH), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his journey to CPH, things he's enjoyed during his time there, how CPH serves the Church in the United States and globally, some of the milestones over the years, and what we can expect from CPH in the future. Read the full press release at news.cph.org/jonathan-d-schultz-elected-9th-president--ceo-of-concordia-publishing-house and find all things CPH at cph.org.
Dr. Joel Oesch — Professor of Theology, Director of Graduate Programs for Christ College, and Executive Director of Crosswise Institute at Concordia University Irvine (CUI), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Crosswise Institute at CUI, why they offer a program that engages high school students in critical thinking, the exciting topic that will be covered this summer, and how students can attend. Learn more and register at cui.edu/crosswise.
Dr. Paul Robinson — director of Library Services and professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Seminary, and Rev. Dr. James Marriott — Director of Music Arts and Kreft Chair for Music Arts at Concordia Seminary, join Andy to talk about what we know about J.S. Bach's service to the church, how Bach's work has influenced the church today, how Concordia Seminary will be celebrating Bach's 337th birthday, what the Bach Bible is at the Seminary, and how people can attend the event. Learn more at csl.edu/2022/03/seminary-library-to-host-bach-birthday-celebration.
Anne Gonzalez, DCE Manager — Short-term Mission Training & Engagement for the LCMS Office of International Mission, and Ben Helge — serving the Lord in Eurasia region with LCMS, join Andy to talk about what English Bible Camps are in the Eurasia region, what these Camps have involved in the past, how volunteers participate, and how volunteers can apply. Learn more at servenow.lcms.org.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Messes in Community: Connection and Belonging, including what "belonging" means, what belonging looks like for different people, how brokenness complicates belonging and connection, how struggles in relationships have meaning, and God's response to loneliness.
Find your copy of Finding Hope: From Brokenness to Restoration at cph.org/findinghope.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
Dr. Mike Rodewald — Executive Director of Lutheran Bible Translators, and Rev. Rich Rudowske — Director of Operations with Lutheran Bible Translators, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how the idea for the Living Water project began, why listening to Scripture is important, how the Living Water project can be part of our daily lives, the incredible artistic talent that is going into creating this audio experience, and how this project is being produced. Find more details, listen to sample tracks, and subscribe to Living Water at livingwater.bible.
Living Water sample track used with permission.
Living Water: Experience Scripture. Experience God's Word through music. Feel the drama and emotion of the Scripture proclaimed in every verse. ___ Lyrics derived from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, is adapted from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. All rights reserved.
Deaconess Tiffany Manor — Director of LCMS Life Ministry, and Kris Freeman — Manager of LCMS Life Ministry, join Andy and Sarah to talk about what March on the Arch is, how the LCMS is involved, what is new this year for LCMS participation, and details on participating. Learn more and register at lcms.org/life.
Chaplain Amadeus Gandy, LCMS Chaplain at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his journey into chaplaincy, what life is actually like in Alaska and how his family has adjusted to living there, how he serves the service men and women on base, what his day-to-day life looks like, and how he shares the Gospel with those around him on base as he provides a home for Lutherans serving there.
Learn more about LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces, including how to serve as a Chaplain, at lcms.org/armedforces.
The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.
Chaplain Brian Hamer, active duty Navy Chaplain, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how Psalm 130 is appropriate for Ash Wednesday, how Luther wrote "From Depth of Woe I Cry to Thee" (Lutheran Service Book 607) based on Psalm 130, why Luther was focused on writing hymnody people could sing in their own language, and how other composers have expanded on Luther's hymn. Read the text of Luther's hymn at hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/607 and read Psalm 130 at biblegateway.com.
Read Chaplain Hamer's article at whatdoesthismean.org/lifted-voice--brian-hamer/on-psalms-hymns-and-spiritual-songs-psalm-130-from-depths-of-woe-a-musical-post-card-from-dresden.
Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the February 2022 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "Unceasing Prayer" on Ephesians 1:15–23. This year, "Searching the Scriptures" will study the book of Ephesians, so stay tuned each month for the next Bible study. Follow along and search the Scriptures with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Messes in Community: Broken Belonging, including what "connection" and "community" mean, how we have a need for community, the relationship of connection to community, how connection is the work of God, and how brokenness complicates connection and community.
Find your copy of Finding Hope: From Brokenness to Restoration at cph.org/findinghope.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
Broadcasting live from the Texas Lutheran Writers Round Up at Faith Lutheran High School Central Texas in Warda, Texas, authors Christina Hergenrader, Sarah Baughman, Susan Maluschka, and Ruth Meyer join Andy and Sarah to talk about their current book projects and ideas, their favorite genres to read, how they deal with writers block, and their advice for aspiring writers.
- Christina Hergenrader, “Shine” (a Bible study for teen girls) and “Inspired by the Holy Spirit: Four Habits for Faithful Living”
- Sarah Baughman, “A Flame in the Dark: A novel about Luther’s Reformation”
- Susan Maluschka, "Watching Movies with Christian Eyes Too” (Sequel to “Watching Movies With Christian Eyes,”)
- Ruth Meyer, “Grace Alone” and "Our Faith from A to Z"
Dr. Robert Sorensen, Professor of Theology and Foreign Languages at Concordia University Chicago in River Forest, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about St. Matthias, whose commemoration day is February 24, including where we hear about St. Matthias in Scripture, what is unique about how he became an apostle, how he served the Church, and what we can learn from Matthias’ story and service to the Church.
Rev. Peter Ill, Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about St. Polycarp of Smyrna, Pastor and Martyr, including when he lived and what we know about his life, what is significant about his service to the Church, the story of his martyrdom, and what we can learn from his life and death.
Kelly Schumacher (Uffenbeck) of Agnus Dei Liturgical Arts joins Sarah to talk about her style of Classical Realism in liturgical and portrait art, how the medium of creating art makes a difference in the final piece, some of the interesting ways to create portraits, how she makes colors especially beautiful and vivid in her art, and the wide variety of art she is creating. Learn more about Agnus Dei Liturgical Arts, including how to commission pieces for church or home, at agnusdeiarts.com, and see all of her work at agnus-dei-liturgical-arts.square.site.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the role psychologists play in mental health care, how the variety of mental health professionals interact in our lives, and how to seek care. Read the full list with explanations at resources.lcms.org/reading-study/commentaries/life-transitions-church-work-marriage.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
This is a rebroadcast from October 11, 2021.
Dr. Joe Herl, professor of music at Concordia University Nebraska, joins Andy and Sarah on Martin Luther's commemoration day (February 18) to talk about Luther's Deutsche Messe (German Mass), including the problems Luther had with the traditional Latin Mass, why Luther wrote this German Mass and who it was for, what the German Mass contained after he translated it from Latin, and where we have this Mass in our Lutheran liturgy today. Find Divine Service Setting 5 in Lutheran Service Book on p. 213.
Rev. Tom Messer, pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in Alma, Michigan, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his life as a pastor, how this vocation can be challenging on physical health, what led up to his healthy lifestyle change, and how this lifestyle change has made a difference in his vocations as pastor, husband, and father.
Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, The Forest E. and Frances H. Ellis Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Philipp Melanchthon, including his upbringing and formation as a scholar, how he got involved with the Reformation, his relationship with Martin Luther and the other Reformers, and his legacy of work that we have today. Find the "Commonplaces: Loci Communes 1521" and Melanchthon's commentary on Romans mentioned in this episode at cph.org. Find your copy of the Book of Concord at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org.
Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Leininger, University Pastor at Concordia University Chicago in River Forest, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the role of a university pastor, how he is able to serve the spiritual needs of college students, the blessings and burdens of campus ministry, the importance of campus ministry in times when the world seems unstable, and how he is able to help students with their vocations while they are on campus. Find Pastor Leininger's book "Callings for Life: God's Plan, Your Purpose" at cph.org/callings.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Family Life, including how we define family, where we find hope and grace in the midst of broken family life, what happens when we try to use our family to escape the world’s brokenness, some ways we build safety and knowing in our families, and what Christ’s freedom look like in families?
Find your copy of Finding Hope: From Brokenness to Restoration at cph.org/findinghope.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Dr. Joel Elowsky, professor of Historical Theology and coordinator of International Seminary Exchange Programs at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, joins Andy and guest co-host Pastor James Cleland to talk about St. Valentine, including why the church commemorates him on February 14, what we know about the era in which Valentine lived and served, how Valentine served the church, what we can learn from his example, and why this day of his commemoration is associated with love, relationships, greeting cards, candy, gifts and flowers.
Rev. Sean Daenzer, Director of Worship for the LCMS and International Center Chaplain, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about some beautiful Epiphany hymns! Hear about: Lutheran Service Book 402 "The Only Son From Heaven", Lutheran Service Book 403 "O Savior of Our Fallen Race", Lutheran Service Book 396 "Arise and Shine in Splendor", and Lutheran Service Book 395 "O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright".
Find your copy of the pew edition of the Lutheran Service Book at music.cph.org/lutheran-service-book and the Lutheran Service Book Companion to the Hymns at cph.org/p-33586-lutheran-service-book-companion-to-the-hymns-2-volume-set.aspx.
Rev. Dr. John Sias, Secretary of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the next LCMS Synodical Convention in 2023, what takes place at a regular LCMS Convention, who attends these conventions, and how to stay up to date on all resolution, overtures, and nominations. Learn more at lcms.org/convention.
Dr. Jim Marriott — director of Music Arts and the Kreft Chair for Music Arts at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, and Michael Wilke — 4th year student at Concordia Seminary and Laudamus member, join Andy and Sarah to talk about who Laudamus is, how sacred music is a valuable part of pastoral formation, the locations for the Spring tour, the selections Laudamus will be presenting on this tour, and how these tours connect the Seminary to the church at large. Learn more about Laudamus and the tour dates and locations at csl.edu/laudamus.
The Laudamus spring 2022 tour itinerary includes the following:
Saturday, March 19, 7 p.m. Immanuel Lutheran Church, Broken Arrow, Okla. Sunday, March 20, 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., Grace Lutheran Church, Tulsa, Okla. Sunday, March 20, 3 p.m. Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Edmond, Okla. Monday, March 21, 7 p.m. Lamb of God Lutheran Church, Flower Mound, Texas Wednesday, March 23, 7 p.m. Trinity Lutheran Church, Klein, Texas Sunday, April 3, 4 p.m., Hope Lutheran Church, St. Louis, Mo.
Phil Zielke, Founder of Phil’s Friends, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the work and ministry of Phil's Friends, how acts of grace and kindness affect those who are fighting cancer, and how anyone nationwide can get involved with this work of sending care packages and prayers. Learn more about Phil's Friends and how you can get involved at philsfriends.org.
Dr. Jackquelyn Veith, Executive Director of Educational Certification for the Consortium for Classical Lutheran Education (CCLE), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the 2022 CCLE Student Contests, including why these contests are presented by CCLE, how they're beneficial for students, and the three contests that are available this year. Learn more about these contests and how to enter at ccle.org/student-contests.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Romantic Relationships, including the difference between a biblical and secular worldview of romantic relationships, where we see the impact of brokenness on romantic relationships, the ways in which marriage is a mystery, and the different areas of marriage. Follow the links below to read more about each of the areas of marriage in more detail:
Leaving and Cleaving blogs blog.cph.org/read/family/first-year-marriage-stinkin-hard blog.cph.org/read/everyday-faith/blended-families-a-place-where-grace-can-reign blog.cph.org/read/everyday-faith/love-honor-and-cherish-your-mother-in-law
The work or effort of marriage blog.cph.org/read/everyday-faith/inspiration/law-and-gospel-and-grouchiness blog.cph.org/read/everyday-faith/plank-log-spouse-gets-nerves
Storms of marriage blog.cph.org/read/everyday-faith/riding-the-storms-of-marriage
Find your copy of Finding Hope: From Brokenness to Restoration at cph.org/findinghope.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Nathan Sherrill — Executive Director of David’s Harp, a Center for Musical Development, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how David’s Harp is helping congregations and ministries reach their communities with music education, some of the newest resources from David’s Harp, where David’s Harp is growing and in development, and the very exciting international opportunities for music education. Learn more about David's Harp at davidsharpmusic.org.
Rev. Dr. Matthew Heise, Executive Director of Lutheran Heritage Foundation, joins Andy and Sarah to share about updates around the globe, including the continuing sad saga of the hate crime trial in Finland against those whom LHF helped print a biblical response to gay marriage; the Books of Concord being printed now in Taiwan, Indonesia and Vietnam; the graduation last November and startup of classes at the Lutheran seminary LHF sponsors in South Sudan; and the printing of the Spanish hymnal for North, Central and South America. Learn more about the wonderful work of Lutheran Heritage Foundation at lhfmissions.org.
Dr. John Boonenberg — Director of Church Music and Worship Arts at Concordia University Ann Arbor, and Dr. William Perrine — Director of Instrumental Music at Concordia University Ann Arbor, join Andy and Sarah to talk about Music Day Honor Band or Honor Choir at Concordia University Ann Arbor, why this experience is valuable and formational for high school students, what high school attendees will learn and experience at this event, and how to register. Learn more and register at cuaa.edu/musicday.
Rev. Mark Kiessling — Director of Youth Ministry for the LCMS, and DCE Julianna Shults — Program Manager with Youth Ministry for the LCMS, join Andy and Sarah to talk aout the theme and location of the 2022 LCMS Youth Gathering, details for registration information, tips for first time youth leaders, and how to stay updated on the latest news. Find everything you need to know at lcmsgathering.com, and find the End Goals Podcast at kfuo.org/endgoals.
St. Paul's Lutheran School Students Lilian and Bryant, along with Pastor Joseph Schlie, from Immanuel Lutheran Church and School in Perryville, MO, join Andy during National Lutheran Schools Week to talk about why their families chose Immanuel for their education, what they love about their school, when they learn about Jesus during their school day, what makes Immanuel a unique place, and why the arts are important to them. Learn more about Immanuel Lutheran School at ilsperryville.org
Learn more about National Lutheran Schools Week at lcms.org/lutheranschoolsweek and LCMS School Ministry at lcms.org/schools.
Sara Correnti, MS RD LD, Manager of Health & Welfare – Member Wellness Products with Concordia Plans, joins Andy to talk about Grand Rounds available for Concordia Plans Members, how a second opinion be helpful when facing a new diagnosis or chronic illness, and some of the updates. Learn more about Grand Rounds for Concordia Plans members at grandrounds.com/microsite/concordiaplans, and learn more about Concordia Plans benefits at concordiaplans.org/members/my-wellness-benefits.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about childhood, how our family of origin shapes us, the role of belonging in family and other contexts, and hope for the broken childhood.
Find your copy of Finding Hope: From Brokenness to Restoration at cph.org/findinghope.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Dr. David Lewis — Associate Professor of Exegetical Theology and Director of Master of Divinity and Residential Alternate Route Programs at Concordia Seminary, and Rev. Dale Ward — Senior Media Producer for Communications at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how the CSL Film Festival began, the criteria for submissions for the film festival contest, the type and quality of submissions received, how they were narrowed down to the finalists, and which films are the finalists. Watch the finalist films and learn who won the festival contest at concordiatheology.org.
Faith Lutheran High School Students Elizabeth, Julia, and Lance, along with Mrs. Christy Rivers, third grade teacher at Faith Lutheran School in Plano, TX, join Andy during National Lutheran Schools Week to talk about why their families chose FLS for their education, what they love about their school, when they learn about Jesus during their school day, what makes FLS a unique place, and why the arts are important to them. Learn more about Faith Lutheran School at flsplano.org.
Learn more about National Lutheran Schools Week at lcms.org/lutheranschoolsweek and LCMS School Ministry at lcms.org/schools.
Rev. Dr. Geoffrey Boyle, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church and Trinity Lutheran Church in Wichita, Kansas, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about who St. John Chrysostom was, the era in which he lived, how he served the church, and what we learn from him as a forefather of the faith.
Lutheran High School of St. Charles County Students Abby and Carter, along with Brian Scheller, Director of Music Activities & Spiritual Life Coordinator at Lutheran High School of St. Charles County, MO, join Andy and Sarah during National Lutheran Schools Week to talk about why their families chose Lutheran High School for their education, what they love about their school, when they learn about Jesus during their school day, what makes Lutheran High School a unique place, and why the arts are important to them. Learn more about Lutheran High School of St. Charles County at lutheranhighstcharles.com.
Learn more about National Lutheran Schools Week at lcms.org/lutheranschoolsweek and LCMS School Ministry at lcms.org/schools.
Rev. Dr. Daniel Paavola, Professor of Theology and Theology Department Chair at Concordia University Wisconsin, joins Andy and Sarah on the Commemoration of St. Titus to talk about who St. Titus was, how the Lord used him the church, his relationship with St. Paul, and what we learn from St. Titus and Paul's letter to him.
St. Paul's Lutheran School Students Juliana and Sam, along with Kantor Matthew Gerhardt, from St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and School in Des Peres, MO, join Andy and Sarah during National Lutheran Schools Week to talk about why their families chose St. Paul's for their education, what they love about their school, when they learn about Jesus during their school day, what makes St. Paul's a unique place, and why the arts are important to them. Learn more about St. Paul’s Lutheran School at stplutheranschool.org.
Learn more about National Lutheran Schools Week at lcms.org/lutheranschoolsweek and LCMS School Ministry at lcms.org/schools.
Rev. Dr. Mark Seifrid, Professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary in St Louis, MO, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about The Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, commemorated by the Church on January 25, including who Saul was, what was significant about his conversation, his name change to Paul, and how the Lord used him.
Saint Paul Lutheran High School Students Annika, Josiah, and Daniela, along with Dr. Jerrode Marsh, Director of Music at Saint Paul Lutheran High School in Concordia, MO, join Andy and Sarah during National Lutheran Schools Week to talk about why their families chose Saint Paul for their education, what they love about their school, when they learn about Jesus during their school day, what makes Saint Paul and unique place, and why the arts are important to them. Learn more about Saint Paul Lutheran High School at splhs.org.
Learn more about National Lutheran Schools Week at lcms.org/lutheranschoolsweek and LCMS School Ministry at lcms.org/schools.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Safety and Knowing, including why safety is important in family life, why the word "knowing" is significant, the relationship between "knowing" and "safety," and how safety and knowing in our relationship with Christ shapes our relationships with others. Find your copy of Finding Hope: From Brokenness to Restoration at cph.org/findinghope.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why the LCMS marches in the National March for Life, the message we want to be heard at the March, why the Synod is doing a Million Dollar Match Grant for life-affirming projects, and what he hopes to see as an outcome of this matching grant opportunity. Learn more about LCMS Life Ministry and the 1 John 3 Million Dollar Life Match at lcms.org/life.
Deaconess Tiffany Manor — Director of LCMS Life Ministry, and Kristin Freeman — Manager of LCMS Life Ministry, join Andy and Sarah to talk about why the LCMS is involved in Life Ministry things such as Marches for Life across our nation, why the 1 John 3 Million Dollar Life Match was created, the qualifications for projects, and how the matching grants will support life-affirming projects. Learn more about the 1 John 3 Million Dollar Life Match and how to apply at lcms.org/life.
Deaconess Lori Trinche — Stewardship, Administration and Human Care Liaison for the Northern Illinois District of the LCMS, Rev. Dr. Allan Buss — President of the Northern Illinois District of the LCMS, and Sheryl Dewitt — Executive Director of Redeeming Life Outreach Ministries in Sanford, Florida, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the beautiful work of Redeeming Life Outreach Ministries and how they've served mothers and babies, the need for this kind of outreach in Chicagoland, why it's important to the Northern Illinois District to be involved in this life affirming outreach, and how individuals and congregations can support this work. Learn more about this expansion of Redeeming Life Outreach Ministries at rlom.org/expansion.
Jamielynn (Tinkey) Flores, B.S.N., R.N., who serves the Lord as a missionary in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region, joins Sarah to talk about her journey to the mission field, the work she is currently doing in the Dominican Republic, meeting physical and spiritual needs on the mission field, and exciting things happening in Life Ministry in the LAC Region. Read her story and how to support her work at lcms.org/tinkey.
Rev. James and Angela Sharp, who serve the Lord as missionaries in Uruguay, join Sarah to talk about how they build relationships with people in order to share the Gospel of Jesus with them, the different ways they both serve in the community, the partners they're blessed to serve with, and what's coming on the horizon for them and their new missionary team members. Learn more their story and how to support their work at lcms.org/sharp.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Broken Intimacy, including how we define intimacy, the relationship between intimacy and safety, what makes it hard to care about such abstract things like intimacy, and where God creates intimacy in our lives. Find your copy of Finding Hope: From Brokenness to Restoration at cph.org/findinghope.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
Nathaniel, Gloria, Caroline, and Peter from the Robo Raiders FTC 7129 homeschool Christian robotics team from Southern Illinois join Sarah and guest co-host Rev. Doug Griebenaw to talk about their roles on the robotics team, this season's robot and what it can do, what goes into building a robot for competition, and the variety of things they learn from their participation in this program. Follow the Robo Raiders on Social media at facebook.com/roboraidersftc7129, twitter.com/ftc7129, instagram.com/ftc7129, and on Youtube Robo Raiders FTC 7219. Find a full video playlist at youtube.com.
Rev. Dr. John Bombaro, Associate Director of Eurasia for the LCMS and Chair of the Systematics Department for Luther Academy in Rīga, Latvia, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about today's age of Humanitarian ethics and the mission of Humanitarianism, how identity plays a role in this worldview, where we see these ethics at play today, and how to recognize and combat these ethics in our families and congregations.
Learn more about the Lutheran Church in Latvia, Dr. Bombaro's work with Luther Academy, and the LCMS Eurasia region at engage.lcms.org/latvia-spring-2021.
Rev. David Appold, Pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Paducah, Kentucky, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the community of Paducah and how St. Paul fits into this community, how the recent tornado impacted the community around Paducah, how St. Paul was affected, and how the congregation of St. Paul is serving their neighbors in the recovery effort. Learn more about LCMS Disaster Relief, including how to join in the response to this disaster, at LCMS-LERT.org.
Steph Schulte, RN, BSN, CMSRN, WCN, Mercy Medical Coordinator for West and Central Africa for the LCMS, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Missions Unpacked with the LCMS Office of International Mission, including what participants will experience in this immersive program, the different regions people will virtually explore, and some new and exciting features for this program. Learn more and register for this free virtual event happening Jan. 24–Feb. 20, 2022 at international.lcms.org/missions-unpacked.
Deaconess Tiffany Manor, Director of Life Ministry for the LCMS, joins Andy and Sarah to recap the March for Life Chicago including how this March is related to the National March for Life in Washington, D.C., how the LCMS was represented in Chicago, who else was a the March, and the highlights of the March and surrounding events. Learn more about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life and find the Friends For Life podcast at kfuo.org/friendsforlife.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Vulnerability, including why there are so many terrible definitions and what the good definitions are, different types of vulnerability and the common experience among all of them, and understanding vulnerability with a Biblical worldview. Find your copy of Finding Hope: From Brokenness to Restoration at cph.org/findinghope.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the January 2022 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “Ephesians: God’s eternal work marks the way we walk” on Ephesians 1:1-14. This year, "Searching the Scriptures" will study the book of Ephesians, so stay tuned each month for the next Bible study. Follow along and search the Scriptures with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Benjamin Kolodziej, member of Faith Lutheran Church in Plano, TX, highly active church organist and composer, and contributor to the Lutheran Service Book Companion to the Hymns, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Service of Lessons and Carols, including the history of this service, how it's celebrated now in our churches, what the traditional lessons and carols are, and why we celebrate this service the way we do.
Keith Getty, modern hymn writer along with his wife Kristyn Getty, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his inspirations for writing hymns, why congregational singing is incredibly important in the life of the church, and why families should sing together as often as they can. Learn more about the Gettys and hear their hymns at gettymusic.com.
This is a rebroadcast from December 21, 2018.
Rev. William Cwirla joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his memories of making cookies as a child, stories of his family's traditions from his childhood, his favorite treat to make during the Christmas season (Epiphany Star Bread), and some tips for baking at during the holidays.
Mary Schmidt — Manager of Development for KFUO Radio, and Rev. Doug Griebenaw — Mission Advocate for KFUO Radio, join Andy and Sarah to share stories from listeners who love KFUO Radio and share why it's important to them, the needs KFUO Radio has, and how to support KFUO Radio with an end-of-year gift. Give now by calling (314) 996-1518 or (800) 844-0524. Go online and give at kfuo.org/give. Text KFUO to 41444 to give on your mobile device. We appreciate your support.
Kelly Nava joins Andy and Sarah to talk about her memories of making cookies as a child, her favorite Rum Balls, the traditions that surrounded making cookies as a family, and how she has continued these traditions with her own family.
Erin Alter — Director, Short-Term Mission Program with the LCMS Office of International Mission, and Stephenie Hovland — Deaconess Intern with the LCMS Office of International Mission, join Andy and Sarah to talk about what the English Conversation Partners program is, why participants are helping others learn English, who is eligible to participate in the program, and how to apply. Learn more and apply at servenow.lcms.org.
Rev. Marty Hasz, PLPC — Assistant to the President for Church Worker & Congregational Health for the LCMS Missouri District, Rev. Karl Gibbs — pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Carrolton, MO, and Assistant District Disaster Response Coordinator, and Kris Schuldt — LERT Team Leader at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wentzville, MO, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the damage from the recent tornadoes in Missouri, the LERT (Lutheran Early Response Team) teams across Missouri, how these teams are being deployed, and how to get involved with these efforts. Find the LCMS Missouri District at mo.lcms.org and find LCMS Disaster Response efforts at lcms-lert.org.
Rev. Andy Toopes, pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Bowling Green, Kentucky, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the community of Bowling Green, how Holy Trinity Lutheran Church is an integral part of that community, the destruction from the recent tornado, and how the community is recovering. Find the LCMS Mid-South District at mid-southlcms.org and LCMS Disaster Response efforts at lcms-lert.org.
Rev. Dr. Jon Vieker, Dean of the Chapel and Associate Professor of Practical Theology at Concordia Seminary St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the O Antiphons, their place in our liturgical church history, what each Antiphon is, how they're connected to the hymn "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" (Lutheran Service Book 357), and how we can use these in our devotional life during Advent. Read more about the O Antiphons at witness.lcms.org.
Friends from the LCMS International Center join Andy and Sarah for a morning of Christmas caroling outside the IC!
Sara Correnti, MS RD LD, Manager of Health and Wellness with Concordia Plan Services, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about her favorite Christmas cookies as a child, her secret recipe for chocolate chip cookies, some hints on how to make the best cookies, and how she carries on her childhood traditions with her own family.
Anna Boriack joins Andy and Sarah to talk about her memories of making cookies as a child, her two favorites —Springerle and Danish, the traditions that surrounded making cookies as a family, and how she has continued these traditions with her own family.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Resilience, including how we define resilience, our obsession with victory, why resilience in complex for people, the key in building resilience, and how hope and resilience are different for those who have hope in Christ rather than hope in the things of this world. Find your copy of Finding Hope: From Brokenness to Restoration at cph.org/findinghope.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
The Rev. Doug Griebenaw, Mission Advocate for KFUO Radio, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the beautiful Collects (prayers) during the season of Advent, how these prayers show us the themes we hear about during Advent, how these prayers connect us to the coming of Christ, and some of the themes we hear about in the scripture readings for this season.
To contact Rev. Griebenaw about a KFUO Sunday and other support opportunities, call him at (314) 996-1512 or email doug.griebenaw@kfuo.org.
Sally Handrick, President of the Missouri District LWML, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about her memories of making Christmas cookies as a child, how Christmas cookies have been a part of her family life as a parent and pastor's wife, and several of her favorite cookies.
Trish Erzfeld, Director of Perry County Heritage Tourism, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the history of the Christmas Country Church Tour in the Perry County, MO, area, how many churches and sites are participating, the region of Missouri where these churches are located, and the wonderful experience participants will have. Learn more at visitperrycounty.com and facebook.com/christmascountrychurchtour.
Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the December 2021 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “The resurrection of the body and the life + everlasting. Amen.” about the this phrase of the Third Article of the Apostles’ Creed. Follow along and search the Scriptures and Apostles’ Creed with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Paul Soulek, Director of Parish & School Music at St. John Lutheran Church in Seward, Nebraska, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Advent hymnody! They discuss The King of Glory Comes (from One and All Rejoice), O Savior, Rend the Heavens Wide (Lutheran Service Book 355), and Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus (Lutheran Service Book 338).
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Emotion, including how we define this emotion, how brokenness complicates or distorts our understanding of emotions, how emotions affect our mind and body, and what it means to be an emotional being. Find your copy of Finding Hope: From Brokenness to Restoration at cph.org/findinghope.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Charles Ferry, Asia Regional Director with the LCMS International Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Lord's work in the Asia region today and how it's grown since the early days of mission work in the region, several stories of the partnerships and partner churches in the region, the team that serves across the Asia region, and the need for lay workers like a Business Manager for the Asia Region. Learn more about what's happening in the Asia region at international.lcms.org/asia and find the business manager description at lcms.org/careers. Learn more about Rev. Ferry and his family and how to support their work at lcms.org/ferry.
Dr. Kurt von Kampen — Professor of Music, Chair of the Music Department, and Director of Choral Activities at Concordia University Nebraska, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the place of music at Concordia Nebraska, why music is important for student life, exciting new things happening for the music department, and the tradition of Christmas at Concordia at CUNE. Learn more about the music program at CUNE at cune.edu/music.
Dr. Louis Menchaca — Professor of Music and Music Department Chair at Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW), and Johanna Anderson — Associate Director of Instrumental Music at CUW, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the place of music at Concordia Wisconsin, how music is an important part of student life, the tradition of Christmas at Concordia University, and what to expect during this year's concerts. Learn more and watch live at cuw.edu/christmasconcert.
Rev. Michael Keith, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church and SML Christian Academy in Stony Plain, Alberta, and who holds a Certificate in Grief and Death Studies from the Center for Loss and Life Transition in Fort Collins, Colorado, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how how we process grief, some of the misconceptions we have about how we move through grief, how grief and mourning are different, helpful ways to think about grief, and the promises we have in Christ as we journey through grief. Read his article "The Journey Through Grief" in The Canadian Lutheran at canadianlutheran.ca/the-journey-through-grief.
Rev. Dr. Mark Wood, Director of Witness & Outreach and Revitalization for the LCMS, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the upcoming Making Disciples for Life Conference: The Rock in Shifting Sands, including what "Making Disciples for Life" means, the theme of this particular conference, what attendees can expect to hear about, and how participants can attend in person and online. Find the MDFL Resource center at mdfl.lcms.org. Learn more and register for this conference happening January 10-12, 2022, at calendar.lcms.org/event/making-disciples-for-life-conference.
Pastor Baker discusses theological distinctions between Law & Gospel.
Today's topic of discussion is Sunday's Lectionary for Series C of the Three Year Lectionary.
Festival: Second Sunday in Advent 1st Reading: Malachi 3:1-7b Psalm: Psalm 66:1-12 Epistle: Philippians 1:2-11 Gospel: Luke 3:1-14 (15-20)
Law and Gospel is independently produced by Pastor Tom Baker. Views and opinions expressed on this program may not represent the official position of the management or ownership of KFUO Radio, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. To contact Pastor Tom Baker, email lawandgospel@lawandgospel101.com.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Body Image, including how we define this term, how our culture influences our perception of our body image, whether body image includes more than just our physical bodies, an how God's incarnation in Christ Jesus shapes how we think about human bodies. Find your copy of Finding Hope: From Brokenness to Restoration at cph.org/findinghope.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Merritt Demski, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Waterloo, Illinois, joins Sarah to talk about the role of social media in a congregation, some common pitfalls that pastors and congregations can fall into, and examples of how to do social media well while staying focused on Christ crucified.
This is a rebroadcast from June 24, 2019.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LMHP, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how the holidays might be different for church worker families, some sources of tension, and how different personality types may affect the stress or tension we feel.
Find the NAMI article referenced at nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/November-2015/Tips-for-Managing-the-Holiday-Blues. Find LCMS Worker Wellness resources at lcms.org/wellness. Find the Ministry Talks Episode 11: Holidays and the Ministry Family Video on YouTube at youtu.be/9j-D5CfT9hM.
Find more episodes in the Church Worker Wellness series with Deaconess Heidi Goehmann with the tag "Church Worker Wellness."
This is a rebroadcast from November 6, 2018.
Rev. Tyrel Bramwell, pastor of St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ferndale, California, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about whether the 4th Commandment looks different as we and our parents mature, how the 4th Commandment applies as we care for aging parents, and how we can model the 4th Commandment well for our children.
"The Fourth Commandment: Honor your father and your mother. What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not despise or anger our parents and other authorities, but honor them, serve and obey them, love and cherish them." Find the 10 Commandments at catechism.cph.org/en/10-commandments.html.
This is a rebroadcast from May 20, 2019.
Jeannine Leibmann, MA, LPC, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the "sandwich generation," the common struggles that happen for those of us in the sandwich generation, and some helpful thoughts for navigating this time in life when caring for both children and parents.
This is a rebroadcast from May 20, 2019.
Kari Smith, Caseworker with Lutheran Family Service in Iowa, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the need for adoptive families today, several stories of families who have chosen adoption, some obstacles that families may face as they consider adoption, and advice for families who are thinking about adoption. Learn more about the services Lutheran Family Service provides at lutheranfamilyservice.org/adoption-services.
Burnell Hackman, Director of Music Ministry at Peace Lutheran Church in St. Louis, Missouri, which is KFUO Radio's Church of the Week, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the many music opportunities at Peace during Advent and Christmas, the traditions like the Christmas Tree Lot that are happening this year, and the support that the community at Peace gives to all of these great opportunities. Learn more about concerts, worship services, and the tree lot at PeaceLutheranSTL.org.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Brokenness and Disintegration, including the definitions of brokenness and disintegration, why we avoid talking about hard things like these, the impact of "the fall" on humanity and relationships, and what happens when we see ourselves as parts rather than a whole. Find your copy of Finding Hope: From Brokenness to Restoration at cph.org/findinghope.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Sean Daenzer, Director of Worship for the LCMS and International Center Chaplain, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the significance of the Last Sunday of the Church Year, all of the themes we talk about during this time of the church year, how the end of the church year drives us straight into Advent themes, and some of the hymns and readings we'll hear on this Sunday.
Kevin McBeth, Director of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra IN UNISON Chorus, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Christmas music opportunities for families with the St. Louis Symphony, including A Gospel Christmas on December 9 featuring IN UNISON Chorus and guest Oleta Adams singing gospel renditions of Christmas tunes, the family-friendly Mercy Holiday Celebration from December 15-19 at Lindenwood University and Powell Hall), and movie experience Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert from December 11-12). Learn more about these events and how you can attend at slso.org.
Elizabeth Pittman, Senior Manager of Public Relations & Concordia Gospel Outreach with Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Adent resources available for families, including The Jesse Tree Family Kit, the children's book Counting to Christmas, the theme package available for congregations Symbols of Salvation, and the CPH Advent and Christmas music playlist on YouTube. Find all of these resources at cph.org.
The Rev. Dr. Tom Park, serving the Lord in Asia with the LCMS Office of International Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what led him to the mission field, the preparations he's done in order to deploy to the field, what he's learned about the Asia region and different cultures there, and what he's looking forward to doing on the mission field. Read his story and how to support his work at lcms.org/park.
Dr. Maurice Boyer, Director of the American Kantorei, joins Sarah to talk about the music of J.S. Bach, how he chooses music for each Kantorei concert, and the music the American Kantorei will be presenting at their upcoming concert on Sunday, November 21st at 3pm at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Des Peres, Missouri. Even if you're not in St. Louis, enjoy Dr. Boyer's conversation about BWV 3 "Ach Gott, wie manches Herzeleid" (Oh God, how much heartache) and BWV 62 "Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland" (Now come, Savior of the nations) and listen to these cantatas on YouTube.
Tap to listen to BWV 3 - "Ach Gott, wie manches Herzeleid"
Tap to listen to BWV 62 - "Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland"
Learn more about the American Kantorei at americankantorei.org.
American Kantorei in Concert Sunday, November 21, 2021, at 3:00 pm St Paul's Lutheran Church, Des Peres, MO.
Dr. Beverly Yahnke, Executive Director for Spiritual Counsel with DOXOLOGY, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about developing a plan for self-care, including what we mean by self-care, why we need a plan, how we begin developing this plan, things that are important to consider, and how we ensure we make use of this plan. Learn more about DOXOLOGY, including Take Heart Retreats for pastors, at doxology.us.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday."
This is a rebroadcast from June 7, 2021.
Rev. Warren Woerth, pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Arnold, Missouri, which is KFUO Radio's Church of the Week, joins Andy and Sarah to discuss what we need to know about climate change, how secular culture frames these discussions versus what we confess about creation and climate from a Biblical worldview, and who is ultimately in charge of creation and climate on earth. Hear Pastor Woerth each Tuesday on "A Moment in Creation" during the 12 o’clock hour with Gary Duncan on KFUO Radio. Learn more about Good Shepherd in Arnold, including their weekly worship services and Bible studies, at goodshepherdarnold.org.
Rev. Dr. Mark J. Schreiber — US Navy Chaplain, Retired, CAPT, CHC, USN (Ret.), and author of Nailed! Moral Injury: A response from the Cross of Christ for the Combat Veteran, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his path to becoming a Navy Chaplain, where he served as a Chaplain, what moral injury is and how it's different from PTSD, how moral injury affects combat veterans, and how chaplains and pastors bring the Word of God and the Cross of Christ to veterans experiencing moral injury. Find Nailed! Moral Injury: A response from the Cross of Christ for the Combat Veteran at amazon.com. Learn more about military chaplaincy through LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces at lcms.org/armedforces.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or self-harm, help is available. Contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741 or visit crisistextline.org. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255 or chat online at suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
Matt Christensen — Chaplain (MAJ) USA at the US Army Chaplain Center and School in Ft. Jackson, South Carolina, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his path to becoming a US Army Chaplain, the various places he's served on active duty, how he serves others as a Chaplain, what catechesis looks like as a military Chaplain, and the place of the Sacraments in his vocation. Learn more about LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces at lcms.org/armedforces.
Tanner Olson, poet of writtentospeak.com, joins Andy and Sarah on the release day for his new book Walk a Little Slower to talk about what's new for WrittentoSpeak, the creative process he has for writing his poetry, how the messiness of life provides for very real poetry, and a few selections from his new book. Find Walk a Little Slower, along with his previous two books As You Go: Words for the Unknown and I’m All Over the Place, at writtentospeak.com.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about topics from Finding Hope: From Brokenness to Restoration. This week, they discuss identity, including how we define identity, how a Christian view of identity is different from the world's, why we utilize comparative suffering, how brokenness impacts our identity, and how hope impacts our identity.
Find your copy of Finding Hope: From Brokenness to Restoration at cph.org/findinghope.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
Cheryl Swope, MSEd — author of Simply Classical, a Beautiful Education for Any Child, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the benefits of reading aloud with children, how to choose age-appropriate books for your family, and some of Cheryl's favorite books for reading aloud, especially during the Advent and Christmas seasons. Read Cheryl's full list of books for reading aloud at cherylswopeconsultingllc.com/christmas-read-alouds-for-children-and-families. Preorder O Come, O Come, Emmanuel from Kloria Press at kloria.com/books/picture/o-come-o-come-emmanuel.
The Rev. Tim Mueller, pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church in New Minden, Illinois, which is KFUO Radio's Church of the Week, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the history of this congregation, how the saints at St. John's show the mercy of Christ to their neighbors, and all of the exciting events happening for the 175th Anniversary of the congregation. Learn more at stjohnnewminden.360unite.com and facebook.com/stjohnsnewminden.
St. John’s 175th Anniversary Celebration: “Rooted and Growing in Christ”
“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving,” Col. 2:6-7
October 3, 2021, RENEWAL SUNDAY
9:30 a.m. Congregational group picture (Let’s get everybody in the picture!) 10:00 a.m. St. John’s “church family” all try to be present to worship together.
November 7, 2021, CONGREGATIONAL BIRTHDAY SUNDAY
Celebrating 175 years since the founding of Congregation Nov. 8, 1846. 10:00 a.m. Dr. Charles Arand, guest speaker
November 21, 2021, CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY CELEBRATION
6:30 p.m. Mini Organ Recital with Rev. Dr. Art Eichhorn, organist. 7:00 p.m. Hymn Festival: “Hymns from Our History” with Pastor Eichhorn at the organ. Power Point Pictures and anecdotes/devotional thoughts to go with hymns
April 24, 2022, SYNODICAL BIRTHDAY SUNDAY
Celebrating 175 years since the founding of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod on April 26, 1847, with St. John’s as a charter member. 10:00 a.m. Dr. Dale Meyer, guest speaker. (Mission Sunday offering) 7:00 p.m. Hymn Festival for the Southern Illinois District
June 26, 2022, TSJ ANNUAL JOINT WORSHIP WITH ALUMNI REUNION
10:00 a.m. joint service with Trinity, Nashville, at St. John’s. Pastor Glen Emery, guest speaker. After light lunch, Mr. Rich Cohrs will present “The Stones Shout His Praise” from the Holy Land, with references to his time at New Minden (confirmed).
July 31, 2022, CONFIRMATION REUNION SUNDAY (all classes invited)
10:00 a.m. Pastor Jacob Mueller, guest speaker. Catered noon meal to follow.
Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the November 2021 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “The forgiveness of sins” about the this phrase of the Third Article of the Apostles’ Creed. Follow along and search the Scriptures and Apostles’ Creed with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Rev. Dr. Steven Schave, Executive Director of LAMP, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the ministry of LAMP with the indigenous people groups in Northern Canada, what is unique about this population, the horrible news about residential schools and how the Canadian government has responded, the generational trauma that exists in these native communities, and how LAMP is uniquely positioned to share the Gospel of Jesus' love to people across Northern Canada. Learn more about the ministry of LAMP and how you can get involved with a volunteer mission team at LampMinistry.org.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about topics from Finding Hope: From Brokenness to Restoration (cph.org). Today they discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic influenced how she wrote the book, what brokenness in our lives looks like, and the four realms of brokenness she discusses in the book. Find "Finding Hope" at cph.org.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
The Rev. Dr. Daniel Harmelink, Executive Director of Concordia Historical Institute, joins Sarah to talk about the Reformers portrayed in fine art, including why we value fine art in our Lutheran heritage, the uniqueness of this fine art in our Lutheran history, and the pieces you can view at Concordia Historical Institute's exhibit "Martin, Katharina, Philipp, and Friedrich" opening November 12, 2021. Learn more about this exhibit and the work that Concordia Historical Institute does at concordiahistoricalinstitute.org.
Rev. Sean Deanzer, LCMS Director of Worship and International Center Chaplain, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how we celebrate All Saints' Day in our Lutheran tradition, why we observe this feast in our church year, how our observation of this feast is different from other denominations, and the beautiful hymns and liturgy we have for this day. Learn more about All Saints' Day and feasts in our church year at lcms.org/worship/church-year/feasts-and-festivals.
Matt Machemer, Associate Kantor with Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about just a few of the hymns we sing in the "Green Season" of the church and why they are great ones to sing, including Lutheran Service Book 536, 541, and 552.
This is a rebroadcast from August 1, 2019.
Julianna Shults, DCE, Program Manager with LCMS Youth Ministry, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how we usually respond to people when they experience tangible losses, how ambiguous losses are different than tangible losses, and how we can support the young people in our lives who may be hurting. Read Julianna's article on Youth E-Source at youthesource.com/2020/03/25/ambiguous-loss and a version of this article for people of all ages at blogs.lcms.org/2020/showing-christs-love-in-times-of-ambiguous-loss.
This is a rebroadcast from May 15, 2020.
Chaplain Brian Hamer, an active duty Navy Chaplain, joins Andy to talk about sacred music for pregnancy, infant, and child loss awareness month. They discuss where we find hope and truth in Scripture regarding the loss of a child, the words in Psalm 139 and Jeremiah 31:15-17, where we find these themes in sacred music, and the comfort these sacred songs convey. Follow Chaplain Hamer’s column, Lifted Voice, monthly at WhatDoesThisMean.org. Read the column for October on this topic at whatdoesthismean.org/lifted-voice--brian-hamer/in-the-midst-of-earthly-life-sacred-music-for-child-loss-month.
Read also devotions posted at Around the Word for the week of 24-30 October at whatdoesthismean.org/uploads/2/5/6/3/25633380/atwdevooct242021.pdf.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy to talk about understanding different types of therapy, what is happens in a typical session, and how they may be useful. In this episode, we discuss the Gottman Method of relationship therapy, play therapy, Internal Family Systems therapy (IFS), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Neurofeedback therapy.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
Mary Ann Owens, Executive Director of The Women’s Safe House in St. Louis, Missouri joins Andy to discuss the need for resources for women seeking safety away from an abuser and how The Women's Safe House meets this need daily with the help of staff and volunteers. Learn more about services and volunteer opportunities at TWSH.org
The Rev. Dr. Cameron MacKenzie, Forest E. and Frances H. Ellis Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana joins Andy to share some insights on the history of the Lutheran Confessions that make up the Book of Concord and reflects on how these confessions are still very important to the Church today. Read his article, “Unity in the Church by Confessing Together God’s Truth, A History of the Book of Concord” in the October 2021 issue of The Lutheran Witness. Find LW online and subscribe at witness.lcms.org.
The Rev. Philip and Deaconess Rachel Jaseph serving the Lord in Uruguay with the LCMS Office of International Mission, join Andy and Sarah to talk about what led them to the mission field, the preparations they've been doing in order to deploy to the field, what they're learning about Uruguay, and looking forward to doing when they arrive in Uruguay. Read their story and how to support her work at lcms.org/jaseph.
The Rev. Dr. Thomas Kuster, director of the Christ in Media Institute at Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, Minnesota, joins Andy and Pastor Cleland to talk about the Gospel Outreach with Media Conference, the ideas and technology that have been presented at past conferences, how this information is useful for witness and outreach, and the lineup for this year’s conference.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Pastor Cleland to talk about understanding different types of therapy, what is happens in a typical session, and how they may be useful.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. David Federwitz — Regional Director for Liberia, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon for Lutheran Bible Translators (LBT), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the daily life for the people groups served by LBT, the role of technology and digital communications in these cultures, and how the recent social media outage affected these cultures in a very different way than for residents of the United States. Learn more about the work of Lutheran Bible Translators at lbt.org, and listen to the Bible at lbt.org/livingwater.
Read more about this in an article from The Atlantic at theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2021/10/whatsapp-outage-hit-global-south-hardest/620312.
Rev. Ted Krey — Regional Director for the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region of the LCMS, and Deaconess Cheryl Naumann — Director of the VDMA Project and Coordinator of the Dominican Republic Mercy Center, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the translation work being done through the VDMA Project in Spanish-speaking regions, how these resources are distributed, why these Spanish resources are so important for the Lutheran churches in Latin America and the Caribbean, and the upcoming releases including the new Spanish Hymnal Hymnario Luterano. Follow the LAC region on Facebook at facebook.com/LCMSLAC and learn more about the VDMA Project at international.lcms.org/vdma-project.
The Rev. Dr. Cory Rajek, who serves the Lord in Latvia with the LCMS Office of International Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what led him and his family to the mission field, the preparations they've been doing in order to deploy to the field, the amazing theological education work being done in Latvia and the Eurasia region, the history of Lutheranism in Latvia, and what they're looking forward to doing when they arrives in Latvia. Read their story and how to support their work at lcms.org/rajek.
Rev. Dr. James Baneck, LCMS Executive Director of Pastoral Education, joins Andy and Sarah during Church Worker Appreciation Month to talk about why church workers are important, ideas for appreciating your church workers, and the Church Worker Recruitment Initiative: Set Apart to Serve. Find ideas for church worker appreciation at resources.lcms.org/general/ways-to-show-your-gratitude-and-support-for-church-workers. Read more about Church Worker Appreciation at reporter.lcms.org/2021/celebrate-church-worker-appreciation-month-in-october.
Rehema Kavugha, manager of Synod Relations for Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the upcoming webinar series on Creativity, including why this is a relevant topic for everyone, the interesting speakers and topics, and how to find these webinars. Visit lcef.org/webinars and sign up to get an invitation or call LCEF at 800-843-5233.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the role psychologists play in mental health care, how the variety of mental health professionals interact in our lives, and how to seek care. Read the full list with explanations at resources.lcms.org/reading-study/commentaries/life-transitions-church-work-marriage.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the October 2021 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “The holy Christian church, the communion of saints” about the this phrase of the Third Article of the Apostles’ Creed. Follow along and search the Scriptures and Apostles’ Creed with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Rev. Dr. Karl Heimer, Pastor and CEO of Ysleta Lutheran Mission in El Paso, Texas, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the community of El Paso, the uniqueness of life in a border city, the needs of the people in the community, and how Ysleta Lutheran Mission works to meet those needs. Learn more about Ysleta Lutheran Mission at ylm.org.
Hayden Rensner, serving the Lord in the Czech Republic with the LCMS Office of International Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what led her to the mission field, the preparations she's been doing in order to deploy to the field, and what she's looking forward to doing when she arrives in the Czech Republic. Read her story and how to support her work at lcms.org/rensner.
Rev. Dr. Matthew Heise — Executive Director of Lutheran Heritage Foundation, and Rev. Peter Anibati — bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of South Sudan/Sudan, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the needs of Lutherans in South Sudan and Sudan, how these needs are being met through Lutheran Heritage Foundation, and how this partnership has been integral in growing Lutheranism in South Sudan and Sudan. Learn more about the Evangelical Lutheran Church of South Sudan/Sudan at elcss-s.org. Learn more about Lutheran Heritage Foundation at lhfmissions.org.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how to be mentally well during a time of transition, the different categories of mental health professionals, and how to decide which professional you might want to start with. Read the full list with explanations at resources.lcms.org/reading-study/commentaries/life-transitions-church-work-marriage.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.
Sue Nahmensen — CEO of Lutheran Elementary School Association, and Kit Auble — Director of Development and Marketing for Lutheran Elementary School Association, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how LESA support Christ-centered Lutheran schools in the St. Louis area, the families that seek financial assistance from LESA, and the upcoming Brew in the Lou event. Learn more about LESA and Brew in the Lou at lesastl.org/lesas-brew-in-the-lou-festival-returns-to-francis-park-oct-9-2021.
Rev. German Novelli, Jr. — pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and President of the LCMS Hispanic National Convention, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the history of Lutheran Hispanic ministries in the USA, how the Hispanic National Convention came about, what happens at a Hispanic National Convention the great need for Lutheran Hispanic ministry, and how Lutheran Hispanic ministry is thriving today. Learn more about LCMS Hispanic ministry and details for next year's conference at hispanoslcms.com. Learn more about Pastor Novelli's ministry at grace-ok.org.
The Rev. Dr. Jonathan Naumann, serving the Lord in the Dominican Republic with the LCMS Office of International Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the community where he and his wife serve, the life of the seminary and missionaries in the Dominican Republic, how the community has been affected by the pandemic, and how the Lord has provided for them. Read the Naumann family story and how to support their work at lcms.org/jonathan.naumann.
Rev. Sean Daenzer, Director of Worship for the LCMS, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels, which the Church celebrates on September 29, to discuss what we know about angels, the various misconceptions about who angels are and what they do, the vivid story in Revelation 12 about the war in heaven, and the propers and hymns assigned for this day.
Hymn of the Day: Lutheran Service Book 522 (Another wonderful hymn: Lutheran Service Book 521)
Lectionary: Daniel 10:10-14; 12:1-3 Psalm 91 Revelation 12:7-12 Matthew 19:1-11 or Luke 10:17-20
This is a rebroadcast from September 29, 2020.
The Rev. Dr. Joel Elowsky, professor of Historical Theology and coordinator of International Seminary Exchange Programs at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Jerome, Translator of Holy Scriptures. Hear about his significance in Church history, what we know about his life, what led to his translation work, and why his work was valuable to the Church in the 400s and still today.
Crysten Sanchez — Events Executive for Higher Things, and Rev. Harrison Goodman — a plenary speaker for Higher Things: Retreat in a Box, join Andy and Sarah to talk about why retreats are a valuable experience for youth, how they can sometimes be challenging to pull off, what the Higher Things Retreat in a Box will provide for congregations, and how this can be a wonderfully fun things for congregational youth. Learn more at higherthings.org/riab.
Anna Beilsmith — event coordinator for the Houston Hustle 5k, Jolene Siebarth — DCE at Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Charles, MO, and 8th Grade Student Benjamin, join Andy and Sarah to talk about what Benjamin is looking forward to at the upcoming LCMS Youth Gathering, how he is participating in the Houston Hustle 5k, and how he is preparing to go to the Gathering. Anna and Jolene share details about the 5k, how to participate, and how this event benefits the youth at Immanuel St. Charles who will be attending the 2022 LCMS Youth Gathering. Learn more at immanuelstcharles.org/featured-events.
The Rev. Dr. Rudolph Blank, former LCMS missionary in Venezuela for more than 40 years and founder and former director of the Juan de Frías Theological Institute, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about this history of Juan de Frías, why his story is important in Latin American Lutheran history, how the Reformation came to Latin America, and the legacy of his work and the work of others in our Lutheran churches today. Read Dr. Blank's article in the LCMS Reporter at reporter.lcms.org/2021/juan-de-frias-lutheran-martyr-of-venezuela.
The Rev. James Sharp, who serves the Lord in Uruguay with the LCMS Office of International Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the community where he and his family serve, the work that they do in planting churches and teaching English, how the Gospel is received by the people in Uruguay, and how the Lord has provided for them through the challenges they've faced. Read the Sharp family story and how to support their work at lcms.org/sharp.
Rev. Stephen Kieser, Headmaster of Faith Lutheran School in Plano, Texas, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how Faith Lutheran School (FLS) serves their neighbors in the Plano area and worldwide, what is unique about education at FLS, why Classical Lutheran education is still important and relevant today, and the upcoming Golf Tournament and North Texas Giving Day support opportunities. Learn more about the Golf Tournament at flsplano.org/2021/06/2021-golf-tournament and North Texas Giving Day at northtexasgivingday.org/faith-lutheran-school.
Rev. Seth Moorman — pastor of Bethany Lutheran Church in Long Beach, California, and Leslie Sullivan — Celebrate Director at St. John Lutheran Church in Cypress, Texas, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the important role volunteers play in the LCMS Youth Gathering, how Team Flex volunteers serve at the Gathering, and how to apply for Team Flex. Learn more and apply at lcmsgathering.com/volunteer.
Rev. Bryan Wolfmueller, pastor of St. Paul and Jesus Deaf Lutheran Churches in Austin, Texas, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about St. Cyprian of Carthage, whose commemoration date in the Lutheran Church is September 16. They discuss who Cyprian is, what his life was like in the early church, the challenges he faced, and what we learn from his life and death.
Rev. Ruben Dominguez, retired pastor serving in South Texas, joins Andy and Sarah to share the story of Casiodoro de Reina (ca. 1520-1594) during Hispanic Heritage Month, including what we know about his life, how the Reformation came to Spain, why it was important to Casiodoro to translate the Bible into Spanish, the difficulties Casiodoro endured in order to create this translation, and how this translation has impacted Spanish-speaking culture still today.
Casiodoro de Reina (ca. 1520-1594), translator and publisher of the first complete Bible in Spanish
Casiodoro de Reina, a monk, was one of the first Spaniards to embrace the principles of the Reformation of the church in the Seville area around the mid-16th century. Those principles are grounded solely on the text of the Bible. Aware of the importance of spreading the Bible among his fellow citizens, Reina set himself the goal of publishing it completely in Spanish.
After years of work and challenges found outside of Spain to gather, translate and revise various existing translations of the biblical text, Reina completed his work. Afterward, he received the assignment of finding a printer, nothing easy in those years.
The first printing of the complete Bible in Spanish was finished in 1569 in Basel, Switzerland. The original cover contained an illustration of a standing bear trying to eat honey from the honeycomb hidden in a tree trunk; for this reason, it conventionally received the name of The Bear Bible. Using that cover to introduce it into Spain, Reina concealed its content from the Inquisition, an institution which had previously condemned him as a "heresiarch" (teacher of heretics), and had burned him in effigy in the Auto-de-Fe executed in April 1562 in the main plaza of Seville.
Reina wanted all Spain to get the benefits of the Gospel message, especially the teaching of achieving justification by faith alone before God thanks to the sacrifice and merits of Jesus Christ won on the cross. Reina died in Frankfurt, Germany while serving as pastor of a Lutheran congregation of foreign refugees.
Reina's translation and publication of the biblical text have made a significant impact among Spanish-speaking people. His legacy will surely carry on because his version, now commonly known as Reina-Valera, is the most widely read in evangelical churches and circles in the Spanish-speaking world.
Rev. Gary Schuschke, who serves the Lord through the LCMS as the pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Frankfurt, Germany, joins Andy to talk about his journey to this call in Germany, the community where he serves, what makes this community and call unique, the challenges he's faced, and how the Lord has provided for him during these times. Read his story and how to support his work at lcms.org/schuschke.
Rev. Sean Daenzer, LCMS Director of Worship and International Center Chaplain, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the festival of Holy Cross Day in our church year, including the history of this festival in greater church history, how we as Lutherans observe this festival that seems a bit odd in our Lutheran doctrine, and a beautiful hymn for this day, "Sing My Tongue, the Glorious Battle."
Rev. James and Pearl Rhiver, planning committee members for the Lutheran Older Adult Retreat on October 20-21 at Pere Marquette Lodge in Grafton, IL, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the need for a retreat for older adults, stories from previous retreats, the wonderful list of activities and sessions available at this retreat, and the beautiful location for this retreat. Learn more and find the retreat brochure/registration form at sidlcms.org/single-post/yes-there-will-be-a-senior-older-adult-retreat.
For questions, contact Margo Wolf. Phone: 618.979.3376 Email: dmwvette74@gmail.com
Make your room reservations by calling or writing: Pere Marquette Lodge 13653 Lodge Boulevard Grafton, IL 62037 618.786.2331
Heather Smith, wife of the Rev. Sean Smith, joins Andy to share insights on their parsonage life in rural Southern Illinois and the many lessons in history, faith, and witness from the church graveyard. Read her article, "The Very Stones Cry Out" in the September 2021 issue of The Lutheran Witness. Find LW online and subscribe at witness.lcms.org.
The Rev. Vance and Linda Becker, who serve the Lord in Kenya with the LCMS Office of International Mission, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how they were led to the mission field, the community where they serve, how the coronavirus pandemic has affected their work with seminary and deaconess students, and how the Lord is providing for them in the midst of their challenges. Learn more about the Becker's story and how to support their work at lcms.org/becker
The Rev. Eric Johnson, President of the LCMS Southern District and the Rev. Dr. Ross Johnson, Director of LCMS Disaster Response join Andy to discuss the impact of Hurricane Ida and the recent earthquake in Haiti. President Eric Johnson shares the response efforts of the LCMS Southern District and congregations following Hurricane Ida. Dr. Ross Johnson shares the response efforts following the recent earthquake in Haiti in partnership with the LCMS and congregations of The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Haiti. To learn more about LCMS Disaster response and ways to support visit lcms.org/disaster.
Rev. Dr. Geoffrey Boyle, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church and Grace Lutheran Church in Wichita, Kansas, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what we learn from the Church Fathers, how these writings are especially beneficial for us today, a few recommendations of where to start, and some wonderful examples of teachings. Read Dr. Boyle's series on "Reading the Old Testament with the Early Church Fathers" at witness.lcms.org/2020/reading-the-old-testament-with-the-early-church-fathers.
Recommended Writings: St. Athanasius "On the Incarnation" — amazon.com or svspress.com/on-the-incarnation-english-only. Melito of Sardis "On Pascha" — amazon.com or svspress.com/on-pascha-second-edition-pps55.
This is a rebroadcast from January 13, 2021.
Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the September 2021 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “I believe in the Holy Spirit” about the first phrase of the Third Article of the Apostles’ Creed. Follow along and search the Scriptures and Apostles’ Creed with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Rev. Dr. Thomas J. Egger, 11th president of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how his service as a parish pastor prepared him for his service at Concordia Seminary, what is most important in the formation of church workers, things the average layperson may not know about seminary life and pastoral formation, and what we can expect to see in the coming months and years at Concordia Seminary. Read more and view the video of the inauguration at csl.edu/2021/09/egger-inaugurated-as-11th-seminary-president.
Deaconess Kim Bueltmann and Rachel Krause, who serve the Lord in Germany with the LCMS Office of International Mission, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how they were led to the mission field, the community where they serve, what makes this community and work unique, how the coronavirus pandemic has affected their work with refugees, and how the Lord is providing with them in the midst of their challenges. Learn more about Deaconess Kim's story and how to support her work at lcms.org/bueltmann. Learn more about Rachel's story and how to support her work at lcms.org/krause.
Rev. Craig G. Muehler, CAPT, CHC, USN, (Ret.) — Director of LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces (MAF), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how LCMS military chaplains serve today, how our chaplains have been affected by the situation in Afghanistan, updates from LCMS chaplains serving in or near Afghanistan and at evacuation centers, and how we can support these chaplains as they serve both our armed forces and Afghan refugees. Contact MAF at lcmschaps@lcms.org to stay informed about relief opportunities or to learn more about becoming a chaplain. Find more information about MAF at lcms.org/armedforces.
Rev. Bob Riggert, author of the 2021-2022 Chapel Talks for Lutheran Schools from LCMS School Ministry, joins Andy to talk about the 2021-2022 Chapel Talks, including what happens in a Lutheran school chapel service, the theme for this year's talks, what is unique about the book of Colossians, and what he hopes students and families will learn in Colossians this year. Download Chapel Talks at luthed.org/chapel-talks. For more information about Chapel Talks, contact LCMS School Ministry at 888-THE LCMS (843-5267) or via email at School.Ministry@lcms.org.
Anna Beilsmith — event coordinator, and Jolene Siebarth — DCE at Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Charles, MO, join Andy and guest co-host Pastor James to talk about the upcoming Houston Hustle 5K fundraiser for youth attending the LCMS Youth Gathering, including why the Gathering is important to youth at Immanuel, preparations families are making in order for youth to attend, and the race details for the Houston Hustle 5k. Learn more and register at immanuelstcharles.org/featured-events.
Houston Hustle 5k Saturday, September 25 Registration begins at 7:30am, Run at 8:30am
Rev. Dr. Stanish Stanley, Executive Director, and Kelly Teuscher, volunteer with Christian Friends of New Americans in St. Louis, MO join Andy to talk about the needs of immigrants and refugees in St. Louis and how volunteers are sharing the love and mercy of Christ with these new neighbors. They also talk about the upcoming Cycle for the City event that will benefit them along with Humanitri and Lutheran Development Group. Learn more about Christian Friends of New Americans at cfna-stl.org Learn more, register, and sign up to volunteer for the Cycle the City bike ride event at cycleforthecity.org.
Jay Zemke, president, and Chuck Wells, volunteer with Lutheran Braille Workers, join Andy to talk about the history of Lutheran Braille Workers (LBW), volunteering with LBW, and the resources, products, and services that LBW provides free of charge to people around the world. Learn more, request resources, and inquire about volunteering at lbwloveworks.org.
J.P and Aimee Cima, who serve the Lord as missionaries in the Kingdom of Cambodia, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the challenges of serving during the pandemic, the joys of partnering with Lutherans in the Kingdom of Cambodia, and home service in the United States. Read their story and how to support their work at lcms.org/cima and on their photo blog at cimafam.com.
The Rev. Marcus Zill, Campus Pastor, LCMSU Arizona, Faith Lutheran Church, Tucson, AZ joins Andy and Pastor Cleland to share his story of campus ministry and insights on the return to college life for students this Fall. Visit the LCMSU website to learn more about LCMS campus ministry and an LCMSU chapter near you https://www.lcms.org/how-we-serve/national/campus-ministry
The Rev. Dr. James Marriott, Director of Music Arts and Dean of Chapel, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis joins Andy and Sarah to discuss the 2021-2022 concert series at Concordia Seminary including the upcoming Hymn Festival. Learn more about the Concordia Seminary Concert Series at the CSL website: https://www.csl.edu/campus-life/music-arts/concordia-seminary-concert-series/.
Warren Schmidt of the Lutheran Heritage Center and Museum joins Andy to share the little-known story of the Brazeau Presbyterians who came to the aid of the early Lutheran immigrants in Perry County, Missouri. Learn more at lutheranmuseum.com/2019/09/08/blessed-brazeau-bicentennial-the-angels-of-east-perry-county.
This is a rebroadcast from September 12, 2019.
Rev. Merritt Demski, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Waterloo, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about a few seasons common during the "Green Season," or the season after Pentecost or Trinity. These hymns are: LSB 708 "Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart," LSB 722 "Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me," and LSB 729 "I Am Trusting Thee, Lord Jesus."
This is a rebroadcast from August 27, 2019.
Rev. Dr. James Baneck, Executive Director of the LCMS Office of Pastoral Education, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Church Worker Recruitment Initiative, including the roles pastors and auxiliary offices carry out in our Church today, why the church needs pastors and other auxiliary workers, how God raises up church workers, and how the Church Worker Recruitment Initiative will help encourage more young men and women to serve the Church. Read the article in the August 2021 issue of The Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org/2021/understanding-the-church-worker-recruitment-initiative.
Rev. Stephen Oliver, Serving the Lord in Taiwan and the Asia Region as a theological educator at China Lutheran Seminary in Hsinchu, Taiwan, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about life at the seminary, what he teaches there, translation projects he's working on, how the coronavirus pandemic has affected life at the seminary, and family life in Taiwan. Read his story and how to support his work at lcms.org/oliver.
Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne, Minnesota, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his recent article in the local Rock County Star Herald about fear and faith, including how divisions manifest among us today, what we're really fearing these days, how Satan uses fear, whether we continue to consume inflammatory media, the true antidote to our fear, and what Scripture teaches us about fear. Read Dr. Booe's article at star-herald.com/church/spirit-not-fear.
Rev. Doug Griebenaw, pastor of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in El Centro, California, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what makes science fiction intriguing for him, what role science fiction like Start Trek plays in the life of a baptized child of God, the place of allegory in fiction, and if there's conflict between being a Trekkie and a Christian.
We complete the Lord's Prayer in this episode. Regarding the 6th Petition, consider sources of temptation and God's promises in the face of temptation. In the 7th Petition, learn how it is a prayer against Satan and where our help against evil comes from. In the Conclusion, hear whether the conclusion to the Lord’s Prayer is original, if it is faithful and appropriate for Christians to pray this doxology, how this ending serves as a summary to the entire Lord’s Prayer, and what the word “Amen” confesses.
Rev. Mark Bestul, Pastor of Calvary Lutheran Church in Elgin, IL joins host Rev. Sean Smith to discuss the 7th Petition, 8th Petition, and the Conclusion of the Lord's Prayer.
Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the August 2021 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead” about this last phrase of the Second Article of the Apostles’ Creed. Follow along and search the Scriptures and Apostles’ Creed with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Coach Jody Token from The Great Flip joins Andy and Sarah to talk about her homeschool self-defense curriculum, the skills that school-age children and their parents will learn, what families need to be successful using this program, and how to implement it in their homes. Find the program details and sample videos at thegreatflip.com.
Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the contentious situation concerning new Bishop Juhana Pohjola of the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland and Member of Parliament Päivi Räsänen, how church bodies worldwide have stepped up to defend their right to free religious speech in Finland, and Bishop Pohjola's recent installation to the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland. Read the letter signed by numerous church bodies at ilc-online.org/2021/07/29/a-protest-and-call-for-free-religious-speech-in-finland.
Barb Rebentisch, serving the Lord in Taiwan, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about her role as a translator and interpreter, how she is able to build relationships with others, the challenges that the last year has presented, and how the Lord has provided for her and the rest of the team in Taiwan. Contact her for information about the Bach lectures or her work at barb.rebentisch@lcms.org. Read her story and how to support her work at lcms.org/rebentisch.
Rev. Bryan Wolfmueller, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church and Jesus Deaf Lutheran Church in Austin, Texas, joins Andy and Sarah on the commemoration of the destruction of Jerusalem and the martyrdom of St. Lawrence to talk briefly about the destruction of Jerusalem, and then to discuss society and the church at the time of St. Lawrence, what we know about his life and service to the Church, what led to his martyrdom, and most importantly what we can learn from his example in his life and his death.
Find Pastor Wolfmueller's book A Martyr’s Faith in a Faithless World at cph.org/p-32682-a-martyrs-faith-in-a-faithless-world.aspx and his free resource And Take They Our Life: Martin Luther’s Theology of Martyrdom at wolfmueller.co/product/and-take-they-our-life-martin-luthers-theology-of-martyrdom-2.
Chris Shearman — Founder and Executive Director of Lutheran Development Group in St. Louis, Missouri, and Harry Stevens — Director of Operations for Lutheran Development Group, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the needs in St. Louis that Lutheran Development Group aims to meet, how they are able to build up communities, the impact of this work to help people invest in their neighborhoods, and the motivation of this work to serve their neighbors. They also talk about the upcoming Cycle for the City event that will benefit them along with Humanitri and Christian Friends of New Americans. Learn more about Lutheran Development Group at ldgstl.org. Learn more, register, and sign up to volunteer for the Cycle the City bike ride event at cycleforthecity.org.
Deaconess Dr. Kim Schave — Executive Director of Humanitri, and Lorri Holtgrieve — Director of Development and Communication with Humanitri, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how Humanitri serves the homeless population of the greater St. Louis area with help and hope, the reality about homelessness in St. Louis today, the motivation to serve people with love, and the upcoming Cycle for the City event that will benefit them along with Lutheran Development Group and Christian Friends of New Americans. Learn more about Humanitri at humanitri.org. Learn more, register, and sign up to volunteer for the Cycle the City bike ride event at cycleforthecity.org.
Dr. Mark Bender, retired teacher and minister of music at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Des Peres, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how hymn planning for Divine Services is done, the collaboration that happens behind the scenes, the resources available for pastors and church musicians, and how pastors and church musicians decide how these hymns will be placed within the service. Read his article in the August 2021 issue of The Lutheran Witness. Find LW online and subscribe at witness.lcms.org.
Rev. Christian Tiews, who serves the Lord in Germany as a missionary pastor through the LCMS Office of International Mission, joins Andy to talk about the community where he serves, his background that led to serving in Germany, the focus of his service as a missionary pastor with the Independent Evangelical Lutheran Church (SELK), the challenges he and his family have faced during this transition to missionary service, and how the Lord has provided for them during this time. Learn more about his family's story and how to support their work at lcms.org/tiews.
Esther Dunlop and Rachel Hillman, previous Young Adult Volunteers (YAV) for the LCMS Youth Gathering and currently on the Planning Committee for LCMS Gathering 2022, join Andy and Sarah to talk about why they became volunteers with the Gathering, the role that YAVs play at the Gathering, why they always wear orange, and how young adults can apply to be YAVs at the 2022 Gathering. Learn more and apply to be a YAV at lcmsgathering.com/volunteer.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about generations and mental health, including what "generativity" is and how we approach this term, why caring about the generations to come is important for our mental health, and what scripture says about God's love for all generations.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
This is a rebroadcast from March 8, 2021.
It's Bach Week on The Coffee Hour! Today, Dr. Maurice Boyer, professor of music at Concordia University Chicago and director of the American Kantorei (a group dedicated to the performance of J.S. Bach’s music), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Bach's theology in his sacred chorale cantatas. Hear about the place of the cantata or passion in the liturgy of a Sunday morning, how these cantatas follow our Church Year, what makes a chorale a unique part of the cantata, and which chorales would sound especially familiar to us.
Familiarize yourself with Bach's music that you will probably recognize! Work through this list of Chorale Cantatas by J.S. Bach with melodies contained in the Lutheran Service Book. For solid literal translations of the texts, see Emmanuel Music in Boston at emmanuelmusic.org. For lectionary readings, see the one-year lectionary found in the LSB Introduction p.xx or download at lcms.org/worship/lectionary-series.
BWV 7 – Christ unser Herr zu Jordan kam (1724) St John the Baptist youtu.be/06PQgj_K8dI LSB 406: To Jordan Came the Christ, Our Lord
BWV 93 – Wer nur den lieben Gott läßt walten (1724) Fifth Sunday after Trinity youtu.be/in5XDlJnrB8 LSB 750: If Thou but Trust in God to Guide Thee Organ: BWV 642
BWV 9 – Es ist das Heil uns kommen her (1732-5) Sixth Sunday after Trinity youtu.be/zq1IAR_J0NI LSB 555: Salvation to Us Has Come Organ: BWV 638
BWV 94 – Was frag ich nach der Welt (1724) Ninth Sunday after Trinity youtu.be/UmtTuCgUeT4 LSB 730: What is the World to Me
BWV 99 – Was Gott tut, das ist wohlgetan (1724) Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity youtu.be/TwmQo97zb6I LSB 760: What God Ordains Is Always Good
BWV 96 – Herr Christ, der einge Gottessohn (1724) Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity youtu.be/ojRmbYXKXtc LSB 402: The Only Son from Heaven Organ: BWV 601
BWV 180 – Schmucke dich Twentieth Sunday after Trinity youtu.be/CfmPmuirwkA LSB 636: Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness
BWV 8 – Aus Tiefer Not schrei ich zu dir (1724) Twenty-First Sunday after Trinity youtu.be/CvJDnR-bELM LSB 607: From Depths of Woe I Cry to You
BWV 61 – Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland (Weimar 1714) youtu.be/MzWJsRjanC4 BWV 62 – Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland (1724) youtu.be/lGv4I7bd8JY First Sunday of Advent LSB 332: Savior of the Nations, Come Organ: BWV 599
No concerted music (i.e. with instruments) after the First Sunday of Advent until Christmas Day
BWV 91 – Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ (1724) Christmas Day youtu.be/SJa716LSba4 LSB 382: We Praise You, Jesus, at Your Birth Organ: LWV 604
BWV 125 – Mit Fried und Freud ich fahr dahin (1725) Purification (German Nunc Dimittis) youtu.be/2on7CBhCkQs LSB 938: In Peace and Joy, I Now Depart Organ: BWV 616
BWV 126 – Erhalt uns, Herr, bei deinem Wort (1725) Sexagesima (60 days before Easter) youtu.be/xSaY0fX8LiA LSB 555: Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word
BWV 127 – Herr Jesu Christ, wahr Mensch und Gott (1725) Estomihi or Quinquagesima (50 Days before Easter = last Sunday before Lent) youtu.be/Fm-0GjrmDmo Quotes „Christe, du Lamm Gottes“ (German « Agnus Dei ») Organ: BWV 619
No concerted music during Lent
BWV 1 – Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern (March 25, 1725) Annunciation (first piece after Lent since Annunciation coincided with Palm Sunday) youtu.be/ZnXMV4JcEnc LSB 395 O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright
St John Passion (2nd version) with chorale movements bracketing the whole work and some changes in arias. Good Friday (1725) youtu.be/nBhALSvlujU
BWV 4 – Christ lag in Todesbanden (1707?) Easter (Reprise in Leipzig 1725) youtu.be/IDMYl0YjCn0 LSB 458: Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands Organ: BWV 625
It's Bach Week on The Coffee Hour! Today, Matthew Gerhardt, Kantor-elect at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Des Peres, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to unpack J.S. Bach's Orgelbuechlein, or "Little Organ Book." Learn about what this book of chorale hymn preludes contains, why Bach wrote it, and the familiar tunes you've probably heard before! Find links to all of the preludes mentioned in the following show notes:
Chorale Preludes:
Nun komm der Heiden Heiland – Savior of the Nations, Come (BWV 599) youtu.be/salGeFPnWqg
Vom Himmel kam der Engel Schar – From heaven came the angel host (BWV 607) youtu.be/j6Veb0x64Zs
In Dir ist Freude – In Thee is gladness (BWV 615) youtu.be/DYVuDhYv2mg
O Mensch, bewein dein Suende gross – O man, lament your great sin (BWV 622) youtu.be/M6dzcwHmviw
Christ lag in Todesbanden – Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands (BWV 625) youtu.be/boJGXpiacPQ
Komm, Gott Schoepfer, Heiliger Geist – Come, Holy Ghost, Creator Blest (BWV 631) youtu.be/akyi6ic1OXY
Ich ruf zu Dir, Herr Jesu Christ – I call to You, Lord Jesus Christ (BWV 639) youtu.be/0BEFYRDzdis
Wer nur den lieben Gott laesst walten – If thou but trust in God to guide thee (BWV 642) youtu.be/8gpb4zsXjZA?t=7
Listen to the Orgelbuechlein in its entirety here: youtu.be/hj9bBm6JZ3w
It's Bach Week on The Coffee Hour! Today, Dr. Martin Dicke, who serves the Lord as a missionary in Papua New Guinea, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his experiences with Bach growing up on the mission field in Papua New Guinea, the role of Bach in his studies and formation as a church musician, the influence of Bach in the cultures where he has served, and how the Lord has used the work of J.S. Bach for His purposes in the Church around the world. Learn more about Dr. Dicke's work at lcms.org/dicke and find the presentations mentioned in this conversation at lutheranchinese.org/lutheran-hymnody.
It's Bach Week on The Coffee Hour! Today, Benjamin Kolodziej — member of Faith Lutheran Church in Plano, TX, highly active church organist and composer, and contributor to the Lutheran Service Book Hymnal Companion, joins Sarah to talk about how congregational singing was a priority of J.S. Bach, how he was different from other composers of his time, how he viewed the relationship of work as a musician to the ministry of the Word, where we find Bach's hymnody today, and the similarities between our Lutheran services and the Lutheran services of Bach's time.
It's Bach Week on The Coffee Hour! Today, Chaplain Brian Hamer, Chaplain in the US Marine Corps, joins Sarah to talk about J.S. Bach's original contract in Leipzig in 1723, the differences between popular music and high art music, how these music forms differ from sacred music, how Bach's music fits into these music forms, what sets Bach's music apart from all other music, and how Bach ultimately fulfilled his contract "not to make an operatic impression." Read Chaplain Hamer's article on this topic titled “Not to Make an Operatic Impression, Pathways to and from Sacred Music 1723-2006” in the Eastertide 2021 issue of Logia, which you can find at logia.org.
Karen Ludwig, Director of MyLife Medical and Resource Center in High Ridge, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the needs of the people MyLife serves, how great the need is for compassionate care for women with unexpected pregnancies, the difference ultrasounds make for expecting parents, and how MyLife is able to generously serve neighbors with these free resources. Learn more about MyLife Medical and Resource Center at mylifemrc.com or call (636) 495-6566.
Learn more about the upcoming banquet at jcpcc.com and request information by calling (636) 495-6566.
Rev. Michael Meyer, Director of Disaster Training with LCMS Disaster Response, joins Andy to talk about the latest updates from LCMS Disaster Response, how Christ is shared with those dealing with disasters, the new LERT website and what visitors will find, and the upcoming disaster trainings. Learn more and disaster response and trainings at lcms-lert.org.
Rev. Dr. Walter and Robyn Steele, who serve the Lord in Kenya with the LCMS Office of International Mission, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the students and community at Matongo Lutheran Theological College, what they are called to do in Kenya, what they've learned about the culture in their community, and how the Lord has provided for them over the last year and a half. Read their story and how to support their work at lcms.org/steele. For more information, email them at Walter.steele@lcms.org.
Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why we should do both devotions and attend corporate worship, what to look for in devotional material, and how to pick out if the devotional material is worthy of your time. Find the Treasury of Daily Prayer at cph.org/treasury or find the PrayNow App in your Apple or Google Play app store. This is a rebroadcast from August 29, 2019.
Deaconess Sarah Longmire, Early Childhood Center and Children’s Ministry Director at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Chesterfield, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the ministry of Lord of Life Lutheran Church, how Lord of Life serves the community of Chesterfield, the unique opportunities they are able to provide because of their location in the community, and what you'll hear on Sunday mornings on KFUO Radio from Lord of Life. Hear Lord of Life broadcast Sunday morning services from June - August at 10:30 a.m. CT. Learn more about Lord of Life at lordoflifelcms.org, and find the full Sunday morning worship schedule at kfuo.org/weekend-worship-information.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about industry and purpose, industry versus inferiority, identity and vocation, and finding our identity and purpose in Christ.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
This is a rebroadcast from November 9, 2020.
Rev. Dr. Jason Lane, Associate Professor of Theology at Concordia University Wisconsin, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the doctrine of the Church, what we confess about the Church in our Lutheran Confessions, where our confidence lies when confessing the one Holy Christian Church, and how we confess this in our daily vocations. Read Dr. Lane's article "I Believe in One Holy Christian Church: The doctrine of the Church" in the June/July 2021 issue of The Lutheran Witness and at witness.lcms.org/2021/i-believe-in-one-holy-christian-church-the-doctrine-of-the-church. Listen to the article on the LW Podcast!
Deaconess Danelle Putnam, who serves the Lord in the Dominican Republic with the LCMS Office of International Mission, and her husband Rev. Carlos Schumann, who serves with Luther Academy in Latin America, join Andy and Sarah to talk about what life is like on the mission field in Latin America, the work that Danelle is called to do in the Dominican Republic, and how Luther Academy supports pastors and congregations in Latin America. Learn more about Danelle and how to support her work at lcms.org/putnam. Learn more about the work of Luther Academy at lutheracademy.com.
Rev. Dr. John Bombaro, Serving the Lord in Latvia as Associate Director for Eurasia Region with the LCMS Office of International Mission, joins Andy to talk about the community where he serves, the history of the local Latvian Lutheran church, the theological education that is happening in this region, and how he and the other workers in the field have moved through the challenges of the last year. Learn more about his story and how to support his work at lcms.org/bombaro, and request information from Dr. Bombaro at john.bombaro@lcms.org. Learn more about the Eurasia region at international.lcms.org/eurasia.
Stephen Blank, Science Teacher and Head Varsity Swimming Coach at Faith Lutheran High School in Las Vegas, Nevada, joins Andy to talk about the role of athletics in the lives of high school students, what's important for developing young student athletes, and what it's like to see one of his former students, Bowe Becker, competing for Team USA in the 2021 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
Then, Bowe Becker joins Andy to talk about what training has looked like over the last year, who has supported him in his athletic career, and what it's like to be named to the 2021 USA Swimming Olympic Team. Follow USA Swimming on Twitter @USASwimming and read about Bowe punching his ticket to Tokyo at gophersports.com/news/2021/6/20/swimming-diving-becker-punches-ticket-to-tokyo-at-wave-ii-of-olympic-trials.aspx.
Bowe Becker (photo: Mike Lewis)
Image Credit: Mike Lewis/USA Swimming.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how labeling personality types can be helpful, how this labeling can be limiting, and what contentment in Christ looks like. Read about being a "contentrovert" at medishare.com/blog/on-being-a-contentrovert.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
This is a rebroadcast from May 4, 2020.
Phillip Magness, Sacred Music Educator serving the Lord in French-speaking West and Central Africa with the LCMS Office of International Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his work in Francophone Africa, how the pandemic has affected his ministry there, and the music that he teaches to the congregations there. Hear some selections of music and how these pieces have influenced both his work and the church in Francophone Africa. Join Phillip's missionary group on Facebook for all updates and newsletters at facebook.com/groups/MagnessAfrica. Read his story and how to support his work at https://www.lcms.org/magness.
This is a rebroadcast from April 7, 2021.
Music selection notes:
« O Christ, Étoile du matin » "O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright" Permission for use granted by the Comité liturgique francophone of the Lutheran Church-Canada.
« Notre Père » A live recording of the Lord's Prayer from the Divine Service at Paroisse Wittenberg in Pointe-Noire, Congo. Copyright, Église Évangelique Luthérienne au Congo, used with permission from Pastor Joseph Mboungou.
« Comment, céleste maître » "O Lord, How Shall I Meet You?" Permission for use granted by the Comité liturgique francophone of the Lutheran Church-Canada.
« Le Premier Commandement » The First Commandment Copyright 2020, Phillip Magness, Used by permission.
Benjamin Kolodziej, member of Faith Lutheran Church in Plano, TX, highly active church organist and composer, and contributor to the Lutheran Service Book Hymnal Companion, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about three upcoming hymns in the Three Year Lectionary for Series A, Propers 14-16: Lutheran Service Book 717, 615, and 645. Learn more about the LSB Hymnal Companion and find your copy at music.cph.org/lutheran-service-book-companion-to-the-hymns.
This is a rebroadcast from August 5, 2020.
Rev. Dr. Gerald Paul, who serves the Lord with the LCMS Office of International Mission in the Cayman Islands, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what life is like in the Cayman Islands, how he serves the community and people there, the challenges the community has faced, and how the Lord has provided for their needs. Learn more about Rev. Paul and his wife, Heidi, and how to support their work at lcms.org/gerald.paul.
Chaplain Eric Malmstrom— US Navy, retired, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his path to becoming a Chaplain in the Armed Forces, the stories of difficult and rewarding times in the service, and how we can support our military veterans. Read more about his story at blogs.lcms.org/2020/christ-on-the-front-lines-remembering-the-fallen and view photos of his retirement ceremony at facebook.com/MinistryArmedForces.LCMS/posts/3373535976048896.
Learn more about LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces and becoming a chaplain at lcms.org/armedforces.
This is a rebroadcast from November 10, 2020.
Dr. John Eckrich, Founder of Grace Place Wellness, fills in for Deaconess Heidi Goehmann on this episode of Mental Health Monday to talk about the relationship between physical activity and mental health, including correlation between the two, benefits of physical movement on mental wellbeing, and ways to incorporate physical movement into daily living. Learn more about Grace Place Wellness at graceplacewellness.org.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
This is a rebroadcast from June 1, 2020.
Erika Bennett — Director of Continuing Education at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, and Dale Ward — Senior Media Producer at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the Short Film Competition that is part of the 2022 Faith and Film Festival at the Seminary, including why this competition is part of the festival, what the theme of the competition is, how participants can enter, and the judging process for the films. Learn more about the Faith and Film Festival at csl.edu/resources/continuing-education/faith-and-film-festival and enter your short film at filmfreeway.com/FaithandFilmFestival.
Burnell Hackman, Director of Music Ministry at Peace Lutheran Church in St. Louis, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Family Friendly Concert Series happening in July at Peace Lutheran, including the musicians and styles of music attendees will hear, why events like this are valuable, and how families can prepare to attend these concerts. Learn more at peacestlmusic.org.
Family Friendly Concerts | Thursdays in July from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Thursday, July 1 - Metropolitan Brass Quintet: The Metropolitan Brass Quintet presents a lively program of patriotic music, anthems, fanfares, and marches, including John Philip Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever”, as well as a demonstration of the early use of brass instruments for signal calls, various processionals, and ceremonies.
Thursday, July 8 - Second Nature Horns: The Second Nature Horns with local legend Charles Glenn on vocals will perform favorite jazz tunes and tell about the composers and jazz genre.
Thursday, July 15 - The Perfect Fifth Woodwind Quintet - Peter and the Wolf: This popular musical fairy tale with narration introduces us to instruments of the woodwind quintet. Find out what happens when young Peter encounters a big dangerous gray wolf in the nearby meadow. See how Peter and his animal friends bring this captivating story to a happy ending.
Thursday, July 22 - The Story Book Quartet - The Bremen Town Musicians: Music and storytelling combine in this entertaining program emphasizing teamwork. Popular storyteller Vicky Smolik narrates the classic Brothers’ Grimm folk tale. Just like the four animal friends in this story, listeners learn the importance of cooperation.
Thursday, July 29 - The Abbey Road Warriors: The ARW plays music of the Beatles with passion and love.
Debbie Larson, President of the LWML, joins Andy and Sarah to review the LWML 2021 National Convention in Lexington, Kentucky, including what convention delegates learned from Scripture about the theme “Running the Race, Looking to Jesus,” what the LWML aims to accomplish at convention every two years, and some of highlights from the mission grants that were approved this year. Learn more about the work of the LWML and the current mission grants at lwml.org.
Deaconess Caitlin and Seminarian Jeancarlos Ramírez, serving the Lord with the LCMS Office of International Mission in the Dominican Republic, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how Caitlin serves on the field with deaconess formation and caring for underserved, what seminary education looks like for Jeancarlos, and how they are preparing to serve in the future in Latin America. Learn more about their story and how to support their work at lcms.org/ramirez.
Deaconess Dorothy Krans, Director of LCMS Recognized Service Organizations, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how service organizations have been a part of extending the church’s mission throughout history, how organizations work in harmony with the LCMS and her mission today, and the benefits of being an RSO of the Synod. Read her article “Extending the Mission: Recognized Service Organizations of the LCMS” in the June/July issue of The Lutheran Witness. Find the LCMS RSO directory at lcms.org/rso.
Kara Warme, American Heritage Girls Troop Coordinator for Troop IA2016 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ames, Iowa, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how she first discovered American Heritage Girls, how the troop began at St. Paul Lutheran Church, how the AHG Troop has been helpful to the girls who are members, and what she has learned in her time coordinating the troop. Learn more about AHG and how to find or start a troop in your area at americanheritagegirls.org.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about resilience, hope, and working through our struggles together as the body of Christ.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Dr. Daniel Harmelink, Executive Director of Concordia Historical Institute, joins Andy and Sarah live from the LWML National Convention in Lexington, Kentucky, to talk about the 491st commemoration of the Presentation of the Augsburg Confession, including the historical context of when the presentation happened, why the Augsburg Confession is so important in our Lutheran history, and what you will learn when you read it! Read through the Augsburg Confession and the rest of the Book of Concord at bookofconcord.org/augsburg-confession or find a copy at cph.org/p-22525-The-Augsburg-Confession-Concordia-Readers-Edition.aspx.
Cathy Stanish and Elise Zeigler from Selah Textiles in St. Louis, Missouri, join Andy and Sarah live from the LWML National Convention in Lexington, Kentucky, to talk about how Selah Textiles got its start, how this social entrepreneurship serves other people, and what they've learned while creating this enterprise. Learn more and browse their store at selahtextiles.org.
Rev. James Krikava, serving the Lord with the LCMS Office of International Mission as regional director for the Eurasia region, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the geographical area of the Eurasia region, the theological education going on in different parts of this region, the challenges faced by some in this region, and how the Lord has blessed His church over the last year. Read the Krikava family's story and how to support their work at lcms.org/krikava and learn more about the work being done in the Eurasia region at international.lcms.org/eurasia.
NADCE Board Members Thad Warren, Shelli Haynes, and Emily Phoenix join Andy and Sarah to talk about where Directors of Christian Education serve today, the process of DCE formation, and how DCEs serve with pastors and other church workers.
Dr. Bill Karpenko — Director of Christian Education, Emeritus, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what a Director of Christian Education is, the history of the DCE position, how the first DCEs served in their congregations, and how this office has developed into the Commissioned Minister status in the LCMS.
Sara Correnti, MS, RD, LD — Manager of Health & Welfare – Member Wellness Products with Concordia Plan Services, Dr. Jeff Stanley — Medical Director of Virta, and Bonnie Parker — LCMS Employee and Virta Client, join Andy and Sarah to talk about what is significant about Type 2 Diabetes, the correlation between obesity and Type 2 Diabetes, challenges faced when adressing obesity and Type 2 Diabetes, and how accountability and personal support are crucial in making lifestyle changes. Bonnie shares her story of how Virta helped her reverse her Type 2 Diabetes, and we discuss how Virta can be an important tool in the toolbox of a person with diabetes. Learn more about diabetes solutions from Concordia Plans at concordiaplans.org/members/my-wellness-benefits/diabetes-solutions and about Virta at virtahealth.com/concordia.
Chara Sype, preschool teacher in Lincoln, Nebraska, and Chelsea Irwin, who serves the Lord in the Czech Republic, join Sarah to talk about the Missions Unpacked for Kids program available this summer through the LCMS Office of International Mission, including what kids will learn about during this program, why it's important for kids to learn about mission service around the globe, and how families and schools can participate. Learn more about the regions kids will explore and register for the program at international.lcms.org/missions-unpacked.
Carla Elenz, Zone President of the LWML Land of Lakes Zone in Michigan, and who is cycling from Gaylord, Michigan to the LWML Convention in Lexington, Kentucky, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about her long history of cycling (including biking across America), preparations for a long cycling trip, what inspired her to make this 550-mile journey, and what she hopes to accomplish with this ride. Read more of her story at lwml.org/posts/news/enews-336#3 and find Miles for Mites on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/milesformites.
Rev. Mark Rabe, who serves the Lord in Ethiopia as a theological educator at Mekane Yesus Seminary in Addis Ababa, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the community at the seminary and in Addis Ababa, the seminary students and education available in Ethiopia, the struggles they have weathered over the last year, and how the Lord has provided for them through these challenges. Read his family's story and how to support their work at lcms.org/rabe.
Rev. Dr. Travis Scholl, managing editor of the Concordia Journal, joins Andy and Sarah to share his story as a writer, how creative writing really encompasses more than we may think, what the intersection of faith and writing means, and the format for this year's Faith & Writing Workshop at Concordia Seminary St. Louis. Learn more and register at csl.edu/resources/continuing-education/faith-writing-workshop.
Faith and Writing Workshop
Concordia Seminary’s Faith and Writing Workshop explores various forms of creative writing — starting a blog, creating a sermon or devotion, “traditional” forms of creative writing (story, nonfiction, drama, poetry) — and everything in between. Attention will be given to social media and new forms of expression, with ample time provided for creative exercises.
July 20-22, 2021 | 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CDT Registration: $175 (Seminary students $75 per person) Registration deadline: July 7, 2021
Rev. Edgar Keinath — Director of CrossLife Ministries, the counseling ministry of Ambassadors of Reconciliation, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how the culture of our nation has impacted the life of the Church, how difficult things like the COVID-19 pandemic affect how we relate to our brothers and sisters in Christ, how the pandemic has affected our identity, and how we move toward resolve. Learn about the Ambassadors of Reconciliation webinars on these topics at aorhope.org/webinars.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday."
Rev. Dr. Mark Wood, Director Witness and Outreach & Revitalization with the LCMS Office of National Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his book Connected to Christ: Witnessing in Everyday Life available from Concordia Publishing House, including defining the terms "evangelist" and "witness," who is called to be a witness, some misconceptions about witnessing, and how witnessing is about sharing Jesus' love with those around us in our lives. Find Connected to Christ: Witnessing in Everyday Life at cph.org/p-34258-connected-to-christ-witnessing-in-everyday-life.aspx.
Rev. Eric Moffett, Associate Pastor of Foothills Lutheran Church in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and Speaker for the Lutheran Church–Canada National Youth Gathering in 2022, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the theme "In not Of" from Philippians 3:20, how this Gathering serves the youth of the Lutheran Church–Canada, what the youth will be doing during their time at the gathering in Winnipeg, and the people behind the scenes who make this event possible. Learn more about the LCC NYG July 15-19, 2022, at lccnyg.ca and Lutheran Church–Canada at lutheranchurchcanada.ca.
Rev. Kyle Castens, Pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Festus, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the history of Grace Day Jefferson County, how this event serves the surrounding community, the services that are provided, and how this event fits into how Immanuel and the churches in Jefferson County serve the community throughout the year. Learn more at ilcfestus.org.
The Rev. Matthew Wood, serving the Lord in Indonesia with the Indonesian Christian Lutheran Church (GKLI), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the community where he serves on the island of Sumatra in Indonesia, how the GKLI serves the people of Indonesia, the challenges they've faced in the last year, and how the Lord has provided through trying times. Learn more about Rev. Wood and and how to support his work at lcms.org/wood.
Brett McCracken, senior editor for the Gospel Coalition and the author of Uncomfortable; Hipster Christianity; Gray Matters; and The Wisdom Pyramid, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about our current cultural state of information gluttony, what happens when we constant distraction and input in our lives, where true wisdom comes from, and how the Wisdom Pyramid can inform how we navigate the information we choose to consume. Find Brett McCracken's content at brettmccracken.com and The Wisdom Pyramid at brettmccracken.com/the-wisdom-pyramid.
Dr. Beverly Yahnke, Executive Director for Spiritual Counsel with DOXOLOGY, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about developing a plan for self-care, including what we mean by self-care, why we need a plan, how we begin developing this plan, things that are important to consider, and how we ensure we make use of this plan. Learn more about DOXOLOGY, including Take Heart Retreats for pastors, at doxology.us.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday."
Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the June/July 2021 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty" about this phrase of the Second Article of the Apostles' Creed. Follow along and search the Scriptures and Apostles' Creed with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Peter Slayton, Social Media Manager for the LCMS, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how context collapse affects how we interact with each other on social media, what scripture says about how we talk about hot topics (like abortion), and what it means to behave like a Christian online while still speaking the truth.
This is a rebroadcast from May 23, 2019.
1 Peter 3:13-17 ESV
13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org
The Rev. Jerry Lawson, who serves the Lord in Russia as a theological educator, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the community where he serves in St. Petersburg, stories of learning cultural nuances, the focus of his service here, and how the Lord has provided for his service during his time there. Read his family's story and how to support their work at lcms.org/lawson, and also follow the Lawsons on Facebook at facebook.com/LawsontoRussia.
Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why we should do both devotions and attend corporate worship, what to look for in devotional material, and how to pick out if the devotional material is worthy of your time. Find the Treasury of Daily Prayer at cph.org/treasury or find the PrayNow App in your Apple or Google Play app store.
This is a rebroadcast from August 29, 2019.
Rev. Merritt Demski, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Waterloo, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about a few hymns common during the "Green Season," or the season after Pentecost or Trinity. These hymns are: LSB 708 "Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart," LSB 722 "Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me," and LSB 729 "I Am Trusting Thee, Lord Jesus."
This is a rebroadcast from August 27, 2019.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the relationship between fear and mystery, distinctions to make between fear, anxiety, and worry, and how we can know to ask for help with our fear.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com. This is a rebroadcast from January 27, 2020.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the ways we deal with emotions (both good and bad coping mechanisms), practical tips for faithfully dealing with emotions, and why this even matters in our relationships.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com. This is a rebroadcast from October 21, 2019.
Rev. Dr. Matthew Heise, Executive Director of Lutheran Heritage Foundation joins Andy and Pastor Cleland to share an update on the work of LHF and partners around the globe, including the state's case filed against Bishop-elect Juhana Pohjola of the Finnish Mission Diocese, Dr. Heise's book on the persecution of Lutherans in the USSR, a new translation of Luther's Small Catechism in the Zou language, and more projects in progress. You can visit lhfmissions.org to read about the ways LHF is providing Gospel resources in many languages.
Kelly Schumacher, liturgical artist of Agnus Dei Liturgical Arts, joins Andy to discuss the joys of learning watercolor painting and announces upcoming classes in the St. Louis area. You may request more information at AgnusDeiArts.com.
Lee Hinton, MSgt, USAF (Ret), Assistant to the Director, LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces joins Andy to discuss how chaplains made a difference for her during her deployment and announces the Adopt-a-Chap program for LCMS congregations. Learn more at lcms.org/adopt-a-chap. You may also email chaps@lcms.org or call Lee at 314-996-1337.
The Rev. Dr. James Marriott, Director of Music Arts and Dean of Chapel, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis joins Andy to discuss the June 2021 Carillon Concert Series and the uniqueness of the carillon as a musical instrument. Learn more about the Carillon Concert Series at the CSL website: https://www.csl.edu/campus-life/music-arts/concordia-seminary-concert-series/.
Kay Meyer, President, Family Shield Ministries joins Andy to share ideas for building up your family and lifting up your neighbor in prayer while taking the family on an outdoor prayer walk. More tips and resources are available at the FSM website: https://familyshieldministries.com/family-prayer-walk/
Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Kloha, Chief Curatorial Officer for Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C, joins Andy to discuss the upcoming Magna Carta exhibit. Dr. Kloha shares the importance of this historical document for Western nations today and its relationship to the Bible and the English Church. Learn more about the exhibit at the Museum of the Bible by visiting their website: https://www.museumofthebible.org/exhibits/magna-carta.
Dr. Daniel Deen, Professor of Philosophy and Program Director of Crosswise, Concordia University Irvine and Dr. Joel Oesch, Director of Graduate Programs in Theology at Christ College and Executive Director of Crosswise, Concordia University Irvine join Andy to discuss the upcoming Crosswise Summer Weekend for high school students. Why is dialogue on contemporary issues important for young Christians today? Crosswise engages students in dialogue about complex issues to equip them for critical thinking and faithful witness. Learn more about Crosswise at Concordia University Irvine on their website at cui.edu/crosswise.
The Rev. Jeff Pflug of Faith Lutheran Church in Madison, Indiana, joins Andy to share a personal story about overcoming stigma and facing mental illness with dignity to find the healthiest outcome. Resources mentioned in this episode include community education from NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health First Aid.
The Rev. Dr. Joel Elowsky, professor of Historical Theology and coordinator of International Seminary Exchange Programs at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, joins Andy and Pastor Cleland to talk about the church's commemoration of Constantine the emperor and Helena, mother of Constantine.
Rev. Sean Daenzer, LCMS Director of Worship and Chaplain for the LCMS International Center, joins Andy and Pastor Cleland to talk about the history of the day of Pentecost. We look at the origins in the biblical Feast of Weeks and the Church's observance of Pentecost today.
Dr. Danny Faulkner— Researcher, author, and speaker for Answers in Genesis and Hannah Klein, coordinator for the Gateway Creation Conference, join Andy to talk about topics to be covered at the upcoming Gateway Creation Conference. Topics include design astronomy, the light travel time problem, the Galileo affair, and flat Earth. Hear these presentations and more at the upcoming Gateway Creation Conference, June 25-26. at The Rock Church of St. Louis’s Ballwin campus. Learn more and register at creationconf.com.
Rehema Kavugha, Synod Relations Manager for Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the upcoming "Growing in Christ" webinars offering support to church workers and volunteers who have labored exhaustively during the pandemic. You can request an invitation to the webinars online: lcef.org/webinars
Rev. Dr. Wilhelm Weber, Managing Director of the International Lutheran Society of Wittenberg, joins Andy and Sarah to share an update on the the Old Latin School in Wittenberg, how the community of Wittenberg has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and opportunities to visit the Old Latin School. Learn more about the Old Latin School and how you can visit at oldlatinschool.org.
Rev. Dr. Richard Marrs, Associate Professor of Practical Theology and Director of the M.Div. and Residential Alternate Route (RAR) Programs at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what God says about emotions, why we have emotions, and what role emotions play in our well-being, decision making, and faith. Find his book Making Christian Counseling More Christ Centered from WestBow Press at amazon.com and westbowpress.com.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday."
Brianne E. Gerzevske, Assistant Executive Director with LCMS Mission Advancement, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what Mission Advancement does for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, how the work of the LCMS is funded, and the exciting dollar-for-dollar matching opportunities that are available to further our mission at nationally and internationally. Find these opportunities and how you can give at lcms.org/matchinggifts.
Seth Hinz, Director of brand, marketing and creative at Pathfinder Church and St. John School in Ellisville, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why we use social media, how we navigate conversations and interactions even when they make us frustrated, what's important to consider when we want to share the Gospel on social media, and how to build relationships to have better interactions in the long run. Read his article "Sharing the Gospel on Social Media" in the May 2021 issue of The Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org/2021/two-views-on-technology-and-faith-part-2-sharing-the-gospel-on-social-media.
Rev. Sean Daenzer, LCMS Director of Worship and Chaplain for the LCMS International Center, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why Jesus' ascension into heaven is historically important, what it means for us, and how the church has celebrated this feast through the ages. This is a rebroadcast from May 21, 2020.
Stephanie DiDonato, marketing content specialist at Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the CPH Reads Summer Reading Program, the benefits of a summer reading program, who can participate (hint: everyone!), what books are eligible, and how the program works, including points and prizes. Learn more and register at read.cph.org. The program begins June 1, 2021!
Rev. Dr. Geoffrey Boyle, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church and Grace Lutheran Church in Wichita, Kansas, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why we read the Church Fathers, how we regard their writings, and where we find our Lutheran theology in these writings from Church Fathers. He also gives us an exemplary summer reading list:
Polycarp of Smyrna, Epistle to the Philippians, Martyrdom (d. 155) Ignatius of Antioch, Letters to the Churches, Martyrdom (d. 108/140) Epistle of Barnabas (70-132) Justin Martyr, First Apology (100-165) Irenaeus, Apostolic Preaching (130-202) Melito of Sardis, On Pascha (d.180) Hippolytus, Apostolic Tradition (170-235) Cyprian of Carthage, Unity of the Catholic Church (210-258) Athanasius, On the Incarnation (296-373) Cyril of Jerusalem, Lectures on the Sacraments (313-386) John Chrysostom, Marriage & Family Life (347-407) Augustine, Confessions, On Christian Teaching, Enchiridion (354-430) Cyril of Alexandria, Unity of Christ (376-444) Leo the Great, Sermons (beginning at XXI, especially 73-74) (400-461) Gregory the Great, Pastoral Rule (540-604)
You can find many of these writings for free at ccel.org/fathers, and you can also purchase several of them in the Popular Patristics series from St. Vladimir Press at svspress.com. Share your progress with us on social media! Find us @KFUOradio on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Find the Lutheran Witness online articles referenced in this episode at witness.lcms.org/author/geoff-boyle.
Megan Miessler, DCE, LCSW — Executive Director of Lutheran Counseling Services (LCSFL) in Winter Park, Florida — joins Andy to talk about how everyone has mental health, how we can acknowledge our need to care about our mental health, some common myths about mental health, and how we can help care for our neighbor's mental health as well as our own. Learn more about LCSFL at lcsfl.com and find mental health resources at nami.org.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday."
Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the May 2021 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead," about this phrase of the Second Article of the Apostles' Creed. Follow along and search the Scriptures and Apostles' Creed with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Dr. Rebecca Schmidt, Director of LCMS School Ministry, joins Andy and Sarah during Teacher Appreciation Week to talk about how Lutheran schools have adapted and persisted through the challenges of the past year, some benefits that we may see from working through challenges, and how we can show appreciation for our teachers this year. Learn more about LCMS School Ministry at lcms.org/schools.
Rev. Micah Glenn, Director of Recruitment at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how pastoral and diaconal formation begins for many students, how high school years are a good time to explore the ideas of serving as a pastor or deaconess, and how Vocatio helps students discern their future vocations. Learn more and register at csl.edu/vocatio.
Dr. Joel Elowsky, professor of Historical Theology and coordinator of International Seminary Exchange Programs at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the life and legacy of St. Athanasius of Alexandria, including what we know of his early life, what has going on in church history at his time (294-373), his role in this history, his conflicts with Arius and Arianism, and how he helped shape the church confessions and creeds we have today. Find "On the Incarnation" by Athanasius at svspress.com/on-the-incarnation-english-only.
Dr. Cameron MacKenzie, The Forest E. and Frances H. Ellis Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the life and legacy of Friedrich Wyneken — the second president of the LCMS, including what we know about his early years, how God used his abilities to be a missionary to America in the mid-1800s, how he worked together with others to found The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, and where we see his legacy today. Read more about Wyneken at Concordia Historical Institute's archives concordiahistoricalinstitute.org/presidents/president-wyneken.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about her new book "Finding Hope: From Brokenness to Restoration" available from Concordia Publishing House, including how we all experience brokenness, why it's helpful to identify types of brokenness, how brokenness affects our relationships, and where we find Jesus in the midst of our brokenness. Find this wonderful new book at cph.org/findinghope.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Michael Meyer, Manager of Training with LCMS World Relief and Human Care Disaster Response, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the disasters in the last year that may have been overlooked because of the pandemic, the needs of those affected by these disasters, how Disaster Response has been able to meet those needs, the training that has started up again, and how to get involved. Learn more about Lutheran Early Response Teams at LCMS-lert.org and about LCMS Disaster Response at lcms.org/disaster.
Find information on the DOXOLOGY Take Heart retreats for pastors at doxology.us.
Deaconess Kim Trombley — New Executive Director of The Shepherd’s Hand Community Outreach Center, and Deaconess Rachel Jaseph — Founding Executive Director of The Shepherd's Hand, join Andy to talk about the needs of the community where The Shepherd's Hand is located, how they are meeting those needs, how partnerships are important to the work of The Shepherd's Hand, and the passing of the baton from Deaconess Rachel to Deaconess Kim as Rachel moves on to her and her husband's call to the mission field. Learn more about Shepherd's Hand and the upcoming support events at shepherdshandfw.org/upcoming-events.
David Vandercar, Executive Director of Lakeview Ministries in Seymour, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the benefit of summer camp for kids, the challenges Lakeview Ministries faced in 2020, the creative ways they were able to persist through the crisis, how they are approaching this summer with COVID precautions, and what opportunities are available for campers. Learn about all the exciting camp experiences at lakeview.camp. If you're not near Indiana but want to attend camp, check out Lutheran camps nationwide at nloma.org.
Sarah Pieper, Molly Baker, and DCE Sherry Bolosan, wives of Concordia Seminary St. Louis students, join Andy and Sarah to share about the current family life for them and their husbands, what life is like as a wife of a seminarian, the many transitions that seminary families go through, how the last year was different than the "normal," and what they're looking forward to in the next year. Find CSL Call Day information at csl.edu/callday. Find CTSFW Call Day information at callday.ctsfw.edu.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about making meaning gratefully, including what Biblical gratitude looks like in daily living, where we see the duality of hardship and gratitude in Scripture, the Jewish concept of Deyanu, and the many benefits of practicing daily gratitude. Read the CPH Blog article referenced at blog.cph.org/serve/gratitude-when-gratefulness-wont-come and listen to Heidi on the CPH Podcast at cph.buzzsprout.com/1176293/6363172-practicing-gratitude-with-heidi-goehmann.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Mark Kiessling, Director of LCMS Youth Ministry, and Julianna Shults, Manager of LCMS Youth Ministry, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the End Goals Podcast from LCMS Youth Ministry, how End Goals has grown since the first episode, the guests and topics covered on the podcast, and how End Goals meets the needs of parents, pastors, youth leaders, church workers, and others who care for youth. Find the End Goals Podcast at kfuo.org/endgoals.
Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison, President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, and Rev. Dr. Jon Vieker, Senior Assistant to the President of the LCMS, join Andy and Sarah to talk about why KFUO Radio is important to them, how often we should be receiving the Word of God, and the significance of our Lutheran confessions.
Watch this episode live at facebook.com/thelcms!
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, MSW — Deaconess, therapist, speaker, and author; Erin Bode — jazz recording artist; and Tanner Olson — poet, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the intersection of faith, art, and well-being, including how faith informs their art, how their art informs their faith, and how art plays a role in their wellness. Find Heidi at heidigoehmann.com, find Erin at erinbode.com, and find Tanner at writtentospeak.com.
If you are grateful for The Coffee Hour, consider supporting KFUO Radio with a gift today so that we can continue broadcasting the Gospel of Christ to listeners worldwide. Give now at kfuo.org/give or text KFUO to 41444.
Rev. Sean Daenzer, LCMS Director of Worship and Chaplain for the LCMS International Center, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why we have Daily Chapel at the International Center, what we believe about the power of the Word of God, why the church year matters in our lives, and the benefits of listening to KFUO Radio. Find the Daily Chapel schedule at kfuo.org/daily-chapel-schedule.
If you are grateful for The Coffee Hour, consider supporting KFUO Radio with a gift today so that we can continue broadcasting the Gospel of Christ to listeners worldwide. Give now at kfuo.org/give or text KFUO to 41444.
Rev. Sean Smith, host of Concord Matters on KFUO Radio and pastor of Immanuel-Campbell Hill and St. Paul-Wine Hill, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what a Call or Divine Call, what a pastor considers when a Call is extended, and the process through which churches and pastors go through during the deliberation process. This is a rebroadcast from November 12, 2019.
David Vandercar, co-coordinator for the Men’s Gathering, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what's unique about a men's gathering, what's happened at past gatherings, the topic of study at this year's gathering, and the full fantastic lineup for this year. Learn more and register at mensgathering.us.
Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Pulse — Professor of Exegetical Theology, Director of Certification and Placement, and Director of Continuing Education at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why Call Day is a special day at CTSFW, the formation process that happens during a seminarian's time at the Seminary, the process for Calling candidates, and why this day is significant for congregations. Call Day at CTSFW is Tuesday, April 27, at 7:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. CT. Watch the livestream and find the listing of placements at callday.ctsfw.edu.
Rev. Dr. Glenn Nielsen — Professor of Practical Theology, Director of Placement, and Director of Vicarage and Deaconess Internships at Concordia Seminary in St Louis, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what makes Call Day a special day at CSL, the formation that happens during four years at the Seminary, how this Call is different from future Calls a pastor may receive, and how the day is significant for both candidates and congregations. Call Day service at CSL is Wednesday, April 28, at 7:00 p.m. CT. Watch the livestream and find the listing of placements at csl.edu/callday.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about making meaning thoughtfully, how integrity fits into our thoughts and emotions, and how our identity as a child of God gives us a base to process our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Brian Heller, Chaplain at Lutheran Senior Services in Laclede Groves, Missouri, and author of “Memory Matters” in the April 2021 issue of the Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how he has seen memorization of Scipture and hymns as a blessing to those in memory care units, how families can teach their children Scripture and hymnody, and why we should commit these things to memory. Read this article online at witness.lcms.org/2021/memory-matters.
Mary Schmidt, Manager of Development for KFUO Radio, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about this year's Sharathon event, the giving levels offered this year, and how to support KFUO Radio. We rely on listener support to continue sharing the Gospel of Christ Jesus to listeners worldwide! Join us for Sharathon 2021 on April 22-24 to partner with us in this work. Find all the details at kfuo.org/sharathon.
Call during Sharathon Worldwide: (800) 730-2727 St. Louis: (314) 821-0850
Text-to-Give Text KFUO to 41444 at any time. Receive a messageto complete your gift.
Visit kfuo.org/donate
Rev. Dr. Leopoldo Sanchez — Professor of Hispanic Ministries, professor of Systematic Theology, and director of the Center for Hispanic Studies at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri — joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the need for conversations and studies for church leaders in multiethnic topics, what Global South Christianity is, and how we can approach these conversations in order to learn and grow. Register for the 2021 Multiethnic Symposium at Concordia Seminary at csl.edu/resources/continuing-education/multiethnic-symposium.
Erika Bennett, Director of Continuing Education with Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the history of the Multiethnic Symposium at Concordia Seminary, the theme for this year's event, who will be presenting, and how people can participate from anywhere during this year's virtual event. Learn more and register at csl.edu/resources/continuing-education/multiethnic-symposium.
Rev. Craig G. Muehler, CAPT, CHC, USN, (Ret.), Director of LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about where LCMS Chaplains are serving today, the needs of those whom they serve, the challengles that chaplains have faced in the past year, and some stories of our chaplains in the field. Learn more about Chaplaincy and LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces at lcms.org/armedforces. Follow stories from the field at facebook.com/MinistryArmedForces.LCMS, instagram.com/lcmsmaf, and twitter.com/lcmsmaf.
Pastor James Cleland joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his new role doing production and on-air work at KFUO Radio, his background and journey to becoming a pastor, a few of his favorite things, and when you can hear him on air. Welcome, Pastor Cleland!
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about integrity versus despair, what it means to practice mindfulness in a Christian life, what it means to be mindful in God's creation and with His Word, and how to incorporate practices into your daily routines. Find the blog post "Four Ways to Draw Near in the New Year" at blog.cph.org/read/4-ways-to-draw-near-in-the-new-year and find Heidi's new book "Finding Hope" at books.cph.org/finding-hope.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the April 2021 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "Suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried," about this phrase of the Second Article of the Apostles' Creed. Follow along and search the Scriptures and Apostles' Creed with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Sue Nahmensen, CEO of the Lutheran Elementary School Association (LESA) in St Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how LESA serves our neighbors, the current needs that LESA strives to meet, the annual Cooking for Kids event, and how to participate this year. Learn more, register for the virtual events, and find the silent auction at lesastl.org/cooking-for-kids-2021.
Anna Spelbring, the 2021 LESA Student Christian Leader, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why her school, Zion Lutheran in Belleville, Illinois, is important to her; how her teachers and classmates encourage her, what she loves about school, what inspired her to start her own non-profit, and why it's important for her to serve her neighbors. Find her non-profit, Anna Bakes, at facebook.com/Anna-Bakes-for-World-Vision-113233590558047. Read the full press release about Anna and the LESA Student Christian Leader Award at lesastl.org/zion-lutheran-belleville-student-is-lesas-2021-lutheran-student-christian-leader.
Phillip Magness, Sacred Music Educator serving the Lord in French-speaking West and Central Africa with the LCMS Office of International Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his work in Francophone Africa, how the pandemic has affected his ministry there, and the music that he teaches to the congregations there. Hear some selections of music and how these pieces have influenced both his work and the church in Francophone Africa. Join Phillip's missionary group on Facebook for all updates and newsletters at facebook.com/groups/MagnessAfrica. Read his story and how to support his work at https://www.lcms.org/magness.
Music selection notes:
« O Christ, Étoile du matin » "O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright" Permission for use granted by the Comité liturgique francophone of the Lutheran Church-Canada.
« Notre Père » A live recording of the Lord's Prayer from the Divine Service at Paroisse Wittenberg in Pointe-Noire, Congo. Copyright, Église Évangelique Luthérienne au Congo, used with permission from Pastor Joseph Mboungou.
« Comment, céleste maître » "O Lord, How Shall I Meet You?" Permission for use granted by the Comité liturgique francophone of the Lutheran Church-Canada.
« Le Premier Commandement » The First Commandment Copyright 2020, Phillip Magness, Used by permission.
Deaconess Sandra Rhein, Sacred Music Educator in Asia for the LCMS Office of International Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Easter hymns! Learn about Lutheran Service Book 458 "Christ Jesus Lay in Death's Strong Bands," Lutheran Service Book 476 "Who Are You Who Walk in Sorrow," and Lutheran Service Book 466 "Christ is Arisen, Alleluia." Read Deaconess Rhein's story and how to support her work at lcms.org/rhein.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how labeling personality types can be helpful, how this labeling can be limiting, and what contentment in Christ looks like. Read about being a "contentrovert" at medishare.com/blog/on-being-a-contentrovert.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
This is a rebroadcast from May 4, 2020.
Phillip Magness, Cantor at Village Lutheran Church in Ladue, MO, and Sacred Music Educator for West and Central Africa with the LCMS Office of International Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Holy Week and Easter hymns from the Lutheran Service Book, including 617 (O Lord, we praise Thee), 454 (Sing, my tongue, the glorious battle), 467 (Awake, my heart, with gladness), and 486 (If Christ Had Not Been Raised). This is a rebroadcast from April 18, 2019.
Dr. Maurice Boyer, professor of music at Concordia University Chicago and director of the American Kantorei, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about J.S. Bach's St. John Passion, including his own experiences with this piece, the history and text of the piece, several of the theological nuances in the piece, and a few of the high points to listen for.
Find the full text here, for you to follow along as you listen: emmanuelmusic.org/notes_translations/translations_cantata/t_bwv245.htm
Reference the excepts mentioned in the episode here:
Opening chorus: youtube.com/watch?v=XUxyy8NJwkk Chiastic center: youtube.com/watch?v=cgFVVXD5_u8 Es ist vollbracht: youtube.com/watch?v=0pHLOU8Zqjk Ach, Herr, lass dein lieb Engelein: youtube.com/watch?v=vSHnf-QKUyY
View the full Passion YouTube from Collegium Vocale Ghent and Philippe Herreweghe, one of the greatest interpreters of Bach's music. This is the dress rehearsal from a performance that was to have taken place last Spring but was cancelled due to COVID. youtube.com/watch?v=w2LakofZAhw
Rev. Chris Hull— senior pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Tomball, Texas, and Lynea Sander— music director and organist at Zion Lutheran Church in Tomball, Texas, join Andy and Sarah to talk through the Easter Vigil service on Holy Saturday, including the history of this service, what the flow of the service is through the readings and liturgy, and what makes this service so unique in our church year.
Rev. Andrew Jones, pastor of First Lutheran Church and Preschool in Concord, California, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the place of Psalm 22 in Holy Week, the theme of Psalm 22, how it walks us through Holy Week, and where we see fulfillments of the Psalm in Holy Week. Read his CPH blog post at blog.cph.org/study/the-fulfillment-of-psalm-22-in-holy-week.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about tools for generativity in our walks of faith, including how we witness the love of Christ in our everyday lives, how we pass special days and memories on to the next generation, and sharing praises and stories of loss and pain to normalize joys and struggles.
Sarah shares the stories of three women. Find these stories and more on The Lutheran Ladies Lounge podcast at kfuo.org/lutheranladieslounge. Stanisława Leszczyńska—a midwife at Auschwitz: kfuo.org/2021/01/29/lutheran-ladies-lounge-episode-070-story-time-with-sarah-stanislawa-leszczynska-midwife-at-auschwitz Argula von Grumbach—a hero of the Reformation: kfuo.org/2020/06/05/lutheran-ladies-lounge-episode-037-story-time-with-sarah-argula-von-grumbach-writes-a-letter Rosa J. Young—a champion for Lutheran education among black children in Alabama: kfuo.org/2020/02/07/lutheran-ladies-lounge-episode-020-story-time-with-sarah-the-first-rosa
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Delano and Linda Meyer, Jacques Breman, and Gwen Zagore join Andy and Sarah to talk about preparing for your garden in this first part of our series on gardening. They discuss establishing a garden plan, choosing a site, preparing soil, and selecting seeds for live plants.
Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, Texas, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the difference between Palm Sunday and Sunday of the Passion, how the Church typically observes Palm Sunday, what makes this day unique in the Church Year, and the scripture readings and hymns we have for this day. Learn more about our Lutheran Church Year and practices at lcms.org/worship.
Rev. Sean Daenzer, worship director for the LCMS and International Center chaplain, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why we should do devotions at home, simple formats to use, and how this is beneficial to family life.
Find the PrayNow App for Android and Apple, along with the Treasury of Daily Prayer and Lutheran Service Book, at cph.org. Find downloadable Daily Prayers at cph.org/care. Find resources available from the LCMS at lcms.org/coronavirus.
This is a rebroadcast from March 16, 2020.
Rev. Chris Hull, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Tomball, Texas, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what gossip is, what God commands us about gossip, and how Jesus takes on gossip. Read Pastor Hull's blog at ziontomballtx.org/sheepdog. This is a rebroadcast from March 24, 2020.
Benjamin Kolodziej— member of Faith Lutheran Church in Plano, TX, highly active church organist and composer, and contributor to the Lutheran Service Book Hymnal Companion, joins Andy and Sarah to talk through three hymns appropriate for Holy Week: Lutheran Service Book 444 "No Tramp of Soldiers Marching Feet," Lutheran Service Book 425/426 "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross," and Lutheran Service Book 439 "O Dearest Jesus, what Law Hast Thou Broken." Hear the history behind these hymns and why they're appropriate for us to meditate on during Lent and Holy Week. Find the Lutheran Service Book at cph.org/lsb.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about roadblocks to generativity, including isolation, lack of depth in relationship, self-centered rather than Christ-centered, monotony with no sense of purpose, nostalgia rather than contentment, and refusing responsibility. Then, they discuss ways to remove roadblocks, such as confession, reflecting on forgiveness and promises of God, challenging heart and soul, and finding awe in creation and Scripture.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Dr. John F. Brug, General Editor and Old Testament Editor with the Wartburg Project, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the development of the Evangelical Heritage Version of the Bible, the different Bible translations available in North America and where EHV fits in, the new metric version of this Bible available online, and how this new version is useful for readers around the world. Find your copy at online.nph.net/ehv and learn about the Wartburg Project at wartburgproject.org.
The Robo Raiders FTC 7129 team from Southern Illinois — Peter, Nathaniel, Matthew, Sophia, Hannah, Caroline, and Taylor — join Andy and Sarah to talk about their roles on the team, the robot they built this year and the competitions the robot is for, what goes into building the robot and entering into competitions, and how being on this team has prepared them for future vocations. Follow the RoboRaiders on Social media at facebook.com/roboraidersftc7129, twitter.com/ftc7129, instagram.com/ftc7129, and on Youtube Robo Raiders FTC 7219. Find a full video playlist at youtube.com.
Rev. Sean Daenzer, LCMS Director of Worship and International Center Chaplain, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the history and legacy of St. Patrick, what is significant about his early years, the misunderstandings we may have about him, the impact of his work on Ireland and the rest of Christianity, and where we find his work in our Lutheran circles. Find Lutheran Service Book 604, St. Patrick's Breastplate, at hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/604.
Rev. Timothy Appel— pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Smithville, Texas, and Rev. Philip Hoppe— pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in Finlayson and St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bruno, Minnesota, join Andy and Sarah to continue the conversation on The Greater Tragedy of Coronatide that we began in July 2020, including how the COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges, questions the pandemic has raised, how the pandemic has brought to light our idols, things we've lost and gained, and where we find our true hope. Listen to part one of this conversation at kfuo.org/2020/07/24/coffee-hour-072420-the-greater-tragedy-of-coronatide.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how we build generativity, including how a generativity mindset influences better health, how relationships feed us and provide depth, how community involvement feed productivity, and how tiny contributions feed fulfillment.
Listen to all of Gertrude Simon's story on this Story Time with Sarah episode of The Lutheran Ladies Lounge podcast. kfuo.org/2020/01/10/lutheran-ladies-lounge-episode-016-the-heroic-story-of-gertrude-simon-china-1943
Rev. Jeffrey Nehrt — pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Greenville, Illinois, and Monica Shannon — Life Coordinator for the LCMS Southern Illinois District, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the work of the Southern Illinois District Advocates for Life, the current state of life issues in Illinois, and the upcoming Life-Affirming Prayer Vigil at the Planned Parenthood in Fairview Heights, Illinois. Learn more about this event at sidadvocatesforlife.com.
Rev. Dr. John Bombaro, assistant to the regional director of the Eurasia region for LCMS Office of International Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his work as a Navy Chaplain with the Marine Corps, his work in Latvia with Riga Luther Academy, how Lutherans are regarded in Latvia, and the upcoming virtual conference titled "The Lost Art of Lutheranism" on March 12-14. Dr. Bombaro discusses the topics for this conference, why these topics are specifically important to Latvian and Eurasian Lutherans, and how to register. Learn more about Dr. Bombaro's work at lcms.org/bombaro. Find the Facebook event for this conference at facebook.com/events/179634107029551/?ti=ls or send an email to john.bombaro@lcms.org.
Crysten Sanchez, Events Executive for Higher Things, and Daniel Sanchez, Camp Director for Camp Io-Dis-E-Ca, join Andy and Sarah to talk about Higher Things Confirmation Camp happening August 3-6 at Camp Io-Dis-E-Ca in Solon, Iowa, what campers will be studying during this time, how the unique camp setting adds a fun experience to studying the catechism, and how to register. Learn more at either campiodiseca.org or higherthings.org/confirmationcamp.
Rev. Seth Moorman, LCMS National Youth Gathering Planner and pastor of Bethany Lutheran Church in Long Beach, California, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how volunteers serve at the National Youth Gathering, how these volunteers are critical to the success of the Gathering, and how to apply for all of the various opportunities. Learn more at lcmsgathering.com/volunteer.
Rev. Kevin Robson, Chief Mission Officer of the LCMS, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the historical significance of the events of April 18, 1521, what these events at the Diet of Worms and Martin Luther's actions mean for us today in our Lutheran church, where the idea of Here I Stand Sunday began, and how congregations can participate.
Find all resources at lcms.org/here-i-stand-sunday.
Dr. Richard Fischer— Distinguished Professor of Music and Director of the Wind Symphony at Concordia University Chicago, and Matthew Thiel— Band and Choral Director at Sheboygan Lutheran High School in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the CUC Wind Symphony musicians, how preparations have been made for the upcoming concert in Sheboygan, WI, and the beautiful music that will be shared.
Find more details about the “From Coast to Coast: Praising Father, Son, and Holy Ghost” Concert lutheranhigh.com/coast-to-coast-concert.html.
Fill out the Partner Congregation Form here.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about generations and mental health, including what "generativity" is and how we approach this term, why caring about the generations to come is important for our mental health, and what scripture says about God's love for all generations.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the March 2021 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "Conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary," about the second phrase of the Second Article of the Apostles' Creed. Follow along and search the Scriptures and Apostles' Creed with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Mark Cannon, Senior Vice President for Finance & Administration and Chief Financial Officer with LCMS Foundation, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what LCMS Foundation does in their daily work, what an intern with LCMS Foundation would experience and learn, and what makes this opportunity unique. Learn more about LCMS Foundation and the internship opportunities at lcmsfoundation.org/careers.
Deaconess Tiffany Manor, Director of LCMS Life Ministry, joins Andy and Sarah to highlight two upcoming Life Events: March on the Arch in St. Louis, and the virtual Life Conference. March on the Arch takes place on Saturday, March 6, in St. Louis, and the LCMS will have a large presence. To get all the details, register at lcms-life.org/marchlifeevent2021. The LCMS Life Conference will happen virtually on March 19-20, and feature both live speakers and a library of recorded presentations for you to browse at your convenience. Find the lineup of speakers and register for the conference at lcms-life.org. Learn more about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life.
Mark Hancock, CEO of Trail Life USA, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how boys and girls are created differently, what is important for boys to learn in order to become men of character, and concepts that Trail Life USA troop participants learn throughout their experiences. Learn more about Trail Life USA and how to find or start at troop in your area at traillifeusa.com.
Mike Thirtle, CEO of Bethesda Lutheran Communities, and Marilyn Kauppinen, grandmother of Bethesda client Carl, join Andy and Sarah to share Marilyn and Carl's story of help and hope through Bethesda, how Bethesda makes a difference in the lives of those with developmental disabilities, and how people can get involved in Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Learn more about Bethesda Lutheran Communities at bethesdalc.org. Watch Marilyn and Carl's story at youtu.be/YMKT3NgxWOI.
Dr. Charles Brown, Professor of Music, Director of Choral Activities, and conductor of the Kapelle choir at Concordia University Chicago, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the last year's impact on singing choral music at CUC, the selections for the upcoming concert at St. Paul's in Des Peres, MO, and how to attend this concert.
Preregistration is required for the 4 p.m. Concert. Click here to register. Sunday, March 7, 4:00 p.m. St. Paul's Lutheran Church 12345 Manchester Rd., Des Peres, MO
Concert will also be livestreamed. Learn more at stpaulsdesperes.org/music.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about reflecting on a year of life with the impacts of Covid, including covid chaos, covid cancellations, covid crisis, and covid with Christ: gifts, grace, and growth that have occurred over the last year. Share your covid-versary stories with us by sending an email to coffee@kfuo.org.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Peter Slayton, Social Media Manager for the LCMS, and Rev. William Cwirla, pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Hacienda Heights, California, join Andy and Sarah for a lively conversation about information gluttony, including how information accessibility has changed over the last 3-5 decades, how we consume information differently than previous generations, reflections on Brett McCracken's Wisdom Pyramid (which you can find at brettmccracken.com/blog/2017/8/3/the-wisdom-pyramid), and how we sift through what to consume from the internet and social media.
Rev. Robert Mohns, Regional Pastor for Lutheran Church—Canada’s West Region, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the significance of dust and where we hear about it in Scripture, how we are reminded of our "dust reality" in our daily lives, the relationship between Adam's dust and Jesus' death and resurrection, and where our hope lies even in the midst of our dusty lives. Read Pastor Mohns' article "Dust You Are" at canadianlutheran.ca/dust-you-are.
Leah Sieveking, Assistant to the President for Mission Advancement for the LCMS Missouri District, and Casey Carlson, LCEF District Vice President for Missouri, join Andy and Sarah to talk about this Spring's unique Missouri District Statewide Servant Event happening April 16-25, why servant events are valuable, how this event has inspired people to serve each other, and how anyone can participate in whatever way they feel comfortable. Learn more and register your group at mo.lcms.org/shine.
Rev. Brian Davies, author of Connected to Christ: Overcoming Isolation through Community from Concordia Publishing House, and also pastor of Lord of Glory Lutheran Church in Grayslake, Illinois, and Chaplain for the Grayslake Fire Department, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what true community is, what has happened to that sense of community in our culture and congregations, what God's Word teaches us about community, and how Christ overcomes isolation in our lives. Find Pastor Davies' book at cph.org/community.
Phylan Peters-Bahkou, Lutheran High School South (St. Louis) American Sign Language and Theater Arts Teacher, and ASL students Morgan and Lillian join Andy and Sarah to share their stories about teaching and learning American Sign Language at Lutheran South. Phylan talks about how she became interested in ASL, how she has seen ASL and learning about the Deaf community make a real difference in her life and the life of her friends, and why it's important to teach this language to young people. Morgan and Lillian share why they're interested in ASL, what they've been learning in class, and how they hope to use this language in the future.
Find more information about learning ASL in your local community at nad.org/resources/american-sign-language/learning-american-sign-language.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about roadblocks to intimacy, the vulnerability timeline from creation through brokenness to restoration, shields we use to protect ourselves, and how God's shield of faith and grace is the answer to these things.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Sean Daenzer, worship director for the LCMS and International Center chaplain, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why we should do devotions at home, simple formats to use, and how this is beneficial to family life.
Find the PrayNow App for Android and Apple, along with the Treasury of Daily Prayer and Lutheran Service Book, at cph.org. Find downloadable Daily Prayers at cph.org/care. Find resources available from the LCMS at lcms.org/coronavirus.
This is a rebroadcast from March 16, 2020.
Julianna Shults, DCE, Program Manager with LCMS Youth Ministry, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how we usually respond to people when they experience tangible losses, how ambiguous losses are different than tangible losses, and how we can support the young people in our lives who may be hurting. Read Julianna's article on Youth E-Source at youthesource.com/2020/03/25/ambiguous-loss and a version of this article for people of all ages at blogs.lcms.org/2020/showing-christs-love-in-times-of-ambiguous-loss. This is a rebroadcast from May 15, 2020.
Kristen Sorth, Director of the St. Louis County Library, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the new GrandPad program through the County Library, including how these older-adult friendly tablets can help reduce isolation, how an older adult might use a GrandPad, and all the great features and accessories included in this program. Register for a GrandPad and learn more about the program at slcl.org/using-the-library/grandpads.
Donna Snow, author of several Bible studies available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about her latest Bible Study "Chosen: A Study of Esther," including why she was inspired to write about Esther, what she learned while researching for this study, and what women will gain from going through the Bible study. Find your copy at cph.org/chosen.
Rev. Dr. Jon Vieker— Senior Assistant to the President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, and Dr. Mark Bender— Minister of Music at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Des Peres, Missouri, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the legacy of the late Dr. Carl Schalk, who died on January 24, 2021. Dr. Vieker and Dr. Bender share stories of learning from Dr. Schalk, his views on church music and the life of the church, and the enormous impact he had on Lutheran church music and musicians.
Resources mentioned about Dr. Schalk include:
"Carl Schalk: A Life in Song" by Nancy Raabe — cph.org "Thine the Amen: Essays on Lutheran Church Music" — amazon.com "Singing the Church's Song: Essays and Occasional Writing" — fortresspress.com "First Person Singular" — morningstarmusic.com "More First Person Singular" — morningstarmusic.com
Read his LCMS Reporter obituary at blogs.lcms.org and a Memoriam CPH Blog post at blog.cph.org.
Rev. Dr. Alfonso Espinosa, senior pastor at Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church in Irvine, California, and author of “Faith that Sees through the Culture” and now “Faith That Engages the Culture“ available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what it takes to witness effectively in today's world; the three touch points of person, place and perspective that help us witness effectively; and how we can use this knowledge and empathy to witness on today's current topics. Find Pastor Espinosa's books at cph.org.
Rev. Philip Robbins, pastor of Crown of Life Lutheran Church in Sun City West, Arizona, which is KFUO Radio's Church of the Week for February 14-20, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the community of Sun City West, what makes Crown of Life a unique congregation, and how members have been able to serve the community. Learn more about Crown of Life at colchurch.com.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about growing in intimacy for our spiritual and mental health, including intimacy versus isolation as a developmental conflict, how Satan tries to drive us apart especially in our most intimate relationships, the Old Adam versus New Adam in our struggles in intimacy, and how personality plays into this dynamic.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Sean Daenzer, Director of Worship for the LCMS and International Center Chaplain, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the legacy of Michael Praetorius, including his education and experiences in Germany at the turn of the 17th century, the amount of church music he composed and influenced, and what is legacy is for us today. Find the book mentioned in this episode, "Heaven Is My Fatherland," at Amazon.com.
Natyra Crawford, Graduate of Project Invest through Concordia University Wisconsin, joins Andy and Sarah to share her story of Project Invest, including her journey to becoming an educator, how this program has been immensely helpful for her and her cohorts, the successes she's had in the classroom, and how Project Invest has helped her achieve her educational goals. Read her story at blog.cuw.edu/project-invest and learn more about Project Invest from Concordia University Wisconsin at cuw.edu.
Jessica Ingraham, Director of Education with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, joins Andy and Sarah to talk SoundLab, about a wonderful free music education resource for families, including how music education helps kids and families work through social and emotional aspects of social distancing and stress, the amazing impact this program has already had in classrooms nationwide, the science and technology incorporated into music, and how families can participate. Learn more and register for the digital downloads and watch parties at slso.org/family.
Rev. Dr. Jon Furgeson, Senior Pastor at Peace Lutheran Church in St Louis, Missouri, and Burnell Hackman, Director Music Ministry at Peace Lutheran, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how Lenten services serve the Body of Christ during this penitential season, the organ recitals that will follow Lenten services broadcast on KFUO Radio, and how these things are edifying for the Church. Listen to these services and recitals beginning at 11:00 a.m. CT at kfuo.org (or AM850 in St. Louis) during Wednesdays in Lent. Learn more about Peace Lutheran at peacelutheranstl.org and the schedule for the organ concerts at peacestlmusic.org.
Coach Lewis Smith, Head Coach of Concordia University Wisconsin Esports, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what Esports are, how they began at CUW, how the teams have thrived during the coronavirus pandemic, and how the teams compete. Learn more at cuwfalcons.com/sports/esports/index and follow their matches at twitter.com/CUWEsports.
Dr. Richard Fischer— Distinguished Professor of Music and Director of the Wind Symphony at Concordia University Chicago, and Matthew Thiel— Band and Choral Director at Sheboygan Lutheran High School in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the value of instrumental music for high school and college students, the creative partnership that they've created out of a hard year of social distancing, and how to join in on the concert that will be available all across the country. Find more details about the "From Coast to Coast: Praising Father, Son, and Holy Ghost" Concert lutheranhigh.com/coast-to-coast-concert.html.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what intimacy is and isn't, how intimacy is different from connection and community, skill sets such as communication and being known, and intimacy versus isolation.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the February 2021 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "In Jesus Christ," about the first phrase of the Second Article of the Apostles' Creed. Follow along and search the Scriptures and Apostles' Creed with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
FLAME, Grammy-nominated hip hop artist, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why he creates hip hop music with deep Lutheran theological thought, how he's been able to have a variety of theological conversations based on the music he creates, details on his latest EP "Christ For You" on the Lord's Supper, and what's next in the Extra Nos series. Follow him on social @Flame314 on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Find his music at clearsightmusic.com and on any digital music platform.
Included in this episode: FLAME’s title track, “Christ For You,” from his new EP “Christ For You,” and "2KR" from the original "Extra Nos" EP. Used with permission. Find all of FLAME's music at clearsightmusic.com.
Signe White, Executive Director of Camp Perkins near Hailey, Idaho, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how Camp Perkins plays a part in Christian formation those who attend camp there, opportunities for youth and families this summer, what makes Camp Perkins a unique camp, and opportunities for summer staff. Learn more about Camp Perkins at campperkins.org. Find out more about all Lutheran camps for attendees and staff through the National Lutheran Outdoors Ministry Association at nloma.org.
Deaconess Tiffany Manor— Director of LCMS Life Ministry, and Deaconess Rachel Jaseph Director of The Shepherd's Hand Community Outreach Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the life-affirming events that have been happening around the country, how Shepherd's Hand serves the community around Fort Wayne, and the life-affirming message that is proclaimed through these events. Learn more about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life and Shepherd's Hand Community Outreach Center at shepherdshandfw.org.
Rachel Bomberger—writer, editor, home-educator, mom, wife to US Navy Chaplain, and co-host of The Lutheran Ladies Lounge podcast—joins Andy and Sarah to talk about her experiences entering into the traditions and culture of military life, her encounter with the tradition of Morning and Evening Colors, and how this tradition has become part of her own life. Read her article in the online Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org/2020/praying-colors-morning-and-evening.
Read and listen to LW online at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
This is a rebroadcast from October 6, 2020.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about resilience and growth, including what resilience is, where we see stories of resilience in the Bible, where we have resilience in our own lives, and and skills for building resilience in ourselves and others.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Dr. Mark Kiessling, Director of Youth Ministry for the LCMS, and Julianna Shults, DCE, Program Manager of Youth Ministry for the LCMS, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the support that leaders in youth ministry need, how National Lutheran Youth Workers Conference offers support to those serving in youth ministry, and what youth can learn in YouthLead at National. Learn more and find details for National at lcmsgathering.com/national-2021.
Mr. Mike Schiemann, Principal at Forest Hills Lutheran Christian School in Cornelius, Oregon, and students Parker, Shani, Alina, and Micah join Andy and Sarah during National Lutheran Schools Week to talk about why their families chose Forest Hills Lutheran Christian School, what a typical day looks like for these students, when they learn about Christ during their day, and how Forest Hills Lutheran Christian School serves the families of the students who attend there. Learn more about Forest Hills Lutheran Christian School at fhlcs.org.
Dr. Craig Oldenburg, Camp Director at Camp Concordia in Gowen, Michigan, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how Camp Concordia plays a part in Christian formation those who attend camp there, opportunities for youth this summer, what makes Camp Concordia a unique camp, and opportunities for summer staff. Learn more about Camp Concordia at campconcordia.org. Find out more about all Lutheran camps for attendees and staff through the National Lutheran Outdoors Ministry Association at nloma.org.
Mr. Timothy Merritt, high school principal and teacher at Faith Lutheran School in Plano, Texas, and high school students John, Olivia, David, and Slade join Andy and Sarah during National Lutheran Schools Week to talk about why their families chose Faith Lutheran, what a typical day looks like for these students, when they learn about Christ during their day, and how Faith Lutheran serves the families of the students who attend there. Learn more about Faith Lutheran School at flsplano.org.
Dr. Mark Bender— Minister of Music at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Des Peres, Missouri, Kelly Schumacher— Liturgical artist, and Erin Bode— recording artist, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the upcoming Art & Song event at St. Paul's, including the aim of liturgical art, what art Kelly will be showing, how hymnody has influenced Erin's musical formation, and the sons Erin will be singing. Find all of Kelly's work at agnusdeiarts.com and Erin's music at erinbode.com.
Sunday, January 31, 2021 Art Exhibit 2:00-6:00 p.m. Concert 4:00 p.m. Covid guidelines will be followed and pre-registration is required. Find details at stpaulsdesperes.org/music and register through signupgenius.com.
Mrs. Jocelyn Benson, Head Teacher for Wittenberg Academy, and Scholars Douglas, Joanna, and Sarah join Andy and Sarah during National Lutheran Schools Week to talk about why their families chose Wittenberg Academy, what a typical day looks like for these scholars, when they learn about Christ during their day, and how Wittenberg Academy serves students in a variety of places. Learn more about Wittenberg Academy at wittenbergacademy.org.
Professor Eugene Pitchford, professor in Concordia University Wisconsin's School of Education and a program director of Project Invest, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how Project Invest began, who is served by this program, the successes that have come from the program, and how the students who complete this program serve their communities. Learn more at blog.cuw.edu/project-invest and cuw.edu/academics/schools/education/outreach/project-invest.html.
Rev. Bob Riggert, Author of the "Sent to Serve" Chapel Talks for LCMS School Ministry, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why Lutheran Schools are important today, what happens in a Lutheran chapel service, and the theme for the National Lutheran Schools Week chapel talks. Learn more about National Lutheran Schools Week at lcms.org/lutheranschoolsweek and the Chapel Talks for 2020-2021 at files.lcms.org.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about relationships and growth, including how we begin relationships, how we make and receive bids for connection with those around us, and how we grow relationships with our friends and family. This week, pay attention to how you bid for connection with others, and how you react to others when they bid for connection with you!
More info at: heidigoehmann.com/blog/bids-for-connection gottman.com
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Bobby Schroeder— Pianist and Director of Music Ministry St John’s Lutheran Church in Arnold, Missouri, and Daniel Burroughs, Producer, join Andy to talk about Bobby's musical journey, the aim of his music, what goes into the process of making a new album, and his approach to composing new original music. Learn more and listen to Bobby's music at bobbyschroeder.com.
Music in this episode: Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me ©2021 Bobby Schroeder, used with permission.
Rev. Brady Finnern, new host of Thy Strong Word on KFUO Radio and pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Sartell, Minnesota, joins Andy to share his story, explain just how Minnesotan he really is, what he's looking forward to as host of Thy Strong Word, why it's important to study the Word of God, and what he hopes to accomplish with Thy Strong Word. Read his bio at kfuo.org/author/bradyfinnern and find all Thy Strong Word episodes at kfuo.org/thystrongword.
Steve Johnson, Executive Director of Lutheran Valley Retreat in Woodland Park, Colorado, joins Andy to talk about how LVR plays a part in Christian formation those who attend camp there, opportunities for children and youth this summer, what makes LVR a unique camp, and opportunities for summer staff. Learn more about Lutheran Valley Retreat at lvr.org. Find out more about all Lutheran camps for attendees and staff through the National Lutheran Outdoors Ministry Association at nloma.org.
Bethany Andrews, Director of Engagement for Camp Lutherhaven in Albion, Indiana, joins Andy to talk about how Camp Lutherhaven plays a part in Christian formation for everyone who visits, what makes Camp Lutherhaven unique, opportunities for children and youth this summer, and openings for summer camp staff. Learn more about Camp Lutherhaven at lutherhaven.org. Find out more about all Lutheran camps for attendees and staff through the National Lutheran Outdoors Ministry Association at nloma.org.
Rev. David Fleming, Executive Director for Spiritual Care with DOXOLOGY: The Lutheran Center for Spiritual Care and Counsel, joins Andy and Sarah during Mental Health Awareness Week to talk about how DOXOLOGY supports pastors in their own spiritual care and caring for the souls in their congregations, the critical nature of pastors and church workers (and really everyone) to receive spiritual and mental health care, and where we start to seek our own support, both with pastors and counselors. Learn about the wonderful opportunities for pastors and congregations through DOXOLOGY at doxology.us.
This is a rebroadcast from October 9, 2020.
Resources for mental health and wellness: doxology.us for pastoral and congregational spiritual and counseling care lcms.org/wellness for LCMS resources Insurance or medical sharing programs, supplemental coverage programs EAP (Concordia Plans members, look here) 211.org – find your local resources for each state / area ruralhealthinfo.org – find information for rural health. (Behavorial health: ruralhealthinfo.org/toolkits/telehealth/2/specific-populations/behavioral-health) nami.org/Videos/NAMI-Basics-OnDemand – National Alliance on Mental Illness. This link is for Mental Health Basics. mhanational.org/ – Mental Health America, mental health screenings hazeldenbettyford.org – substance use and treatment, other addiction treatment va.gov and lcms.org/armedforces for veterans and military personnel Resources if you need immediate help: thehotline.org – National Domestic Violence Hotline – (800) 799−7233 or chat online crisistextline.org – Crisis Counseling via text message – text HOME to 741741 suicidepreventionlifeline.org – National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – (800) 273-8255 or chat online
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how to have empathy on social media, including these five points:
Find Their Face Know When to Abort or Relocate Utilize the Facebook Disclaimer Be Real, but Understand the Intimacy Level Just Be Happy for Them.
This is a rebroadcast from June 15, 2020.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Christina Roberts, Kantor at Our Savior Lutheran Church and School in Grand Rapids, Michigan, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the upcoming NIKE: A Marathon of Hymns Celebrating Christ's Victory at Our Savior on Friday, January 29th, 8:30am ET / 7:30am CT, including what inspired this idea, how the children of Our Savior Lutheran School will be an integral part of this festival, why singing hymns is so important, and how you can participate. Learn more at oslsgr.org/nike-hymn-marathon and RSVP to the event on Facebook at facebook.com/events/443704623332498.
Sara Correnti, MS RD LD, Manager of Health and Wellness with Concordia Plan Services, joins Andy and Sarah to highlight two great services from CPS, 98point6 and Grand Rounds, that help you take control of your health care with better quality care. Both of these are available to CPS Members through the Member Portal and in App Stores. Learn more at concordiaplans.org.
Rev. Todd Kollbaum, Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church & School in Madison, Nebraska, and Director of Rural and Small Town Mission with the LCMS, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the challenges faced by rural and small town congregations, how these congregations may be uniquely positioned to weather the COVID-19 pandemic, how partnerships have proven immensely beneficial for these congregations, and what some of these partnerships look like. Learn more about LCMS Rural and Small Town Mission at lcms.org/rstm.
Rev. Dr. Geoffrey Boyle, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church and Grace Lutheran Church in Wichita, Kansas, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what we learn from the Church Fathers, how these writings are especially beneficial for us today, a few recommendations of where to start, and some wonderful examples of teachings. Read Dr. Boyle's series on "Reading the Old Testament with the Early Church Fathers" at witness.lcms.org/2020/reading-the-old-testament-with-the-early-church-fathers.
Recommended Writings: St. Athanasius "On the Incarnation" — amazon.com or svspress.com/on-the-incarnation-english-only. Melito of Sardis "On Pascha" — amazon.com or svspress.com/on-pascha-second-edition-pps55.
Rev. Peter Ill, Senior Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what Jesus’ Baptism mean for us, why this is significant in the life of the Church, and how we observe this day in the season of Epiphany.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what God’s memory has to do with growth, what God remembers (i.e. His character, His children, truth), how God's memory is wonderfully different than our own, and how remembering God's faithfulness is part of our growth.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the January 2021 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "I Believe," all about the First Article of the Apostles' Creed. Follow along and search the Scriptures and Apostles' Creed with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Dr. Joel Biermann, Professor of Systematic Theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his article in the January 2021 issue of The Lutheran Witness "A Chaste and Decent Life" including how we value virtues in our modern society, why chastity is an awkward thing for us to talk about, and how chastity relates to our vocations.
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Erin Mackenzie— Volunteer Coordinator for the Latin America and Caribbean Region, based in the Dominican Republic, and Anne Gonzalez— Manager of Short Term Mission Training and Engagement with the LCMS Office of International Mission, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the upcoming month-long free virtual event Missions Unpacked, including what exciting things participants will experience during this event, the regions and cultures that participants will visit, and how to participate. Learn more and register at calendar.lcms.org/event/missions-unpacked-jan2021.
Rev. Dr. James Marriott, Director of Music Arts at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to explore our rich hymnody for the season of Christmas! Today, we learn about Lutheran Service Book 399, "The star proclaims the King is here."
Find your edition of the Lutheran Service Book at music.cph.org/lutheran-service-book/related-products and the LSB Companion to the Hymns at cph.org/p-33586-lutheran-service-book-companion-to-the-hymns-2-volume-set.aspx. Find more research at hymnary.org and tips at music.cph.org/blog/diy-hymnology-research-tips-for-studying-hymns.
Paul Soulek, Director of Parish & School Music at St. John Lutheran Church in Seward, Nebraska, joins Andy and Sarah to explore our rich hymnody for the season of Christmas! Today, we learn about Lutheran Service Book 389, "Let all together praise our God."
Find your edition of the Lutheran Service Book at music.cph.org/lutheran-service-book/related-products and the LSB Companion to the Hymns at cph.org/p-33586-lutheran-service-book-companion-to-the-hymns-2-volume-set.aspx. Find more research at hymnary.org and tips at music.cph.org/blog/diy-hymnology-research-tips-for-studying-hymns.
Dr. Jerrode Marsh, Director of Music at St. Paul Lutheran High School in Concordia, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to explore our rich hymnody for the season of Christmas! Today, we learn about Lutheran Service Book 386, "Now sing we, now rejoice."
Find your edition of the Lutheran Service Book at music.cph.org/lutheran-service-book/related-products and the LSB Companion to the Hymns at cph.org/p-33586-lutheran-service-book-companion-to-the-hymns-2-volume-set.aspx. Find more research at hymnary.org and tips at music.cph.org/blog/diy-hymnology-research-tips-for-studying-hymns.
Matt Machemer, Associate Kantor at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah to explore our rich hymnody for the season of Christmas! Today, we learn about Lutheran Service Book 382, "We praise You, Jesus, at Your birth."
Find your edition of the Lutheran Service Book at music.cph.org/lutheran-service-book/related-products and the LSB Companion to the Hymns at cph.org/p-33586-lutheran-service-book-companion-to-the-hymns-2-volume-set.aspx. Find more research at hymnary.org and tips at music.cph.org/blog/diy-hymnology-research-tips-for-studying-hymns.
Rev. Dr. Jon Vieker, Senior Assistant to the President of the LCMS, joins Andy and Sarah to explore our rich hymnody for the season of Christmas! Today, we learn about Lutheran Service Book 372, "O Jesus Christ, Thy manger is."
Find your edition of the Lutheran Service Book at music.cph.org/lutheran-service-book/related-products and the LSB Companion to the Hymns at cph.org/p-33586-lutheran-service-book-companion-to-the-hymns-2-volume-set.aspx. Find more research at hymnary.org and tips at music.cph.org/blog/diy-hymnology-research-tips-for-studying-hymns.
Christina Roberts, Kantor at Our Savior Lutheran Church and School in Grand Rapids, Michigan, joins Andy and Sarah to explore our rich hymnody for the season of Christmas! Today, we learn about Lutheran Service Book 362, "O Sing of Christ."
Find your edition of the Lutheran Service Book at music.cph.org/lutheran-service-book/related-products and the LSB Companion to the Hymns at cph.org/p-33586-lutheran-service-book-companion-to-the-hymns-2-volume-set.aspx. Find more research at hymnary.org and tips at music.cph.org/blog/diy-hymnology-research-tips-for-studying-hymns.
Deaconess Sandra Rhein, Missionary, Sacred Music Educator in Asia, joins Andy and Sarah to explore our rich hymnody for the season of Christmas! Today, we learn about Lutheran Service Book 360, "All my heart again rejoices."
Find your edition of the Lutheran Service Book at music.cph.org/lutheran-service-book/related-products and the LSB Companion to the Hymns at cph.org/p-33586-lutheran-service-book-companion-to-the-hymns-2-volume-set.aspx. Find more research at hymnary.org and tips at music.cph.org/blog/diy-hymnology-research-tips-for-studying-hymns.
Chaplain Brian Hamer, Chaplain in the US Marine Corps, joins Andy and Sarah to explore our rich hymnody for the season of Christmas! Today, we learn about Lutheran Service Book 358, "From heaven above to earth I come."
Find your edition of the Lutheran Service Book at music.cph.org/lutheran-service-book/related-products and the LSB Companion to the Hymns at cph.org/p-33586-lutheran-service-book-companion-to-the-hymns-2-volume-set.aspx. Find more research at hymnary.org and tips at music.cph.org/blog/diy-hymnology-research-tips-for-studying-hymns.
Benjamin Kolodziej, member of Faith Lutheran Church in Plano, Texas, and contributor to the Lutheran Service Book Hymnal Companion, joins Andy and Sarah to explore our rich hymnody for the season of Christmas! Today, we learn about Lutheran Service Book 969, "Sweet flow'rets of the martyr band."
Find your edition of the Lutheran Service Book at music.cph.org/lutheran-service-book/related-products and the LSB Companion to the Hymns at cph.org/p-33586-lutheran-service-book-companion-to-the-hymns-2-volume-set.aspx. Find more research at hymnary.org and tips at music.cph.org/blog/diy-hymnology-research-tips-for-studying-hymns.
Rev. Sean Daenzer, LCMS Director of Worship and International Center Chaplain, joins Andy and Sarah to explore our rich hymnody for the season of Christmas! Today, we learn about Lutheran Service Book 897, "O rejoice, ye Christians loudly."
Find your edition of the Lutheran Service Book at music.cph.org/lutheran-service-book/related-products and the LSB Companion to the Hymns at cph.org/p-33586-lutheran-service-book-companion-to-the-hymns-2-volume-set.aspx. Find more research at hymnary.org and tips at music.cph.org/blog/diy-hymnology-research-tips-for-studying-hymns.
Rev. Tyrel Bramwell, Admission Counselor at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and host of KFUO Radio's Cross Defense, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about life as an Admissions Counselor at CTSFW, his (maybe crazy) idea to visit all 6000 congregations in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, what he's looking for to in this uber LCMS travel vlog project, and what he hopes to learn at each congregation.
Find all of Pastor Bramwell's vlogs on YouTube at youtube.com/c/tyrelbramwell, and find him on social at instagram.com/tyrelbramwell and facebook.com/TyrelBramwell.
St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Taken by Rev. Tyrel Bramwell at the beginning of his #SeeTheSynod tour. Used with permission.
Rev. Merritt Demski, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Waterloo, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about season two of The Mandalorian, including the connection between this series from Disney+ and other shows in the Star Wars universe, themes that are present throughout the series, and what we can gain from this from a Christian worldview.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about roadblocks to identity like isolation from people and spiritual platitudes, what happens when we try to use social media to determine our identities, and how our communities around us help to shape those identities.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor, The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the December issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "God Comes for Scallywags," all about what the lineage and genealogy of Christ means for us today. Follow along and search the Scriptures with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Rev. Dr. Rick Serina, associate executive director of the Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR), who replaces the Rev. Dr. Larry Vogel who retired in January, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his journey to the CTCR, the important work the CTCR does, and why he enjoys and looks forward to continuing this work. Learn more about him at blogs.lcms.org/2020/serina-accepts-call-to-ctcr and find all CTCR documents at lcms.org/ctcr.
Bishop Risto Soramies of The Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland (ELMDF) and Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison, President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the history of The Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland, how altar and pulpit fellowship is declared among church partners, and what this fellowship now means for both the ELMDF and the LCMS. Read more on this declaration of fellowship at ilc-online.org/2020/11/25/finnish-lutherans-enter-into-fellowship-with-the-lcms.
Alex Lobo— Concordia Music and Art Conservatory in Jackson, Tennessee, affiliated with David’s Harp, and Rev. Nathan Sherrill— Executive Director of David’s Harp, join Andy and Sarah to talk about Alex's journey to a love of Lutheran music and liturgy, why music is important for congregations and communities, and how David's Harp helps congregations and organizations bring music education to communities. Learn more about David's Harp and how to start a music conservatory in your community at davidsharpmusic.org.
Erin Alter— Director of Short-Term Missions with the LCMS, and Amy Jo Vorwark— Volunteer for Conversation Partners, join Andy and Sarah to talk about Amy Jo's experience as a conversation partner, the wonderful benefits from participating in this program, the need for volunteers, and how to sign up to participate. Learn more and sign up at servenow.lcms.org.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about questions that build identity, how we consider who Jesus says we are, some deeper questions about building identity, and the importance of people in our lives who ask these questions and help us work through the answers. We were experiencing some technical difficulties with our live programming, so the full program is brought to you in this podcast!
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Dr. Mark Seifrid, Professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the upcoming Lay Bible Institute on Galatians at Concordia Seminary, including what we know about the Galatians, the major themes in this letter, and what this letter means for us today. Learn more and register for this virtual event at csl.edu/resources/continuing-education/lay-bible-institute.
Galatians: Hearing Paul's Gospel Afresh Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. CT
Due to concerns about the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, this event will be held online.
Registration: $20 Registration deadline: Jan. 24, 2021
Rev. Dr. David Lewis, Assistant Professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about The Faith and Film Festival in January 2021, including how this year's film festival will be different than last year's, the lineup for the films, and the exciting new things that participants will experience this year. Find details and register at csl.edu/resources/continuing-education/faith-and-film-festival.
Rev. Dr. Kevin Golden, pastor of Village Lutheran Church in Ladue, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his new book from Concordia Publishing House Blessed Be His Name, including what is so important about names, where we find God's name in scripture and what we learn about Him from those names, what God binds to Hs name, and how we use God's name both in our liturgy and in our daily lives. Find details and download a sample at cph.org/sacrednames. Preorder will be available in late December 2020.
Rev. Jon Smithley, Active Duty Air Force Chaplain, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his path to military chaplaincy, how KFUO Radio played an integral role in this journey, the importance of relationships among pastors and parishioners, and the role chaplains play in the armed forces. Learn more about chaplaincy and LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces at lcms.org/armedforces.
Scott M. Hyslop, DMA, Director of Parish Music at St. Lorenz Lutheran Church in Frankenmuth, Michigan, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the traditional Christmas concerts at St. Lorenz for the last 70 years, the virtual Christmas concert this year, and the exciting music they will be sharing. Learn more and watch the concert at stlorenz.org, facebook.com/MusicAtStLorenz, and facebook.com/StLorenzFrankenmuth.
Virtual Music at St. Lorenz Saturday, December 12, 6:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. CT Sunday, December 13, 3:00 p.m. ET / 2:00 p.m. CT
Deaconess Tiffany Manor, Director of LCMS Life Ministry, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how the National March for Life and other life events have been helpful in communicating the sanctity of all human life, plans for the 2021 National March for Life and regional events like the Chicago March's "March on the Move" in January, and plans for an LCMS Life Conference. Find details for all of these things at lcms.org/life.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why a sense of self matters, what it means to have resilience, and how we can think of self-worth from a Lutheran perspective.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Dr. Matthew Heise, Executive Director of Lutheran Heritage Foundation (LHF), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about where the Lord is working through LHF to bring the Gospel to people in their first language, the projects in progress for Spanish-language materials, and how the pandemic has affected their work. Learn about the vast amount of resources and how to support the work of LHF at lhfmissions.org.
Rev. Dr. Joel Lehenbauer, Executive Director of the LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about different understandings and teachings on the End Times, what is false teaching and what is true Biblical teaching, what the Bible says about the signs of the End Times, and what we can learn from Scripture about the End Times. Read all CTCR documents at lcms.org/ctcr and find the document on End Times mentioned in this episode at The End Times: A Study of Eschatology and Millennialism. This is a rebroadcast from October 2, 2020.
Dr. Jerrode Marsh— Director of Music at St. Paul Lutheran High School (SPLHS) in Concordia, Missouri, and Kent Kunkel— Director of Development at SPLHS, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the upcoming (outdoor) Christkindlesmarkt happening December 11-13, including why they're bringing a traditional German Christmas market to SPLHS, what visitors will enjoy, and what to expect from the experience. Learn more and plan your visit at splhs.org/events and facebook.com/Saint-Paul-Christkindlesmarkt-105971921281969.
Rev. Andrew Dinger, pastor of Timothy Lutheran Church in St. Louis, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the unique community that makes up Timothy Lutheran, how the congregation reaches into the surrounding community, and how they've been able to carry on with ministry and services during the pandemic. Learn more about Timothy Lutheran at timothystl.org and facebook.com/timothystl.
Rev. Dr. Steven Hokana, Associate Director of LCMS Ministry to Armed Forces, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the challenges our troops and chaplains have faced during COVID-19 pandemic, why our military chaplains are a vital resource for our armed forces, and the need for more Directors of Religious Education and Chaplains. Learn more about LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces at lcms.org/armedforces. Interested in becoming a chaplain? Email lcmschaps@lcms.org. This is a rebroadcast from July 31, 2020.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what identity is, how identity and vocation constantly overlap, and the foundational core of our identity in Christ.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Merritt Demski, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Waterloo, Illinois, joins Sarah to share Advent traditions in his home, the proper place of Thanksgiving in the church, the role of thankfulness in the Christian life, and being content in the midst of all the sales! This is a rebroadcast from November 27, 2019.
Rev. Dr. Ryan Tinetti, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Arcadia, Michigan, joins Sarah to talk about the themes we hear about in 1 and 3 year lectionary for the 1st Sunday in Advent, the wonderful "Stir Up" collect for this Sunday, and the hymn of the day we'll get to sing. Find more about Lutheran lectionaries and hymns at lcms.org/worship. This is a rebroadcast from November 27, 2019.
Rev. Dr. Rick Marrs, Associate Professor of Practical Theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, joins Sarah and guest host Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, Illinois, to talk about the difference between pastoral care and counseling, when you should talk to your pastor, and why pastors need to know what you're going through. They also discuss what to expect in your conversation with your pastor, how to approach him with your question, and why you aren’t a burden on him. This is a rebroadcast from March 12, 2018.
Rev. Sean Daenzer, Director of Worship for the LCMS and International Center Chaplain, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what the season of Advent is all about, how this season brings us comfort and hope, how we bring this season into our homes, and resources from the LCMS for families. Learn more at lcms.org/advent and cph.org/advent.
Lisa Clark, Senior Editor for Curriculum Resources with Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Advent resources available this year from CPH, the wonderful "Jesse Tree" theme in the materials, and how families and churches can use these materials. Find all of these resources, including the family activity kit, at cph.org/advent. This is a rebroadcast from November 12, 2020.
Rev. Jon Fergeson, Senior Pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in St. Louis, Missouri, and KFUO Radio's Church of the Week, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the history of Peace Lutheran, traditions that shape congregational life, and why it's important for Peace to support KFUO Radio. Learn more about Peace Lutheran Church at Peacelutheranstl.org.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about roadblocks to industry, including being too busy for boredom, wanting complete happiness and contentment, and staying out of touch with our gifts and talents.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Matthew Wood, serving the Lord in Indonesia working with the Indonesian Christian Lutheran Church (GKLI), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the November issue of the Lutheran Witness, all about receiving the physical body and blood of Christ Jesus in the Sacrament of the Altar. Follow along and search the Scriptures with us! Read about Pastor Wood and how to support his work at lcms.org/wood.
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Sara Correnti, MS RD LD, Manager of Health & Welfare – Member Wellness Products with Concordia Plan Services, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about delicious (and healthy!) recipes for Thanksgiving, including Mediterranean Breakfast Muffins, Whole Grain Farro Stuffing with Miso Mushrooms, and Roasted Balsamic Brussel Sprouts.
Mediterranean Breakfast Muffins by Rima Kleiner, RD, author of Dish on Fish
Set oven to 350 degrees
Combine 2 eggs, 2 ounces cooked / canned salmon, and 1/4 cup feta; combines and pour evenly into muffin tins
Bake for about to 20 to 25 minutes
These freeze well, making them perfect for busy mornings!
Whole Grain Farro Stuffing with Miso Mushrooms cookinglight.com/recipes/farro-stuffing-with-miso-mushrooms
Cooking spray
1 3/4 cups uncooked farro
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 pound mixed fresh mushrooms (such as shiitake caps, cremini, and oyster), chopped
1 cup chopped carrots
2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped garlic
1/4 cup white miso
1 cup unsalted chicken stock
4 ounces fontina cheese, grated (about 1 cup)
2 teaspoons sherry vinegar
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly coat a 2-quart glass or ceramic baking dish with cooking spray. Cook farro according to package directions to yield about 4 cups; drain and set aside.
While farro cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high. Add mushrooms; cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, 6 to 8 minutes. Add carrots, sage, and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 5 to 6 minutes. Stir in miso; cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Add stock; simmer until liquid is reduced by half, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat; cool slightly.
Combine cooked farro, mushroom mixture, cheese, vinegar, pepper, and salt in a large bowl. Spoon mixture into prepared baking dish. Bake at 400°F until top is lightly toasted, about 20 minutes.
Roasted Balsamic Brussel Sprouts
1-2 pounds Brussel sprouts, washed and halved
1 Tbsp garlic powder
1-2 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp balsamic glaze /reduction
2 Tbsp shave Parmesan (optional)
Preheat oven to 425 degrees
For crispy Brussel sprouts, after chopping sprout in half, pull off 1-3 layers of leaves as you arrange on rimmed baking sheet
Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle on garlic powder, tossing to combine
Bake for 25-30 min or until tender, stirring halfway
Drizzle with balsamic glaze; sprinkle lightly with Parmesan cheese as desired.
Kimberly Laube, Director of Life Ministries with Lutheran Family Service of Iowa, joins Andy and Sarah during the Adoption Stories series to talk about the work of Lutheran Family Service, how LFS helps birth parents and potential adopting parents, and the different routes to adoption. Learn more about Lutheran Family Service of Iowa at lutheranfamilyservice.org, and find Lutheran Family and Children Services in your area at lcms.org/rso and search keyword "adoption."
Rev. Paul Becker, pastor of Concordia Lutheran Church in Kingsport, Tennessee, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his article “Singing at the Supper: Teaching, Praising and Praying in the Lord’s Supper” in the November issue of the Lutheran Witness, including what we confess when we sing during the Supper, how these hymns teach us about the faith, and a few examples of beautiful texts.
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the themes in the November issue of LW, why it's important to have these hard conversations about the Lord's Supper, and what we can learn about doctrine and practice through this issue. Read this article at witness.lcms.org/2020/fellowship-at-the-table-for-you.
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what it means to build industry with building relationships, thoughts and ideas, and emotions, how we make time for relationships in our vocations, and what contributes to our feelings of purpose.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Matt Machemer, Associate Kantor at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Sarah to talk about the themes we hear at the end of the church year, a few of the hymns we sing during this time, and what we learn about our God and the end times in these hymns. Learn about Lutheran Service Book 508, 511, 512, and 516. Find your copy of the Lutheran Service Book Companion to the Hymns at cph.org.
Lisa Clark, Senior Editor for Curriculum Resources with Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Advent resources available this year from CPH, the wonderful "Jesse Tree" theme in the materials, and how families and churches can use these materials. Find all of these resources, including the family activity kit, at cph.org/advent.
Rev. Kevin Robson— Chief Mission Officer of the LCMS, Rev. Steven Briel— Chair of the Board for National Mission for the LCMS, and Rev. Bernhard Seter— Chair of the Board for International Mission for the LCMS, join Andy and Sarah to talk through Resolution 4-04A from the 2019 LCMS Synodical Convention: "To Expand and Strengthen the Input with Which the Synod’s Triennial Mission and Ministry Emphases Are Determined." They discuss what this resolution means for these boards, the mission and ministry planning at the synodical level, and what congregations can expect to see in the coming year.
Find the 2019 Convention Proceedings at here.
Grant and Sarah De Jong join Andy and Sarah during the Adoption Stories series to talk about what made adoption important to them, the process of their adoption of a child with Down Syndrome, and what they learned in this experience that would be helpful to other families considering adoption. Learn more about Lutheran Family Service of Iowa at lutheranfamilyservice.org, and find Lutheran Family and Children Services in your area at lcms.org/rso and search keyword "adoption."
Chaplain Eric Malmstrom— US Navy, retired, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his path to becoming a Chaplain in the Armed Forces, the stories of difficult and rewarding times in the service, and how we can support our military veterans. Read more about his story at blogs.lcms.org/2020/christ-on-the-front-lines-remembering-the-fallen and view photos of his retirement ceremony at facebook.com/MinistryArmedForces.LCMS/posts/3373535976048896.
Learn more about LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces and becoming a chaplain at lcms.org/armedforces.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about industry and purpose, industry versus inferiority, identity and vocation, and finding our identity and purpose in Christ.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Dr. John Lennox, professor emeritus of mathematics at the University of Oxford and internationally renowned speaker and author, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Against the Tide documentary, how we can approach conversations about science and faith, the connections between science and faith, and why it's important to ask questions and be curious. Learn more about Against the Tide at againstthetide.movie and find tickets for limited Fathom Event Nov. 19 and 23 at fathomevents.com/events/against-the-tide.
About Against the Tide: Against the Tide is a new feature-length documentary on the life, work, and mission of legendary University of Oxford professor, mathematician, and philosopher Dr. John Lennox. Lennox has devoted a lifetime in a rigorous investigation of the critical question “Do science and history refute the validity of the Bible and the Christian worldview?”
In Against the Tide, veteran Hollywood actor and director Kevin Sorbo (Hercules, God’s Not Dead, Let There Be Light) outlines some of the most challenging accusations that science makes against scripture. Through compelling conversations and visual explorations, Professor Lennox sets the record straight, as he stands against the tide of disinformation and proclaims the undeniable Truth. Created by Pensmore Films, Against the Tide takes viewers on a journey from Oxford to Israel as Lennox and Sorbo unpack theological and scientific evidence of God, culminating in the Holy Land to experience the verifiable evidence about the life and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Viewers will be educated, informed, and edified in their faith, giving them the confidence and tools to defend their own faith as they also stand Against The Tide.
About John C Lennox: Dr. John Lennox, professor emeritus of mathematics at the University of Oxford, is an internationally renowned speaker and author. His books, which span the fields of science, philosophy, and religion, include God’s Undertaker: Has Science Buried God?, God and Stephen Hawking, Can Science Explain Everything?, Gunning for God, Where Is God In A Coronavirus World? and, 2084: Artificial Intelligence, the Future of Humanity, and the God Question. Prof. Lennox has traveled the world defending the rationality of Christianity and belief in God, and has debated some of the world’s most prominent atheists, including Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, and Peter Singer. Throughout, Lennox stands firm: “Properly understood, the evidence inexorably points to the existence of a creator God.”
Kevin Sorbo, Actor, most widely known for his role as Hercules in the 1990’s TV series 'Hercules: The Legendary Journeys,' joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Against the Tide documentary and Faith Under Fire film, why he is a part of these projects about sharing our Christian faith, and what he hopes people gain from these productions. Learn more about Against the Tide at againstthetide.movie and find tickets for limited Fathom Event Nov. 19 and 23 at fathomevents.com/events/against-the-tide. Learn more about Faith Under Fire, opening Nov. 27 - Dec. 1, at faithunderfirefilm.com.
About Against the Tide: Against the Tide is a new feature-length documentary on the life, work, and mission of legendary University of Oxford professor, mathematician, and philosopher Dr. John Lennox. Lennox has devoted a lifetime in a rigorous investigation of the critical question “Do science and history refute the validity of the Bible and the Christian worldview?”
In Against the Tide, veteran Hollywood actor and director Kevin Sorbo (Hercules, God’s Not Dead, Let There Be Light) outlines some of the most challenging accusations that science makes against scripture. Through compelling conversations and visual explorations, Professor Lennox sets the record straight, as he stands against the tide of disinformation and proclaims the undeniable Truth. Created by Pensmore Films, Against the Tide takes viewers on a journey from Oxford to Israel as Lennox and Sorbo unpack theological and scientific evidence of God, culminating in the Holy Land to experience the verifiable evidence about the life and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Viewers will be educated, informed, and edified in their faith, giving them the confidence and tools to defend their own faith as they also stand Against The Tide.
About Faith Under Fire: After an exhausting night saving a young girl from a raging house fire, Fireman Tom Hatcher is at the end of his rope. He couldn’t save his wife from cancer – and worse yet – his six year old daughter, Tiffany, is now facing the same possible fate. When he finds himself in a cold jail cell after attacking a pastor out of frustration with a seemingly absent God, Tom begins to reflect on his downward spiral into despair. But with the help and persistent friendship of the very man he assaulted, Tom is challenged to face his grief and embrace faith in the darkest hours of his life.
About Kevin Sorbo: In 1993, Kevin Sorbo emerged as a full-fledged international TV star when he was cast as the lead role of Hercules in a series of TV films that would lay the groundwork for the immensely popular series, Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. He also guest-starred as Hercules in episodes of the successful spin-off series Xena: Warrior Princess as well as providing his voice to the animated Hercules films.
In 1997 Sorbo accepted his first leading film role in the fantasy action feature Kull the Conqueror. Along the way, he played characters in video games such as Mortal Kombat 4, God of War and The Conduit.
He guest-starred on the sitcom "Two and a Half Men" and played a recurring role on the final season of "The O.C.." In addition to his work onscreen, Sorbo now also produces films, recently serving as Executive Producer and star of the movie Abel's Field. Currently he is promoting his upcoming feature film Faith Under Fire, and the theatrical release for his documentary Against the Tide.
When asked about Against the Tide, Sorbo says, “I am frequently berated by Hollywood compatriots for my Christian faith. Bringing Against The Tide to the screen seemed a great opportunity to learn how to respond from a master in turning the atheist manifesto on its head. Furthermore, I get to appear as ‘myself!’”
Besides his successful career in entertainment, Sorbo has always devoted a hearty portion of his time to causes he believes in. In 2005 he was named successor to Arnold Schwarzenegger as the national spokesperson for The Afterschool Alliance, a nonprofit working to ensure that all children have access to quality after school programs, and since ‘97 Kevin has donated his time as the spokesperson for the non-profit organization, A World Fit For Kids.
Sorbo recently authored the widely praised book, "True Strength," that recounts the painful recovery from serious health setbacks that changed his life during his Hercules years. He married actress Sam Jenkins, whom he met during her guest appearance on Hercules in 1998. They have three children together, Braeden, Shane and Octavia.
Carol Buckman, Advisor for Education Ministries with Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how CFNA welcomes new neighbors to their community, how CFNA has made a difference for someone new to United States, and how virtual trivia nights will benefit CFNA. Learn more, bid on auction items, and register for trivia at cfna-stl.org/trivia-night.
Online Virtual Trivia Benefits Youth & Family Ministry to refugees and immigrants. November 7 and 14, 2020 Registration Deadline is November 5 or when full, so register NOW! 6:30 p.m. CST – CFNA “Around the World” Entertainment 7:00 p.m. CST – Trivia begins $20/person $160/team of eight (seminary students are free)
Bethany Andrews, Director of Engagement with Camp Lutherhaven in Albion, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what outdoor education is, how this season (and any season, really) is a great time for outdoor education, and the opportunities for homeschool outdoor education at Camp Lutherhaven. Learn more at lutherhaven.org/homeschool-outdoor-education-program.
Kevin and Sara Skinner join Andy and Sarah during the Adoption Stories series to talk about what made adoption important to them, the process of their adoption, and what they learned in this experience that would be helpful to other families considering adoption. Learn more about Lutheran Family Service of Iowa at lutheranfamilyservice.org, and find Lutheran Family and Children Services in your area at lcms.org/rso and search keyword "adoption."
Rev. Warren Woerth, pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Arnold, Missouri, this week's KFUO Radio Church of the Week, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why Good Shepherd Lutheran partners with KFUO Radio, where we find comfort in Scripture for trying times (like election day), and how to use the vast amount of resources on creation to teach the faith at home. Learn more about Good Shepherd at goodshepherdarnold.org.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how industry is about more than just usefulness and contribution, what it means to talk about being good, and how true goodness comes from God.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Kristyn Getty — wife, mother, and recording artist, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how singing the faith at home is a wonderful habit for families, how she and Keith work singing into their family routine, and their new album Evensong, available at gettymusic.com/evensong.
Cheryl Swope, MSEd, and author of Simply Classical: A Beautiful Education for Any Child (now in its 2nd Edition), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why they chose homeschooling for their family, what was most helpful in their first year, how routines make homeschooling more manageable, and additional benefits of homeschooling on family life. Find Simply Classical: A Beautiful Education for Any Child at memoriapress.com/curriculum/special-needs.
Travis and Katie Hansen join Andy and Sarah during the Adoption Stories series to talk about what made adoption important to them, the process of their adoption, and what they learned in this experience that would be helpful to other families considering adoption. Learn more about Lutheran Family Service of Iowa at lutheranfamilyservice.org, and find Lutheran Family and Children Services in your area at lcms.org/rso and search keyword "adoption."
Rev. Jeff Nehrt— pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Greenville, Illinois, and Business Manager for Ongoing Ambassadors for Christ (OAFC), and Rev. Timothy Mueller— pastor of Saint John's Lutheran Church in New Minden and Saint Luke's Lutheran Church in Covington, Illinois, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the history of OAFC, why it's important to train youth to witness, what a typical OAFC weekend looks like, and what the future is for OAFC. Learn more at oafc.org.
Rev. Luke Wolters, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Wellsville, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the saints at Grace Lutheran Church, how the church has continuted to do ministry during the pandemic, and the upcoming Annual Turkey Dinner. Learn more at graceinwellsville.com and facebook.com/GraceLCMS.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about roadblocks to initiative, where the Gospel fits into building initiative, and how we use initiative to show God's love to our neighbors.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Thomas Kuster, director of the Christ in Media Institute at Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, Minnesota, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Gospel Outreach with Media Conference, the ideas and technology that have be presented at past conferences, how this information is incredibly useful for today's church, and the lineup for this year's conference. Learn more about the Christ in Media Institute at blc.edu/campus-life/spiritual-life/christ-in-media-institute and the exclusively online 2020 Gospel Outreach with Media Conference at gowm.org.
Dr. Jerrode Marsh, Director of Music at St. Paul Lutheran High School in Concordia, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to preview the new Christkindlesmarkt at St. Paul, traditional market vendors and artisans, and why she is bringing this traditional German Christmas market to St. Paul. Applications are open for vendors! Find details at splhs.org/events and facebook.com/Saint-Paul-Christkindlesmarkt-105971921281969.
Rev. David Haberstock, Regional Pastor for Lutheran Church–Canada’s Central Region, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how fear is manifesting itself in our lives these days, the purpose of fear and the answer to it, and where we find comfort from God's Word in the midst of fearful times. Read his article in the Canadian Lutheran at canadianlutheran.ca/the-epidemic-of-fear.
Rev. Dr. Adam Koontz, assistant professor of exegetical theology at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana, and co-host of The Word Fitly Spoken podcast, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what kind of giving our Lord commands of His beloved followers, the condition of our hearts, the state of our habit of excuses, and how we give with our whole heart. Read his article on the LW Online at witness.lcms.org/2020/with-a-whole-heart.
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Rev. Keith Haney, Author of One Nation Under God: Healing the Racial Divides in America and Assistant to the President— Missions, Human Care & Stewardship with LCMS Iowa District West, joins Andy and Sarah in the sixth of a six-part series on healing racial divides in America to talk about how we share the hope we have in Christ with our neighbors, the importance of expanding our circles of relationships, and how meaningful relationships are a critical part of building trust and reconciliation. Find Pastor Haney's Bible study at cph.org/healingracialdivides and read his blog at alightbreaksthrough.org.
Rev. A. Trevor Sutton, pastor of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Lansing, Michigan, and author of several books from Concordia Publishing House including Why Should I Trust the Bible?, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why we are often consumed with pursuing autonomy, how we encounter the philosophy of deism, and where we learn about God's relationship with His creation. Read his article in the LW Online at witness.lcms.org/2020/the-drivers-seat.
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Rev. Terry Grebing, pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Renault, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the history of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, how the Wurstmarkt been a part of congregational life for Holy Cross, and how Holy Cross continued to carry on Word & Sacrament Ministry this year, in spite of challenges. Learn more about Holy Cross Lutheran Church at holycrosslutheran.webs.com.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how we can encourage children to build initiative, how adults can build initiative, the role of tact and timing for both children and adults, and how mentors and community play a role in our growth.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Matthew Wood, serving the Lord in Indonesia working with the Indonesian Christian Lutheran Church (GKLI), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the October issue of the Lutheran Witness, all about the promises we have in Christ. Follow along and search the Scriptures with us! Read about Pastor Wood and how to support his work at lcms.org/wood.
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Rev. Dr. Wilhelm Weber, Managing Director of the International Lutheran Society of Wittenberg, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the historical context of the Old Latin School in Wittenberg, how the community of Wittenberg has changed over the years, how the Old Latin School is a base to reach into the surrounding community with the Gospel of Christ, and plans for the years ahead. Learn more about the Old Latin School and how you can visit at oldlatinschool.org.
Rev. Keith Haney, Author of One Nation Under God: Healing the Racial Divides in America and Assistant to the President— Missions, Human Care & Stewardship with LCMS Iowa District West, joins Andy and Sarah in the fifth of a six-part series on healing racial divides in America to talk about how accusations affect divides, how public protests have made both good and bad differences in history, where we learn about true reconciliation in Scripture, and what our relationship with Jesus has to do with our relationship with our neighbors. Find Pastor Haney's Bible study at cph.org/healingracialdivides and read his blog at alightbreaksthrough.org.
Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of the Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the theme of the October issue of the Lutheran Witness, the chief messages to the Galatians in this letter, how learning the context of the letter is helpful is understanding its text, and the importance of this letter for Martin Luther and the Reformation. Learn more about this issue at witness.lcms.org/2020/lutheran-witness-october-2020.
Read and listen to LW online at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how guilt gets in the way of initiative, how we understand guilt as Christians, and how we move through guilt and model skill learning for children.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. David Fleming, Executive Director for Spiritual Care with DOXOLOGY: The Lutheran Center for Spiritual Care and Counsel, joins Andy and Sarah during Mental Health Awareness Week to talk about how DOXOLOGY supports pastors in their own spiritual care and caring for the souls in their congregations, the critical nature of pastors and church workers (and really everyone) to receive spiritual and mental health care, and where we start to seek our own support, both with pastors and counselors. Learn about the wonderful opportunities for pastors and congregations through DOXOLOGY at doxology.us.
Resources for mental health and wellness: doxology.us for pastoral and congregational spiritual and counseling care lcms.org/wellness for LCMS resources Insurance or medical sharing programs, supplemental coverage programs EAP (Concordia Plans members, look here) 211.org – find your local resources for each state / area ruralhealthinfo.org – find information for rural health. (Behavorial health: ruralhealthinfo.org/toolkits/telehealth/2/specific-populations/behavioral-health) nami.org/Videos/NAMI-Basics-OnDemand – National Alliance on Mental Illness. This link is for Mental Health Basics. mhanational.org/ – Mental Health America, mental health screenings hazeldenbettyford.org – substance use and treatment, other addiction treatment
va.gov and lcms.org/armedforces for veterans and military personnel Resources if you need immediate help: thehotline.org – National Domestic Violence Hotline – (800) 799−7233 or chat online crisistextline.org – Crisis Counseling via text message – text HOME to 741741 suicidepreventionlifeline.org – National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – (800) 273-8255 or chat online
Kelly Nava— pastor’s wife, mama of two, and copy editor at Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about her experiences having a daughter with Down Syndrome, what she's learned through these experiences, and how we value and love individuals with Down Syndrome as brothers and sisters in Christ. Read her blog post for Down Syndrome Awareness Month at blog.cph.org/serve/celebrating-differences-down-syndrome-awareness-month.
Jessica Meuse— singer/songwriter from Slapout, Alabama, and Mike Thirtle— President and CEO of Bethesda Lutheran Communities, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how Jessica was introduced to the wonderful work being done through Bethesda to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, the song "Because You Love Me" that came of out this partnership, and how this song tells the story of Bethesda. Learn more about Bethesda Lutheran Communities at bethesdalc.org and find more of Jessica's music at jessicameuse.com. Watch the music video for this song at youtu.be/pY-B7TnhqSY.
“Because You Love Me” ©2020 Jessica Meuse, used by permission.
Official music video for Because You Love Me, written by Jessica Meuse for Bethesda and the staff who care so much.
Bethesda is a national nonprofit helping adults with developmental disabilities live lives full of independence, inclusion and community.
Rev. Keith Haney, Author of One Nation Under God: Healing the Racial Divides in America and Assistant to the President— Missions, Human Care & Stewardship with LCMS Iowa District West, joins Andy and Sarah in the fourth of a six-part series on healing racial divides in America to talk about how easy it is to have biases and prejudices, how ignoring a person's culture and history can be more harmful than helpful, what we can learn from the Church at Ephesus, and how we are one in Christ. Find Pastor Haney's Bible study at cph.org/healingracialdivides and read his blog at alightbreaksthrough.org.
Rachel Bomberger—writer, editor, home-educator, mom, wife to US Navy Chaplain, and co-host of The Lutheran Ladies Lounge podcast—joins Andy and Sarah to talk about her experiences entering into the traditions and culture of military life, her encounter with the tradition of Morning and Evening Colors, and how this tradition has become part of her own life. Read her article in the online Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org/2020/praying-colors-morning-and-evening.
Read and listen to LW online at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what initiative is, how we can get kids to ask how they can contribute and where they can lead, and how mistakes and forgiveness are essential in this space to allow kids (and adults) to grow.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Dr. Joel Lehenbauer, Executive Director of the LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about different understandings and teachings on the End Times, what is false teaching and what is true Biblical teaching, what the Bible says about the signs of the End Times, and what we can learn from Scripture about the End Times. Read all CTCR documents at lcms.org/ctcr and find the document on End Times mentioned in this episode at The End Times: A Study of Eschatology and Millennialism.
Deaconess Tiffany Manor, Director of Life Ministry for the LCMS, joins Andy to talk about LCMS Life Ministry, national advocacy, local witness, and how we can support life in our own vocations. Learn more about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life.
Rehema Kavugha, Synod Relations Manager for Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF), and Demian Farnworth, Content Manager for LCEF, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the LCEF Magazine Interest Time, how this magazines tells the stories of the church, and what we can look forward to in the next issue. Find Interest Time at interesttime.org and learn more about LCEF at lcef.org.
Rev. Keith Haney, Author of One Nation Under God: Healing the Racial Divides in America and Assistant to the President— Missions, Human Care & Stewardship with LCMS Iowa District West, joins Andy and Sarah in the third of a six-part series on healing racial divides in America to talk about who our neighbors are, why understanding the history of our neighbors is useful for more genuine and loving relationships, and what we can learn from the story of The Good Samaritan. Find Pastor Haney's Bible study at cph.org/healingracialdivides and read his blog at alightbreaksthrough.org.
Rev. Sean Daenzer, Director of Worship for the LCMS, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels, which the Church celebrates on September 29, to discuss what we know about angels, the various misconceptions about who angels are and what they do, the vivid story in Revelation 12 about the war in heaven, and the propers and hymns assigned for this day.
Hymn of the Day: Lutheran Service Book 522 (Another wonderful hymn: Lutheran Service Book 521)
Lectionary: Daniel 10:10-14; 12:1-3 Psalm 91 Revelation 12:7-12 Matthew 19:1-11 or Luke 10:17-20
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about building curiosity and autonomy, roadblocks to curiosity, how shame enters into this realm of curiosity, and where we find relief from shame (hint: Jesus).
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Matthew Wood, serving the Lord in Indonesia working with the Indonesian Christian Lutheran Church (GKLI), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the September issue of the Lutheran Witness, all about our certainty in Christ Jesus in life and death. Follow along and search the Scriptures with us! Read about Pastor Wood and how to support his work at lcms.org/wood.
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Matthew Gerhardt, Associate Minister of Music at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Des Peres, Missouri, and Rev. Dr. Jon Vieker, Senior Assistant to the President of the LCMS, join Andy and Sarah to talk about a Paul Gerhardt hymn festival this Sunday, September 27, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. They discuss who Paul Gerhardt was and what his life was like, the influences on his hymn writing, and the wonderful hymnody that will be presented and sung on Sunday.
Pre-registration is required at stpaulsdesperes.org/music.
Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, President of the LCMS, joins Andy and Sarah during our series on hobbies to talk about his love of collecting old books and doing German translation, what he finds exciting and challenging about doing this work, and what we can learn from these written words of our Lutheran history.
Find all the episodes in our series on hobbies at kfuo.org/tag/hobbies.
Rev. Keith Haney, Author of One Nation Under God: Healing the Racial Divides in America and Assistant to the President— Missions, Human Care & Stewardship with LCMS Iowa District West, joins Andy and Sarah in the second of a six-part series on healing racial divides in America to talk about how the "us vs. them" mentality deepens divides, how Satan works hard to sow seeds of division among us, and how God equips us for battle against Satan in order that we can love our neighbors. Find Pastor Haney's Bible study at cph.org/healingracialdivides and read his blog at alightbreaksthrough.org.
Mike Thirtle, President and CEO of Bethesda Lutheran Communities, joins Andy to talk about what Bethesda Cornerstone Village is, what the need for this unique community is, and the grand opening for this new community. Learn more about Bethesda Cornerstone Village in Victoria, Minnesota, at bethesdacornerstonevillage.org.
Rev. Dr. Roosevelt Gray, Director of LCMS Black Ministry, joins Andy to talk about the impact of the storms on local communities in the South, the historic significance of these communities, the LCMS congregations that are impacted, and the ability of congregations to respond to the needs of their communities. Learn more about LCMS Disaster Response at lcms.org/disaster and LCMS Black Ministry at lcms.org/blackministry.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how shame and autonomy interact as we balance our free will with God’s will and the will of others, how shame impacts our mental health, and how shame and our identity in Christ intersect.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Brandon Merrick, pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Paradise, California, joins Andy to talk about rebuilding after the November 2018 fires destroyed most of the community, including Our Savior Lutheran Church. They discuss losses experienced by members of the congregation, blessings in the midst of great losses, the rebuilding process, and how the current fires are affecting their community and church. Lear more about Our Savior at facebook.com/Our-Savior-Lutheran-Church-Paradise-CA-182663725082577.
Sharon Riordan, Director of International Student Ministry - St. Louis, joins Andy to talk about the work of International Student Ministry and how the organization helps students, how students have been affected by the pandemic, and how you can help students through the work of ISM. Learn more at ismstl.org.
Rev. Tyrel Bramwell, Admissions Counselor at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah during our series on hobbies to talk about what he loves about photography, his favorite things to photograph and favorite cameras to use, and insight for newbies who want to get into photography.
Find all the episodes in our series on hobbies at kfuo.org/tag/hobbies.
Rev. Keith Haney, Author of One Nation Under God: Healing the Racial Divides in America and Assistant to the President— Missions, Human Care & Stewardship with LCMS Iowa District West, joins Andy and Sarah in the first of a six-part series on healing racial divides in America to talk about defining the racial division in America, the complexity of the situation, the experience of most black Americans, and how emotions play a role in our divisions. Find Pastor Haney's Bible study at cph.org/healingracialdivides and read his blog at alightbreaksthrough.org.
Rev. David Goehmann, pastor of Christ Lutheran Church in Norfolk, Nebraska, joins Andy and Sarah during our series on hobbies to talk about how he got into hunting, what he likes about hunting, different ways to hunt, and insights for newbies.
Find all the episodes in our series on hobbies at kfuo.org/tag/hobbies.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how our free will is acknowledged, what shame is and how it relates to free will, how autonomy relates to both shame and free will, and what all of these things mean for our mental health and daily decision-making.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Michael Schuermann, pastor of University Lutheran Church, campus ministry at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why we should consider our mortality even if we are presumably in the prime of life, how or beliefs about death and resurrection color our vocations, and what scripture teaches us about death. Read his answer to the question about considering death in the prime of life in the September issue of the Lutheran Witness. Read and listen to LW online at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, Illinois, joins Andy to talk about how to know all our sins are forgiven, how we know that our pastors have authority to forgive sins, and where we read about this in scripture and our confessions. Read his answer to the question about Haunting Sins in the September issue of the Lutheran Witness. Read and listen to LW online at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, Texas, joins Andy and Sarah during our series on hobbies to talk about how he got into knife an tomahawk throwing, how this is actually a really fun (and safe) hobby, insights for people who want to get into this hobby, and how hobbies are good for body and spirit.
Find all the episodes in our series on hobbies at kfuo.org/tag/hobbies.
Mark Hancock, CEO of TrailLife USA, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the biggest challenges facing boys today, how TrailLife helps to raise up Christ-centered boys, and how TrailLife has remained active during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more about TrailLife and troops in your area at traillifeusa.com.
Justin and Jordan Logston, who serve the Lord in Belize, join Andy to talk about their journey to becoming missionaries, how the Lord has prepared them for this service, and what their primary duties will be once they are deployed. Learn more about the Logstons and how to support their work at lcms.org/logston.
Rev. Sean Smith, Pastor of the Evangelical Dual Parish of Immanuel-Campbell Hill and St. Paul-Wine Hill, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah during our series on hobbies to talk about why he enjoys making wine, all the wonderful lingo and science that goes along with making wine, and tips for newbies who want to start making their own wine.
Find all the episodes in our series on hobbies at kfuo.org/tag/hobbies.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how to have empathy on social media, including these five points:
Find Their Face Know When to Abort or Relocate Utilize the Facebook Disclaimer Be Real, but Understand the Intimacy Level Just Be Happy for Them.
This is a rebroadcast from June 15, 2020.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Mrs. Debbie Larson, President of the LWML, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how the LWML supports global mission work, some of the LWML Mission Grants for this year, and how having a community of women devoted to sharing the Gospel makes a difference to our communities and church at large. Learn more at lwml.org.
Wade Waterstreet, student at Concordia Seminary St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah during our series on hobbies to talk about why he loves radio controlled aircraft, what makes this hobby fun and exciting, and tips for newbies who would like to take up this hobby.
Find all the episodes in our series on hobbies at kfuo.org/tag/hobbies.
Rev. Michael Meyer, Director of Disaster Training with LCMS Disaster Response, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the damage sustained by communities in Texas and Louisiana from Hurricane Laura, the LCMS congregations that will respond to the communities, and the outlook for volunteers and recovery work. Learn more about LCMS Disaster Response and volunteer work at lcms.org/disaster and facebook.com/LCMSDisasterResponse.
Rev. James Miller, associate pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Nashville, Illinois, KFUO Radio's Church of the week, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how Trinity serves the community around them, how the congregation has been gathered around the Word during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how KFUO Radio is a part of Trinity's ministry. Learn more about Trinity Lutheran Church at tlcnashville.org and facebook.com/trinitynashvilleillinois.
Samantha Bender, mom and artist, joins Andy and Sarah during our series on hobbies to talk about why she loves to paint, insights for people who want to start painting, different styles of painting, and some favorite tools and supplies to use.
Find all the episodes in our series on hobbies at kfuo.org/tag/hobbies.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what hinders trust and what builds trust, including how nature and nurture play a role in our ability to trust, specific actions that break trust like secrets and failing to show up, and specific things that build trust like forgiveness and vulnerability.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Merritt Demski, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Waterloo, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about understanding things that don't seem fair to us (like a global pandemic), how God and be both merciful and just, and God's disposition towards His children through Jesus Christ. This is a rebroadcast from June 24, 2020.
Dr. Rebecca Schmidt, Director of Lutheran School Ministry for the LCMS Office of National Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the challenges Lutheran schools are facing this year, some of the creative ways Lutheran schools are managing education plans, and how Lutheran schools are thriving even in the midst of a pandemic. Learn more about Lutheran schools at lcms.org/schools and find resources for Lutheran education at luthed.org.
Rev. Amadeus Gandy, Pastor at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Clarksburg, West Virginia, and Chaplain 1st Lieutenant with the United States Air Force, joins Andy and Sarah during our series on hobbies to talk about his interest in bodybuilding and how it's not the same as power lifting or C rossfit, benefits of a physical fitness hobby, how the whole family is involved, and tips for newbies to the fitness world.
Find all the episodes in our series on hobbies at kfuo.org/tag/hobbies.
Rev. Dr. Stanish Stanley, Executive Director of Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how CFNA serves immigrants to the St. Louis area, how CFNA's work has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the upcoming Golf Tournament on October 12, 2020 to benefit CFNA. Learn more and register at cfna-stl.org/golf.
Tony Ciro, Development Manager for Phil’s Friends, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how Phil's Friends shares the comfort of Christ in a time of need, opportunities to volunteer with Phil's Friends including the new Hope on Call initiative, and the upcoming Virtual Gala to support Phil's Friends. Learn more about volunteering and sending care packages to those dealing with cancer at philsfriends.org.
Kristi Stell, hobby crocheter, joins Andy and Sarah during our series on hobbies to talk about her interest in crocheting, what she loves about it, and how she's been able to use this hobby to serve others.
Find all the episodes in our series on hobbies at kfuo.org/tag/hobbies.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how trust is built, including how trust is both presupposed and earned, what trust looks like in a relationship, and some specific actions that build trust.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Dr. Joel Biermann, Professor of Systematic Theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the root of the American ideology of voting, if God cares whether we vote a certain way, how we can determine how God would want us to vote, and how we love our neighbors in the voting booth. Read his article Beyond the Booth in the August 2020 issue of the Lutheran Witness.
Read and listen to LW online at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Krista Hinrichs, Respiratory nurse, pastor’s wife, musician, and gardener, joins Andy and Sarah during our series on hobbies to talk about her interest in gardening, insights into those interested in starting a garden, and some of the things she's learned over the years.
Find all the episodes in our series on hobbies at kfuo.org/tag/hobbies.
Rev. Dr. Ross Johnson, Director of LCMS Disaster Response, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about damage from the derecho that hit Iowa and Illinois, how local LCMS congregations and schools were impacted, and how Disaster Response is aiding those who are affected. Learn more about LCMS Disaster Response and how you can help at lcms.org/disaster.
Barb Rebentisch, who serves the Lord in Taiwan, based in ChiaYi, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about her role translating and interpreting between Mandarin and English to facilitate the communication of the Gospel, what led up to her service in Taiwan, and what she enjoys most about this culture and service. Read her story and how to support her work at lcms.org/rebentisch.
Erin Alter, Director of Short-Term Missions for the LCMS Office of International Mission, joins Andy and Sarah during our series on hobbies to talk about her interest in sewing, some of the wonderful pieces she's made, and some of the things she's learned over the years.
Find all the episodes in our series on hobbies at kfuo.org/tag/hobbies.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how trust impacts our mental health, including how trust is like an "essential multivitamin" for our mental health, what happens when we don't have trust in our relationships, and how our ultimate trust is in Christ alone.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Tanner Olson, poet of Written to Speak, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his Poetry School happening virtually this fall, including how poetry can be beneficial for kids, who this school is for, and what the curriculum includes. Learn more and sign up at writtentospeak.com/poetry-school-1.
Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of the Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the theme for the August issue of LW, why talking about religion and politics is timely and necessary, and some of the great things to read and listen to in this month's issue. Read and listen to LW online at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Rev. Randy Asburry, pastor of Hope Lutheran Church in St. Louis, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah during our series on hobbies to talk about his interest in woodworking, some of his latest projects, tips for newbies, and why he loves woodworking.
Find all the episodes in our series on hobbies at kfuo.org/tag/hobbies.
Jenn Rutherford, Vice President of Lending with Lutheran Federal Credit Union (LFCU), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about insights into buying a first home, important steps in preparation for a mortgage, and how LFCU can help home buyers and especially church workers. Learn more at LutheranFCU.org.
Rev. William Cwirla, pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Hacienda Heights, California, joins Andy and Sarah during our series on hobbies to talk about his interest in baking bread, the key pointers for newbies, and the best parts about having fresh bread from your own oven.
Find all the episodes in our series on hobbies at kfuo.org/tag/hobbies.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what trust is, how our bodies interpret trust, and what God's Word says about trust. Read more: heidigoehmann.com/blog/always-growing-what-is-trust.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Weslie Odom, pastor of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Arlington, Texas, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the August issue of the Lutheran Witness, all about civility and conviction. Follow along and search the Scriptures with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Beth Lutz, Director of Programs for Camp Luther in Three Lakes, Wisconsin, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about an incredible opportunity for college students to live at Camp Luther for a semester while completing classes online at their own individual schools, requirements for this new program, and how this program is a unique way for students to learn and serve. Learn more and apply at campluther.com/students.
Rev. Mark Kiessling, Director of Youth Ministry for the LCMS, and Rev. Derek Broten, Program Director, for the LCMS Youth Gathering, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the purpose of LCMS Youth Gatherings, the theme for Youth Gathering 2022 in Houston, and what to look forward to at this Gathering. Join the community for LCMS Youth Ministry on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/LCMSYouthMinistry. Learn more details at lcmsgathering.com and follow updates on the social media linked on the Gathering website.
Benjamin Kolodziej, member of Faith Lutheran Church in Plano, TX, highly active church organist and composer, and contributor to the Lutheran Service Book Hymnal Companion, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about three upcoming hymns in the Three Year Lectionary for Series A, Propers 14-16: Lutheran Service Book 717, 615, and 645. Learn more about the LSB Hymnal Companion and find your copy at music.cph.org/lutheran-service-book-companion-to-the-hymns.
Mrs. Jocelyn Benson, Head Teacher with Wittenberg Academy, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what Wittenberg Academy offers to families, how classical education and online learning are very compatible together, and curriculum options for both primary grades and junior/high school students. Learn more, sign up for free primary grades curriculum, and register for Fall junior/high school classes at wittenbergacademy.org.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about play and delighting in God, including the relationship of silliness, delight, and play; the value of silliness and delight for our mental health; and some ways to let out the silliness and delight in God.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Dr. Steven Hokana, Associate Director of LCMS Ministry to Armed Forces, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the challenges our troops and chaplains have faced during COVID-19 pandemic, why our military chaplains are a vital resource for our armed forces, and the need for more Directors of Religious Education and Chaplains. Learn more about LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces at lcms.org/armedforces. Interested in becoming a chaplain? Email lcmschaps@lcms.org.
Rev. Mark Femmel, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Maryland Heights, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the new Higher Groundz Coffee & Tea at Zion Lutheran, including what prompted the idea for a coffee shop at Zion, what the shop is currently serving, and how to follow what's happening at Higher Groundz. Learn more at zionmh.org/hgz and facebook.com/HigherGroundzMH.
Rev. Nathan Wendorf, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Harlingen, Texas, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how hurricanes have impacted the community of Harlingen in the past, how the congregation of St. Paul was impacted by Hurricane Hanna, and how St. Paul continues to proclaim the Good News of Jesus in the Harlingen community. Learn more LCMS Disaster Response at lcms.org/disaster.
Cheryl Swope, educator and author of Simply Classical: A Beautiful Education for Any Child, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about quick tips for homeschoolers for parents who all of a sudden find themselves figuring out homeschooling, including routine, vision, and ways to enjoy this time together. Find Cheryl's work at cherylswope.com. This is a rebroadcast from March 18, 2020.
Erica Jacoby, Executive Director of Higher Things, and Crysten Sanchez, Events Executive for Higher Things, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the aim of Higher Things Conferences, this year's theme "Watermarked," and how participants can enjoy this year's virtual conference on August 6-7 and all it has to offer. Learn more and register at higherthings.org/conferences.
Rev. Marcus Zill, Chancellor of LCMS U and host of The Student Union on KFUO Radio, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the history of LCMS Campus Ministry, how the Lord has grown campus ministry over the last 100 years, and insight he's gained from hosting The Student Union. Learn more about LCMS U at lcms.org/lcmsu and find The Student Union podcast at kfuo.org/TheStudentUnion.
Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Leininger, University Pastor at Concordia University Chicago in River Forest, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his new book available from Concordia Publishing House Callings for Life, including some myths about callings that need to be addressed, what vocation means and what callings are for, and why it's important to understand our callings in life. Find your copy and download a sample at books.cph.org/callings-for-life.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about play and adults, including relationship to play as a child and how we experience play as adults; the difference between play, rest, entertainment, and recreation; and how Nature, Art, Music, Words, Movement are incorporated into play as adults.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Timothy Appel, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Smithville, Texas, and Rev. Philip Hoppe, pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in Finlayson and St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bruno, Minnesota, join Andy and Sarah (both in studio for the first time in 133 days) to talk about the greater tragedy of this season of pandemic, why it's so easy to point the finger at other people rather than examine ourselves, and what repentance during this time looks like in our vocations.
Deaconess Tiffany Manor, LCMS Director of Life Ministry, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what we mean by "Life Ministry," things we can do in our own vocations to promote life, and encouragement to promote life issues in our churches. Learn more about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life.
Amanda Bello and Solveig Fiene, English Conversation Partners with the LCMS Office of International Mission, and Anne Gonzalez, DCE, Manager of Short-term Mission Training & Engagement with the LCMS, join Andy and Sarah to talk about their experiences as English conversation partners with English students in Russia, what they learned about Russian culture and our own American culture, and upcoming opportunities to participate from the comfort of your own couch. (This is a perfect opportunity for families with children 14+!) Learn more at servenow.lcms.org/opp/online-english-conversation-partner.
Rev. Dr. Adam Koontz, assistant professor of exegetical theology at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana, and cohost of A Word Fitly Spoken podcast, joins Andy to talk about his post on The Lutheran Witness about worry, including why adults worry more than children, how being like a child in this instance can be a good thing, and what our Lord says to the worried or weary. Read his article at witness.lcms.org/2020/our-whole-future-wholly-in-his-hands and find all Lutheran Witness Series posts at witness.lcms.org/series.
Andrew Himelick, elementary music teacher in Carmel, Indiana, and Emmy Woock, Director of Music Ministries at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Elmhurst, Illinois, join Andy and Sarah to talk about why music an important thing for children to be immersed in as they are developing, the vast amount of musical skills and concepts babies and young children can learn, and ways to keep children engaged in musical learning at home and in daily life. Learn more about First Steps in Music at feierabendmusic.org. Find Keeping the Beat, a First Steps in Music resource, at amazon.com/First-Steps-Classical-Music-Keeping/dp/B00005A0A1.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how play in adolescence and teens looks different than play as a young child, what adolescents and teens need for growth in their play, and how "Social, Discovery, Imagination, Physical" makes a difference for adolescents and teens.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Dr. James Voelz, Professor of New Testament Theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the benefits of learning Koine Greek, a vivid example of how knowing this language can help in studying Scriptures, and how to register for the Fall 2020 online course. Learn more and register at csl.edu/2020/05/registration-opens-for-fall-online-greek-language-course-3.
Dr. John Behnke— Composer, Organist, Handbell Director, (Zoom Expert), and Clinician for the 2020 Music at Historic Trinity Church Music Workshop, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about this year's arrangements for the Workshop, what participants will be learning, and some exciting new things for the virtual event. Learn more at johnbehnke.weebly.com and eventbrite.com/e/music-at-historic-trinity-virtual-online-workshop-hosted-by-john-behnke-tickets-111609864108. Watch the promo on Youtube.com.
Sarah Kanoy, RN, BSN, Community Health Nurse and Educator in East Africa for the LCMS, Stephanie Schulte, RN, BSN, CMSRN, WCN, Mercy Medical Coordinator for West and Central Africa for the LCMS, and Anne Gonzalez, DCE, Manager of Short-term Mission Training & Engagement with the LCMS, join Andy and Sarah to talk about what Community Health Evangelism (CHE) is, where CHE has made a difference, and upcoming training for volunteers interested in CHE. To participate in upcoming training, email mercyteams@lcms.org. Read more about CHE in LCMS Engage magazine at engage.lcms.org/africa-grants-summer-2020.
Mark Mentele, Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Concordia University Wisconsin, and Lyndsey Sheridan, Visit and Events Coordinator at Concordia University Wisconsin, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how CUW participates in Wisconsin’s annual Private College Week, what makes CUW a unique Lutheran university, and the details of the upcoming Taste of Concordia virtual event. Learn more at blog.cuw.edu/prospective-undergrads-invited-to-get-a-taste-of-concordia-july-27-31.
Rehema Kavugha, Synod Relations Manager with Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how LCEF has supported borrowers, early childhood centers, and the church in general during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more about LCEF at lcef.org.
Sara Correnti, MS RD LD, Manager of Health and Welfare Member Wellness Products for Concordia Plan Services, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how physical therapy is useful for individuals at home, details of the SWORD Health program, and how Concordia Plan Services members can utilize this benefit. Watch a video about SWORD Health at vimeo.com/413625704.
To apply/join, go to, join.swordhealth.com/Concordia.
Rev. Dr. Richard Marrs, Associate professor of Practical Theology and director of the M.Div. and Residential Alternate Route (RAR) Programs at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the premise behind his latest book Making Christian Counseling More Christ Centered (WestBow Press, 2019), including what Christian counseling generally means, concerns about mainstream Christian counseling, and what Lutherans uniquely bring to the table for mental health services.
Find Dr. Marrs' book at westbowpress.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/779045-Making-Christian-Counseling-More-Christ-Centered.
Find details about the Concordia Seminary Prof Insights: Faculty-Led Workshop August 6-8, 2020, at csl.edu/event/prof-insights-faculty-led-workshop-series-professor-marrs.
Find details about the Concordia Seminary / Concordia Wisconsin Continuing Education course beginning September 8, 2020, at csl.edu/event/scripture-in-counseling-continuing-education-course-begins.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the use of Play Therapy in the toolbox of a mental health professional, including what play therapy is, how it is beneficial to children, and the toys that therapists use during play therapy. Watch the video for this conversation at youtu.be/6RGzzyx7efY.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Micah Glenn, Director of Recruitment at Concordia Seminary in St Louis, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what "Vocatio" is at CSL, what high school students experience at this event, and what this year's event will look like. Learn more and register for this free, online event happening August 2-4, 2020, at csl.edu/vocatio.
Clint Colwell, Director of Admissions at St. Paul Lutheran High School in Concordia, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how SPLS is uniquely different from other Lutheran high schools, the daily life of students at a boarding high school, and plans for next school year. Learn more about SPLS at splhs.org.
Rev. Trevor Sutton, Pastor of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Lansing, Michigan, joins Andy to talk about the intersection of evolving technology and faith. Our relationship with technology is the topic of a Sutton's new series on The Lutheran Witness website.
Find Pastor Sutton's series and other online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Rev. Sean Smith, host of Concord Matters on KFUO Radio and pastor of Immanuel-Campbell Hill and St. Paul-Wine Hill, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what a Call or Divine Call, what a pastor considers when a Call is extended, and the process through which churches and pastors go through during the deliberation process.
This is a rebroadcast from November 12, 2019.
Peggy Kuethe, Senior Editor with Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the new Illuminated Hymnal from CPH, including the history of illuminated writings, coloring books available from CPH, and the hymns and art that are included in the book. Find your copy at cph.org/illuminatedhymnal.
J.P and Aimee Cima, who serve the Lord as missionaries in the Kingdom of Cambodia, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how life has changed in Cambodia during the COVID-19 pandemic, how their individual work has been affected, and the mercy work being done around them. Read their story and how to support their work at lcms.org/cima and on their photo blog at cimafam.com.
Find LCMS resources during the COVID-19 pandemic at lcms.org/coronavirus.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about play and kids' mental health, including what happens when kids don't get space for play and how we can make room for play in our homes, classrooms, and churches. View this video at youtu.be/6RGzzyx7efY.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Stacy Hoehl, PhD, author of Purposeful Grieving from Northwestern Publishing House, joins Andy to talk about what grief is, how grief can affect our faith, and how to find comfort in God's Word during times of grief. Find your copy at online.nph.net/purposeful-grieving.html. This is a rebroadcast from September 10, 2019.
Rev. Trevor Sutton, Pastor of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Lansing, Michigan, joins Andy to talk about narcissism on social media, what the idea of "self-amputation" means in the social media world, and how we can act like Christians on social media. Read his article in The Gospel Coalition at thegospelcoalition.org/article/dont-social-media-narcissist. This is a rebroadcast from September 13, 2019.
Deaconess Dr. Gillian Bond, Director of Deaconess Studies at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the many various roles deaconesses play in congregations and organizations, the key parts of deaconess formation, and the exciting new online path to deaconess certification at Concordia Seminary. To learn more, visit csl.edu/academics/programs.
John and Jenn Wolf, who serve the Lord as missionaries in Kenya, where John serves as the Africa region’s project manager, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how life has changed in Nairobi during the COVID-19 pandemic, how their work has been affected, and the wonderful ways the local and regional churches are supporting our brothers and sisters in Christ. Read their story and how to support their work at lcms.org/john.wolf.
Support to COVID-19 relief efforts in Africa and similar humanitarian work is funded by LCMS World Relief and Human Care donations. To add your contribution, please make your check payable to The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. On the memo line write ‘World Relief and Human Care’. Mail your donation to: The LCMS, P.O. Box 66861, St. Louis, MO 63166-6861 or give online at: lcms.org/givenow/mercy.
Find LCMS resources during the COVID-19 pandemic at lcms.org/coronavirus.
Sara Correnti, MS RD LD, Manager of Health and Welfare Member Wellness Products for Concordia Plan Services, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what makes a great summer recipe, staples to keep on hand during the summer, and favorite summer recipes. Follow these links to find the recipes mentioned in this episode:
acouplecooks.com/watermelon-salad-with-feta-cucumber eatyourselfskinny.com/sweet-potato-black-bean-quinoa-bake
Rev. Greg Barto, Pastor-Elect at Zion Lutheran Church in Hillsboro, Missouri, and Tim Krysl, congregation president at Zion Lutheran Church in Hillsboro, Missouri, join Andy and Sarah to talk about what Jefferson County Lutheran Grace Day is, the impact this event makes on the families who participate, and the anticipated needs for this year. Learn more about this event and how you can host one in your community at gracedayjeffco.org.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about play and growth, including the six ways how we grow in play:
attachment movement problem-solving social understanding sense of self/self-expression telling our stories and understanding our stories
Watch the video on defining play at youtu.be/O8Y5DpUj3I0.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Sean Daenzer, LCMS Director of Worship and International Center Chaplain, joins Andy and Sarah during Sharathon 2020 to talk about the blessings of daily chapel, why we provide daily chapel at the International Center, and the benefits of broadcasting these services via KFUO Radio. Learn more about Daily Chapel at kfuo.org/chapel.
We need your support to stay on the air. Give now at kfuo.org/sharathon.
Rev. Michael Salemink, Executive Director of Mission and Ministry with Lutherans for Life, joins Andy and Sarah during Sharathon 2020 to talk about the shared mission of KFUO Radio and Lutherans for Life, the message of hope that the world needs to hear, and resources like the LifeMoments podcast available from Lutherans for Life. Learn more about Lutherans for Life at lutheransforlife.org and the LifeMoments podcast at kfuo.org/lifemoments.
We need your support to stay on the air. Give now at kfuo.org/sharathon.
Pastor Warren Woerth, pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Arnold, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah during Sharathon 2020 to talk about the importance of teaching creation to children, how Biblical creation informs other parts of our lives, and why KFUO is an important tool in his ministry.
We need your support to stay on the air. Give now at kfuo.org/sharathon.
Katie Schuermann, Author of several books from both Emmanuel Press and Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah during Sharathon 2020 to talk about why giving voice to Lutheran creatives is important, how KFUO is a library full of resources, and why sharing these resources is important. Find her work at katieschuermann.com.
We need your support to stay on the air. Give now at kfuo.org/sharathon.
Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins Andy during Sharathon 2020 to talk about why the LCMS has a radio station/broadcast ministry, why hearing God’s Word on a daily basis is important to the Christian life, and why listeners should support KFUO Radio. Give now at kfuo.org/sharathon.
Rev. Bart Day, President & CEO of the Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF), joins Andy and Sarah during Sharathon 2020 to talk about the work of LCEF today, how partnerships are critical to the work of LCEF, and how LCEF and KFUO Radio work together to share the Gospel around the world. Learn more about LCEF at lcef.org.
Rev. Dr. Glen Thomas, senior pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Des Peres, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah during Sharathon 2020 to talk about how Bible Study on KFUO Radio is helpful to the saints of St. Paul, why studying the appointed lessons for each week is useful, and feedback from listeners regarding the broadcast of Sunday Bible study. Learn more at kfuo.org/stpaulbiblestudy and stpaulsdesperes.org.
Rev. Dr. Kirk Clayton, Pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Mascoutah, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah during Sharathon 2020 to talk about the history surrounding the Presentation of the Augsburg Confession, why this confession was significant in 1530, and why it is still so important to us today. If you don't have a Book of Concord, you can get your own copy of the Reader's Edition from Concordia Publishing House at cph.org/p-11428-concordia-the-lutheran-confessions-a-readers-edition-of-the-book-of-concord-2nd-edition.aspx or you can read it free online at bookofconcord.org/augsburgconfession.php.
Rev. Merritt Demski, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Waterloo, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about understanding things that don't seem fair to us (like a global pandemic), how God and be both merciful and just, and God's disposition towards His children through Jesus Christ.
Rev. Roger James, who serves the Lord in the Philippines as theological educator at the Lutheran Theological Seminary & Training Center in Baguio City, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how the Seminary has weathered the COVID-19 pandemic, how the surrounding community has been affected, and how he and his wife Amy are still able to share the Word of God with those around them. Read their story and how to support their work at lcms.org/jamesfamily.
Find LCMS resources during the COVID-19 pandemic at lcms.org/coronavirus.
Rev. Dr. Kevin Golden, pastor of Village Lutheran Church in Ladue, Misouri, and Dan Greg, Vicar at Village Lutheran Church, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the role of vicars in congregational life, how vicarage is part of pastoral formation, and how this vicarage experience during the COVID-19 pandemic has been a learning experience. Learn more about Village Lutheran Church at villagelutheranchurch.org.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the new series on Play, including what play is and the seven properties of play (plus a bonus):
purposeless attractive voluntary freedom from time diminished sense of consciousness (no embarrassment) improvisational disappointment when it's done (enjoyable) + expression of God's grace
Watch the corresponding video at youtu.be/O8Y5DpUj3I0.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Concordia University Chicago faculty members Dr. Anne Thies— Assistant Professor and Coordinator of Elementary Education, Professor Amy Stradtmann— Assistant Professor and Coordinator of Middle Grades Education, and Professor Jared Stiek— Assistant Professor of Lutheran Teacher Education, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the unique challenges facing Lutheran school teachers as they prepare for next year, opportunities for teachers to take advantage of during this time, and what educators will learn during the Un-Conference sessions. Learn more about this free resource at cuchicago.edu/unconference.
Rev. Jeff Hemmer, pastor of Bethany Lutheran Church in Fairview Heights, Illinois, and author of Man Up: The Quest for Masculinity available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how our confession of Jesus is also a confession of God the Father, why fatherhood is an important vocation, and how God the father is the perfect father. Find Pastor Hemmer's book at cph.org/manup.
Rev. Keith Haney— Assistant to the President Missions, Human Care & Stewardship, LCMS Iowa District West, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his Bible Study One Nation under God: Healing Racial Divides in America, including the heightened emotions that make us feel uncomfortable when we talk about racial divides, where our ultimate hope and healing come from, and what this Bible study will help us to understand. Find the downloadable Bible Study at cph.org/p-31186-one-nation-under-god-healing-racial-divides-in-america-downloadable.aspx.
Rev. Haney will be conducting an online Bible study from June 24 - July 29, 2020. Find details and register here: my.demio.com/ref/mAH7i90zTZzixWhF.
Deaconess Sandra Rhein, Sacred Music Educator in Asia through the LCMS Office of International Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what being a Sacred Music Educator really means, how she will be expanding her hymnal translation work into teaching those hymns to people, and stories from translating hymnals for our church partners. Read her story and how to support her work at lcms.org/rhein.
Church musician and Deaconess Sandra Rhein works at her home on Friday, Feb. 2, 2018, in South Bend, Ind. LCMS Communications/Erik M. Lunsford
Rev. Joe Rodriguez, pastor of St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Liberty, Missouri, KFUO Radio's Church of the Week, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the history of the Liberty community, how St. Stephen has served the community, and why KFUO Radio is important to them. Learn more about St. Stephen at teamjesusliberty.org.
Dr. Kent Burreson, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology & Dean of the Chapel at Concordia Seminary St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what makes a carillon a unique instrument, the carillonneurs who perform on the seminary campus, and how to enjoy the music of the seminary's carillon. Find details about this summer's carillon concert series at csl.edu/2020/05/outdoor-summer-carillon-concerts-slated-for-june.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how to have empathy on social media, including these five points:
1 – Find Their Face 2 - Know When to Abort or Relocate 3 - Utilize the Facebook Disclaimer 4 - Be Real, but Understand the Intimacy Level 5 – Just Be Happy for Them.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Deaconess Anna Johnson, Senior Manager of Marketing with Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how churches are trying to do VBS even in the midst of social distancing and global pandemic, the resources that CPH is providing for churches no matter their situation, and why VBS is an important time for kids during the summer. Learn more about resources for virtual VBS at cph.org/vbs and on the CPH VBS Youtube channel.
Dr. Jim Marriott, Director of Musical Arts at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about a few hymns for Ordinary Time, or the Season after Pentecost, or the Season after Trinity, including LSB 834 "O God O Lord of heaven and earth" for Proper 6, LSB 659 "Lord of our life and God of our salvation" for Proper 7, and LSB 685 "Let us ever walk with Jesus" for Proper 8.
Rev. Dr. Dien Ashley Taylor, pastor of Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church in The Bronx, New York, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what it means to be a disciple for life, what our Lord would have us focus on even in the midst of despair, the blessings that have arisen from the global pandemic situation, and how his congregation has weathered this time with grace and faith. Read his article on Making Disciples for Life in the June/July issue of the Lutheran Witness.
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Rev. Gerard Bolling and Rev. John Schmidtke from Bethlehem Lutheran Church in St. Louis, Missouri, join Andy and Sarah to talk about what makes Bethlehem a unique congregation, the challenges that Bethlehem has faced in the past, and how the congregation serves the diverse community around them. Learn more about Bethlehem at facebook.com/Bethlehem-Lutheran-Church-120259484657725.
Rev. Gerard Bolling and Rev. John Schmidtke from Bethlehem Lutheran Church in St. Louis, Missouri, join Andy and Sarah to talk about what makes Bethlehem a unique congregation, the challenges that Bethlehem has faced in the past, and how the congregation serves the diverse community around them. Learn more about Bethlehem at facebook.com/Bethlehem-Lutheran-Church-120259484657725.
Dr. Travis Scholl, managing editor of the Concordia Journal, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the 2020 Faith and Writing Workshop presented by Concordia Seminary St. Louis, including his background as a writer, how this workshop has benefited participants over the years, and how this year's online workshop will be a unique opportunity. Find details and register at csl.edu/resources/continuing-education/faith-writing-workshop.
Cheryl Magness, managing editor of the LCMS Reporter, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what a writer's job actually is, how a writer can make a reader's job easier, and some things that make for good writing. Find these resources mentioned in this episode:
George Orwell, “Politics and the English Language” https://www.orwell.ru/library/essays/politics/english/e_polit William Zinsser, On Writing Well https://www.amazon.com/Writing-Well-Classic-Guide-Nonfiction/dp/0060891548 Strunk & White, The Elements of Style https://www.amazon.com/Elements-Style-Fourth-William-Strunk/dp/020530902X
The 'Here I Write' Conference for Lutheran Writers was created by Katie Schuermann as a place for Lutheran writers, editors, authors, journalists, preachers, teachers, professionals, novices to come together and learn from each other. It was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but we're overjoyed to welcome several of the speakers to our mini-conference on The Coffee Hour! Find all speakers and topics at kfuo.org/hereiwrite.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what empathy is and why it matters for mental health, what it actually means to have cognitive or emotional empathy, and how we interact with empathy for others.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor, of the Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the June/July issue of LW, including the theme surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and the various perspective that this issue looks at the pandemic and its affect on our vocation.
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Deaconess Dr. Kim Schave, Executive Director of Humanitri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about who Humanitri serves, how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected these families, and some unexpected blessings that have come during this time. Learn more about the work of Humanitri at humanitri.org.
Kelly Schumacher, creator and artist of Agnus Dei Liturgical Arts, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how illustration affects how a reader reads a book, the influence visual art has when paired with words, and Kelly's inspirations for illustrations. Find Kelly's artwork and books at agnusdeiarts.com.
The 'Here I Write' Conference for Lutheran Writers was created by Katie Schuermann as a place for Lutheran writers, editors, authors, journalists, preachers, teachers, professionals, novices to come together and learn from each other. It was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but we're overjoyed to welcome several of the speakers to our mini-conference on The Coffee Hour! Find all speakers and topics at kfuo.org/hereiwrite.
Mary J. Moerbe, LCMS deaconess and writer, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why community is important for creatives, some ways to find community online and in person, and how community helps creatives hone ideas and share resources. Find Deaconess Moerbe's resources at LutheranHomeschool.com and maryjmoerbe.com.
The 'Here I Write' Conference for Lutheran Writers was created by Katie Schuermann as a place for Lutheran writers, editors, authors, journalists, preachers, teachers, professionals, novices to come together and learn from each other. It was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but we're overjoyed to welcome several of the speakers to our mini-conference on The Coffee Hour! Find all speakers and topics at kfuo.org/hereiwrite.
Rev. Roosevelt Gray— LCMS Director of Black Ministry, and Rev. Dr. Steven Schave— LCMS Director of Urban & Inner City Mission and Church Planting, and Host of Mission Field USA, join Andy and Sarah to talk about experiences with systemic racism and civil unrest, how we respond as people of faith to our neighbors around us, and what Scripture tells us about sharing the love of Christ.
The Rev. Roosevelt Gray, director of LCMS Black Ministry (with tie), and the Rev. Steve Schave, director of LCMS Urban and Inner City Mission (second from right) pray with others along West Florissant Avenue on Monday, August 18, 2014, in Ferguson, Mo. LCMS Communications/Erik M. Lunsford
Donna (Pyle) Snow, author of over 35 Bible studies for Concordia Publishing House and the LWML, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why being comfortable with public speaking is an important skill to have, how even introverts can be good at it, and some tips on how to put the audience at ease and engage them with the topic. Find Donna's work at artesianministries.org and cph.org.
The 'Here I Write' Conference for Lutheran Writers was created by Katie Schuermann as a place for Lutheran writers, editors, authors, journalists, preachers, teachers, professionals, novices to come together and learn from each other. It was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but we're overjoyed to welcome several of the speakers to our mini-conference on The Coffee Hour! Find all speakers and topics at kfuo.org/hereiwrite.
Heather Smith, writer for several publications and one of our Lutheran education experts, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how the art of rhetoric informs writing, what persuasion actually is, and how these things are present in much of what we read.
The 'Here I Write' Conference for Lutheran Writers was created by Katie Schuermann as a place for Lutheran writers, editors, authors, journalists, preachers, teachers, professionals, novices to come together and learn from each other. It was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but we're overjoyed to welcome several of the speakers to our mini-conference on The Coffee Hour! Find all speakers and topics at kfuo.org/hereiwrite.
Dr. John Eckrich, Founder of Grace Place Wellness, fills in for Deaconess Heidi Goehmann on this episode of Mental Health Monday to talk about the relationship between physical activity and mental health, including correlation between the two, benefits of physical movement on mental wellbeing, and ways to incorporate physical movement into daily living. Learn more about Grace Place Wellness at graceplacewellness.org.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Dr. Kenneth Wieting, author of 'The Blessings of Weekly Communion,' joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how God's Word is different from cultural inventions or feelings in informing our vocations in marriage, what scripture commands husbands and wives to do and be, and the relationship between marriage and baptism. Read Pastor Wieting's article 'Wedding Vows: The Voice of Love' in the May issue of the Lutheran Witness.
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Rev. Dr. Ross Johnson, Director of LCMS Disaster Response, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how the recent flooding in mid-Michigan has affected the communities near Midland, how the many LCMS congregations in the area have been affected, and how the Synod and communities are coming together to help in the disaster response. To learn more or donate, visit lcms.org/disaster or michigandistrict.org.
Naomi Stephens, author of 'Shadow among Sheaves,' a 19th-century retelling of the Ruth/Boaz story set during the British occupation of India, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about where to begin when writing historical fiction, fitting historical facts into a work of fiction, and the challenges of writing this particular genre. Find her book at Amazon.com or wherever books are sold.
The 'Here I Write' Conference for Lutheran Writers was created by Katie Schuermann as a place for Lutheran writers, editors, authors, journalists, preachers, teachers, professionals, novices to come together and learn from each other. It was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but we're overjoyed to welcome several of the speakers to our mini-conference on The Coffee Hour! Find all speakers and topics at kfuo.org/hereiwrite.
Rev. Bryan Wolfmueller, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church and the Jesus Lutheran Church of the Deaf in Austin, Texas, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what makes a good Bible study, resources to facilitate the study of scripture, and encouragement in Scripture to study the Bible. Find his works at Wolfmueller.co.
The 'Here I Write' Conference for Lutheran Writers was created by Katie Schuermann as a place for Lutheran writers, editors, authors, journalists, preachers, teachers, professionals, novices to come together and learn from each other. It was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but we're overjoyed to welcome several of the speakers to our mini-conference on The Coffee Hour! Find all speakers and topics at kfuo.org/hereiwrite.
Rev. Delwyn X. Campbell, Sr., domestic missionary and pastor of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Gary, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the work he has been doing prior to the pandemic, how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the community of Gary, his concerns for the impoverished community around the churches, and how he is still bringing the Gospel of Jesus to those around him. Read more of his story and how to support his work at lcms.org/campbell. Learn more about the community Rev. Campbell serves at engage.lcms.org/gary-missionary-summer-2017.
The Rev. Delwyn Campbell, national missionary to Gary, Ind., chats with parishioners following a Lenten service at St. John's Lutheran Church on Wednesday, April 5, 2017, in Gary. LCMS Communications/Erik M. Lunsford
Katie Schuermann, author of “He Remembers the Barren,” “He Restores My Soul,” the “Anthems of Zion” series, and mastermind of the 'Here I Write' Conference, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the idea behind the 'Here I Write' Conference, how authors can decide what kind of thing to write, and why the author-reader relationship is so important. Find Katie's writings at katieschuermann.com.
The 'Here I Write' Conference for Lutheran Writers was created by Katie Schuermann as a place for Lutheran writers, editors, authors, journalists, preachers, teachers, professionals, novices to come together and learn from each other. It was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but we're overjoyed to welcome several of the speakers to our mini-conference on The Coffee Hour! Find all speakers and topics at kfuo.org/hereiwrite.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how to access telehealth for mental health and what resources and providers in your area.
Resources for information or how to get started:
lcms.org/wellness for LCMS resources Insurance or medical sharing programs, supplemental coverage programs EAP (Concordia Plans members, look here) 211.org – find your local resources for each state / area ruralhealthinfo.org – find information for rural health. (Behavorial health: ruralhealthinfo.org/toolkits/telehealth/2/specific-populations/behavioral-health) nami.org/Videos/NAMI-Basics-OnDemand – National Alliance on Mental Illness. This link is for Mental Health Basics. mhanational.org/ – Mental Health America, mental health screenings hazeldenbettyford.org – substance use and treatment, other addiction treatment Search for apps va.gov and lcms.org/armedforces for veterans and military personnel
Resources if you need immediate help:
thehotline.org – National Domestic Violence Hotline – (800) 799−7233 or chat online crisistextline.org – Crisis Counseling via text message – text HOME to 741741 suicidepreventionlifeline.org – National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – (800) 273-8255 or chat online
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Mindy Thews, who serve the Lord in Taiwan at Concordia Middle School in ChiaYi, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how Concordia Middle School has weathered the COVID-19 pandemic, how the surrounding community around has been affected, and how she is still able to share the Word of God with those around her. Read her story and how to support her work at lcms.org/thews.
Find LCMS resources during the COVID-19 pandemic at lcms.org/coronavirus.
Matt and Dee Dee Wasmund, who serve the Lord in South Korea along with their daughters Lily and Olivia, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how their work has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, how the community around them has been affected, and how they are still able to share the Word of God with those around them. Read their story and how to support their work at lcms.org/wasmund.
Find LCMS resources during the COVID-19 pandemic at lcms.org/coronavirus.
Rev. Sean Daenzer, LCMS Director of Worship and Chaplain for the LCMS International Center, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why Jesus' ascension into heaven is historically important, what it means for us, and how the church has celebrated this feast through the ages.
Krista and Joel Young, who serve the Lord as missionaries in Kenya, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how Krista's work has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, how the community around them has been affected, and how they are still able to share the Word of God with those around them. Read their story and how to support their work at lcms.org/young.
Find LCMS resources during the COVID-19 pandemic at lcms.org/coronavirus.
Shara Osiro, who serves the Lord as communications specialist for Eastern and Southern Africa based in Kenya, along with her husband Michael, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how the community around them has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, how their lives have changed (sometimes for the better), and how they are still able to share the Word of God with those around them. Read their story and how to support their work at lcms.org/osiro.
Find LCMS resources during the COVID-19 pandemic at lcms.org/coronavirus.
Rev. Mark and Stefanie Rabe, who serve the Lord as missionaries in Ethiopia at Mekane Yesus Seminary in Addis Ababa, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how the seminary has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, how the community around them has been affected, and how they are still able to share the Word of God with those around them. Read their story and how to support their work at lcms.org/rabe.
Find LCMS resources during the COVID-19 pandemic at lcms.org/coronavirus.
Rev. Eric and Johanna Stinnett, who serve the Lord as missionaries in Ethiopia at Mekane Yesus Seminary in Addis Ababa, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how the seminary has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, how the community around them has been affected, and how they are still able to share the Word of God with those around them. Read their story and how to support their work at lcms.org/stinnett.
Find LCMS resources during the COVID-19 pandemic at lcms.org/coronavirus.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what telehealth is, benefits and drawbacks to utilizing telehealth for mental health services, and how to find resources and providers in your area.
Resources for information or how to get started:
Insurance or medical sharing programs, supplemental coverage programs EAP (Concordia Plans members, look here) 211.org - find your local resources for each state / area ruralhealthinfo.org - find information for rural health. (Behavorial health: ruralhealthinfo.org/toolkits/telehealth/2/specific-populations/behavioral-health) nami.org/Videos/NAMI-Basics-OnDemand - National Alliance on Mental Illness. This link is for Mental Health Basics. mhanational.org/ - Mental Health America hazeldenbettyford.org - substance use and treatment, other addiction treatment Search for apps
Resources if you need immediate help:
thehotline.org - National Domestic Violence Hotline - (800) 799−7233 or chat online crisistextline.org - Crisis Counseling via text message - text HOME to 741741 suicidepreventionlifeline.org - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - (800) 273-8255 or chat online
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Sam Wegner, who was supposed to shadow Ben Helge & Kim Bueltmann in Europe, and Hayden Rensner, who was supposed to shadow Krista Young & Sarah Kanoy in Africa, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the experiences they were going to have this summer, the virtual shadowing experience they just completed, and what they learned from this virtual shadowing experience. Find your opportunity to serve at servenow.lcms.org.
Julianna Shults, DCE, Program Manager with LCMS Youth Ministry, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how we usually respond to people when they experience tangible losses, how ambiguous losses are different than tangible losses, and how we can support the young people in our lives who may be hurting. Read Julianna's article on Youth E-Source at youthesource.com/2020/03/25/ambiguous-loss and a version of this article for people of all ages at blogs.lcms.org/2020/showing-christs-love-in-times-of-ambiguous-loss.
Rev. Vance and Linda Becker, who serve the Lord through as missionaries in Kenya and are currently stationed in Tanzania, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how their work has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, how the community around them has been affected, and how they are still able to share the Word of God with those around them. Read their story and how to support their work at lcms.org/becker.
Find LCMS resources during the COVID-19 pandemic at lcms.org/coronavirus.
Mark and Megan Mantey, who serve the Lord through as missionaries in Uganda, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how their work has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, how the community around them has been affected, and how they are still able to share the Word of God with those around them. Read their story and how to support their work at lcms.org/mantey.
Find LCMS resources during the COVID-19 pandemic at lcms.org/coronavirus.
Dr. Mark Bender, Minister of Music at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Des Peres, Missouri, and author of "Singing Christ’s Love" in the May issue of the Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the purpose of wedding music, why we should sing hymns at wedding services, and some favorite hymns and music for wedding services.
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Gwen and Bob Zagore, local St. Louis gardeners, join Andy and Sarah to talk about why someone would want to start a garden, what to look for when selecting a location, and what to consider about soil and seeds.
Brenda Jank, Founder and Executive Director of Run Hard. Rest Well, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the challenges that come with finding a new normal, how to keep work and home life separated when many of us are newly working from home, and how we find rest when our usual restful places at home are no longer quiet. Learn more about Run Hard. Rest Well at runhardrestwell.org.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about some of the stressors church workers and pastors face during this time, how to take advantage of counseling available to church workers, and some ways workers can support their own mental health and the mental health of others.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Weslie Odom, pastor of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Arlington, Texas, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the May issue of the Lutheran Witness, all about wedding and Holy Matrimony. Follow along and search the Scriptures with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Jasmine Bibby and Taylor Ross, Senior Students at Lutheran High School North in St. Louis, Missouri, join Andy and Sarah during Teacher Appreciation Week to talk about some highlights of their senior year at LHSN, how the last few weeks have been during the COVID-19 pandemic, their plans for next year, and how LHSN has prepared them for their futures. Learn more about LHSN at lncrusaders.org.
Jacob Martinez and Savannah Schmidt, Senior Students at Lutheran High School South in St. Louis, Missouri, join Andy and Sarah during Teacher Appreciation Week to talk about some highlights of their senior year at LHSS, how the last few weeks have been during the COVID-19 pandemic, their plans for next year, and how LHSS has prepared them for their futures. Learn more about LHSS at lslancers.org.
Sara Correnti, MS RD LD, Manager of Health and Welfare Member Wellness Products for Concordia Plan Services, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about ideas and tips for eating healthy during stay-at-home times, some things she's enjoyed cooking, and how to incorporate the whole family (including the kids) for meals and meal prep. Learn more about Concordia Plans at concordiaplans.org.
Rev. Phil Hoppe, pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in Finlayson and St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bruno, Minnesota, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how he has been caring for his congregation during this time of pandemic, how he's used Bible verses (aka #CoronaVerses) to bring comfort to parishioners, and how important hearing God's Word is during this time. Find these #CoronaVerses at facebook.com/peacefinlayson.
Dr. Rob Carter, senior scientist and speaker for Creation Ministries International-USA, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how DNA is helpful in understanding ancient people, examples of ancient DNA that have been discovered and studied, and how indications of ancient DNA can be reconciled with the Biblical account of creation. Dr. Carter is the presenter at the May Missouri Association for Creation monthly lecture series, "Ancient DNA vs. the Bible," online on Monday May 11, 7:00 p.m. CT. Find details on how to join this lecture via Zoom at missouricreation.org/2020/05/2020-monthly-event-lecture-series-schedule-4.
Deaconess Kim Trombley, Vice President for Religious Life with Bethesda Lutheran Communities, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about explaining COVID-19 to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, how to make the most of extra time at home, and resources from Bethesda to help families, individuals, and caregivers. Find these ideas and resources at bethesdalc.org/home-activity-center/education.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how labeling personality types can be helpful, how this labeling can be limiting, and what contentment in Christ looks like. Read about being a “contentrovert” at medishare.com/blog/on-being-a-contentrovert.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag “Mental Health Monday.” View Deaconess Heidi’s Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.
Professor John Pless, Director of Field Education at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the value of field education in the formation of pastors, how social distancing has affected this educational component, and how this experience will help shape future pastors. Read Rev. Dr. Jacob Corzine’s blog, as mentioned in this episode, at masksofgod.wordpress.com.
Rev. Todd Kollbaum— Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Madison, Nebraska, and Director of LCMS Rural and Small Town Mission (RSTM), and Rev. Mark Triplett, pastor of St. Mark Lutheran Church and St. John Lutheran Church in Rushford, Minnesota, and Chairman of the Board of Directors for Ongoing Ambassadors for Christ, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how their congregations have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, how their communities have been affected, and how they and the the community have cared for each other. Learn more about RSTM at lcms.org/rstm.
Rev. Bart Day, President and CEO of Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about LCEF’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, how LCEF is taking care of borrowers, and the response of LCEF investors. To join in this response, visit lcef.org to give.
Donna Pyle, now Donna Snow, Author of Perseverance Praying through Life’s Challenges available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about her recent travels to the Holy Land, learning Hebrew, and the LWML Bible study she will be doing on Facebook live. Find her book Perseverance: Praying through Life’s Challenges at cph.org/perseverance. Join in the Facebook Live Bible Study at facebook.com/events/3162728340485153.
Sue Nahmensen, CEO of Lutheran Elementary School Association in St. Louis, and Ella Arbeiter, a graduating eighth-grader at Green Park Lutheran School in south St. Louis County, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the Lutheran Student Christian Leader of the Year award, what it means for Ella to be selected as this year’s recipient, and how people can support students like Ella through LESA’s yearly fundraising campaigns. Read more about Ella at lesastl.org/news/green-park-lutheran-student-is-st-louiss-2020-lutheran-student-christian-leader.
Learn more about supporting LESA at lesastl.org/please-help-us-2.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the reality of Zoom fatigue, why video calls are both helpful and exhausting, and how we can better process body language while on video calls. Find helpful hints at mindful.org/zoom-exhaustion-is-real-here-are-six-ways-to-find-balance-and-stay-connected and read more about why video calls tire out our brains and bodies at curtthompsonmd.com/a-body-of-work.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag “Mental Health Monday.” View Deaconess Heidi’s Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Dr. Donald Christian, President and CEO of Concordia University Texas, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the campus community at Concordia, how the university is using the dorms to help first responders in the Austin area, and how this is part of Concordia’s mission. Read more at concordia.edu/resources/first-responders-housing.html.
Rev. Marcus Zill, Chancellor of LCMS U and host of The Student Union on KFUO Radio, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how campus ministries and campus pastors are handling this time of social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, how students are staying connected, and how The Student Union podcast fits into the bigger campus ministry picture. Learn more about LCMS U and find The Student Union at kfuo.org/TheStudentUnion.
Dr. Scott Hyslop, Director of Parish Music at St Lorenz Lutheran Church, Frankenmuth, Michigan, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the hymn sing of the entire Lutheran Service Book on April 24, 2020, where this idea came from, why church music is important right now, and how to participate in the hymn sing! Find details at stlorenz.org and watch beginning at 7:30 a.m. CT / 8:30 a.m. ET on Friday, April 24, 2020 at facebook.com/MusicAtStLorenz.
Rev. Dr. Kirk Clayton, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Mascoutah, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his article “The Defense of the Resurrection” in the April 2020 issue of the Lutheran Witness, including why the bodily resurrection of Jesus is so difficult for the world to believe, the foundation of skeptical scholars and “documentaries” about the resurrection of Jesus, and how we can give a defense of our faith like Paul did in the face of skeptics.
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Rev. Brady Finnern, pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Sartell, Minnesota, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how our schedules and routines have been displaced during the COVID-19 pandemic, how much of our lives is governed by external things that may have little spiritual value, and what God’s Word teaches us about ordering our days and seasons.
Rev. Chris Hull, senior pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Tomball, Texas, and Lynea Sander, music director and organist at Zion Lutheran Church in Tomball, Texas, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected how their vocations in the church, how they’ve used hymns and hymn sings to stay connected to their congregation, and insights on two Easter hymns: LSB 467 “Awake, my heart, with gladness” and LSB 487 “Come, you faithful, raise the strain.”
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the JOMO (the joy of missing out), including how to find that joy in times of “missing out,” how we find joy in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd article gifts, and how we focus on Jesus during these times.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag “Mental Health Monday.” View Deaconess Heidi’s Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Jennifer Hamer, Chaplain’s Wife, ACE Group Fitness certified, Schwinn Indoor Cycle Certified, and Fitness Instructor at Camp Pendleton, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about motivation to stay fit during this time of social distancing, how to use equipment around the house, and how to incorporate the whole family into the routine.
Rev. Roy Askins, managing editor of the Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the theme of the April issue of the LW, the topics that are discussed in this issue, and a new feature or two of this issue.
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
DCE Julianna Shults, Program Manager, and Rev. Mark Kiessling, Director of Youth Ministry for the LCMS, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the End Goals podcast from LCMS Youth Ministry, the topics covered on this podcast and who it would be for, and how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected youth ministry across the LCMS. Find the End Goals podcast at kfuo.org/endgoals or wherever you get your podcasts.
Melissa Bergholt, Principal at Word of Life Lutheran School in St. Louis, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected her vocation as principal, how teachers are connecting to students and parents, and how she and her family are working on balancing the work-from-home situation.
Phillip Magness, Music Specialist for West and Central Africa with the LCMS Office of International Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his recent teaching trip to West and Central Africa, the things he was teaching during this time, and the people he was able to make music with during his time there.
Magnificat and Great Commission text heard during this program: Permission for use granted by the Comité liturgique francophone of the Lutheran Church-Canada.
Rev. Sean Daenzer, LCMS Director of Worship and International Center Chaplain, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how memorizing Scripture is helpful to us, ways to make memorizing verses a little easier, and the challenge from the LCMS for her members to learn Scripture verses each week. Read the Reporter article at blogs.lcms.org/2020/synod-chaplain-issues-scripture-memory-challenge and find the current challenge verse at lcms.org/memoryverse.
Dwight Schettler, President of Ambassadors of Reconciliation, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what a crisis situation can bring to the surface about our own priorities and personalities, why now is a great time for personal peacemaking, and the free courses available right now from Ambassadors of Reconciliation. Find more details at aorhope.org.
Chris and Adriane Heins of Heins Family Farms in Higginsville, Missouri, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how a dairy farmer typically serves their neighbors, how the recent pandemic has changed how they serve their neighbors, and what we can do collectively to help our neighbors, including milk donations to local food pantries.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about ambiguous loss, the difference between actual missing out on things and the fear of missing out (FOMO), what JOMO (joy of missing out) really means, and how we balance all of these heavy emotions. Read her article “From FOMO to Joy” at youthesource.com/2020/04/08/from-fomo-to-joy and find the discussion guide at youthesource.com/2020/04/08/from-fomo-to-joy-leaders-guide. Also, read DCE Julianna Shults’ post on ambiguous loss at youthesource.com/2020/03/25/ambiguous-loss.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag “Mental Health Monday.” View Deaconess Heidi’s Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Deaconess Christel Neuendorf, who serves alongside her husband Rev. James Neuendorf in Puerto Rico, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the work they have been doing in Puerto Rico over the last year, how this pandemic has affected the mercy work they’ve been establsihing, and how the community has responded in time of crisis. Learn more about Deaconess and Pastor Neuendorf and how to support their work at lcms.org/neuendorf.
Find LCMS resources during the COVID-19 pandemic at lcms.org/coronavirus.
Deaconess Cheryl Naumann, who administers and conducts mercy work in the Dominican Republic, based in Santiago, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the three main areas of her work and how the pandemic has affected them, the unexpected blessings they are experiencing as a result of the current crisis, and how her family is doing during this time. Learn more about Deaconess Naumann, her husband Rev. Dr. Jonathan Naumann, and how to support their work at lcms.org/jonathan.naumann.
Find LCMS resources during the COVID-19 pandemic at lcms.org/coronavirus.
Deaconess Ruth McDonnell, PhD student at Concordia Seminary, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about metaphor theory in hymnody, how our Christian worldview guides how we read hymns, and how we can understand the theology of the hymns of Holy Week. We study Lutheran Service Book 454 “Sing My Tongue the Glorious Battle” and give hints for studying Lutheran Service Book 438 “A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth.”
Rev. Joel Fritsche, director of Concordia Seminary and Mercy Center in Palmar Arriba (Santiago), Dominican Republic, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what is happening right now at the seminary, how studies have changed for the current seminarians from around the Latin American region, and how the community in Santiago has responded to the pandemic. Learn more about Rev. Fritsche and his family and how to support their work at lcms.org/fritsche.
Find LCMS resources during the COVID-19 pandemic at lcms.org/coronavirus.
Rev. Ted Krey, Latin American & Caribbean Regional Director for the LCMS, located in the Dominican Republic, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what missionary work in this region looks like now during the COVID-19 pandemic, how missionaries are being cared for during this time, and how our partner churches in this region are also responding to the crisis. Learn more about Rev. Krey and his family and how to support their work at lcms.org/krey.
Find LCMS resources during the COVID-19 pandemic at lcms.org/coronavirus.
Rev. Charles St-Onge, who serves as regional area facilitator for the Latin American & Caribbean (LAC) region for the LCMS from his home base in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how the LAC region has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, how the missionaries in this region are continuing their work, and how his own work at home in Quebec has been affected. Learn more about Rev. St-Onge and his family and how to support their work at lcms.org/stonge.
Find LCMS resources during the COVID-19 pandemic at lcms.org/coronavirus.
Rev. David Warner, who serves with his wife Shelee as LCMS missionaries in Cartagena, Spain, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how their work as been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the status of the community around them and throughout Spain, and how they are still able to share the Gospel of Christ and support their neighbors. Learn more about them and how to support their work at lcms.org/warner.
Find LCMS resources during the COVID-19 pandemic at lcms.org/coronavirus.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about practicing gratitude, including where gratitude actually comes from, making the switch from attitude of lack to attitude of enough, and ways we can practice gratitude in our daily lives.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag “Mental Health Monday.” View Deaconess Heidi’s Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Weslie Odom, pastor of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Arlington, Texas, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the April issue of the Lutheran Witness. Follow along and search the Scriptures with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Sue Nahmensen, CEO of Lutheran Elementary School Association in St. Louis, joins Andy to talk about how Lutheran schools are partnering with parents during this time of significant change, how the work of LESA is needed by many families and schools now, and how to support LESA in their work during this time. Find the online auction catalog at lesa.schoolauction.net/auction2020/catalog and learn more about LESA at lesastl.org.
Rev. James Sharp, who serves with his wife Angela and their children as LCMS missionaries in Uruguay, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how their work as been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, what family life looks like right now, and how they are still able to share the Gospel of Christ and support their neighbors. Learn more about them and how to support their work at lcms.org/sharp.
Find LCMS resources during the COVID-19 pandemic at lcms.org/coronavirus.
Rev. Dr. Matthew Heise, Executive Director of Lutheran Heritage Foundation (LHF), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the children’s Bible storybooks for Muslims in Indonesia, other translation projects happening in Southeast Asia, and how to follow and support the work of LHF. Learn more at lhfmissions.org.
Joe Willmann, Senior Instructional Designer with Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the available CPH FaithCourses, how you can use them during your time social distancing, and the full amount of resources available at cphfaithcourses.com.
Jim Sanft, CEO of Concordia Plan Services (CPS), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what CPS has been focusing on since the start of the COVID-19 crisis, what members and ministries need to know about the CARES Act, and how CPS will continue to support members and ministries throughout this crisis. Learn more about the resources available from Concordia Plan Services at concordiaplans.org/coronavirus.
Paul Federwitz, Chief Information Officer & Assistant Director for Program Ministries with Lutheran Bible Translators (LBT), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his family’s experience with the coronavirus epidemic in Ghana, the outlook in his community, and how the pandemic has affected LBT missionaries around the globe. Learn more about LBT’s work at lbt.org.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about small things like food, being outside, and hugs (or physical touch) that can calm our anxiety and connect us to God in everyday life.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag “Mental Health Monday.” View Deaconess Heidi’s Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Bill Indelli, Executive Director of Walcamp in Kingston, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what makes Walcamp a destination for families, how outdoor ministry makes a difference in the lives of those who attend, and opportunities for teens and families this summer. Learn more about Walcamp at walcamp.org.
Dr. Dan Sem, Dean of the Batterman School of Business at Concordia University Wisconsin, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the 3D printers at the Makerspace Lab at CUW, how this lab is contributing to the shortage of masks during the coronavirus pandemic, and how others are and can be involved. Read more about this story at blog.cuw.edu/covidmasks. Contribute to the campaign at charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/3dprinter-covid-masks or, if you have a 3D printer and would like to contribute, register your 3D printer at docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfQCc5c_eaLBvzqPS7uBuBEtQ6wlpaja50HJwYjkBIDjLPszA/viewform.
Dr. Craig Oldenburg, Camp Director at Camp Concordia in Gowen, Michigan, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what makes Camp Concordia a destination for families this summer, stories from campers who have benefited from Camp Concordia’s programming, and how Camp Concordia is unique. Learn more about Camp Concordia at campconcordia.org.
Steve Johnson, Executive Director of Lutheran Valley Retreat in Woodland Park, Colorado, and President of National Lutheran Outdoors Ministry Association (NLOMA), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how the summer camp industry is fairing right now, what makes Lutheran Valley Retreat a destination for families, and stories of campers that attend programs at LVR. Learn more about Lutheran Valley Retreat at lvr.org and NLOMA at nloma.org.
Tim Jank, Executive Director of Camp Lutherhaven in Albion, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what makes Camp Lutherhaven a destination for families this summer, what a typical summer camp day look like, and a story of a camp team member who has benefitted from the blessings of Camp Lutherhaven. Learn more about Camp Lutherhaven at lutherhaven.org.
Mark Nolte, Executive Director of Heit’s Point in Lincoln, Missouri (Lake of the Ozarks), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what makes Heit’s Point a destination for families, what a typical summer camp day looks like, and information parents would need to know as camp approaches. Learn more about camps at Heit’s Point at heitspoint.com.
Rev. Chris Hull, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Tomball, Texas, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what gossip is, what God commands us about gossip, and how Jesus takes on gossip. Read Pastor Hull’s blog at ziontomballtx.org/sheepdog.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah on this first “at-home edition” during coronavirus to talk about small things we can do to calm our anxiety and connect us to God in everyday life, including breath, water, and food. (Outside time and hugs/physical touch are also on the list, and we’ll cover those in a future episode.)
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag “Mental Health Monday.” View Deaconess Heidi’s Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Christina Shaffer & Janie Schlie, Deaconess students at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, join Andy and Sarah to talk about their participation in the Mission Education team from Concordia Seminary this January, where they shadowed missionaries in the Dominican Republic to learn about life as a missionary. Learn more about deaconess studies at Concordia Seminary at csl.edu/academics/programs.
The Lutheran Ladies Erin Alter, Bri Gerzevske, and Rachel Bomberger, join Sarah on this special Lutheran Ladies’ Lounge takeover episode of The Coffee Hour to share how the Lutheran Ladies’ Lounge podcast was created, the community that has been created by this endeavor, and their own favorite Lutheran women in honor of Women’s History Month. Find the podcast at kfuo.org/lutheranladieslounge or wherever you listen to podcasts.
The Lutheran Ladies Lounge is a podcast produced by KFUO Radio and hosted by Sarah Gulseth, Erin Alter, Rachel Bomberger, and Bri Gerzevske. Created for Lutheran ladies to have a place to escape to with inviting conversations, laughter, and fellowship with Lutheran sisters, we invite all of you Lutheran ladies to join Sarah, Erin, Rachel, and Bri on the sofa in the Lutheran Ladies Lounge to sit, rest your feet, and stay a while. If you’re a Lutheran lady, join us in our Facebook group: facebook.com/groups/LutheranLadiesLounge.
Cheryl Swope, educator and author of Simply Classical: A Beautiful Education for Any Child, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about quick tips for homeschoolers for parents who all of a sudden find themselves figuring out homeschooling, including routine, vision, and ways to enjoy this time together. Find Cheryl’s work at cherylswope.com.
Dr. Wanda Routier, Director of Special Education at Concordia University Wisconsin, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the new Teacher of the Visually Impaired program at Concordia University Wisconsin, how education for the visually impaired is different from other educational settings, and what this program entails. Read more about this program at blog.cuw.edu/tvi-program.
Rev. Kevin Thomson and Becky Blake from St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Des Peres, Missouri, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the Mission Ambition 5k race, the work that Mission Ambition will help fund, and race details. Learn more and register at stpaulsdesperes.org/5k.
Rev. A. Trevor Sutton, pastor of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Lansing, Michigan, and PhD student at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why tough questions are important to pay attention to, why answering them with trivial answers can be detrimental, and how we can go about answering these tough questions in good ways. Read his article in The Gospel Coalition at thegospelcoalition.org/article/tough-questions-trivial-answers.
Rev. Sean Daenzer, worship director for the LCMS and International Center chaplain, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why we should do devotions at home, simple formats to use, and how this is beneficial to family life.
Find the PrayNow App for Android and Apple, along with the Treasury of Daily Prayer and Lutheran Service Book, at cph.org. Find downloadable Daily Prayers at cph.org/care. Find resources available from the LCMS at lcms.org/coronavirus.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about keeping good mental health during the coronavirus pandemic, including healthy ways to address fear and anxieties, physical distancing and social distancing that’s still good for our mental health, and tending to our neighbor’s mental health as well as physical health.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag “Mental Health Monday.” View Deaconess Heidi’s Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Grammy nominated hip-hop artist FLAME joins Andy and Sarah in studio to talk about his unique journey to the Lutheran faith, his background in music and the arts, and how the arts can be used to create conversations on faith and theology. As a bonus, hear the Facebook live audio from after the radio broadcast! Find his latest work at clearsightmusic.com/extranos and follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @flame314.
Dr. Michael John Trotta, composer, and Matthew Thiel, Sheboygan Lutheran High School choral director, join Andy and Sarah to talk about Dr. Trotta’s journey to becoming a composer, why singing sacred music in a choir is a unique experience, and the world premiere of Dr. Trotta’s arrangement of the “Te Deum” taking place at Sheboygan Lutheran High School on March 17.
Read more of the story at blog.cuw.edu/concordia-alum-to-premiere-rising-composers-contemporary-take-on-classic-church-hymn.
Learn more about Dr. Trotta and his work at mjtrotta.com.
Joyce Kroll— volunteer with the 2019 English Bible Camp in Poland, and Anne Gonzalez, DCE— Manager of Short-term Mission Training & Engagement with the LCMS Office of International Mission, join Andy and Sarah to talk about Joyce’s experiences as a volunteer for the English Bible Camp, what she expected and experienced serving on this trip, and what opportunities are available to serve this year. Learn more and find your opportunity to serve at servenow.lcms.org.
Coach Jody Token of The Great Flip joins Andy and Sarah to talk about her new self-defense curriculum for LCMS Schools, including why self-defense is important for kids to learn, what the curriculum involves, and what teachers will need to be equipped to teach this in their classrooms. Learn more and find the curriculum at thegreatflip.com.
Jake Weber, Associate Editor for Music & Worship with Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about One and All Rejoice: A New Children’s Hymnal, including the necessity for a new hymnal, how families and schools can benefit from this new hymnal, the liturgies and psalms available, and the wonderful selection of 200 hymns. The hymnal will be available Summer 2020, and resources like audio recordings will be available throughout the coming years. See a preview and bookmark for updates at cph.org/rejoice.
Tanner Olson— Author, Poet, and Speaker, whose book I’m All Over the Place: A book of prayers, poems, and wonderings is available at writtentospeak.com, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his upcoming poetry tour to tropical Nebraska, what and how he will be sharing poetry to those in attendance, and a sample of his poetry. Find tour dates and details at writtentospeak.com/tour.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Journey and Destination, including the concept of Saint & Sinner, the concept of Now & Not Yet, how these impact our view of ourselves and God’s work in our lives, and how these impact our view of others.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag “Mental Health Monday.” View Deaconess Heidi’s Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the March issue of the Lutheran Witness. Follow along and search the Scriptures with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Rev. Michael Meyer, Director of Disaster Training with the LCMS Office of National Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the severity of destruction from the tornadoes in the Nashville area, the congregations and community members affected, and how congregations and LCMS Disaster Response are responding to this disaster. Learn more about LCMS Disaster Response and how you can help at lcms.org/disaster.
Keep these congregations and pastors in your prayers:
Rev. Keith Enko Emmanuel Lutheran Church and Preschool in Hermitage, Tennessee
Rev. Andrew Smith Heavenly Host Lutheran Church and School in Cookeville, Tennessee
Keep these organizations in your prayers as they respond to the disaster: Lutheran Church Charities and Shepard’s Heart Ministry
Bill Fankhauser from Sacred Groundz Coffee, along with Josh and Cara, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the great year Sacred Groundz has had, how the opportunity has impacted the lives of those they serve, and exciting new things in their future. Learn more about Sacred Groundz at sacredgroundzstl.com and facebook.com/SacredGroundzSTL.
To support Sacred Groundz in their effort to purchase a brick and mortar location, visit their GoFundMe page at charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/sacred-groundz.
Christina Schempf and Sarah Bernhardt from Intersect Arts Center join Andy and Sarah to talk about the Dovetail concert and cuisine series, how food and music go hand in hand, and details for the event series. For details and to register, visit intersectstl.org/dovetail-1. Registration closes one week prior to the event.
Rev. Brady Finnern, pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Sartell, Minnesota, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the struggles of Lent, themes we see in our lives during Lent, and why we can still have joy.
It’s Men’s Gathering day on The Coffee Hour!
In the first half, Luke Vandercar, David Vandercar, and Joshua Vandercar join Andy and Sarah to talk about how the Men’s Gathering began, what makes this gathering unique for the men who attend, and what they will be studying and doing this year.
In the second half, Rev. Jonathan Fisk, senior pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Rockford, Illinois, and keynote speaker for this year’s Men’s Gathering, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why a men’s retreat is a good thing, what he will be speaking about at the Men’s Gathering, and an over of his latest book ‘Without Flesh.’
Find details and register for the Men’s Gathering at mensgathering.us.
Find Pastor Fisk’s book ‘Without Flesh’ on amazon.com/Without-Flesh-Church-Dying-Though/dp/0758666446 and cph.org/withoutflesh.
Deaconess Kim Trombley, Vice President of Religious Life with Bethesda Lutheran Communities, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Developmental Disabilities Month, the needs of those who are developmentally disabled, and the wide variety of resources and programs Bethesda provides to meet those needs. Learn more about Bethesda at bethesdalc.org and get involved with Developmental Disabilities Month at includeallabilities.com.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about suffering and faithfulness, including the relationship between the two, what scripture says about suffering, and how we build each other up through suffering and comfort.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag “Mental Health Monday.” View Deaconess Heidi’s Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Joe Willmann, Senior Instructional Designer with Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his article “A Pedagogy Led by the Word” in the February issue of the Lutheran Witness, including how pedagogy led by the teaching of the Word different from teaching other subjects, what God promises us regarding the teaching of His Word, and how this can be helpful to parents and teachers.
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness. Find all of our KFUO Radio LW conversations at kfuo.org/witness.
Rev. Dr. Dale Meyer, President of Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the sainted Rev. Dr. Karl Barth’s service to the seminary, the legacy he leaves at the institution, and how the Lord uses the seminary and parish to form pastors who lead boldly and faithfully. Read the news release from Concordia Seminary at csl.edu/2020/02/seminary-president-emeritus-barth-enters-rest.
In addition, hear from Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison as he reflects on Dr. Barth’s passing into eternal glory.
Paul Nelson, DCE, from King of Kings Lutheran Church in Chesterfield, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the impact of anxiety on the people he serves, how prepared families are to talk about anxiety, and how the documentary “Angst” could help. Learn more and find a screening in your area at angstmovie.com.
If you’re in the St. Louis area, attend the screening at King of Kings Lutheran Church! Sunday, March 1, at 6:00 p.m. facebook.com/events/482215725783695
Rev. Rich Rudowske, Director for Program Ministries & COO with Lutheran Bible Translators, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his story of missionary life, the programs of Lutheran Bible Translators, and where God’s Word is now being proclaimed and read because of Bible translation projects and partnerships. Learn more about Lutheran Bible Translators at lbt.org and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Rev. Sean Daenzer, LCMS Director of Worship and International Center Chaplain, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the lectionary, hymns, and history of Ash Wednesday.
Lectionary, One Year Lectionary: Joel 2:12-19 or Jonah 3:1-10 Psalm 51:1-13 (14-19) 2 Peter 1:2-11 Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
Lectionary, Series A: Joel 2:12-19 Psalm 51:1-13 (14-19) 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
Hymn of the Day: Lutheran Service Book 607 “From depths of woe I cry to Thee” Additional Hymn: Lutheran Service Book 616 “Baptismal waters cover me”
Brian Westbrook, Executive Director of Coalition for Life St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what Coalition for Life St. Louis does every day to encourage women to choose life, who these women are, and details for the upcoming March on the Arch. Register and find details at stlmarch.com.
March on the Arch, from Planned Parenthood to the Gateway Arch March 7, 2020 // check-in at 11:00 a.m., rally at 12:30 p.m. Begin at Planned Parenthood in Central West End, 4251 Forest Park Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108
Ali Federwitz, Member Care Coordinator with Lutheran Bible Translators, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about her work with LBT, how her experiences on the field help her serve others, and the unique needs of missionaries on the field. Learn more about Ali’s story and Lutheran Bible Translators at lbt.org/project/missionaries-paul-and-ali-federwitz and pafederwitz.wordpress.com.
Mark Cannon, CFO, Sr. VP of Finance and Administration for the LCMS Foundation, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what he does for the LCMS Foundation, the recent St. Louis Post Dispatch contest he entered, and how being knowledgeable about the stock market and economy can benefit the church and also individuals. Read the story at stltoday.com/business/columns/david-nicklaus/nicklaus-reader-nails-with-near-perfect-dow-forecast/article_b25710c9-345d-55d3-8c26-1d297165fb4f.html. Learn more about LCMS Foundation at lcmsfoundation.org.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the place of fear in our faith and in our mental health, how fear works as an indicator, and the relationship between fear and health curiosity.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag “Mental Health Monday.” View Deaconess Heidi’s Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Authors Sarah Baughman, Elizabeth Ahlman, Christina Hergenrader, and Susan Maluschka join Andy and Sarah live from the Texas Lutheran Writer’s Round Up in Warda, Texas, to talk about their favorite genres of reading and writing, the advice they’re sharing with the young writers attending the Round Up, and the next thing they’re writing.
Find Sarah’s book “A Flame in the Dark” at cph.org/flameinthedark.
Find Elizabeth’s books “Ruth: More than a Love Story” and “Demystifying the Proverbs 31 Woman” at cph.org/elizabethahlman.
Find Christina’s several books, including “Shine” and “Family Trees & Olive Branches” at cph.org/christinahergenrader.
Find Susan’s book “Watching Movies with Christian Eyes” at amazon.com/gp/product/1644586401 and “Nameless Women of the Bible” at amazon.com/Nameless-Women-Bible-Susan-Maluschka/dp/1098014782. Find her blog at sites.google.com/view/growinginfaithwithsusan.
“Your favorite robotics team,” the Robo Raiders, has made it to the State Championship for their robotics division on February 21-22 in Elgin, IL. Robo Raiders Bella, Alana, Nathaniel, Isaac, Hannah, Matthew, and Taylor, along with their robot Mando, from Southern Illinois join Andy and Sarah in studio to talk about what being a member of this robotics team has taught them, their roles on the the team and how they work together, and the uniqueness of this year’s robot. Watch the Facebook Live video of the robot in action at facebook.com/KFUOradio!
Rev. Dr. Fritz Baue— author, retired pastor, and master storyteller, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the value of stories and storytelling, his process for telling stories, and the Diamond Quintet series of novels he has available. Find these books and more, including music and non-fiction books, at pergolapress.com.
Frank Kohn, editorial coordinator for the Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his Bene+diction article in the February issue of LW, including what “Lutheran” meant to him a decade ago, what shaped his identity as a Lutheran-confessing Christian, and how this has shaped his understanding of vocation.
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness. Find all of our KFUO Radio LW conversations at kfuo.org/witness.
Michael Ersland, Translation Advisor for the Komba Old Testament Project with Lutheran Bible Translators, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his journey to becoming a Bible translator, the unique education and experience for Bible translation vocation, and the project he’s currently working on. Learn more about him and Lutheran Bible Translators at lbt.org/project/missionary-michael-ersland.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, and Rev. Robert Zagore, Executive Director of the LCMS Office of National Mission, join Andy and Sarah to talk about clergy and mental illness, including what the Bible says about mental illness, the challenges facing pastors and church workers who want to seek help, and practical advice for people in the pews to support their church workers’ health.
Several links and resources are mentioned in this episode. These links are listed below:
Wall Street Journal article ‘It’s Like I Got Kicked Out of My Family.’ Churches Struggle With Mental Health in the Ranks.: wsj.com/articles/its-like-i-got-kicked-out-of-my-family-churches-struggle-with-mental-health-in-the-ranks-11579547221
LCMS Worker Wellness page: lcms.org/wellness
DOXOLOGY: doxology.us
Shepherd’s Canyon: shepherdscanyonretreat.org
Grace Place Wellness: graceplacewellness.org
Concordia Plan Services: concordiaplans.org
Soldiers of the Cross: lcms.org/soldiersofthecross
Veterans of the Cross: lcms.org/veteransofthecross
“Clergy and Mental Health” article from Deaconess Heidi Goehmann: heidigoehmann.com/blog/clergy-and-mental-health
“The Truth about Mental Health: For Us and For Our Children” article from Deaconess Heidi Goehmann: heidigoehmann.com/blog/the-truth-about-mental-health
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag “Mental Health Monday.” View Deaconess Heidi’s Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Richard Resch, President of David’s Harp, and Rev. Greg Truwe, on the board of directors for David’s Harp, join Andy and Sarah to talk about David’s Harp, including the role music plays in the life of a congregation, how our Lutheran understanding of the importance of music education helps our congregations reach out into the community, and the resources David’s Harp will provide for congregations wishing to start their own music conservatories. Find more information about David’s Harp, St. Paul’s Music Conservatory, and how to begin your congregation’s journey at stpaulsmusicconservatory.org/news/article/davids-harp-a-center-for-musical-development and facebook.com/musicserves.
Tim Stair, Director of Operations with Lakeview Ministries in Seymour, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how camp makes a difference for children and families, what makes Lakeview Ministries unique, and what parent should know while preparing for summer camp. Learn more at lakeviewministries.camp.
Bill Barnes, Material Scientist and presenter of the Fossil, Rock, and Mineral Show on March 7, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what a material scientist does, what these scientists study about creation, and how these parts of creation show God’s majesty and care. Visit the Fossil, Rock, and Mineral Show on March 7 at The Pillar Foundation. View the flyer here!
Fossil, Rock, and Mineral Show (From a Biblical Perspective) with Bill Barnes Saturday March 7, 2020 // 9am – 9pm 15820 Clayton Road ◦ Ellisville, MO 63011
Geordie, Jon, and Nick, who are members of Laudamus from Concordia Seminary St. Louis, join Andy and Sarah to talk about their experiences in Laudamus, where they’ll be going on tour and what they’ll be singing, and how this choral experience enhances their pastoral formation while at the seminary. To learn more about Laudamus and the spring tour, visit csl.edu/laudamus.
Margo Heath-Dupre, author of “Be Thou My Guide: A Bible study on Trusting God” available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how the LWML has been instrumental in developing an understanding of Christian vocations, who encouraged her to pursue writing, and how this book will be helpful to readers. Find her book at books.cph.org/be-thou-my-guide-a-bible-study-on-trusting-god.
Jeff Herndon, director of LCEF’s Laborers For Christ, joins Andy and Sarah to share his story about why he loves Laborers for Christ, the projects and people involved in Laborers for Christ, and how to get involved. Learn more at lcef.org/laborers-for-christ. Interested in joining? Email ministry.support@lcef.org.
Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of the Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his background and experience before becoming managing editor of LW, the legacy of LW, and how he hopes to move the magazine forward.
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness. Find all of our KFUO Radio LW conversations at kfuo.org/witness.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how contentment is different from happiness or joy, how we attain contentment (if we can), and what happens when we have a lack of contentment.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag “Mental Health Monday.” View Deaconess Heidi’s Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, Illlinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the February issue of the Lutheran Witness. Follow along and search the Scriptures with us!
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Mr. Andrew Gavrun, Principal of Wyneken Memorial Lutheran School in Decatur, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how discipline is part of daily life in a school setting, how proper discipline is beneficial for both students and teachers, and how the catechism is a useful tool in discipline to train children as they mature. Learn more about Wyneken Memorial Lutheran School at wyneken.org.
Stephanie Kohm, Senior at Lutheran High School South in St. Louis, and Kayla Loesche, Junior at Lutheran High School South in St. Louis, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the swim lesson program LHSS provides for refugee children, including how the program started and why the program is important to them and the children they teach. View the KSDK news coverage of this at ksdk.com. Learn more about Christian Friends of New Americans at cfna-stl.org.
Rev. Robert Zagore, Executive Director of the LCMS Office of National Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how congregations and districts have been working to plant churches and reach multicultural communities, how Making Disciples for Life initiative helps in these efforts, and grants that are available for congregations and districts. Learn more at lcms.org.
Rev. Dr. Douglas Spittel, Pastor of First Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and President of the Board of Directors of Pittsburgh Area Lutheran Ministries (PALM), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the neighborhoods surrounding First Trinity in Pittsburgh, the unique ways First Trinity and PALM are serving the community, and the newest venture of chartering a new LCMS congregation in the Hazelwood neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Read more of this story in the Winter 2020 issue of Engage magazine here: engage.lcms.org/pittsburgh-winter-2020. Learn more about PALM at palmpa.org and First Trinity at firsttrinity.net.
We’re celebrating National Lutheran Schools Week on The Coffee Hour!
Faculty and students from Immanuel Lutheran School in Olivette, Missouri, including Steven, Scarlet, Luke, Emma, and Miss Brenda Hente, join Andy to talk about why they love their school, when they learn about Jesus in school, and the value of Lutheran education for faculty, students, and families. Learn more about National Lutheran Schools Week at lcms.org/lutheranschoolsweek.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about happiness and joy, including whether God cares about happiness or only joy, how we distinguish between the two, and how we cultivate happiness and joy in our lives.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag “Mental Health Monday.” View Deaconess Heidi’s Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
We’re celebrating National Lutheran Schools Week on The Coffee Hour!
Dr. Maurice Boyer, Director of the American Kantorei and Professor of Music at Concordia University Chicago, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the importance of music in education, how he inspires future music teachers to be the best teachers they can be, and how music inspires students at Concordia Chicago. Learn about the American Kantorei at americankantorei.org and the Music Department at Concordia Chicago at cuchicago.edu/music.
Learn more about National Lutheran Schools Week at lcms.org/lutheranschoolsweek.
Dr. Jerrode Marsh from St. Paul’s Lutheran High School in Concordia, Missouri, joins Andy to talk about the role choral music plays in Lutheran education, what students learn in choir at the high school level, and a preview of the Singing Saints Spring tour. Learn more about St. Paul’s Lutheran High School at stpaulsconcordia.org.
We’re celebrating National Lutheran Schools Week on The Coffee Hour!
Faculty and students from Immanuel Lutheran School in Washington, Missouri, including Megan, Olivia, Ben, Aidan, and principal Mr. Nick Hopfensperger, join Andy and Sarah to talk about why they love their school, when they learn about Jesus in school, and the value of Lutheran education for faculty, students, and families. Learn more about National Lutheran Schools Week at lcms.org/lutheranschoolsweek.
Rev. Merritt Demski, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Waterloo, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about The Mandalorian, and action/action/adventure/sci-fi series on Disney+, including The Mandalorian is connected to the Star Wars universe, who the Mandalorian is, and how this show might be useful in witness conversations. Learn more at imdb.com/title/tt8111088 and disneyplusoriginals.disney.com/show/the-mandalorian.
We’re celebrating National Lutheran Schools Week on The Coffee Hour!
Faculty and students from St. Paul Lutheran School in Hamel, Illinois, including Eva Maria, Johnny, Alayna, and Principal Mrs. Kate Thoelke, join Andy and Sarah to talk about why they love their school, when they learn about Jesus in school, and the value of Lutheran education for faculty, students, and families. Learn more about National Lutheran Schools Week at lcms.org/lutheranschoolsweek.
Patti Garibay, Executive Director of American Heritage Girls (AHG), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the AHG Respect Life Patch Program, the AHG troops that attended the 2020 March for Life, and exciting upcoming events for AHG. Learn more about the American Heritage Girls and how to charter a troop in your area at americanheritagegirls.org.
We’re celebrating National Lutheran Schools Week on The Coffee Hour!
Faculty and students from Word of Life Lutheran School in St. Louis, including Esther, Abraham, Matthew, Chloe, and Mrs. Sarah Maxfield, join Andy and Sarah to talk about why they love their school, when they learn about Jesus in school, and the value of Lutheran education for faculty, students, and families. Learn more about National Lutheran Schools Week at lcms.org/lutheranschoolsweek.
Bruce Carvell, PhD, Artistic Director of the Collegium Vocale of St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the unique nature of the Collegium Vocale baroque ensemble, the history surrounding J.S. Bach and Christoph Graupner in Leipzig, and the upcoming Collegium Vocale concert on Sunday, February 2, at 3:00pm at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in St. Louis. Find more details at collegiumvocaleofsaintlouis.org.
Peter Slayton, Social Media Manager for the LCMS, and Rev. Michael Salemink, Executive Director of Lutherans for Life, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the atmosphere and general message of the national March for Life on January 24 in Washington, D.C., the message of Lutherans at the March for Life, and the other organizations and groups that were represented. Learn more about Lutherans for Life at lutheransforlife.org. Find interview from the LCMS at the March for Life at facebook.com/TheLCMS.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the relationship between fear and mystery, distinctions to make between fear, anxiety, and worry, and how we can know to ask for help with our fear.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag “Mental Health Monday.” View Deaconess Heidi’s Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. David Lewis—Assistant Professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary St. Louis, Rev. Dr. Michael Ziegler—Speaker of the Lutheran Hour, and Erika Bennett—Director of Continuing Education for Concordia Seminary St. Louis, join Andy and Sarah at the First Annual Faith & Film Festival at Concordia Seminary St. Louis to talk about why we watch film, what makes film a unique medium for analysis and sharing our faith, and what participants are experiencing. Learn more at csl.edu/faith-and-film.
Anna Young, Founder of the Davidson County Students for Life of America chapter, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why she wanted to start a Students for Life of America chapter at her public high school, the experiences of both support and resistance from the people around her, and how this experience and the March for Life have shaped her future. Read her story in the LCMS Reporter at blogs.lcms.org/2020/faith-in-the-public-square-lcms-youth-starts-pro-life-group-at-her-public-high-school.
Learn more about Students for Life of America at studentsforlife.org.
Linda Dehn, Lutheran Educator with St. Mark’s Lutheran Church & School in Eureka, Missouri, and Brenda Kimberlin, Lutheran Elementary School Association in St. Louis, Missouri, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the value of Lutheran education, how the Lutheran school community makes a difference in families’ lives, and how to visit a Lutheran school in your area. Learn more at lesastl.org.
Nikki Kueck, Administrator of Faith Lutheran High School of Central Texas in Warda, Texas, and Ruth Meyer, author of The Sola Series available at ruthmeyerbooks.com, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the 2nd Annual Texas Lutheran Writer’s Round Up, including the speakers/authors who will be attneding this year, what makes this event so unique, and the experience that students and all attendees will have. Learn more at facebook.com/faithlhscentraltx and faithlutheranhighschool.com.
Julianna Shults, DCE, Program Manager for Youth Ministry for the LCMS Office of National Mission, and Rev. Mark Kiessling, Director of Youth Ministry for the LCMS Office of National Mission, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the new book from LCMS Youth Ministry “Relationships Matter,” including what prompted the research on the millennial generation, how this research helps church workers or parents who are concerned about this generation, and how this research can be applied in real life situations to benefit young people and the church. Find your copy for no cost at cph.org/p-34082-relationships-count-engaging-retaining-millennials.aspx. Find Youth Ministry resources at youthesource.com and find the End Goals podcast at kfuo.org/endgoals.
Rev. Dr. Dien Ashley Taylor, pastor of Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church in The Bronx, New York, and First vice president of the LCMS Atlantic District, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church reachs and servse the diverse Bronx community, what he’ll be sharing at the Concordia University Nebraska celebration of the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and why it’s important to remember his work today. Read about this celebration at cune.edu/news/rev-dr-dien-ashley-taylor-present-part-martin-luther-king-jr-celebration. Learn more about Redeemer in The Bronx at redeemerlutheranbronx.org.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about sadness, including removing the shame of sadness in our positivity culture, the difference between the emotion of sadness and clinic depression, and how we can help our neighbors who are struggling with sadness.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag “Mental Health Monday.” View Deaconess Heidi’s Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Dr. Bernard Bull, President of Goddard College in Plainfield, Vermont, joins Andy to talk about the role of goals setting in our Christian vocations, how we approach it, and why it’s beneficial in our daily lives.
Dr. Joel Oesch, Director of the Graduate Programs in Theology at Christ College, Concordia University, and Executive Director of Crosswise Institute, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the creation of Crosswise Institute, what high school students learn during this institute, and how this immersive and challenging learning environment benefits them as young people. Learn more about Crosswise, including this year’s program June 21-25, at cui.edu/crosswise.
Dr. Danny Faulkner— Researcher, author, and speaker for Answers in Genesis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about design in the astronomical realm, the speed of light and its relationship to a young earth, and different views of cosmology. Hear these presentations and more at the upcoming Gateway Creation Conference, April 3-4 at The Rock Church of St. Louis’s Ballwin campus. Learn more and register at creationconf.com.
Dr. Jackquelyn Haws Veith, Executive Director of Educational Certification for the Consortium for Classical Lutheran Education (CCLE), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about CCLE’s student contests, including how these contests fit into a student’s education, the theme for this year’s essay contest, and how analytical thinking required for contests benefit the student. Find details for entry at ccle.org/2020-student-contests.
Rev. Robert Zagore, Executive Director of the LCMS Office of National Mission, and Rev. Dr. Mark Wood, director of LCMS Witness & Outreach Ministry and director of the LCMS Revitalization initiative, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the backstory of the Making Disciples for Life initiative, how this initiative will help our LCMS church body work together more effectively, and details for the next conference in Fort Wayne, April 16-18, 2020. Learn more at lcms.org.
Debbie Larson, President of the LWML, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the LWML, her story of becoming involved in the LWML, and the incredible work the LWML does to support the mission and ministry of the church at large. Learn more at lwml.org.
Kevin Hildebrand, Kantor at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, and Matt Machemer, Associate Kantor at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the CTSFW Kantorei, the role that a choral group like the Kantorei plays in pastoral formation, and how the Kantorei serves the church at large. Learn more at ctsfw.edu/choirs.
Rev. Michael Salemink, Executive Director of Mission and Ministry with Lutherans for Life, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Life Sunday 2020 resources available from Lutherans for Life, the upcoming activities surrounding the March for Life in Washington, D.C., and the Regional Lutherans for Life Conferences happening this year. Find details and resources at lutheransforlife.org.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about emotions of power, agency, and anger, including what makes us feel safe or empowered vesus disempowered, how the context of these emotions affects how we interact with them, and the relationship of anger to safety.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag “Mental Health Monday.” View Deaconess Heidi’s Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. James Neuendorf, serving the Lord as missionary to Puerto Rico along with his wife Deaconess Christel, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the damage to the area where he lives and works in Puerto Rico, the needs that he and Christel are able to meet, and the partnerships and relationships they have cultivated with the grace of God in order to care for the people who are suffering. Follow the story on their Facebook page at facebook.com/sendjamesandchristel and read more at blogs.lcms.org/2020/puerto-rico-hit-by-largest-earthquake-in-100-years.
Learn more about the Neuendorfs and their work in Puerto Rico at lcms.org/neuendorf.
Rev. Heath Curtis, Coordinator of Stewardship with the LCMS, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how fear plays a role in stewardship, how we generally understand stewardship, and how it connects firmly with our vocations in Christ. Find resources from the LCMS on stewardship at lcms.org/stewardship.
Rev. Craig Muehler, Director of LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the needs of military connected families in the days ahead, how we can be supportive of these families, and how we can pray for our troops and chaplains. Learn more about LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces at lcms.org/armedforces. Interested in becoming a chaplain? Contact Chaplain Muehler at lcmschaps@lcms.org.
Rev. Kevin Robson, Chief Mission Officer for the LCMS and presenter at the January 2020 Making Disciples for Life conference, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the current challenges facing the church today, how the LCMS serves people around the world, and how we anticipate serving people in the future. Learn more at lcms.org.
Stephenie Hovland— educator, speaker and member of the Lutherans for Life National Board of Directors, joins Andy to talk about instilling life values in children, how parents can talk about life issues with their children of any age, and how different ages process life issues in different ways. Read her article at lutheransforlife.org/article/tips-for-instilling-life-values-in-children.
Rev. Delwyn Campbell, Domestic Missionary in Gary, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the work being done in Gary, Indiana, including what the community of Gary looks like today, the legacy of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, and the work being done in the community through the church. Follow Pastor Campbell’s work at facebook.com/MissionGI and follow St. John’s Lutheran Church at facebook.com/LutheranStJohnGaryIN.
Deaconess Shaina Wurdeman, deaconess admission counselor with Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy to talk about her article in the January 2020 edition of the Lutheran Witness, including our natural response when someone sins against us, how some people can be challenging to love, and how we can care for these people in our lives.
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Rev. Andrew Preus, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in McGregor and Trinity Lutheran Church in Guttenberg, Iowa, joins Andy to talk about his article in the January edition of the Lutheran Witness all about grace, including what is significant about different denominations’ views of grace, justification, and sanctification.
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Meghan Schultz, owner of Red Letter Art & Design and author of “Chrismons: Signs and Symbols Worth Studying” in the December Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the history of Chrismons, some common designs we may see, and the significance of their designs. Read Meghan’s article in the December LW at blogs.lcms.org/2019/chrismons-signs-and-symbols-worth-studying. Find Red Letter Art & Design at etsy.com/shop/RedLetterArtDesign and facebook.com/redletterlutheran.
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what happens when we have too much to do during the holidays, the benefits of simplicity but also excitement and energetic celebration, knowing and identifying what we need versus what people want from us, and the sacred practice of saying yes and no.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag “Mental Health Monday.” View Deaconess Heidi’s Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Jonathan Bakker, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the themes we hear about in 1 and 3 year lectionary for the 4th Sunday in Advent, the rich texts of the collect and introit for the day, and the hymn of the day we’ll get to sing. Find more about Lutheran lectionaries and hymns at lcms.org/worship.
Rev. Clark Schultz, author of 5-Minute Bible Studies for Teens available from Northwestern Publishing House, and pastor of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (WELS) in Lake Mills, Wisconsin, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why it’s important for teens to have a biblical worldview, what he wants teens to learn from saints or “heroes” of the Bible, and how this book can be used by individuals and families. Find 5-Minute Bible Studies for Teens at online.nph.net/5-minute-bible-studies-for-teens.html.
Sharon Bollinger, Director of Customer Relations and Strategy with Lutheran Church Extension Fund, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the importance of investors to the mission of LCEF, how LCEF benefits the church as a whole, and ways for people to get involved with LCEF. For more information, visit lcef.org.
Dr. Kevin Armbrust, Interim Managing Editor of the Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the December 2019 edition of LW, including the theme of how we experience arts that point us to Jesus, articles about myths regarding Christmas hymns, why we have Chrismons on our trees, and how liturgical art tells the Gospel.
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Mary Schmidt, Manager of Development for KFUO Radio, joins Andy and Sarah to thank our donors for their generous support during this year and encourage new donors to consider making a gift to KFUO Radio. Learn more about how you can support KFUO Radio at kfuo.org/give.
Mona Furstenau, with Bethesda Lutheran Communities, joins Andy to talk about tips for thriving during this holiday season as a mom of an awesome kid with special needs. Learn more about Bethesda at bethesdalc.org.
Phillip Magness, Music Specialist for West and Central Africa with the LCMS Office of International Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how he chooses the hymnody he teaches to his students in Africa, how cultural influence is significant in the music of the church, and how his students take what he teaches and makes it their own. Read more about Phillip and how to support his work at lcms.org/magness.
Shelly Carlson— LCMS Servant Event Committee, Craig Bertram—Project Coordinator with Heart of a Servant, and Patti Jordan— Project Coordinator with Servants in the City, join Andy to talk about what a Servant Event is, the needs of each of their communities, and how a Servant Event meets those needs. Learn more and find your Servant Event at servantevents.lcms.org.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about loss and life experience stressors during the holidays, including coping with grief, loneliness, and the mental weight of reflection during the holidays.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag “Mental Health Monday.” View Deaconess Heidi’s Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Matt Heise, Executive Director for the Lutheran Heritage Foundation (LHF), joins Andy and Sarah to share stories from his visits to countries around the world, including Finland, Germany, and Thailand. Learn more about LHF’s work around the world at lhfmissions.org.
Rev. James and Angela Sharp, who serve as LCMS missionaries in Uruguay, join Andy and Sarah to talk about their work in Uruguay, the uniqueness of the community where they serve, and how they share the Gospel among the people they serve. Read their story and how to support their work at lcms.org/sharp.
Rev. Tyrel Bramwell, pastor of St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ferndale, California, and author of several books available at tyrelbramwell.com, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the themes we hear about in 1 and 3 year lectionary for the 3rd Sunday in Advent, the unique meaning of “Gaudete” Sunday, and the hymn of the day we’ll get to sing. Find more about Lutheran lectionaries and hymns at lcms.org/worship.
Rev. Robert Zagore, Executive Director of the LCMS Office of National Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the vast expanse of how the Office of National Mission serves synod-wide, how the new Internet Resource Center will serve those who access it, and the upcoming Making Disciples for Life conferences. Learn more and register for the conference at lcms.org.
Kelly Schumacher, liturgical artist with Agnus Dei Liturgical Arts, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the tradition of sending Christmas cards, how we share the Gospel through these cards, and the cards Kelly has available through Agnus Dei Liturgical Arts. See her artwork at AgnusDeiArts.com.
Rev. James Thomas, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church & School in Orchard Farm (St Charles), Missouri, which is KFUO Radio’s Church of the Week, joins Andy and Sarah to share some history of Trinity Lutheran Church & School, how the school is a key part of their ministry to St. Charles, and special events going on at Trinity. Learn more about Trinity at trinityorchardfarm.com and learn how your church can become a Church of the Week at kfuo.org/partner-with-us.
Randy Ronning— LCMS Servant Event Committee, Deanna Cheadle—Project Coordinator with TODAY in Appalachia, Andrea Vest—Community Life Leader with Riches in Richmond, and Terry Yahr— Community Life Leader with TODAY in Appalachia, join Andy to talk about what a Servant Event is, the needs of each of their communities, and how a Servant Event meets those needs. Learn more and find your Servant Event at servantevents.lcms.org.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the holidays and mental health. In part 2 of 4, they discuss people and relationship stressors, including who we spending time with, the impact of family dynamics and expectations, and what kind of decompression do we need.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag “Mental Health Monday.” View Deaconess Heidi’s Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Matt Machemer, associate kantor at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about 5 distinct themes in Advent hymnody and a few samples of hymns where these themes shine through. These themes and hymns are:
Old Testament Parallels – LSB 352 Jesus as King – LSB 339 The Comings of Advent – LSB 353 Judgement and End Times – LSB 336 Christian Hope – LSB 342
Rev. Thomas Brinkley, Short-Term Volunteer leading a team to Puerto Rico and associate pastor of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Esko, Minnesota, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his previous experience serving on the mission field, the community where his team served in Puerto Rico, and the wonderful experiences and opportunities his team had to share the love of Christ with those they served. Find your opportunity to serve at servenow.lcms.org.
Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the themes we hear about in 1 and 3 year lectionary for the 2nd Sunday in Advent, the wonderful “Stir Up” collect for this Sunday, and the hymns of the day we’ll get to sing. Find more about Lutheran lectionaries and hymns at lcms.org/worship.
Philip Magness, Director of Sanctuary Worship with Concordia Lutheran Church in Kirkwood, Missouri, and also Music Specialist Missionary in West and Central Africa, and Cheryl Magness, Managing Editor for Reporter Online with LCMS Communications, join Andy and Sarah and The Coffee Hour Choir for an episode of caroling and stories! Hear from the choir members about their favorite caroling memories and why caroling can be a great activity to do as a family or with friends. Watch the caroling on Facebook Live!
Dr. Mark Bender, Minister of Music at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Des Peres, Missouri, and Matthew Gerhardt, Assistant Minister of Music at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Des Peres, Missouri, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the upcoming “Service of Sacred Music for the Time of Christmas” on December 7 & 8, including the various musical selections. Learn more about Music at St. Paul’s at stpaulsdesperes.org/music.
Find the musical selections from this episode on YouTube.
“For Unto Us” (Handel-Messiah): youtu.be/MS3vpAWW2Zc “Stay With Us” (Egil Hovland): youtu.be/bRQfVEDD46E “Hodie” (Heinrich Schuetz): youtu.be/gf6p2kMy1wo “Where Shepherds Lately Knelt” (Carl Schalk): youtu.be/nP4N8IiTtt4 “Dearest Lord, Thee Will I Cherish” (J.S. Bach): youtu.be/qMiQD0VEgK8 An Advent Processional (Donald Pearson): youtu.be/qXGc9PhcJPA
Linda Gage— LCMS Servant Event Committee, Mary Bates—Project Coordinator, HARP, for Making Disciples Servant Event, and Bethany Mrosko— Work Director with Camp Restore Detroit, join Andy to talk about what a Servant Event is, the needs of each of their communities, and how a Servant Event meets those needs. Learn more and find your Servant Event at servantevents.lcms.org.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the holidays and mental health. In part 1 of 4, they discuss environmental stressors, including where we put ourselves and how that impacts us, sensory input, and how we deal with these extra stressors during the holidays.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag “Mental Health Monday.” View Deaconess Heidi’s Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Mrs. Janet Landgraf, Kindergarten Teacher at St. Mark’s Lutheran School in Eureka, Missouri, talks with Andy about kindergarten readiness, including how early stages of writing impact reading and practical steps parents can take at home with their preschoolers to prepare for kindergarten.
This is a rebroadcast from February 14, 2018.
Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard, pastor of St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Minot, North Dakota, and author of Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how we can have conversations about the meaning of Advent with friends from different liturgical traditions who may not understand why we celebrate Advent.
This is a rebroadcast from December 12, 2018.
Rev. Dr. Matt Richard, now pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Minot, North Dakota, joins Sarah and guest host Peter Slayton, Social Media Manager for the LCMS, to talk about how Lutherans can talk about the church, faith, and what we believe to those who have come to Lutheranism from American Evangelicalism.
This is a rebroadcast from March 13, 2018.
Rev. Mark Birkholz, pastor of Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his interest in bird watching, how to get started in bird watching, and how bird watching gives him an appreciation for our Creator.
This is a rebroadcast from January 30, 2019.
Rev. Merritt Demski, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Waterloo, Illinois, joins Sarah to share Advent traditions in his home, the proper place of Thanksgiving in the church, the role of thankfulness in the Christian life, and being content in the midst of all the sales!
Rev. Dr. Ryan Tinetti, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Arcadia, Michigan, joins Sarah to talk about the themes we hear about in 1 and 3 year lectionary for the 1st Sunday in Advent, the wonderful “Stir Up” collect for this Sunday, and the hymn of the day we’ll get to sing. Find more about Lutheran lectionaries and hymns at lcms.org/worship.
Heather Smith, Classical Education Advocate, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how parents and teachers can can train children up in the way they should go, not necessarily catering to their desires but bringing them up faithfully in Christ.
This is a rebroadcast from January 26, 2018.
Rev. Christopher Thoma, pastor of Our Savior Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hartland, Michigan, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how we make peace with affliction and how we can see God’s work in our lives. Find Pastor Thoma’s books Type One Confessional and Ten Ways to Kill a Pastor at GrailQuestBooks.com.
This is a rebroadcast from April 17, 2018.
Leah Sallach— LCMS Servant Event Committee, and “Vine” Casey Carlson and “Sparky” John Hemenway— Servant Event Leaders with Caring for Camp and Community at Camp Wartburg in Waterloo, IL, join Andy to talk about what a Servant Event is, the needs of each of their communities, and how a Servant Event meets those needs. Learn more and find your Servant Event at servantevents.lcms.org.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy to talk about more listener questions, including what Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is, how you can know if your feelings of anxiety or depression should require professional help, and whether there’s a difference between a mental illness and living a psychologically toxic lifestyle.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag “Mental Health Monday.” View Deaconess Heidi’s Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Timothy Appel, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Smithville, Texas, and host of KFUO Radio’s Sharper Iron, joins Sarah to talk about what makes the end of the church year a unique liturgical season, the themes and stories we hear during this time, and how this season bridges us into the season of Advent.
Rev. Dr. Rick Marrs, Associate Professor of Practical Theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, joins Sarah and guest host Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, Illinois, in part two of our conversation about when you should talk to your pastor, specifically what to expect in your conversation, how to approach him with your question, and why you aren’t a burden on him. This is part two of this conversation, and you can hear part one here!
This is a rebroadcast from March 12, 2018.
Rev. Dr. Rick Marrs, Associate Professor of Practical Theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, joins Sarah and guest host Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, Illinois, to talk about the difference between pastoral care and counseling, when you should talk to your pastor, and why pastors need to know what you’re going through. This is part one of this conversation, and you can hear part two here!
This is a rebroadcast from March 12, 2018.
Emmy Woock, Director of Music Ministries at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Elmhurst, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why music literacy is so important for children, how learning the language of music inspires children to learn and create on their own, and how teaching music educators how to teach things like Conversational Solfege™ can make an impact on many children in Lutheran schools. Learn more about music literacy and Conversational Solfege™ at feierabendmusic.org/conversational-solfege.
This is a rebroadcast from July 29, 2019.
Anne Gonzalez, DCE, Manager Short-Term Training and Engagement with the LCMS Office of International Mission, and Ron Herman, LCMS Short-Term Volunteer with the Uganda Mercy Medical Team, join Andy to talk about Ron’s interest in serving with the Mercy Medical Team, who he met and worked with on this trip, and the impact of this trip on his vocations. Find your opportunity to serve on a Mercy Medical Team or other short term mission teams at servenow.lcms.org.
Joe Palinkas— LCMS Servant Event Committee and Leader for Noble Servants at Camp Lutherhaven in Albion, Indiana; Luke Otten and Ruth Rethemeyer— Leaders for Serv’n in the Hills at Camp Trinity, New Haven, Missouri; and Nicole Spangler— Leader for Western North Carolina Servant Event, join Andy to talk about what a Servant Event is, the needs of each of their communities, and how a Servant Event meets those needs. Learn more and find your Servant Event at servantevents.lcms.org.
Julianna Shults, Program Manager with Lutheran Young Adult Corps and Connor Colangelo, Lutheran Young Adult Corps Participant join Andy to talk bout what young adults learn from this experience, why young adults choose this experience for a gap year, and how to apply for upcoming opportunities. Learn more and apply at lcms.org/yacorps.
Christina Schempf, from Holy Cross Lutheran Church in St Louis and Intersect Arts Center, joins Andy to talk about the fine arts, her after chapel concert at Concordia Seminary, and what Intersect Arts does in St. Louis city. Learn more about After Chapel Concerts at csl.edu/music. Learn more about Intersect Arts Center at intersectstl.org.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy to talk about questions from listeners about mental health, including stigma and awareness, anxiety, and when to seek help.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag “Mental Health Monday.” View Deaconess Heidi’s Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Heather Choate Davis— L.A.-based writer, speaker, creative director and co-creator of the Faith and Film Festival; Rev. Jacob Wampfler— pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Topeka, Kan., the co-host of the Cinema Bros podcast, and co-creator of the Faith and Film Festival; and Erika Bennet— Director of Continuing Education with Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, join Andy and Sarah to talk about what makes film interesting and an art form, how film challenges us, and the details for the upcoming Faith and Film Festival at Concordia Seminary. Learn more and register at csl.edu/faith-and-film.
Dr. Maurice Boyer, Music Director of the American Kantorei, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the American Kantorei in St. Louis, the exciting program for the upcoming concerts, and how J.S. Bach’s music makes these cantata texts come alive. Learn more about the American Kantorei at americankantorei.org.
American Kantorei Fall Concerts Program: Cantata 93, Cantata 27, Cantata 156, and Cantata 37 by J. S. Bach.
Saturday, November 16, 2019 7:30 pm Immanuel Lutheran Church, 213 West 5th Street, Washington, Missouri 63093
Sunday, November 17, 2019 3:00 pm St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 12345 Manchester, Des Peres, Missouri 63131 Let us know you’re interested in the Facebook event.
Rev. Andrew Dinger, pastor of Timothy Lutheran Church in St. Louis, Missouri, and Katie Weintraub, director of the Lindenwood Area Senior Ministry, join Andy and Sarah in studio to talk about the uniqueness of each of their organizations, the partnerships that have formed between them, and the upcoming Christmas Market (Weinachtsmarkt). Timothy Lutheran is also KFUO Radio’s Church of the Week!
Learn more about the Lindenwood Area Senior Ministry at lasministry.org.
Timothy Lutheran Christmas Market Saturday, December 7 11am – 6pm in the gated parking lot at Timothy Lutheran, 6704 Fyler Ave timothystl.org/christmasmarket
Katie Scherger, Short-term volunteer for the English Bible Camp in Konin, Poland, in August 2019, and Anne Gonzalez, Manager of Short Term Training and Engagement with the LCMS Office of International Mission, join Andy and Sarah to talk about why Katie was interested in this opportunity, her experience serving in Poland, the people she met and served with. Find your opportunity to serve at servenow.lcms.org.
Rev. Robert Zagore, Executive Director of the LCMS Office of National Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the new initiative Making Disciples for Life, where this idea came from, and the several Making Disciples for Life Conferences happening around the country. The first Conference is January 9-11, 2020, in St. Louis. Find details and register at lcms.org.
Rev. Sean Smith, host of Concord Matters on KFUO Radio and pastor of Immanuel-Campbell Hill and St. Paul-Wine Hill, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what a Call or Divine Call, what a pastor considers when a Call is extended, and the process through which churches and pastors go through during the deliberation process.
Peter Slayton, Social Media Manager for the LCMS, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the emphasis of most social media and what it capitalizes on, how the LCMS has utilized social media, and how to church can go about being “church” on social media. Read Peter’s article on LCMS social media in the November issue of the Lutheran Witness. Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
On this special Veterans Day edition of Mental Health Monday, Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, and Chaplain Mike Moreno, CDR, OIC, NR RELSUP HQMC, Commander in the Chaplain Corps of the United States Navy and now a Pastoral counselor with Lutheran Family Services of Iowa, join Andy and Sarah to talk about mental health and veterans, specifically how the demands placed on our service men and women impact their mental health, how both deployment and return home have different wellness effects, how military families are also affected by end of service, and how the church is well-suited to care for veterans and their families. Find resources at lcms.org/wellness, lcms.org/armedforces, and lcms.org/operationbarnabas.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag “Mental Health Monday.” View Deaconess Heidi’s Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Mark Hawkinson, host of KFUO Radio’s Moments of Assurance, joins Andy to talk about his first encounter with broadcasting, his journey through education and first job in broadcasting, and how technology and the broadcasting industry has changed over his career.
Kip Allen, host of KFUO Radio programs World Lutheran News Digest, KFUO News Updates, Free to Be Faithful, and Let’s Talk! (The Pastor Is In), joins Andy to talk about his first encounter with broadcasting, his journey through education and first job in broadcasting, and how technology and the broadcasting industry has changed over his career.
Bill Fankhauser— manager of Sacred Groundz Coffee, Rev. Ron Millard— pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in WingHaven, located in O’Fallon, Missouri, and Matt— barista with Sacred Groundz, join Andy and Sarah in this special edition of The Coffee Hour from the parking lot of the LCMS International Center. (Please forgive some gaps in the podcast. We are thankful for the technology setup provided by the IT team that allowed us to broadcast live from the parking lot via WiFi!) Our guests talk about the idea behind Sacred Groundz, the relationships that have been built throughout this process, how this Coffee Truck has helped build community, and the process for training the baristas. Learn more about Sacred Groundz, where the truck is going to be, and request the truck for your location or event at facebook.com/SacredGroundzSTL and sacredgroundzstl.com.
Jim Meyer, DCE, serving at Community Lutheran Church in Escondido, California, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about serving abroad with a youth group, including how he started doing these trips, concerns with taking youth on international trips, and what his youth groups learn while serving. Find your opportunity to serve at servenow.lcms.org.
David Bangert, Executive Director of Dallas Lutheran School, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the impact of the recent tornado on the Dallas community and Dallas Lutheran School, how this weather event affected the daily life of DLS, and how the school and community are moving forward. Read about this at blogs.lcms.org/2019/dallas-lutheran-school-to-rebuild-after-october-tornado.
Matt Whitman, host of the Ten Minute Bible Hour Podcast, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why he visits churches of various denominations to make YouTube videos, his experiences visiting an LCMS church (St. Paul in Hamel, IL) for the first time, and the things he learned about Lutheranism that makes Lutherans unique. Find his videos from his visit with Rev. William Weedon at St. Paul along with all of his other content at thetenminutebiblehour.com and The Ten Minute Bible Hour on Youtube.
Dr. Kevin Armbrust, Interim Managing Editor of the Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the November issue of LW, including why we have a State of the Synod issue, how it’s useful for people throughout the Synod, and the interesting things to read about in this issue.
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Cheryl Swope, M.Ed., educator and author, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how classical education serves children with special needs, what classical education looks like for a family with special needs, and insights into the second edition of Simply Classical: A Beautiful Education for Any Child. Find your copy at memoriapress.com/curriculum/special-needs/simply-classical-a-beautiful-education-for-any-child-second-edition.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about if we categorize emotions, how we make distinctions between emotions, and whether the intensity of an emotion is significant.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag “Mental Health Monday.” View Deaconess Heidi’s Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. Dr. Michael Gibson, President of the LCMS Pacific Southwest District, and Rev. Michael Lange, President of the LCMS California Nevada Hawaii District, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the wildfire activity across California in recent days, the fear and anxiety that the fires of the past years have created in their communities, and how the church is reaching out to bring God’s peace and hope to these people. Both Presidents ask for prayers for their communities, congregations, and first responders as these situations evolve.
Find more information about the Pacific Southwest District at psd-lcms.org and the California Nevada Hawaii District at cnh-lcms.org.
Professor Brian Mosemann, Assistant Professor of Theology at Concordia University Wisconsin, joins Andy and Sarah to on Sarah’s baptism birthday to talk about why we remember (or live) or baptisms daily and how you can commemorate your baptism birthday! This is a rebroadcast from July 31, 2018.
Hayden Rensner, volunteer with a Mercy Medical Team to Sierra Leone, and Anne Gonzalez, DCE, Manager of Short-term Mission Training & Engagement with the LCMS, join Andy and Sarah to talk about Mercy Medical Teams, including Hayden’s experiences serving in Sierra Leone, how she prepared for this trip, and how her service on an MMT has impacted her life as a college student. Find your opportunity to serve at servenow.lcms.org.
Rev. Dr. Mark Bangert, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Washington, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the upcoming Annual Pork Sausage Dinner (best around!), the American Kantorei concert that’s part of their Concert and Speaker Series, and why Immanuel Lutheran partners with KFUO Radio as a Church of the Week. Learn more about Immanuel and these events at imlutheran.org.
Annual Pork Sausage Dinner Sunday, November 3, 2019 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
American Kantorei Concert Saturday, November 16, 2019 7:30 p.m. | FREE
Immanuel Lutheran Church 214 W 5th St, Washington, MO 63090
Rev. Dr. Ryan Tinetti, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Arcadia, Michigan, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the origins of All Saints’ Day, how Lutherans view this day in contemporary times, and how families can keep this day in their devotions at home.
Jennifer Hamer, Chaplain’s Wife, Group Fitness Instructor and Command Fitness (CFL) Instructor at Naval Air Station Lemoore Gym & Fitness Center, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how to stay motivated as the days get shorter and colder, some tips to find new fitness routines, and how to fit bits of fitness into your daily life without being overwhelmed. This is a rebroadcast from October 19, 2018.
Deaconess Kristin Wassilak, Director of the Deaconess Program at Concordia University Chicago, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the role of a Deaconess, her experiences traveling with the deaconess students to different Lutheran locations, and the formation of young deaconesses for service in the church. Learn more about the Deaconess program at Concordia University Chicago at cuchicago.edu/deaconess.
Rev. Timothy Shoup, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bonduel, Wisconsin, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his new book from Concordia Publishing House titled “Praise and Honor: Hymn-Inspired Devotions,” including how hymns share the truth of God’s Word differently than reading or speaking, how this book will help others study God’s Word through hymns, and insights into a few of the hymns in the devotional book. Learn more and find your copy at cph.org/p-32622-praise-honor-hymn-inspired-devotions.aspx.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what emotional well-being means, what happens if we pay too much or too little attention to our emotions, what is really unchanging in all of this, and why we should not judge our emotions.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag “Mental Health Monday.” View Deaconess Heidi’s Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
We remember the wonderful Dr. Norman Nagel on this episode of The Coffee Hour. Rev. William Cwirla— pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Hacienda Heights, California, Rev. Dr. John Pless— Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry and Missions and Director of Field Education at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Rev. Charles Henrickson— pastor of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Bonne Terre, Missouri, join Andy and Sarah to talk about their memories of Dr. Nagel, what they learned from him, and how his ministry has influenced and shaped their own ministries. In bonus podcast content, Rev. Billy Brath, Vice President for Ministry Support with Lutheran Church Extension Fund, shares his memories of Dr. Nagel.
Read Dr. Nagel’s obituary at blogs.lcms.org/2019/obituary-rev-dr-norman-edgar-nagel-professor-emeritus-at-concordia-seminary-st-louis.
This hymn was written by Rev. Charles Henrickson and set to the tune Merton (LSB 345), and he wrote it for the festschrift Dona Gratis Donata for Dr. Nagel for his 90th birthday:
Always More than We Can Measure
1 Always more than we can measure, All the gifts God has in store; More than any earthly treasure, Gospel gifts are always more.
2 Our dear Father we’re addressing, All we need He knows before: Food and drink and every blessing, Daily gifts, and always more.
3 Jesus came, the Man from heaven, All our sins our Savior bore; Full forgiveness, freely given, And with that comes even more.
4 Life arising, life victorious, At the tomb an open door; Through the cross comes new life glorious: Christ is risen, first of more.
5 Now the Holy Spirit’s preaching Spreads the news from shore to shore; Now the church, baptizing, teaching, Brings true faith to more and more.
6 Christ speaks words of consecration: “Body given, blood outpoured”; Life, forgiveness, and salvation– Gospel gifts, and always more!
∆ 7 Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Triune God whom we adore; Heaven’s song–we soon will hear it, Praising You forevermore!
Text: © 2014 Charles Henrickson Tune: Merton (LSB 345) 87 87
Rev. Roy Askins, Communications Manager for the Asia Region of the LCMS Office of International Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the vast region he serves, the perception of Lutheranism across Asia, and several stories of the incredible projects happening in different countries. Follow all things LCMS Asia at international.lcms.org/asia and lcmsasia.fireside.fm. Follow the Askins at askinsinasia.com and the Wood family at theseaside.asia.
Rev. Dr. Stanish Stanley, Executive Director of Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA), and Joanie Harwell, volunteer with CFNA, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the wonderful ways CFNA helps new immigrants to America, how new immigrants are connected to the Gospel of Jesus, and the upcoming Trivia Night & Silent Auction. Learn more and register for the Trivia Night at cfna-stl.org/trivia-night.
Annual Trivia and Silent Auction Benefits Youth & Family Ministry to refugees and immigrants. Saturday, November 16, 2019 At the Lutheran Church of Webster Gardens
Rev. Billy Brath, Vice President for Ministry Support with Lutheran Church Extension Fund, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what ministry support means for LCEF and the organizations it serves, stories of how LCEF has helped congregations move forward, and who is eligible for help from LCEF. Learn more at lcef.org.
Deaconess Sandra Rhein, Hymnal Consultant for the LCMS Office of International Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the latest news from hymnal projects for Amharic and Mandarin languages, as well as teaching liturgical history in Southeast Asia. Read more of her story and watch videos of this hymnal translation process in the Spring 2018 edition of Lutherans Engage, available at engage.lcms.org/hymnal-project-spring-2018.
Rev. Dr. W. Mart Thompson, Associate Professor of Practical Theology and Director of Specific Ministry Pastor Program at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how Advent is an opportunity for more time in the Word, the Advent-Christmas sermon series and devotion series available from Concordia Seminary, and how both pastors and families can benefit from this resource. Learn more and find the resource at concordiatheology.org/2019/10/come-lord-jesus-an-advent-christmas-sermon-series.
Kelly Schumacher, Liturgical Artist of AgnusDeiArts.com, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about her travels to the Dominican Republic to share liturgical art, the giclee painting “Children of the Heavenly Father,” and the impact of this trip and project.
Latin American missionaries are requesting these reproductions for their schools and churches. For every print purchased 1 will also be donated to Latin American missions!
View the artwork at squareup.com/store/agnus-dei-liturgical-arts/item/dominican-republic-giclee.
Stephen M. Saunders, Ph.D., Professor and Chairperson of the Psychology Department at Marquette University, and Deaconess Laura Jostes from Village Lutheran Church in Ladue, Missouri, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the Village Lecture Series, the upcoming lecture Dr. Saunders will present about stress and anxiety in young people, and how the stress affects them as they mature.
Attend this Lecture on Saturday, November 2, at Village Lutheran Church in Ladue, Missouri. The lecture is free and childcare will be available. Find more details at villagelectures.com and facebook.com/events/2150720841900657.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the ways we deal with emotions (both good and bad coping mechanisms), practical tips for faithfully dealing with emotions, and why this even matters in our relationships.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag “Mental Health Monday.” View Deaconess Heidi’s Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the first LCMS Wellness Day, why talking about wellness is so important (especially for church workers), what it means to be well, and where we find our ultimate identity. Find resources at lcms.org/wellness. Find all Church Worker Wellness podcasts at kfuo.org/tag/church-worker-wellness.
Rev. Dr. Daniel Paavola, Theology Department Chair at Concordia University Wisconsin, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Feast of St. Luke, including who St. Luke was, what makes Luke unique, how the Lord used Luke’s vocation of physician, and what we can learn from Luke.
Anne Gonzalez, DCE, Manager of Short-term Mission Training & Engagement with the LCMS, and Jeb and Lisa Schreiber, volunteers for the East Africa Children’s program with the LCMS Office of International Mission, join Andy and Sarah to talk about why they decided to serve on this short-term team to Ethiopia, what they learned as they wre serving, and stories of the people they met and served with. Find your opportunity to serve on a short-term mission team at servenow.lcms.org.
Jody Token, founder and coach of The Great Flip, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about resources for our children to overcome bully culture during National Bullying Prevention Month, including how we define bullying, practical tips for children to use, and a resource she's developed to teach children these skills. Learn more and find the resource at thegreatflip.com/anti-bullying-activity.
Rev. Michael Salemink, Executive Director of Lutherans for Life, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about questions they receive about life issues, including the use of aborted fetal tissue in the development of vaccines and what this means for Christians, and the increase in call volume at the Word of Hope hotline (888-21-STORY) after the release of the Unplanned DVD. Find resources for these things at lutheransforlife.org and cogforlife.org.
Matt Forck— vice president of community, economic development and energy solutions for Ameren Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Neighborhood Solar program, how this program can benefit organizations like our Lutheran schools, and how organizations can apply. Learn more at amerenmissouri.com/neighborhoodsolar.
Rachel Bomberger— writer, editor, home educator, Navy Chaplain’s wife and co-host of The Lutheran Ladies’ Lounge podcast, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about her article in the October issue of the Lutheran Witness, “With My Lost Saints,” including her relationship with a loved one who has Alzheimer’s Disease and what we gain from people who fade away from us. Read her article at blogs.lcms.org/2019/with-my-lost-saints.
Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Kevin Armbrust, Interim Managing Editor of the Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the theme of the October issue of LW, some of the stories of the Reformation, and why saints are important to us. Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Rev. Dr. Nabil Nour, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Hartford, South Dakota, and Fourth Vice President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his childhood home in Nazareth, his journeys back to the Holy Land, and what his guests see and learn on these trips.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the value and purpose of emotions, the role emotions play in our daily life, and the relationship between emotions and knowledge.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag “Mental Health Monday.” View Deaconess Heidi’s Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Dr. Jim Marriott, Kreft Chair for Music Arts and Director of Musical Arts at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, and Erica Mertz, associate conductor for Laudamus at Concordia Seminary, join Sarah to talk about the Laudamus choir and tour, why music groups and tours are an important part of seminary life, and the After Chapel concert Erica will be performing in February. Find Laudamus tour details and all of Concordia Seminary’s concert offerings at csl.edu/music.
Phillip Magness, Music Specialist serving the Lord in West & Central Africa, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his journey into his music vocations, stories about his initial work in Francophone Africa, the legacy of church music in Africa, and how local African churches make Lutheran church music their own. Read more about Phillip and how to support his work at lcms.org/magness.
The hymns in today’s program, “Avant que l’abue n’ait paru” and “C’est un rempart que notre Dieu” and the first recording of Psalm 27 were recorded by students of Cantor Phillip Magness at Christ Le Roi Lutheran Church in Brazzaville, Congo. The second excerpt of Psalm 27 was recorded by St. Augustine Lutheran Church in Brazzaville, Congo. Permission for use granted by the Comité liturgique francophone of the Lutheran Church-Canada.
View the music featured in this episode on YouTube.
“A Mighty Fortress”: youtube.com/watch?v=-0umIJ6onAM
Psalm 27: Students of mine at Christ the King Parish (Christ le Roi) in Brazzaville, Congo, learning a setting of Psalm 27. youtube.com/watch?v=NMHPigN0ups
Psalm 27 – The same song inculturated: Here it is being sung two years later at a different parish (St. Augustine). youtube.com/watch?v=4TjFW2CFOrU
“Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds” (en français): youtube.com/watch?v=21-pruFLrbo&t=19s
David Riley, supported by Bethesda Lutheran Communities, and Lanessa Stutz, David’s Bethesda job coach, join Andy to talk about National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and how Bethesda Lutheran Communities is changing the narrative from what can’t be done to what can. Bethesda helps empower individuals to be wonderful, loyal employees. Learn more at bethesdalc.org.
Rev. Dr. Jason Wagner, pastor of Hope Lutheran Church in High Ridge, Missouri, and the Missouri District Life Coordinator, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what a Life Coordinator does, what 40 Days for Life is all about, and how people across the country (and world!) can participate. If you’re in Missouri, sign up to participate on October 31, 2019, at lflofmo.org. To learn more about 40 Days for Life or to find more participation information outside of Missouri, visit 40daysforlife.com.
Rev. Dr. Arthur Just, Chairman and Professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and also Associate Executive Director for the Latin America and the Caribbean region with the LCMS Office of International Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to share stories from his journey to (and from, and to) the mission field, the incredible growth of the mission field in the Latin American region, and the impact of this growth on both pastors and people in this region. Find Dr. Just’s missionary prayer card at lcms.org/just. Learn more about the Latin American region at international.lcms.org/latin-america-caribbean.
Lauren Awe, Short-term Volunteer with LCMS International Mission serving in Community Health Education in Burundi, along with Anne Gonzalez, Manager of Short-term Mission Training & Engagement for the LCMS Office of International Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how she became interested in serving as a short-term volunteer, the community in which she served in Burundi, and why this training makes a difference for the people she serves. Opportunities to serve on Short-Term mission trips, including Community Health Education and Mercy Medical Teams, are available at lcms.org/mercyteams and servenow.lcms.org..
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy to talk about breaking down obstacles to getting the help we need, what contextual obstacles exist, and how we can overcome them.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag “Mental Health Monday.” View Deaconess Heidi’s Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Dale and Lisa Wehmeyer, volunteers with LCMS International Mission serving with Agricultural Consultancy in East Africa, join Andy and Sarah in Part 3 of our conversation about agricultural consultancy. The Wehmeyers talk about their interest and experience with agriculture, the ways they taught people to farm more efficiently, and the impact this work makes on the people they met and worked with.
Gwen Zagore, a new volunteer serving in 2020, joins in the second half to share her background and what she hopes to be able to do while she serves in 2020.
Learn more about the LCMS Africa Region at international.lcms.org/africa and find all of the agricultural consultancy conversations at kfuo.org/tag/agricultural-consultancy.
To support this continuing project, funding is routed to the LCMS through Mission Central. Please address your check to Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and designate it for Project #61007 Agricultural Consultancy in East Africa. Mail check to:
Mission Central Gary Thies, Mission Development Counselor 40718 Hwy. E-16 Mapleton, IA 51034-7105
Delano and Linda Meyers, volunteers with LCMS International Mission serving with Agricultural Consultancy in East Africa, join Andy and Sarah in Part 2 of our conversation about agricultural consultancy. They Meyers talk about their experience with agriculture, the cultural differences they learned about in their time doing agricultural consultancy, and the people they met and worked with. Learn more about the LCMS Africa Region at international.lcms.org/africa and find all of the agricultural consultancy conversations at kfuo.org/tag/agricultural-consultancy.
To support this continuing project, funding is routed to the LCMS through Mission Central. Please address your check to Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and designate it for Project #61007 Agricultural Consultancy in East Africa. Mail check to:
Mission Central Gary Thies, Mission Development Counselor 40718 Hwy. E-16 Mapleton, IA 51034-7105
Dr. Jacque Breman, a volunteer with LCMS International Mission serving with Agricultural Consultancy in East Africa, joins Andy and Sarah in Part 1 of our conversation about agricultural consultancy. Dr. Breman talks about his interest and experience in agricultural consultancy, the goals of agricultural consultancy in East Africa, and the partners in the program. Learn more about the LCMS Africa Region at international.lcms.org/africa and find all of the agricultural consultancy conversations at kfuo.org/tag/agricultural-consultancy.
To support this continuing project, funding is routed to the LCMS through Mission Central. Please address your check to Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and designate it for Project #61007 Agricultural Consultancy in East Africa. Mail check to:
Mission Central Gary Thies, Mission Development Counselor 40718 Hwy. E-16 Mapleton, IA 51034-7105
Sue Nahmensen—CEO of Lutheran Elementary School Association, Katie Foristal— Christ Community Lutheran School administration, and Stephanie Silbey—Lutheran school parent, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the resources LESA provides for professional development for teachers, how LESA supports parents who want to send their children to Lutheran Schools, and the impact LESA makes for children and parents throughout the St. Louis area.
Support LESA at the “Brew in the Lou Festival” at Francis Park, – October 12, 2019. Learn more and purchase wristbands at LESAstl.org, or over the phone at (314) 200-0797.
Dr. Todd Wood, President of the Core Academy of Science, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his research on human fossils, what these fossils teach us about our lineage from the flood, and what many scientists find difficult in the history of human origins. Hear Dr. Wood present at the Missouri Association for Creation Workshop: Adam’s Children on October 26th in St Louis. Learn more at coresci.org/adam.
Larry Crume, Chief Lending Officer for LCEF, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how LCEF supports the mission and ministry of LCMS schools, some stories of recent projects LCEF supported, and how you can be a part of this ministry. Learn more and become involved at lcef.org or call 800-843-5233. You can also read powerful ministry stories at InterestTime.org.
Rev. Peter Lange, First Vice President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins Andy to talk about what he loves about parish ministry, what his chief duties are as First VP, and what he’s looking forward to in this role.
Rev. Dr. Jon Vieker, Senior Assistant to the President of the LCMS, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what makes a good hymn writer, how hymn writers have influenced him, and the wonderful speakers and topics at the upcoming “Symposium for Hymn Writers and Translators” happening November 10-14 in tandem with the Good Shepherd Institute at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Find details at and registration information at lcms.org/worship.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about who to ask when you’re in need of help, including whether a professional or lay person is best, whether a Christian worldview matters, and other qualities to look for. Find the Faith & Family episode Heidi mentions at kfuo.org/2017/12/20/faf-122017-pastor-psychologist.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag “Mental Health Monday.” View Deaconess Heidi’s Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Dr. Scott Hyslop, Cantor at St. Lorenz Lutheran Church in Frankenmuth, Michigan, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Lutheran and musical heritage at St. Lorenz, details of the Paul Manz hymn festival on September 29, and the harpsichord recital at Concordia Seminary on September 30.
Sunday, September 29, 4:00pm agostlouis.org/event/paul-manz-hymn-festival A Paul Manz Hymn Festival, Dr. Scott Hyslop, organ Sponsored by the St. Louis Chapter of the American Guild of Organists Ladue Chapel Presbyterian Church 9450 Clayton Rd, St. Louis, Missouri 63124 Co-Sponsored by MorningStar Music
Monday, September 30, 9:55am csl.edu/campus-life/music-arts/concordia-seminary-concert-series After Chapel Concerts Concordia Seminary 801 Seminary Place, Saint Louis, MO 63105 Dr. Scott Hyslop, harpsichord
Rev. Timothy Appel, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Smithville, Texas, and host of KFUO Radio’s Sharper Iron, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about who St. Michael is, how we celebrate the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels, and what we understand about angels. Read more about this festival and what we believe about angels at blogs.lcms.org/2011/st-michael-and-all-angels-9-2011 and lutheranreformation.org/theology/reformers-say-angels.
Patti Garibay, Founder and Executive Director of American Heritage Girls, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how AHG troops celebrated 24 years, the unique service projects girls participated in on National Day of Service, and the theme for the 2019 – 2020 program year. Learn more about American Heritage Girls and find your local chapter (or start your own!) at americanheritagegirls.org.
Rev. Dr. John Sias, Secretary of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins Andy and Sarah to share outcomes of the recent convention, including an update to the constitution and a few resolutions, and some of the exciting things with our sister churches and the service of installation for Synodical officials. Find all things from Synod Convention at lcms.org/convention.
Paige Edgington, Director of Outreach & Coffeehouse Manager for Fairmount Ministries & Coffee Co. in Wichita, Kansas, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the history of Fairmount Ministries, the students at Wichita State University that this ministry serves, and how this ministry makes a difference for college students. Learn more at fairmountcoffee.com. Find your local LCMS U chapter at lcms.org/lcmsu.
Rev. Steve Schulz, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Fargo, North Dakota, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the campus ministry Immanuel provides for North Dakota State University, the unique opportunities Immanuel provides for these college students, and how important this ministry is for the long-term spiritual growth of these students. Learn more about Immanuel at immanuelfargo.360unite.com/campus-ministry and facebook.com/groups/%20752402998195513. Find your local LCMS U chapter at lcms.org/lcmsu.
Rev. Jonathan Meraz, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Norfolk, Virginia, and Sara Correnti, MS RD LD, Manager of Health & Wellness for Concordia Plan Services, join Andy to talk about Pastor Meraz’s journey to better health and how the Virta program works for people on Concordia Plan Services. Learn more at virtahealth.com/concordia.
Rev. Michael Meyer, Manager of LCMS Disaster Response, joins Andy and Sarah to share insight into case studies from Disaster Response, how being prepared for disaster helps congregations serve their communities, and some of the things attendees will learn and experience at the 2019 Disaster Response Conference. Learn more and register for the conference at lcms.org/disaster.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how to ask for help, how worldview and religion affect how we approach people, and how we can have clarity in what we’re asking for.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag “Mental Health Monday.” View Deaconess Heidi’s Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
Rev. John Schmidt, from St. Paul Lutheran Church in Serbin, Texas, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Wends who settled in Texas, the unique cultural features of the Wend settlement, and the upcoming Wendish Fest. Learn more at stpaulserbin.org and
Kay Meyer, Founder and President of Family Shield Ministries, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how Family Shield Ministries supports families, the unique role families have in witnessing to their family members, and the upcoming 25th Anniversary Celebration. Learn more at familyshieldministries.com.
Donna Pyle, multi-published author for LWML and Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about her time as an author for CPH, the relationship that’s been built over time, and what makes CPH a unique publishing house for 150 years. Read her article in the September 2019 issue of the Lutheran Witness! Find all things from Donna at artesianministries.org and find her books available from CPH at cph.org/m-118-donna-pyle.aspx. Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Kate Thoelke— principal at St. Paul Lutheran School in Hamel, Illinois, along with St. Paul parents Beth Schwarz and Serena Ball, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the wonderful classical Lutheran education students receive at St. Paul Lutheran School and what makes it a very unique learning experience. St. Paul Hamel is presenting an Oktoberfest Dinner Auction on October 18, including delicious food, live and silent auction, and the famed Waterloo German Band. Learn more at school.stpaulhamel.org and facebook.com/St-Paul-Lutheran-School-Oktoberfest-2019-2300258986734454.
Paul Federwitz, Information Technology Coordinator with Lutheran Bible Translators, joins Andy to talk about how building relationships with people is integral to the role of an IT professional. Read Paul’s blog article on this topic at pafederwitz.wordpress.com/2018/03/07/its-role-its-about-people. This is a rebroadcast from May 29, 2018.
Rev. Dan Anderson, campus pastor for Calvary Lutheran Chapel in Madison, Wisconsin, joins Andy to talk about the community of Calvary Lutheran Chapel, the importance of campus ministry for the students he serves, and the celebration of 100 years of campus ministry in Madison. Learn more at calvarymadison.org and facebook.com/CalvaryLutheranChapel. Find your local LCMS U chapter at lcms.org/lcmsu.
Kevin Armbrust, Interim Managing Editor for the Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the September LW theme, the important work Concordia Publishing House has been doing for 150 years, and the follow-up to the 2019 Synodical Convention. Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.
Dr. Dan Sem, dean of the Batterman School of Business at Concordia University Wisconsin, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Liberty, Virtue & Economics Summit at CUW, including how business and free markets be a positive force for addressing social needs, the trend toward customer-focused business, and how this summit will address the relationship between liberty and virtue in economics and business. Find information and register at cuw.edu/events/details.php?id=33516.
The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.
The Rev. Dr. Kevin Golden, pastor of Village Lutheran Church in Ladue, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what makes Genesis unique, what it leads to in the rest of scripture, and how we can better understand the writing in the book. This is a rebroadcast from June 25, 2018.
The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah on Mental Health Monday to talk about why we’re afraid to ask for help, how God works through our neighbors to provide us with what we need, and whether emotions like anxiety, anxiousness, or are sadness okay.
Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag “Mental Health Monday.” View Deaconess Heidi’s Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.
The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.
Jeff Craig-Meyer, Vice President for Constituent Services, Lutheran Hour Ministries joins Andy to discuss spiritual conversations that happen everyday in our lives and the upcoming LHM workshops to equip laypersons for everyday conversations to speak the Good News of Jesus in daily personal conversations. https://www.lhm.org/workshops
The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.
Rev. Trevor Sutton, Pastor of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Lansing, Michigan, joins Andy to talk about narcissism on social media, what the idea of “self-amputation” means in the social media world, and how we can act like Christians on social media. Read his article in The Gospel Coalition at thegospelcoalition.org/article/dont-social-media-narcissist.
The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.
Warren Schmidt of the Lutheran Heritage Center and Museum joins Andy to share the little-known story of the Brazeau Presbyterians who came to the aid of the early Lutheran immigrants in Perry County, Missouri. https://lutheranmuseum.com/2019/09/08/blessed-brazeau-bicentennial-the-angels-of-east-perry-county/
The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.
Rev. Matthew Wietfeldt, Director of Admissions at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy to talk about the upcoming Prayerfully Consider visit Days, including who these days are for, what attendees will experience, and why these visit times are so important. Learn more at ctsfw.edu/ctsfw-events/prayerfully-consider-visit.
The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.
Bob Pierret, KFUO Radio Day Sponsor, joins Andy and guest host Rev. Marcus Zill, Chancellor of LCMS U, during Rally Week to talk about why he is a Day Sponsor and the difference KFUO Radio makes in his life. Support KFUO Radio during Rally Week or anytime during the year! Find Rally Week details at kfuo.org/rallyweek.
The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.
Rev. Marcus Zill, the Chancellor of LCMS U, joins Andy to talk about what LCMS U is, why it’s important, and how students can connect to the various chapters throughout the country. Learn more about LCMS U at lcms.org/lcmsu.
The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.
Stacy Hoehl, PhD, author of Purposeful Grieving from Northwestern Publishing House, joins Andy to talk about what grief is, how grief can affect our faith, and how to find comfort in God’s Word during times of grief. Find your copy at online.nph.net/purposeful-grieving.html.
The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.
Lail Tornetto, KFUO Radio Day Sponsor, joins Andy and Mary during Rally Week to talk about why she is a Day Sponsor and the difference KFUO Radio makes in her life. Support KFUO Radio during Rally Week or anytime during the year! Find Rally Week details at kfuo.org/rallyweek.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Mary (sitting in for Sarah) to talk about the new Mental Health Mondays series on The Coffee Hour, what is different about mental health today than in previous generations, and how we can address mental health from a Lutheran Christian worldview. Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag Mental Health Monday and view Deaconess Heidi’s Mental Health Playlist on Youtube.
Rev. Bart Day, president and CEO of Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF), joins Sarah to talk about the mission of LCEF, how LCEF makes a difference for churches and organizations, and how people can get involved with LCEF’s programs. Learn more at lcef.org.
Rev. Bill Wrede, director of Ministerial Recruitment and Admissions at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Contemplate visit event at CSL, how this event helps prospective students determine their future vocation, and what attendees will experience. Learn more and register at csl.edu/contemplate.
Tanner Olson, poet of Written to Speak, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how his interest in poetry began, how poetry is alive and relevant today, and how poetry has given him an opportunity to share his faith. Find his work and book at writtentospeak.com and @WrittenToSpeak on social media platforms.
Dr. Tim Brackman, Principal of Lutheran North High School and Middle School, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the community around Lutheran North, how Lutheran North Middle School will meet needs of the community, and the unique opportunities and experiences for both Middle and High School students at Lutheran North. Learn more at lutherannorthstl.org.
Sharla Fritz, author of Enough for Now: Unpacking God’s Sufficiency available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about her Lutheran Witness article on “Joy,” including what joy really is, how the world perceives joy, and how our true joy is found in Christ. Read her article in the August 2019 issue of the Lutheran Witness. Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Rev. Rich Heinz, Assistant Vice President for Mission & Ministry at Concordia University Chicago, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the opportunities and needs for young people to pursue church work vocations, the upcoming Careers for Christ weekend at Concordia Chicago, and what students will experience during this weekend. Learn more and register at CUChicago.edu/c4c.
Deaconess Laura Jostes, serving at Village Lutheran Church in Ladue, Missouri, joins Sarah to talk about the community at Washington University in St. Louis and the Lutheran Student Fellowship at WashU, how members at Village Lutheran support students at WashU, and the upcoming ROOTS Conference at Concordia Seminary. Learn more about the Lutheran Student Fellowship at WashU at facebook.com/LCMSU2016 and find your local LCMS U chapter at lcms.org/lcmsu.
Interested in the ROOTS conference on bioethics? Learn more at facebook.com/events/concordia-seminary/roots-conference-on-bioethical-questions/461525857761408 and register at ulue.org.
Pastor Eric Andrae, Campus Chaplain for Lutheran Student Fellowship (LSF) out of First Trinity Lutheran Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, joins Sarah to talk about the vibrant university community in Pittsburgh, the expansive ways First Trinity reaches out to all of these students, and how this campus ministry makes a difference for college students. Learn more about LSF at First Trinity at lsfpgh.com and find your local LCMS U chapter at lcms.org/lcmsu.
Dr. Michael Artigues, pediatrician in southwest Mississippi and board member of the American College of Pediatricians, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the emotional, biological, and physical benefits of hugging. Read the blog post on ACPEDS’s website: https://www.acpeds.org/do-you-hug-your-child-enough. This is a rebroadcast from February 22, 2018.
Jonathan Mayer, founder and liturgical artist of Scapegoat Studios, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his journey into liturgical (or sacred) art and why it’s important to him. You’ll want to check out Jonathan’s amazing work on his Facebook page (linked below) and at scapegoatstudio.com, where you can also purchase his work. This is a rebroadcast from March 9, 2018.
Rev. Dr. James Voelz, Professor of New Testament Theology at Concordia Seminary, St Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why the Gospel according to St. Mark is unique, the benefits of hearing versus reading scripture, and great insight into how Mark shares the Gospel account. Find tour dates at csl.edu/thegospelofmark.
Mike Thirtle—President & CEO of Bethesda Lutheran Communities, and Tom Campbell—VP Real Estate Development with Bethesda Lutheran Communities, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the new Cornerstone Village in Minnesota, who this community is for, and the wonderful amenities available to residents. Learn more at bethesdacornerstonevillage.org.
Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why we should do both devotions and attend corporate worship, what to look for in devotional material, and how to pick out if the devotional material is worthy of your time. Find the Treasury of Daily Prayer at cph.org/treasury or find the PrayNow App in your Apple or Google Play app store.
Rev. Glenn Worcester, pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, and Lisa Olding, Lutheran Church-Canada (LCC) National Youth Gathering Co-Chair, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the 2019 LCC National Youth Gathering, including the theme, experiences of the youth, and how this gathering strengthens community and faith for those who attend. Learn more at nyg19.ca and read articles at canadianlutheran.ca/nyg-2019-lcc-youth-find-their-worth-in-christ and canadianlutheran.ca/worthless.
Rev. William Weedon, Director of Worship for the LCMS, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Feast of the Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist, including an overview of the story, how the feast is typically observed, and what we learn from the story and appointed texts, hymns, and prayers.
Dr. John Ekrich, Founder of Grace Place Wellness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the 20-year legacy of Grace Place Wellness, the upcoming Gala to celebrate this legacy and jumpstart into the next phase, and what is coming down the line for Grace Place Wellness. Find more details about Grace Place and the upcoming Gala at graceplacewellness.org.
Rev. Dr. Matthew Heise, Executive Director of the Lutheran Heritage Foundation, joins Sarah to talk about LHF’s children’s mission project for the upcoming academic year, why LHF does these mission projects, and how integral these projects for inspiring young people to support missions and the church. Learn more at lhfmissions.org.
Rev. Merritt Demski, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Waterloo, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about a few seasons common during the “Green Season,” or the season after Pentecost or Trinity. These hymns are: LSB 708 “Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart,” LSB 722 “Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me,” and LSB 729 “I Am Trusting Thee, Lord Jesus.”
Rev. Bryan Wolfmueller, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church and Jesus Deaf Lutheran Church in Austin, Texas, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his new book available from Concordia Publishing House titled A Martyr’s Faith in a Faithless World, including why he wrote a book about martyrs in the first place and what we can learn from martyrs. Find your copy at books.cph.org/martyrs-faith.
Rev. Dr. Ross Johnson, Director of LCMS Disaster Response, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his recent visit to India, the destruction that happened to Concordia Theological Seminary in Nagercoil, and the mercy work being done there. Learn more about the seminary at ctsn.edu.in, and follow Disaster Reponse work at lcms.org/disaster and facebook.com/LCMSDisasterResponse.
You can also hear another perspective of the recovery effort on the LCMS Asia podcast. Listen here: international.lcms.org/concordia-theological-seminary-in-nagercoil-continues-recovery.
Rev. Dr. Stephen Chambers, Academic Dean and Director of Library at Concordia Lutheran Seminary in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the unique perspective of pastoral formation at Concordia Lutheran Seminary, the relevance of studying Biblical languages, and how this learning and formation benefit both pastors and congregations. Learn more about Concordia Lutheran Seminary at concordiasem.ab.ca.
Rev. Steve Albers, pastor of Historic Trinity Lutheran Church, along with Rev. Joshua Hatcher, Andrea Roettger—Director of Christian Education, and Bob Kurtz—Director of Community Care, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the history of Historic Trinity Lutheran Church, the unique and eclectic Soulard neighborhood where Historic Trinity sits, and the many outreach and ministry opportunities Historic Trinity is able to participate in to serve the community. Learn more about Historic Trinity at trinitystlouis.com and follow their story at https://www.facebook.com/HistoricTrinity, twitter.com/trinitysoulard, and instagram.com/trinitystlouis.
Read their story in the August 2019 issue of the Lutheran Witness. Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Deaconess Kim Schave, Executive Director of Humanitri, joins Sarah to talk about Humanitri’s Open House for a renovated property funded from a grant in partnership with LCMS National Housing Support, their upcoming Vision Event in September, and upcoming Annual Gala in October. Find stories from Humanitri at facebook.com/Humanitri and find event details at humanitri.org/events.
Rev. Dr. Abjar Bahkou, Associate Professor of Practical Theology at Concordia Seminary St. Louis, joins Sarah to share his story as a Syrian Christian, why we should share the Gospel with our Muslim neighbors, and what attendees at the Fall Lay Bible Institute at Concordia Seminary will learn. Find details and register at csl.edu/resources/continuing-education/lay-bible-institute.
Jesus in Islam Saturday, October 5,2019 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Register by September 20, 2019
Rev. Doug and Angela Thompson, who serve the Lord as missionaries in Sierra Leone, West Africa, join Sarah to talk about the work being done at the Coordinating Center for Theological Studies (CCTS) in Jembe, the importance of this seminary in the Seirra Leone region, and sharing the Gospel among the people in West Africa. Learn more about their story at lcms.org/thompson and follow their page on Facebook at facebook.com/Meansofgrace.
Rev. Luke Wolters, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Wellsville, Missouri, joins Sarah to talk about why Grace Lutheran supports KFUO Radio as a Church of the Week, how he and his congregation use KFUO programming in their daily lives, and the upcoming Drive Your Tractor to Church Sunday. If you’re in the Wellsville area, drive your tractor to Grace Lutheran on Sunday, August 25, 2019! Find details on Facebook: facebook.com/events/2455460138024007.
Jennifer Burton, Founder of Alpha Gal Encouragers of Northwest Arkansas, and Dr. Tina Merritt, with the Allergy and Asthma Clinic of Northwest Arkansas, join Andy and Sarah to talk about Alpha Gal Syndrome, both Jennifer and Dr. Merritt’s journeys through diagnosis and coping, and Jennifer’s creation of the Alpha Gal Encouragers of Northwest Arkansas. Learn more at alphagalencouragers.org and read about Alpha Gal Syndrome from the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about mental health and worker wellness, the blog “Building Up the Body,” and a new series this Fall called “Mental Health Mondays.” Find that series in various places including The Coffee Hour! Find Heidi’s writing at heidigoehmann.com and read the Church Worker Wellness Devotions at blogs.lcms.org/tag/church-worker-wellness-devotions.
Darin Storkson, Interim General Secretary of the International Lutheran Council (ILC), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the work of the ILC, how Lutheran church in the ILC support each other, and the significant things happening at this year’s ILC World Seminary Conference. Read more about the Conference at ilc-online.org/2019/07/31/philippines-to-host-2019-ilc-world-seminary-conference.
Michael Olin, who served on Short Term Missionary Teams for English Bible Camps in Poland, and Anne Gonzalez, Manager of Short-Term Training and Engagement with the LCMS Office of International Mission, join Andy and Sarah to talk about serving on a short-term team, a typical day for an English Bible Camp, the importance of these short-term teams, and upcoming opportunities to serve. Discover how you can serve at servenow.lcms.org.
Rev. Michael Meyer, Manager of LCMS Disaster Response, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the upcoming Disaster Response Conference, some of the topics that will be covered, extra training available at the Conference, and why we have conferences about disaster response and mercy work. Learn more about LCMS Disaster Response at lcms.org/disaster and register for the conference, especially for the additional chainsaw training, at calendar.lcms.org/event/2019-lcms-national-disaster-response-conference.
Rev. Robert Riggert, author of the 2019-2020 Chapel Talks, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the difference chapel makes for students at Lutheran Schools, how schools use the Chapel Talks resource, and this year’s theme of “Joy:fully Lutheran.” Find the Chapel Talks at luthed.org/chapel-talks.
Dr. Becky Schmidt, Director of School Ministry with the LCMS Office of National Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the distinct difference Lutheran Schools make for students, the emphasis of all 1,950 Lutheran schools across the country, and this year’s theme. Learn more at lcms.org/schoolministry.
Dr. Michelle Cretella, Executive Director of the American College of Pediatricians, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about EMTALA and the Born-Alive Infant Protection Act of 2002, why the Department of Health & Human Services recently re-issued guidance regarding these issues, and the importance of these documents. Read the re-issuing from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Rev. Dr. Alfonso Espinosa, senior pastor at Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church in Irvine, California, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the upcoming Southern California Defending Life Conference, including why these gatherings are so important, the cultural issues we face as Christians, and the exciting line-up of speakers and guests. Learn more and register at defendinglifeconference.org.
Jody Token, Founder of the Great Flip, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about 4 important safety tips for college women going back to campus, the Triple As to remember in an unsafe situation, and teaching young girls self defense and life skills. Learn more about Jody’s online self defense curriculum for girls at thegreatflip.com.
Ian Burger, Lutheran Young Adult Corps Participant at KFUO Radio, joins Andy and Sarah on his last day to reflect about his time at KFUO Radio, what he’s learned, and what he’ll take with him as he moves on.
Interested in serving on the Lutheran Young Adult Corps? Find information at lcms.org/yacorps.
Rev. Dr. Matt Richard, pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Minot, North Dakota, joins Andy and Sarah to talk through a Christian response to violent events like the recent mass shootings, including real issue at the root of violence, the solutions we try to bring to the table, and how we cope with moving forward. Read his blog post at pastormattrichard.com/2019/08/the-root-problem-of-mass-shootings.html.
Dr. Jim Marriott, Director of Musical Arts and Kreft Chair for Music Arts at Concordia Seminary St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about The Concordia Seminary Concert Series, including After Chapel Concerts once per month, the Premiere Concert Series, and the summer Carillon concerts. Find details about these fantastic events at csl.edu/music.
Opening Weekend Hymn Festival The festival will be available via live stream at csl.edu/live. 3 p.m. Aug. 25, 2019
Valparaiso University Chorale Concert 7 p.m. Sunday, March 1, 2020
Organ and Carillon Concert 3 p.m. Sunday, April 26, 2020
Katie Schuermann, author of books including the Anthems of Zion series from Concordia Publishing House and He Remembers the Barren from Emmanuel Press, and her goddaughters Olivia and Lydia Brown join Andy and Sarah to talk about memorizing the Athanasian Creed, what they learned about our God while memorizing, what they learned about themselves, and why it’s important to know what you believe. Hear them recite the Creed, as well!
Want to memorize the Athanasian Creed, too? Find a memorization chart here!
Deaconess Kim Bueltmann, who serves as a missionary in Germany, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the recent youth camp in Germany including opportunities the youth had to worship and play, camp experiences that American kids would recognize, and unique experiences these campers were able to experience. Follow Deaconess Kim’s story at facebook.com/DeaconessKim.
Rev. Duane Meissner, former missionary to Belize and now Executive Director of Belize Mission Society, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the work he did in Belize as a missionary, the work that the Belize Mission Society does, and how this Society makes a difference in the lives of people in Belize. Follow their work at belizemissionsociety.net and facebook.com/BelizeLutherans.
Andrew Nelson, DCE in St. Louis Area, Missouri, and Shelli Haynes, DCE in Southern California, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how DCEs are Lifespan Educators, the work of DCEs in churches, and how DCEs help make disciples for life.
Rev. Dr. Lee Hagan, President of the LCMS Missouri District and Chairman of Floor Committee 1 for the 67th Regular Convention of the LCMS, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the work of a floor committee, the work Floor Committee 1 worked on, and the outcomes of resolutions for National Witness. Read more about these resolutions at blogs.lcms.org/2019/lcms-convention-passes-four-national-witness-resolutions-by-wide-margins.
Dr. Kevin Armbrust, Interim Managing Editor of the Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the theme of the August issue, what it means to be Joy:fully Lutheran, and what readers can expect to read and see when they pick up this month’s issue. Find online LW articles at lcms.org/witness and subscribe to the LW at cph.org/witness.
Rev. Dr. Ryan Tinetti, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Arcadia, Michigan, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his story of becoming Lutheran, what he appreciates about the Lutheran church, and seven reasons to be Joy:fully Lutheran. Read his article in the August 2019 issue of the Lutheran Witness. Find online LW articles at lcms.org/witness and subscribe to the LW at cph.org/witness.
Sheryl Dewitt, Executive Director of Redeeming Life Outreach Ministries in Sanford, Florida, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the work of Redeeming Life Outreach, how they serve expecting mothers along with mothers and babies, the servant event at the LCMS Convention, and the impact this servant event has and will have on the women they serve. Learn more about the work they do at rlom.org. Read about the servant event at blogs.lcms.org/2019/joyfully-serving-our-neighbors-in-florida.
Rev. Derek Broten, Gathering Director with Youth Ministry for the LCMS Office of National Mission, and Rev. Mark Kiessling, Director of Youth Ministry for the LCMS Office of National Mission, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the impact of the National Youth Gathering on both attendees and people in Minneapolis, the learning that took place, how to follow resources post-gathering, and where NYG 2022 will be held. Find post-gathering resources at youthesource.com/category/real-present-god and follow all things NYG at lcmsgathering.com.
Matt Machemer, Associate Kantor with Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about just a few of the hymns we sing in the “Green Season” of the church and why they are great ones to sing, including Lutheran Service Book 536, 541, and 552.
Rev. Kevin Robson, Chief Mission Officer of the LCMS, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the exciting happenings at the 67th Regular Convention of the LCMS, including convention’s beautiful focus on the Church’s mission work both here in the U.S. and abroad, adoption of “Making Disciples for Life” as the Synod’s official mission emphasis for the coming triennium, and how the LCMS as the Church is thoroughly engaged with contemporary cultural issues. Find all convention updates and stories at lcms.org/convention.
It’s a 2-part episode on campus ministry!
Peter LeBorious, DCE, with Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Wanner Robbins, Georgia, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why connecting students to campus ministry before they leave for college is so important, what he aims to do in these campus visits, and how the visits have proven beneficial.
Rev. Greg Michael, Pastor of Christus Victor Lutheran Church & Student Center with the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how he approaches campus ministry, how the initial connection between student and campus ministry can be initiated, and how important a faithful campus ministry can be for students in this time of life.
Read about Campus Ministry in Georgia in the Summer Edition of Lutherans Engage, which you can find at engage.lcms.org/georgia-ministry-summer-2019. Find your local LCMS Campus Ministry chapter and learn more about LCMS U at lcms.org/lcmsu.
Rev. Timothy Appel, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Smithville, Texas, and new host of Sharper Iron, joins Andy and Sarah to share about his family, why he enjoys studying scripture, and his favorite part of hosting Sharper Iron. Tune in weekday at 8:00 a.m. CT to hear it live, or find it on demand at kfuo.org/sharperiron or on your favorite podcast app.
Rev. Carl and Chenhsi Hanson, who serve as missionaries through the LCMS in the Asia region with their three daughters, Emma, Andrea and Lydia, join Andy and Sarah to talk about their journey to missionary service, family life in Hong Kong, the work they have done in the Asia region, and their next call in Seoul, Korea. Read more about their story at lcms.org/hanson and learn more about International Lutheran Church in Seoul at ilcseoul.org and facebook.com/International-Lutheran-Church-Seoul-173542388684. If your vacation or work travel takes you to Seoul, you’re welcome to drop in and worship with them!
Emmy Woock, Director of Music Ministries at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Elmhurst, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why music literacy is so important for children, how learning the language of music inspires children to learn and create on their own, and how teaching music educators how to teach things like Conversational Solfege™ can make an impact on many children in Lutheran schools. Learn more about music literacy and Conversational Solfege™ at feierabendmusic.org/conversational-solfege.
Rev. Matt Hoffmann, pastor of St. Andrews Lutheran Church & School in Park Ridge, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to share the story of how he learned a parent in St. Andrews’ Preschool needed a liver transplant, how he decided to be tested as a donor, and how his church community and family supported all of them through the process. Read more of the story on the Chicago Tribune.
We share an interview with Kip Allen and Rev. Dr. Charles Cortright. Find all of these conversations along with regular programming from convention at kfuo.org/convention.
Live from the 67th Regular Convention of the LCMS, Rev. Dr. Charles Cortright, theological educator for the Eurasia Region for the LCMS Office of International Mission and based in St. Petersburg, Russia, joins Kip Allen to talk about theological education in this part of the world and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ingria in Russia (ELCIR). Read more about the Cortrights at lcms.org/cortright.
Christa Goodwin, with St Paul’s Music Conservatory in Council Bluffs, Iowa, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the uniqueness of a lute concert, music of the Renaissance period, and the wonderful work being done at St. Paul’s Music Conservatory. Find details about music events in August here. Learn more about St. Paul’s Music Conservatory at stpaulsmusicconservatory.org.
We share an interview with Kip Allen, Rev. Dr. Greg Seltz, and Congressman John Shimkus. Find all of these conversations along with regular programming from convention at kfuo.org/convention.
Live from the 67th Regular Convention of the LCMS, Rev. Dr. Greg Seltz, Executive Director of the Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty, and Congressman John Shimkus, U.S. Representative for Illinois’ 15th congressional district, join Kip Allen to talk about religious liberty and how Lutherans interact with politics in American society.
Sharon Riordan, Director of International Student Ministry (ISM) – St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to share stories of students who have connected with ISM, how the furniture drive helps international students become acclimated and welcomed to St. Louis, and how people can donate and volunteer for this year’s furniture drive. Learn more at ismstl.org/2019/06/23/2019-furniture-giveaway.
2019 ISM Furniture and Household Goods Giveaway Saturday, August 17 Wydown Middle School 6500 Wydown Blvd, Clayton, MO 63105
To donate furniture by July 31 or volunteer, contact Ann: 636-273-6239 annismstl@gmail.com
Kip and Gary check in with Andy from the 67th Regular Convention of the LCMS to talk about a summary of Tuesday’s business and the partner churches and international guests represented at convention. Follow convention proceedings at lcms.org/convention.
Dr. John F. Brug, General Editor and Old Testament Editor with Northwestern Publishing House, joins Andy to talk about the new Evangelical Heritage Version of the Bible available from Northwestern Publishing House, difficulties in producing this version, and features that distinguish it from other translations. Find your copy at online.nph.net/ehv and learn about the Wartburg Project at wartburgproject.org.
Rev. Bart Day, President & CEO of Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF), along with Gary and Kip, join Andy and Sarah live from the 67th Regular Convention of the LCMS to talk about the impact of LCEF on congregations and organizations in the U.S. and internationally, as well as an overview of the convention proceedings. Learn about the work of LCEF at lcef.org. Follow convention proceedings at lcms.org/convention.
From the 2019 LCMS National Youth Gathering in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the Higher Things team of Sandra Madden— Conference Executive, Erica Jacoby— Executive Director, and Patrick Sturdivant— Marketing Executive join Andy and Sarah to talk about the opportunites Higher Things provides for youth to learn about what it means to be Lutheran, and they also preview the 2020 Conferences: Watermarked. Learn more about resources and conferences at HigherThings.org.
Kip Allen and Gary Duncan join Andy and Sarah to talk about the latest happenings from the 67th Regular Convention of the LCMS in Tampa, Florida.
Dr. Debbie Arfsten, DCE Program Director at Concordia University Chicago, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how the Director of Christian Education vocation began, how DCEs are prepared for service, and how they serve today. Learn more about DCE training at Concordia Chicago at cuchicago.edu/dce.
Live from the 2019 LCMS National Youth Gathering, Andy and Sarah talk with Lisa Barrett, Community Life Builder for the 2019 NYG in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Community Life Builders are adult volunteers who provide direction, guidance, and leadership to the youth and adults attending the National Youth Gathering. Learn more about NYG at lcmsgathering.com.
Live from the 2019 LCMS National Youth Gathering, Andy talks with Becca Klemm, Madison Bick, and Bethany Schultz, who serve the LCMS National Youth Gathering as Young Adult Volunteers, the team of young adults who provide organization, safety, and leadership to the many activities that make up the LCMS National Youth Gathering. Learn more about LCMS NYG at lcmsgathering.com.
Live from the 2019 LCMS National Youth Gathering, Connor Works, Executive Team for Lutheran Youth Fellowship, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what LYF is, how LYF makes a difference for young people, and how important leadership training is for young Lutherans. Learn more about LYF at lcms.org/lyf, and find resources for Lutheran youth leaders at youthesource.com.
Live from the LCMS National Youth Gathering, Rev. Dinku Bato from Lutheran Heritage Foundation joins Andy to share stories of LHF’s Gospel work providing catechisms and other resources for Christian teaching, translated into the heart languages of many people, particularly in Ethiopia and other regions of Africa. Learn more about LHF’s work around the world at LHFmissions.org.
Darcy Paape, author of Someone to Walk With, A Woman’s Guide to Christian Mentoring available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy to talk about mentors and mentoring, why mentoring is important to Christian women, and how pastors and women are given to serve in unique ways. Find Darcy’s book at cph.org/mentoring.
Live from the 2019 LCMS National Youth Gathering, Noah & Grace reflect on life as missionary kids.
Live from the 2019 LCMS National Youth Gathering, Meleyna and Henry, students of Concordia International School Hanoi, join Andy to share their stories of life and school in Hanoi. Learn more at concordiahanoi.org.
Live from the 2019 LCMS National Youth Gathering, Andrea, Kimmie, Emmy, Ellie, Tai, and Alec join Andy to share their stories of being students at Hong Kong International School. Learn more at hkis.edu.hk.
Live from the 2019 LCMS National Youth Gathering, students Judy, Tim, Amber, Aaron, Zoe, and Joy, along with Family Life Counselor Chris Mizel from Concordia International School, Shanghai, join Andy to share their stories of being students in a vibrant international school. Learn more at concordiashanghai.org.
Rev. Mark Kiessling— Director of Youth Ministry with the LCMS Office of National Mission, and Meredith Whitefield— Communications Specialist with Youth Ministry with the LCMS Office of National Mission, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the LCMS Gathering history, how the theme is developed, what attendees are learning at this year’s gathering, and how they will be serving. Learn more and watch the livestream at lcmsgathering.com.
Rev. Dr. Joel Lehenbauer, Director of the LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the text of the Bible study at the National Youth Gathering this year, what sets the Psalms apart from other Scripture, and what themes will be studied during these Bible studies. Find the Bible study at lcmsgathering.com/biblestudy.
This is a rebroadcast from June 20, 2019.
Ian Burger, Lutheran Young Adult Corps Volunteer, and Julianna Shults, Program Manager for Lutheran Young Adult Corps, join Andy and Sarah to share Ian’s adventures at KFUO Radio for the last 10 months, how this program will serve him in his future, and opportunities for young adults to serve 10 months or 10 weeks over the next 2 years. Learn more about opportunities and apply at lcms.org/yacorps.
This is a rebroadcast from May 30, 2019.
Rev. Stephen Keiser from Faith Lutheran High School in Plano, Texas, joins Andy to talk about how online education platforms have expanded the reach of Lutheran Education, what courses will be offered this-coming academic year, and how students learn through these programs. Learn more at flsplano.org.
Christina Hergenrader, author of Shine: Sparkling with God’s Love available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy to talk about her books, the pressure tween and teen girls face today, and how readers will use this her new book. Find it at cph.org/shine.
Rev. John T. Pless, assistant professor of pastoral ministry and missions at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy to talk about his book “Luther’s Small Catechism: A Manual for Discipleship” available from Concordia Publishing House, including what discipleship is and what the catechism has to do with it. Learn more at cph.org/discipleship.
Rev. Randy Asburry and Kantor Matthew Janssen from Hope Lutheran Church in St Louis, Missouri, join Andy to talk about the organ re-dedication and inaugural season of Music in a Sacred Space. Learn more about Hope Lutheran and organ re-dedication details on July 28th at hopelutheranstl.org.
Paul Garner MSc, FGS, Researcher and Lecturer for Biblical Creation Trust, joins Andy to talk about upcoming Missouri Association for Creation events. Learn more about the Missouri Association for Creation at missouricreation.org/2019/06/creation-geologist-from-the-uk-visits-st-louis.
Dr. John Eckrich, retired practicing physician and founder of Grace Place Wellness Ministries, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the prevalence of anxiety and shame in the church and how both church workers and congregation members can help each other work through these emotions and situations. Find his book “Fear, Anxiety, and Wellness: Journey to a Heart at Peace” on amazon.com/Fear-Anxiety-Wellness-Journey-Heart/dp/1938840135 and learn more about Grace Place Wellness (along with bulk book discounts) at graceplacewellness.org. Watch Dr. Eckrich’s recent Parish Nurse Webinar on this topic at blogs.lcms.org/2018/fear-anxiety-and-wellness.
This is a rebroadcast from June 29, 2018.
Rev. Phil Hoppe, Pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in Finlayson and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Bruno, Minnesota, and co-author of livingplanted.com, joins Andy and Sarah in the final part of a four-part series on listening to a sermon. In this episode, Pastor Hoppe talks about what to do and expect after listening to a sermon, ways to follow up on a sermon, and what happens if it seems nothing has changed.
Find all four episodes in this series with the tag “Sermon Listening.”
This is a rebroadcast from November 27, 2018.
Chaplain (Retired Lt. Col.) Steve Hokana, Assistant Director of Ministry to the Armed Forces, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his journey into chaplaincy and share a story from his time serving in combat areas. Interested in serving God and your country? Learn more about how to become a chaplain at lcms.org/ministry-to-the-armed-forces.
This is a rebroadcast from March 1, 2018.
Rev. Phil Hoppe, Pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in Finlayson and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Bruno, Minnesota, and co-author of livingplanted.com, joins Andy and Sarah in the third part of a four-part series on listening to a sermon. In this episode, Pastor Hoppe talks about what we should expect during the sermon, how a pastor prepares the sermon, and what Scripture teaches about hearing the preacher.
Find all four episodes in this series with the tag “Sermon Listening.”
This is a rebroadcast from November 20, 2018.
Joe Willmann, Senior Instructional Designer for Concordia Publishing House in St. Louis, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to share knowledge about staying in the routine of receiving the gifts of God in Divine Service, even while on summer vacation. Read Joe’s blog post about this at education.cph.org/teaching-the-faith-at-home/joy-challenge-summer-vacation.
This is a rebroadcast from May 9, 2018.
Rev. Phil Hoppe, Pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in Finlayson and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Bruno, Minnesota, and co-author of livingplanted.com, joins Andy and Sarah in the second part of a four-part series on listening to a sermon. In this episode, Pastor Hoppe talks about what happens in a sermon, what God does in His Word, and the aim of the sermon.
Find all four episodes in this series with the tag “Sermon Listening.”
This is a rebroadcast from November 13, 2018.
Rev. Dr. Daniel Paavola, Theology Department Chair at Concordia University Wisconsin and author of Grace, Faith, Scripture: Portrait of a Lutheran from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy to talk about why Grace, Faith, and Scripture the key things to know about who Lutherans are, the many stories Dr. Paavola uses to illustrate his points, and what readers will learn while reading his book. Learn more and find your copy at cph.org/GraceFaithScripture.
Kip Allen, staff journalist for KFUO Radio, and the Rev. Sean Smith, pastor of Immanuel-Campbell Hill and St. Paul-Wine Hill, Illinois, join Andy and Sarah to talk about politics (without fighting). The group discusses why politics are such a touchy topic for many people, why and how Christians should be concerned with politics, and how our two kingdom theology plays a role in conversing with other people. You can read more about this in Luther’s Works Volume 45, and get a brief overview at lutheranreformation.org/theology/kingdom-left-luther-temporal-authority.
This is a rebroadcast from July 2, 2018.
Barb Silver-Thorn, technologist with Bethesda Lutheran Communities, joins Andy to talk about the use of assistive smart home technology, how we are starting to implement in our homes, and how this technology assists those with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Learn more about Bethesda at bethesdalc.org.
Dr. David Schmitt, Professor of Practical Theology and Chairman of the Department of Practical Theology at Concordia Seminary St. Louis, joins Andy to talk about the upcoming Theological Symposium including his plenary presentation on devotion and discipleship, how God works through His Word, and living as faithful disciples. Learn more at csl.edu/symposium and register at concordiasem.regfox.com/theological-symposium-2019.
Rev. Phil Hoppe, Pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in Finlayson and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Bruno, Minnesota, and co-author of livingplanted.com, joins Andy and Sarah in the first part of a four-part series on listening to a sermon. In this episode, Pastor Hoppe talks about preparing to listen to a sermon, resources that are helpful, and if you can help your pastor prepare for the sermon. Find the LCMS Lectionary Summaries at lcms.org/worship/lectionary-summaries.
Find all four episodes in this series with the tag “Sermon Listening.”
This is a rebroadcast from November 6, 2018.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LMHP, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah for the third installment in our Church Worker Wellness series about the intersections in the ministry house. Today’s conversation covers vacation, including whether or not church workers actually get vacation. (Spoiler alert: They do.) Find Heidi’s “Ministry Talks” on Youtube to experience all of her guidance, and search the tag “Church Worker Wellness” on kfuo.org to find all of the episodes in this series. Find the book Life in the Fishbowl: Building Up Church Workers on Amazon.com.
This is a rebroadcast from May 16, 2018.
Peter Slayton, Social Media Manager for the LCMS, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how everyone can follow the 67th Regular Convention of the LCMS online.
lcms.org/convention: Find absolutely everything (or links to everything) here, including Livestream Video, KFUO Radio reports, Reporter News, Schedule, Facebook, and Twitter.
facebook.com/LCMSConvention: The place on Facebook to follow all convention proceedings.
twitter.com/LCMSConvention: The place on Twitter for all convention proceedings, resolutions, and general discussion.
Mrs. Offiong Ekong— Wife of Archbishop, the Most Reverend Christian Ekong, and leader of pastors’ wives conferences, and Deaconess Uduak Effiong Essien— Deaconess & Secretary of Lutheran Women Fellowship of Lutheran Church of Nigeria, join Sarah to talk about the Lutheran Women Fellowship in Nigeria, the role of women and Deaconesses in mercy work, and how pastors’ wives conferences build up with group of women in the church.
The Lutheran Church of Nigeria started in 1936 and has grown to 339 congregations in 38 districts with over 80,000 baptized members and 72 pastors.
Deaconesses play an important role in the mercy work of the church, and there are 438 commissioned deaconesses in the Lutheran Church of Nigeria. They are working with Deaconess Grace Rao at the The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod to receive theological training for all 438 women. The Lutheran Church of Nigeria’s Lutheran Women Fellowship is similar to the LWML in the LCMS.
The Lutheran Church in Nigeria has the Jonathan Ekong Memorial Lutheran Seminary, which is incredibly important to the church body and is supported by various Lutheran organizations, including the LCMS, International Lutheran Council, Lutheran Heritage Foundation and the LWML.
Rev. Greg Truwe, pastor of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cole Camp, Missouri, joins Sarah to talk about what a family altar is, why it’s important in a Christian home, and ways to start using a family altar in your own home. Find resources like Bibles, hymnals, and devotional books at cph.org.
Nikki Kueck, principal at Faith Lutheran High School of Central Texas, joins Sarah to talk about STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) activities for kids, why these activities benefit all kids, and how parents can do fun STEM activities at home with their kids. Find STEM books at your local library or search online to find great activities!
Rachel Bomberger, former editor of the Lutheran Witness and now Navy Chaplain’s wife, joins Sarah to talk about the vocation of wife, how this changes throughout life, and her experiences through different stages of life with her husband, Ken. Join us in wishing God’s blessing to them and their children as they embark on a new journey in service to God.
Kristen Whirrett, blogger at joyfullythriving.com, joins Sarah to talk about how family budgets can be affected over the summer, ways to prepare for additional summer expenses, and great tips for free or inexpensive summer activities for families. Read more from Kristen at joyfullythriving.com.
Rev. Merritt Demski, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Waterloo, Illinois, joins Sarah to talk about the role of social media in a congregation, some common pitfalls that pastors and congregations can fall into, and examples of how to do social media well while staying focused on Christ crucified.
J.P. and Aimee Cima, who serve the Lord in the Kingdom of Cambodia along with their 3 children, join Sarah to talk about the work they do with the Cambodia Lutheran Church and mission work at large in the Asia region, what life is like in Cambodia, and what is most enjoyable about working on the mission field for 12 years. Learn more about them at lcms.org/cima and follow their story at cimafam.com.
Rev. William Weedon, Director of Worship with the LCMS Office of National Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the green season of the church year, a.k.a. The Time of the Church, a.k.a the Season after Pentecost, a.k.a the Season after Trinity – you pick. Hear why we have so many names for it and what highlights to look for! Find insights into worship planning and the church year at lcms.org/worship/planning-resources. This is a rebroadcast from May 31, 2018.
Meredith Whitefield, Communications Specialist—Youth Ministry with the LCMS Office of National Mission, joins Sarah to talk about all of the digital resources for the LCMS National Youth Gathering, including why and how to follow all @LCMSNYG social media channels, what’s available on the website lcmsgathering.com (including Livestreams), and the app that’s now available for download for both iOS and Android. Find @LCMSNYG on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, and YouTube.
Rev. Dr. Joel Lehenbauer, Director of the LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the text of the Bible study at the National Youth Gathering this year, what sets the Psalms apart from other Scripture, and what themes will be studied during these Bible studies. Find the Bible study at lcmsgathering.com/biblestudy.
Mary Schmidt, Manager of Development for KFUO Radio, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the 38th Biennial LWML Convention in Mobile, Alabama, where she’s representing KFUO Radio alongside Joanie Harwell and her family, and she shares what’s happening at this year’s Convention and some of the mission grants that women will vote on. Learn more at lwml.org/2019-convention.
Mollie Clark, Director of Marketing for Perry Lutheran Home in Perry, Iowa, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the prayer crosses that resident make to give out to those who need them, the experiences of residents as they serve in this way, and how Perry Lutheran Home emphasizes living fully into later years of life. Read about this ongoing servant project at blogs.lcms.org/2019/recognized-service-organizations-second-quarter-2019-newsletter. Learn more about Perry Lutheran Home at perrylutheranhome.org and facebook.com/PerryLutheranHome.
Kelly Schumacher, Liturgical Artist of Agnus Dei Liturgical Arts, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about her latest children’s book “Lord, Thee I Love With All My Heart” from Kloria Publishing, how she chose this hymn to illustrate, and the story behind the illustrations in the book. Find this book at kloria.com and find all of Kelly’s work at agnusdeiarts.com.
Jamie Truwe, artist of Pure Joy Creative in Cole Camp, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why art is valuable to kids of all ages, what kids learn through art in addition to art skills, and what kids will learn in art camp. If you’re close to Cole Camp, find camp details at purejoycreative.com/2019/05/summer-art-camp-2019.html. If you’re not close to Cole Camp, find home art camp ideas at kitchentableclassroom.com.
Deaconess Anna Johnson, Marketing Manager for Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the new Enduring Faith Bible Curriculum, share what parents and teachers can expect in this curriculum, and how this curriculum teaches the faith to kids and adults of all ages. Find the curriculum at cph.org/enduringfaith. You can download samples at cph.org/sample or order hard copy samples in the Sample Box on the cph.org website.
Sara Correnti, MS RD LD, Health and Wellness Educator with Concordia Plan Services, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about healthy grilling ideas, ways to get creative with food you already have, and how to get the whole family involved. Download the PDF recipes here Download the grilling recipes at kfuo.org/thecoffeehour.
Editor's note: The App mentioned in this episode is Seasonal Food Guide, not Food Keepr. This app is available for Android or iOS.
Rev. Dr. Stephen Oliver, who serves the Lord as a missionary in Taiwan and Asia Region along with his wife and children, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how he became a missionary, the work he does teaching the New Testament at China Lutheran Seminary in Hsinchu, Taiwan, and stories of the language, culture, and family life. Learn more about his work and family at lcms.org/oliver and the work being done in Asia at international.lcms.org/asia.
Rev. Dr. Ross Johnson, Director of LCMS Disaster Response, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the floods and tornadoes in the Midwest, new Disaster Response Trailers being deployed now, and the upcoming Disaster Response Conference happening this Fall. Find details about volunteering for disaster relief in Nebraska and registration for the Conference at lcms.org/disaster.
Rev. Dr. Dennis Goff—Director of Ministry Programs at The Lutheran Foundation in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Amy Gerdts—Coordinator of LCMS Rural & Small Town Mission, join Andy and Sarah to talk about what a “no-casserole illness” is, why we treat mental illness so differently than other illnesses, and how we can reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness in order to better care for each other.
This will be the topic for the August 2019 RSTM webinar, which you can view live on August 22, 1:00-2:00 p.m. CT at anymeeting.com/lcmsrstm1. Find the webinar schedule and view archived webinars at lcms.org/rstm, and follow RSTM on Facebook at facebook.com/LCMSrstm.
Rev. Gene Wyssmann, Assistant to the President: Church Worker and Congregational Health for the Missouri District of the LCMS, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why pastors (and church workers in general) should take vacation, what’s at stake when they don’t, and how the church can help their pastors take time away. Read the article from the Missouri District at mo.lcms.org/pastor-please-take-your-vacation.
Rev. Joel and Clarion Fritsche, who serve the Lord as missionaries of the LCMS in the Dominican Republic along with their 3 boys, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the focus of the mission work in the DR, what Pastor Fritsche does as a church planter and director of Concordia Seminary and Mercy Center in Palmar Arriba, and how family life has been since they arrived on the field four years ago. Learn more about the Fritsches at lcms.org/fritsche and follow their story at facebook.com/lcmsfritsche.
Dr. Robert Hermann, professor of physics and director of Osten Observatory at Concordia University Nebraska, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about viewing opportunities in the night sky this summer, how to best see Jupiter and Saturn, and some inexpensive ways to start enjoying God’s creation in the night sky.
Dr. Charles Arand, Dean of Theological Research and Publication at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Summer Seminary Workshops CSL is presenting all over the USA, specifically the one he is teaching titled “The Great Evangelical Creation Debate.” Learn more about these fascinating workshops at csl.edu/resources/continuing-education/summer-workshop-series.
Michael Klatt, President and CEO of The Lutheran Home Association based in Belle Plaine, Minnesota, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the stories of how senior living communities make a difference for aging adults, the ways in which senior living communities serve the aging population, and how TLHA communities focus on living during our latter years. Learn more at TLHA.org.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why it’s so hard to make friends as adults (especially in ministry), how to even take the first step towards a friendship, and why we should embrace the [middle-school] awkwardness that comes with making new friends.
Rev. Dr. John Sias, Secretary of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the latest Synod Convention news, including floor committee and the resulting resolutions for convention, the next step for these resolutions, and where we are in the process of all elections. Read the first issue of “Today’s Business,” now available along with the Convention Workbook and candidate bios at lcms.org/convention.
Dr. Donna Harrison, Executive Director of the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists (AAPLOG), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how elective drug-induced abortions were introduced into the United States, how Mifeprex was shuffled through FDA regulations to the detriment of women, and recent research on the effects of drug-induced elective abortion. Read more and find the research at aaplog.org/new-research-shows-potential-for-mental-and-physical-harm-to-women-who-undergo-drug-induced-elective-abortions.
Rev. Dr. R. Lee Hagan, President of the LCMS Missouri District, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the devastating flooding happening in Orchard Farm, MIssouri, and across the state of Missouri, the impact this flood is having on families and land, and how people can prepare to help once the waters recede.
A LERT Training is available on Saturday, June 8, 2019, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Jefferson City, Missouri. Find details and RSVP here: mo.lcms.org/urgent-lert-training-offered-6-8-19-in-jefferson-city
Missed this training or desire a training in your area? Find more about LCMS Disaster Response at lcms.org/disaster.
Laura Montgomery, Director of Educational Resources with Lutheran Elementary School Association in St. Louis, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how we can keep kids sharp in creative and unique ways that summer offers, some favorite tried-and-true activities for kids and families, and how to incorporate learning into fun activities. Find lots of great ideas at lesastl.org/information/activities-to-exercise-your-childs-brain-this-summer.
Matt Machemer, Associate Kantor at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Pentecost hymns, the wonderful texts in these hymns, and what we learn about Pentecost by singing them.
Rev. John Suguitan, Pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Cincinnati, Ohio, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how Prince of Peace meets the needs of the diverse community surrounding them, how the Peace Café is a wonderful service to people, and how Prince of Peace and Peace Café share the love of Jesus with neighbors. Learn more about Prince of Peace and the Peace Café at poplcmscinci.org. Read more at blogs.lcms.org/2019/partners-in-hope-schave-speaks-d-c-seminar-addiction-joblessness.
Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the connection of Pentecost in the New Testament to Shavuot in Old Testament, what happened at Pentecost that is still celebrated by the Church today, and what traditions commemorate this feast.
Jeremy Boyer, Director of Sacred Music & Liturgy at Saint Francis of Assisi Parish in Saint Louis, Missouri, and organist for the St. Louis Blues, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his love of playing the organ, the uniqueness of the organ at the Enterprise Center, and how he uses his talent both as a church musician and sports organist. Hear him play at Blues homegames, and at youtube.com/user/JABsMusic. You can also follow him on Twitter to see behind-the-scenes at Blues games at @JABsMusic.
Steve Johnson, Executive Director of Lutheran Valley Retreat in Florissant, Colorado, joins Andy to talk about the Servant Event at LVR, how youth served, and how servant events made a difference for participants. For more information on 2019 LCMS Servant Events visit servantevents.lcms.org.
Rev. Paul Cain, pastor & headmaster at Martin Luther Grammar School in Sheridan, Wyoming, and member of the Consortium for Classical Lutheran Education (CCLE) conference planning committee, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about CCLE conferences, this year’s conference content, and what attendees will have the opportunity to learn. Find details and register at ccle.org/ccle-xix.
Jeff Wielert, Farmer with Bountiful Blessings Produce in Hinckley, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about a typical Spring planting season on his farm, how the rain/snow/hail this Spring have impacted planting, how the weather is impacting the farms around him, and how neighbors can support him and his fellow farmers.
Rev. Todd Kollbaum, Director of LCMS Rural and Small Town Mission (RSTM), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how farmers have been affected by the unusual amount of snow and rain this year, how this rain and flooding impacts their livelihood, and how we can support and pray for our farming neighbors. Learn more about RSTM at lcms.org/rstm.
Rev. Michael Schuermann, pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Sherman, Illinois, and Katie Schuermann, author of He Remembers the Barren and He Restores My Soul, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the Illinois Reproductive Health Act, what’s at stake with this legislation, what it means for women, and how Illinois residents can respond. Find bill details at ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp and read the impact of this bill at illinoisrighttolife.org. Find your senator at illinoispolicy.org/maps.
Kevin Hildebrand, Kantor at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Musician Workshops at CTSFW, what musicians would benefit from these, and what attendees will learn and experience. Learn more and register at ctsfw.edu/musicianworkshops.
Rev. Daniel McMiller, Executive Director of the LCMS Office of International Mission, and Christian Boehlke, Associate Executive Director of St. Louis Operations for the LCMS Office of International Mission, join Andy and Sarah to share the latest news and updates from mission fields around the world, including Latin America/Dominican Republic, Africa, Europe, and Asia. Learn more about the work being done worldwide and how you can support missionaries at international.lcms.org.
Ian Burger, Lutheran Young Adult Corps Volunteer, and Julianna Shults, Program Manager for Lutheran Young Adult Corps, join Andy and Sarah to share Ian’s adventures at KFUO Radio for the last 10 months, how this program will serve him in his future, and opportunities for young adults to serve 10 months or 10 weeks over the next 2 years. Learn more about opportunities and apply at lcms.org/yacorps.
Kent Kunkel, Disaster Response Coordinator for the LCMS Missouri District, joins Andy to talk about the impact of the recent storms in Missouri, the immediate and long-term needs, and how people can volunteer to help. Find details at facebook.com/events/2243893705876138.
Karel Keldermans— Carillonneur from Springfield, Illinois, and Rev. Dr. Kent Burreson— Dean of Chapel at Concordia Seminary St. Louis, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the annual Summer Carillon Concert Series at Concordia Seminary. Join in on these casual outdoor concerts each Tuesday evening in June on the Seminary Campus. Find more details on CSL’s website: csl.edu/2019/05/annual-outdoor-summer-carillon-concert-series-announced-for-tuesdays-in-june-2.
Deaconess Heidi Sias with Lutheran Friends of the Deaf, a Mill Neck Organization, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the unique joys and challenges of Deaf ministry, resources that Lutheran Friends of the Deaf is creating, and great opportunities to learn more about Deaf ministry at Church Interpreter Training Institute. Find these resources and learn more about Deaf ministry at lutheranfriendsofthedeaf.org. Follow them on social at facebook.com/LutheranFriendsoftheDeaf, twitter.com/Lutheran_Deaf, and instagram.com/lutheranfriendsdeaf. This is a rebroadcast from February 20, 2019.
Find a transcription of this episode at kfuo.org. Thanks to Gwen Zagore and the LCMS Volunteer Connection for this service!
Jana Inglehart, who serves the Lord through the LCMS as a missionary in the Latin America and Caribbean Region, based in the Dominican Republic, as this region's communication specialist, joins Andy and Sarah to share her story of being a missionary, what her unique role gives her the opportunity to experience, and how she sees the Good News of Jesus Christ being proclaimed in the LAC Region. Read more about Jana at lcms.org/inglehart and follow her missionary page at facebook.com/journeywithjanainglehart. Follow the stories from the Latin America and Caribbean Region at facebook.com/LCMSLAC and learn more about the region at international.lcms.org/latin-america-caribbean. This is a rebroadcast from March 15, 2019.
Allison Kieselowsky, Mother, Educator, and Reading Specialist, joins Andy and Sarah to share her and her kids' summer reading lists, as well as some fantastic tips to make your summer reading the best experience it can be! Find out about "The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place" at maryrosewood.com. This is a rebroadcast from May 31, 2018.
Rev. William Weedon, LCMS Director of Worship, joins Andy to talk about the Feast of Ascension, the history of this feast in the church year, and the texts, prayers, and hymns we'll get to hear and sing.
Mark Bott— Founder of Operation Kidsafe International, joins Andy to talk about their innovative approach to helping parents maintain valuable information on an Amber Alert-ready Bio Card and children's safety education as well as the grand opening of a Child Safety Center in Wentzville, MO. Learn more about Operation Kidsafe International at operationkidsafe.org.
Peter Slayton, Social Media Manager for the LCMS, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how context collapse affects how we interact with each other on social media, what scripture says about how we talk about hot topics (like abortion), and what it means to behave like a Christian online while still speaking the truth.
Bev Schaefer— Foster Parent Coordinator with Lutheran Family and Children’s Services Missouri, Debbie Wolf— Program Manager with Lutheran Family and Children’s Services PPAS Program, and Suzanne Pennycook— Foster Parent of 30 years, join Andy and Sarah during Foster Care Month to talk about the joys and challenges of foster parenting, the need for foster parents in St. Louis County, and the training required to become a foster parent. Learn more about foster parenting and other services that LFCS provides at lfcsmo.org or call Jenny at 314-787-5100.
Katie Fiene, Swaddling Clothes Director at River of Life Lutheran Church in Channahon, Illinois, and Barb Meade, Swaddling Clothes Director at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Elizabeth, Colorado, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how the Fienes began Swaddling Clothes stores, how these stores serve and support families in their respective communities, and how they are able to share God’s love with donors, volunteers, and recipients. Learn more and contact Katie to begin your own chapter of Swaddling Clothes at swaddlingclothes.org.
Rev. Tyrel Bramwell, pastor of St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ferndale, California, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about whether the 4th Commandment looks different as we and our parents mature, how the 4th Commandment applies as we care for aging parents, and how we can model the 4th Commandment well for our children.
Jeannine Leibmann, MA, LPC, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “sandwich generation,” the common struggles that happen for those of us in the sandwich generation, and some helpful thoughts for navigating this time in life when caring for both children and parents.
Andy and Sarah talk briefly with Deaconess Heidi Goehmann about wellness, and then discuss the positives of getting outside and being active, especially using active modes of transportation to get from one place to another. May 17 is Bike to Work Day, and May is Bike Month!
Rev. Scott Holder, Admissions and Recruitment with Concordia Seminary St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how Vocatio has made an impact on young people considering church work, the events and opportunities students have during Vocatio, and how this event benefits these young people. Learn more and register at csl.edu/vocatio.
Rev. Hesham Shehab, pastor of Salam Christian Fellowship with Peace Lutheran Church in Lombard, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what Ramadan is for our Muslim neighbors, what’s important for Christians to understand about our Muslim neighbors, and how we can pray for our Muslim neighbors during Ramadan. Learn more about Salam Christian Fellowship at salamchristianfellowship.org.
Remkea Ockander, Director of Youth & Family Ministry at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Fremont, Nebraska, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the community around them in the Fremont area, the destruction the flooding left in its wake, and the great need for volunteers. To lend a hand, visit goodshepherdlutheranchurch.org/project-restore-signup.
Rev. Jeremy Gorline, pastor of Child of God Lutheran Church in St. Peters, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the history of Child of God Lutheran Church & School, how COGLCS serves the surrounding community, and what’s coming up for COGLCS this summer. Find them at coglcs.com.
Alyssa Anders, who currently serves through the LCMS in St. Petersburg, Russia, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about working with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ingria (an LCMS partner church) enabling them with English as a Second Language skills, the history of the Ingrian Lutheran Church, and adjusting to Russian culture and language. Learn more about Alyssa at lcms.org/anders.
Bonnie Hartman, RN, Volunteer with a Mercy Medical Team to Sierra Leone, and Anne Gonzalez, DCE, Manager of Short-term Mission Training & Engagement for the LCMS Office of International Mission, join Andy and Sarah to talk about Bonnie’s experience on MMTs to Sierra Leone, the life-saving work that happens during these MMTs, and the need for team members for the upcoming MMT to Ghana in September 2019. Learn more and apply at lcms.org/mercyteams.
Rev. Merritt Demski, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Waterloo, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the modern mythology we find in super hero movies and comics, how we process Christian themes in these movies, and where we find our real Savior. Read movie reviews from the LCMS at blogs.lcms.org/tag/movie-review.
The Rev. AJ Espinosa, new host of Thy Strong Word on KFUO Radio, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what he’s been up to, why linguistics is so fascinating, his love for his daughters and wife, and what we can expect on Thy Strong Word. Find episodes at kfuo.org/category/thy-strong-word.
Daniel Jenkins, Vice President of Ministry Advancement with Lutheran Braille Workers, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the rich history of Lutheran Braille Workers (LBW), misconceptions about Braille and the visually impaired that are helpful to understand, and the resources, products, and services that LBW provides free of charge to people around the world. Learn more, request resources, and inquire about volunteering at lbwinc.org or facebook.com/LutheranBrailleWorkers.
Andy and Sarah, along with Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, share more stories of their favorite teachers as we wrap up Teacher Appreciation Week.
Rev. Dr. Heath Trampe, Senior Pastor at Faith Lutheran Church in York, Nebraska, and Aunnee Trampe, music teacher and voice of The Lutheran Songbird Project, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the idea that turned into the Lutheran Songbird Project, why it’s important for the music of the church to be accessible to everyone, and how people use The Lutheran Songbird Project. Find the music at facebook.com/songbirdlcms or on YouTube.com.
Rep. Nick Schroer, who represents part of St. Charles County (District 107) in the Missouri House of Representatives (R) and is the Primary Sponsor of Missouri House Bill 126, known as the Heartbeat Bill, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the origin of House Bill 126, why many states have moved forward with their own Heartbeat Bills, what Missouri’s HB 126 will accomplish, and the status and outlook for HB 126. Follow the progress of HB 126 at legiscan.com/MO/bill/HB126/2019.
Samantha Bear, Adult Living Skills Professor/Campus and Community Life Coordinator with Bethesda College Of Applied Learning at Concordia University Wisconsin, and Kalindi Drewry, second year Bethesda College student, join Andy and Sarah to talk about what Bethesda College of Applied Learning is and how it prepares students with intellectual and developmental disabilities for independent adult living, including job training and servant events. Learn more about Bethesda College at CUW.edu/Bethesda. Read about Bethesda in the online LCMS Reporter at blogs.lcms.org/2019/campus-clips-people-projects-and-lists.
Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Oschwald, Associate Professor of exegetical theology, Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the work of the Holy Spirit in the Acts of the Apostles, why we often jump to the “fireworks and sound effects”, how we sometimes read Acts the wrong way, and tips for reading Acts. Read Dr. Oschwald’s article “To You. Through You. By the Spirit.” in in the May edition of the Lutheran Witness. Find your copy of the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness, and read online articles at witness.lcms.org.
Jessica Ingraham, Founder and Executive Director of Different Dynamics, and Jessica Crawford, Director of Children and Families with Special Needs at Concordia Lutheran Church in Kirkwood, Missouri, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the impact music literacy and music therapy have on those with special needs, what Concordia offers for families with special needs, and why opportunities like inclusive music classes are important for families who have children with special needs. Learn more about Different Dynamics at differentdynamicsstl.org, facebook.com/DifferentDynamicsSTL, and instagram.com/DifferentDynamicsSTL.
Different Dynamics Open House! Monday, May 13, 2019, from 5 PM – 7:45 PM Concordia Lutheran Church-Kirkwood facebook.com/events/856594541353253
Rev. Dr. Steve Schave, Director of Urban and Inner City Mission and Church Planting with the LCMS Office of National Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the ‘Partners in Hope’ seminar in Washington, D.C. that was co-hosted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the National League of Cities. Dr. Schave shares the purpose of the seminar, what the LCMS brings to the table regarding the opioid epidemic, how we approach a crisis like this from a unique standpoint, and how we are helping to address the issue. Read more at blogs.lcms.org/2019/partners-in-hope-schave-speaks-d-c-seminar-addiction-joblessness.
Bethany Andrews, Director of Christian Education at Zion Lutheran Church (Harvester) in St. Charles, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to share her story of being diagnosed with Lyme Disease, the challenges she faced, and how God provided for her during this time. Learn more at globallymealliance.org and cdc.gov/lyme/index.html.
It’s Teacher Appreciation Week in the U.S. How have teachers made an impact on your life? Andy and Sarah share just a few of their stories from their teachers over the years and how those teachers made a difference for them. Thank you, teachers!
Mark Hancock, CEO of Trail Life USA, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how scouting programs have provided faithful character development for boys, how Christian congregations have been key partners in scouting programs, and the unique difference for boys in Trail Life USA Troops. Find your local Trail Life USA troop or begin chartering your own at traillifeusa.com.
Rev. Dr. Thomas Kuster, Director of the Christ in Media Institute at Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, Minnesota, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Christ in Media Institute, how the first article gifts of technology and media being used and misused today, and the exciting new projects happening through the Christ in Media Institute, including the upcoming annual Gospel Outreach with Media Conference. Learn more at christinmedia.org and find archived sessions from the Gospel Outreach with Media Conference at gowm.org.
Rev. Dr. Curtis Giese, Professor of Religion at Concordia University Texas, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Holy Spirit, the unique work and promises of the Holy Spirit, what we do with our emotions, and the proper understanding of how the Holy Spirit works. Read his article “What About the Holy Spirit” in the May edition of the Lutheran Witness. Find your copy of the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness, and read online articles at witness.lcms.org.
Deaconess Kim Bueltmann, serving the Lord in Germany, and the Rev. Hugo Gevers, missionary with the LCMS’s partner church in Germany, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the continual language acquisition of Persian and Arabic, how the Gospel changes the lives of the refugee population they work with, and the partnerships that have blessed their service. Read more about their work in Germany with the refugee population at engage.lcms.org/germany-fall-2018. Learn more about Deaconess Kim at lcms.org/bueltmann and follow her story at facebook.com/DeaconessKim.
Dr. Jackie Veith, Executive Director of School Accreditation and Teacher Certification with the Consortium for Classical Lutheran Education (CCLE), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the CCLE Student Contests, what this year’s contests include, and how these contests support the greater mission of CCLE. Submission deadline is May 10, 2019! Find details at ccle.org/2019-student-contests.
Brenda Jank, CEO & Founder of Run Hard. Rest Well, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about church worker fatigue in the season after Easter, what we learn from this fatigue, and how to give ourselves the space to rest properly in order to serve others. Find more about Run Hard. Rest Well at runhardrestwell.com.
Dr. Matt Hurtienne, Assistant Dean of Business at Concordia University Wisconsin, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the future of careers in trades and technology, how CUW is preparing professionals for Construction Management, and the open house happening on May 9 at the CUW Appleton campus. Find details at cuw.edu/events/details.php?id=33326.
Rev. Micah and Robin Wildauer, who serve the Lord as missionaries through The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) in Togo, join Andy to share about their story of becoming missionaries, what their service in Togo entails, and the needs of the people they serve. Learn more about the Wildauers at lcms.org/wildauer, and follow the work in West Africa at facebook.com/LCMSWestAfrica and international.lcms.org/africa.
Mary Schmidt, Manager of Development for KFUO Radio, joins Andy to give a recap of Sharathon 2019, including our overall goal, what Day Sponsors are and if they’re still available, and the levels of giving and thank-you gifts. Find details about Sharathon and give at kfuo.org/sharathon! Find photos from Sharathon 2019 at facebook.com/kfuoradio and instagram.com/kfuoradio. A hearty THANK YOU to all of our faithful donors for supporting KFUO during this year’s Sharathon.
Phil Zielke, founder of Phil’s Friends, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his story of being a cancer survivor, how Phil’s Friends started, and how congregations and individuals can get involved. Learn more, including how to volunteer and follow their work on social media, at philsfriends.org.
Rev. Dr. Joel Heck, Professor of Theology at Concordia University Texas and co-founder of the Society of Creation, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why the age of the Earth matters, some different theories about the age of the Earth, and the upcoming Society of Creation Conference in June at the LCMS International Center in St. Louis. Read about this conference at blogs.lcms.org/2019/society-of-creation-to-host-conference-at-lcms-international-center and learn about the Society of Creation at societyofcreation.org and facebook.com/SocietyofCreation.
On Sharathon today, Rev. Charles Henrickson and Rev. Marcus Zill join Sarah Gulseth to talk about the mission of KFUO Radio and encourage you to support us. Give today at kfuo.org/sharathon.
On Sharathon today, Rev. Michael Meyer and Kelly Schumacher join Sarah Gulseth to talk about the mission of KFUO Radio and encourage you to support us. Give today at kfuo.org/sharathon.
Dawn Hawk and Paul Lindberg, Operation Barnabas volunteers at Catalina Lutheran Church in Tuscon, Arizona, join Andy and Sarah during National Volunteer Month to talk about how Operation Barnabas makes a difference for veterans in Tuscon, the needs of veterans in their community, an how this opportunity has been a joyful way to serve the community. Learn more about LCMS Operation Barnabas at lcms.org/OperationBarnabas. Find stories on Facebook of volunteers around the LCMS using the hashtag #LCMSVolunteers. Find out how you can serve as a volunteer in a variety of ways at home or around the globe at lcms.org/serve.
Kerry Pozaric, business manager for Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the work of CFNA, ways the community and churches can volunteer, and stories from participants of the 5K Run and Walk. Find details and register at cfna-stl.org/walk.
Chaplain Craig Muehler, Director of LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces, joins Andy and Sarah to share about his experiences as a deployed military chaplain during Lent and Easter, how services in the midst of battle are both similar and vastly different to services at home, and how military chaplains are incredibly important to our service members. Learn more about LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces (MAF) at lcms.org/armedforces. Interested in military chaplaincy? Contact LCMS MAF at LCMSchaps@lcms.org.
Christine Behnke, Director of Parish Education for Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France, sharing about the fire at Trinity in Milwaukee almost a year ago, and the hope that we have in Christ even when our buildings are destroyed.
Read articles about these churches:
blogs.lcms.org/2018/fire-guts-historic-milwaukee-church-pastor-sees-tremendous-opportunity blogs.lcms.org/2018/bells-still-are-chiming-and-calling-damaged-lcms-churches-carry-out-ministry-while-working-to-rebuild cnn.com/2019/04/16/opinions/one-year-after-milwaukee-church-burned-its-rising-from-ashes-behnke/index.html
Rev. Merritt Demski, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Waterloo, Illinois, and Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, Illinois, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the immense imagery in our wonderful Easter hymnody, especially Lutheran Service Book 458, “Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands.”
Deaconess Kimberly Trombley, Vice President for Religious Life with Bethesda Lutheran Communities, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about celebrating Bethesda’s 115th anniversary in 2019, including the early history of Bethesda from 1904, how their ministry has expanded since that time, and the importance of community for people of all abilities. Learn more about Bethesda’s work providing homes and other services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities at BethesdaLC.org.
Phillip Magness, Director of Sanctuary Worship at Concordia Lutheran Church in Kirkwood, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Holy Week and Easter hymns from the Lutheran Service Book, including 617 (O Lord, we praise Thee), 454 (Sing, my tongue, the glorious battle), 467 (Awake, my heart, with gladness), and 486 (If Christ Had Not Been Raised).
Cindy Twillman, DCE, National Youth Gathering / LCMS Youth Ministry Volunteer, and Rev. Mark Kiessling, Director of Youth Ministry with LCMS Office of National Mission, join Andy and Sarah during National Volunteer Month to talk about the integral role of volunteers with LCMS Youth Ministry and the National Youth Gathering, how Cindy got involved with volunteering for NYG, and how volunteering makes a difference in the lives of young people. Find stories on Facebook of volunteers around the LCMS using the hashtag #LCMSVolunteers. Find out how you can serve as a volunteer in a variety of ways at home or around the globe at lcms.org/serve.
Rev. Trevor Sutton— Pastor of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Lansing, Michigan, and author of Clearly Christian available from Concordia Publishing House, and Joe Willmann— Senior Instructional Designer with Concordia Publishing House, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the CPH FaithCourse on Clearly Christian, why it’s important to be clear about what we believe, what leads to confusion, and what you’ll get out of this CPH FaithCourse. Find the course at cphfaithcourses.com/clearly-christian and find your copy of the book at cph.org/clearlychristian.
Rev. Roy and Eliza Askins with their children, who serve through the LCMS in Asia, join Andy and Sarah to talk about Rev. Askins’ work as the Witness & Communications Manager for the Asia region, the family transition from Hong Kong to Taiwan, and the children share song and prayer in Mandarin. The Askins have several ways to follow their work and the work across Asia. Learn more about them and how to support their work at lcms.org/askins, and follow their personal story at facebook.com/askinsinasia or on their blog askinsinasia.com. Follow the work being done with partner churches in Asia at international.lcms.org/asia and hear podcast episodes at lcmsasia.fireside.fm.
Rev. Jeff Hemmer, pastor of Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church in Fairview Heights, Illinois, our KFUO Radio Church of the Week, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the history of the Easter Vigil service, why this service is so unique in the church year, and what attendees can expect. Find directions and service information for Bethany Lutheran at bethanylcms.org.
Lisa Clark, Senior Editor for Curriculum Resources with Concordia Publishing House, and Mark Knickelbein, editor of music/worship at Concordia Publishing House, join Andy and Sarah to talk about their collaboration on hymns, including the process of writing the text and composing the music, where inspiration comes from, and how the marriage of text and tune create a certain experience for the singer.
Rev. Mark Kiessling, Director of LCMS Youth Ministry, and Rev. Derek Broten, Program Director for the LCMS National Youth Gathering, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the current preparations for the 2019 National Youth Gathering, the pre-Gathering materials and Bible studies for groups to be studying, and how the theme will play out throughout the Gathering. Learn more and find materials at lcmsgathering.com.
Kelsey, Kara, and Kyla, wives of students at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, join Andy and Sarah to talk about life at the seminary, what it’s like to move so frequently, the best parts of seminary life, and what they’re looking forward to for Call Day and beyond. Learn more about Concordia Seminary and how you can watch Call Day at csl.edu or at Concordia Theological Seminary at ctsfw.edu.
Lavonne Pappert, Superintendent of Our Savior Christian Academy (OSCA) in Platte City and Smithville, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the unique makeup of military families at OSCA, the challenges and opportunities this unique makeup presents, and how OSCA makes military families and children welcome in order to build a welcoming community. Learn more about OSCA at oursavioracademy.org.
Rev. Matthew Wietfeldt, Director of Admission and Director of Christ Academy with Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Christ Academy High School at CTSFW in June 2019, including the opportunities available for young men and women, what attendees will learn, and why this opportunity is important for young men and women. Learn more and register at ctsfw.edu/ChristAcademy.
Rev. James Butler and Leslie Colligan, Volunteers with LCMS Short Term Missions, and Anne Gonzalez, DCE— Manager of Short-term Mission Training & Engagement for the LCMS Office of International Mission, join Andy and Sarah during National Volunteer Month to talk about why they volutneered for the short-term mission team going to Poland, their experiences during their time in Poland, and how their time made a difference in their lives and the lives of the people they served. Find stories on Facebook of volunteers around the LCMS using the hashtag #LCMSVolunteers. Find out how you can serve as a volunteer in a variety of ways at home or around the globe at lcms.org/serve.
Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what “Joy:fully Lutheran” means, how viewing the Small Catechism through a joyful lens can help us see these tenets of faith in a new light, and how praying the catechism has changed him. Find President Harrison’s book at cph.org/joyfullylutheran and read stories about joyful Lutherans across the LCMS at joyfullylutheran.org.
Anne Gonzalez, Manager of Short Term Training and Engagement with the LCMS Office of International Mission, joins Sarah to talk about important things to think about while preparing for a short term mission trip, including insurance, cultural preparation, and spiritual preparation. Find short term service opportunities at lcms.org/service.
Dr. Martin and Marie Dicke, who serve the Lord through The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) as missionaries in Papua New Guinea (PNG), join Sarah and guest co-host Anne Gonzalez, Manager of Short Term Training and Engagement with the LCMS Office of International Mission, to talk about their journey to the mission field in PNG, the music education work that they do in the field, and the the culture they’re a part of. Learn more about the Dickes at lcms.org/dicke, read Martin Dicke’s music blog at jubalslyre.com, and follow their story at facebook.com/dickesbacktopng.
Signe White, President of the National Lutheran Outdoors Ministry Association and Executive Director of Camp Perkins (campperkins.org) in Stanley, Idaho, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how summer camp makes an impact on summer camp staff, the staffing needs for this summer, and how to prepare for an amazing summer as a camp staffer. Apply to be camp staff at camps across the United States at nloma.org.
Rev. Alexey Shepelev, pastor of St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church (ELCIR) in Simferopol, The Crimea, and evangelistic missionary to Russian and Slavic speaking Jews, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how he came to know the Good News of Jesus, the nature of his mission work today, challenges he faces in his outreach, and how the Lord has provided for him. Learn more about outreach in Russian and other Slavic languages at WORDrus.org.
Dwight Schettler, President of Ambassadors of Reconciliation, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the difference that Christ-centered reconciliation can make on families, communities, and congregations across many cultures, including stories from travelling in Rwanda and upcoming training events you can attend. Learn more and find training events at aorhope.org.
Rachel Bomberger, managing editor of the Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to give a preview of the April LW, including the overall theme, all of the different viewpoints to consider Holy Week, and the variety of articles you’ll get to read. Find your copy of the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness, and read online articles at witness.lcms.org.
Susan Schaefer, Vice President of Operations and Special Projects with Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the 2019 Kaleidoscope Fund Grants from LCEF, including the new focus this year on Lutheran K-8 elementary education the four funding categories available this year, and stories from previous grant recipients. Learn more and apply at lcef.org.
Bev Schaefer, with Lutheran Family and Children’s Services of Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how foster parents make a difference in the lives of children and families, who are candidates to be foster parents, the need for foster parents, and how to become licensed. Learn more about foster parenting at lfcsmo.org or by calling Jenny at 314-754-2807.
Maureen Lenz, Manager of LCMS Volunteer Connection, and Ed Delfert, Volunteer with LCMS Volunteer Connection, join Andy and Sarah to talk about what National Volunteer Month is, how volunteers make a difference in the LCMS, and how Ed’s work is edifying for him as he serves and gives back. Find stories on Facebook of volunteers around the LCMS using the hashtag #LCMSVolunteers.
Dr. Jeffrey Blersch, professor of music at Concordia University Nebraska and director or music at Pacific Hills Lutheran Church in Omaha, Nebraska, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why we sing together, whether singing together helps us focus on what we’re singing about, and how we encourage each other to sing boldly. Read Dr. Blersch’s article in the March Lutheran Witness entitled “Singing in Community.” Find your copy of the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness, and read online articles at witness.lcms.org.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, MSW, of ilovemyshepherd.com, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Friendship and Ministry, why friendships are important for all people, and why it can be hard for church workers to make friends. Read resources about Church Worker Wellness at lcms.org/wellness.
This episode is part of an ongoing Church Worker Wellness series with Deaconess Heidi Goehmann. Find more episodes in this series with the tag “Church Worker Wellness.”
Deaconess Sandra Rhein, Hymnal Consultant for the LCMS Office of International Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the exciting new developments in the Lutheran hymnals in Mandarin and Amharic, including the Pilot edition of the Chinese Lutheran Service Book that is now in print, the collaborations necessary to produce these hymnals, and what’s on the horizon for the Amharic language hymnal for the church in Ethiopia. For more information on obtaining a Chinese Lutheran Service Book, contact Deaconess Rhein at sandra.rhein@lcmsintl.org.
Read more of her story and watch videos of this hymnal translation process in the Spring 2018 edition of Lutherans Engage, available at engage.lcms.org/hymnal-project-spring-2018.
Robo Raiders FTC 7219 team members Ava, Bella, Ian, Isaac, Matthew, Taylor, and Thor, High School Home School Robotics Team, join Andy and Sarah to talk about their robotics team, how building robots helps them in other areas of life, skills they’ve developed, and what they’re looking forward to at the Word Championships in Detroit, Michigan. They also brought along their robot Charon, to demonstrate the skills and share insight into building it. Watch the entire interview and robot demonstration on Facebook Live at facebook.com/kfuoradio!
Rev. Dr. Ron Mudge, Associate Professor of Theology and Director of the Pre-Seminary Program at Concordia University Wisconsin, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Servants of Christ Conference, how this conference began, what attendees will learn and experience regarding vocation and living as Christians, and how this conference has made a difference in the lives of past attendees. Learn more about this summer’s Servants of Christ Conference at cuw.edu/landingpages/servants_conference/index.php.
Rev. Dr. Abjar Bahkou— Associate Professor of Practical Theology at Concordia Seminary, and Rev. Kou Seying— Associate Professor of Practical Theology, Associate Dean of Urban and Cross-Cultural Ministry, and Lutheran Foundation Professor of Urban and Cross-Cultural Ministry at Concordia Seminary St. Louis, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the upcoming Multiethnic Symposium at Concordia Seminary on April 25-26, 2019, titled “Shame and Honor: Gospel Proclamation in the Majority World,” including why this topic is important and relevant, how culture affects one’s understand of the Gospel, and what honor-shame culture is. Learn more and register at csl.edu/multiethnic.
Rev. Michael Salemink, Executive Director of Lutherans for Life, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the new movie “Unplanned,” including the story behind the film, the R rating given to the film, and the good and bad of the movie. Learn more and watch the trailer at unplannedfilm.com. Learn more about Abby Johnson’s organization And Then There Were None at attwn.org.
Are you in St. Louis? Visit unplannedstl.com for free tickets in St. Louis.
Dr. Jeff Kloha, Chief Curatorial Officer at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his work at the Museum, new things going on at the Museum, and the exciting internships available for students. Learn more about the Museum of the Bible and available internships at museumofthebible.org/careers. You can watch the MOTB Speaker Series on Facebook! Visit facebook.com/museumoftheBible for speaker series and other interesting videos.
Patti Ross, President of Lutheran Women in Mission (LWML), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about her LWML story, reflect on her time as president, and share insight into the future of LWML. Learn more about LWML at lwml.org, and follow them on social at facebook.com/TheLWML, twitter.com/TheLWML, and instagram.com/lwmlnational.
Joshua Kittleman, Assistant Professor of Family Life at Concordia University Ann Arbor, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the advantages of using service opportunities in Youth Ministry, the benefits those opportunities bring both the youth and the church, and how these projects share the love of Christ. Read Joshua’s article in the March Lutheran Witness entitled “The Joy of Serving.” Find your copy of the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness, and read online articles at witness.lcms.org.
Rev. Dr. Kent J. Burreson, Professor of Systematic Theology and Dean of the Chapel at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, and also one of the presenters of The Gospel of Mark, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what this presentation is, why it’s very different from just sitting down to read the Gospel of Mark, and how the speakers prepare to present the text. See this presentation at various places this year!
6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 16, Zion Lutheran Church in Bethalto, Ill. 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 26, Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bronx, N.Y. 3 p.m. Saturday, April 27, St. John’s Lutheran Church in Westfield, Mass. 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, Our Savior Lutheran Church in Sedalia, Mo. 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Pekin, Ill. Learn more about the Gospel of Mark Tour and watch the preview at csl.edu/thegospelofmark.
Maureen & Rudy Bertarelli, parents of students at Christ Community Lutheran School in Kirkwood, Missouri, and Sue Nahmensen, CEO of the Lutheran Elementary School Association in St. Louis, Missouri, join Andy and Sarah to share personal stories of how Lutheran schools have made a difference in their lives and the lives of the Bertarelli children, the special community that exists in Lutheran schools, and how you can support LESA at the upcoming Cooking for Kids Tribute Dinner Auction on April 6 from 5:00-10:00 p.m. at Orlando Gardens South in St. Louis. Find details about the dinner auction and how you can support LESA at lesastl.org. Download the event flyer here.
Peter Slayton— Social Media Manager with LCMS Communications, Matthew Bergholt— Manager of Online Support and Services with LCMS School Ministry, and Meredith Whitefield— Communications Specialist with LCMS Youth Ministry, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the latest social media trends with the app TikTok, what is useful and not that useful in social media platforms, and how adults can help children work through how to safely use social media.
Jay and Sofia Lyons, filmmakers sharing the story of Kara Tippetts, “The Long Goodbye,” join Andy to talk about Kara Tippetts, her legacy of love and beauty, and the documentary available on March 22 on digital and DVD. Learn more and watch the trailer at karatippettsdocumentary.com and follow more of the story at facebook.com/karatippettsdocumentary.
Dr. Joel D. Biermann, Professor of Systematic Theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about being in the world but not of it as he wrote about in his article “In Christ and in the World” in the March issue of Lutheran Witness, including what that means to live in the world but not of it, what the two realms are, and whether we should live cloistered lives. Find your copy of the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness, and read online articles at witness.lcms.org.
Matt Machemer, Associate Kantor at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about just a few of the rich Lenten hymns we sing at this time of year. Included in our conversation is LSB 432 – In Silent Pain the Eternal Son, LSB 438 – A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth, and LSB 455 – The Royal Banners Forward Go. Find your copy of the Lutheran Service Book at cph.org/lsb.
Rev. Dr. Joel Elowsky, professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the lives of early Christians as he wrote about in his article “Life Among the Pagans” in the March issue of Lutheran Witness, including the society early Christians lived in, how their time is similar and different to ours today, and how Christians set themselves apart from society. Find your copy of the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness, and read online articles at witness.lcms.org.
Mary Schmidt, Manager of Development for KFUO Radio, joins Andy and Sarah to preview this year’s Sharathon happening April 25-27, including why we need your support, what your support makes possible, and the levels of giving available this year. To show your love for KFUO Radio and partner with us financially, visit kfuo.org/support-us.
Larry Hansen, an attorney in the Chicago office of Locke Lord LLP, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Gaylor v. Mnuchin, a case before the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago, regarding the constitutionality of the so-called clergy housing allowance, an Internal Revenue Code provision that allows certain religious leaders to exempt church-approved housing allowances from their taxable income. Hansen co-authored an amicus brief on behalf of the Church Alliance, and talks about the case, the amicus brief, and why this case is significant for church workers. Read about the case at becketlaw.org/case/gaylor-v-mnuchin and learn more about the Church Alliance at church-alliance.org.
Rev. Michael Meyer, Manager of LCMS Disaster Response, joins Andy and Sarah to share updates from LCMS congregations in the flood-affected areas of Nebraska, what immediate and future needs will be, and how you can support the recovery efforts. Read about the flooding at blogs.lcms.org/2019/nebraska-other-states-face-historic-flooding, and give to LCMS Disaster Response at lcms.org/givenow/flood or to the LCMS Nebraska District at ndlcms.org/disaster-response. You can also text LCMSFLOODS to 41444 to give.
Deaconess Dr. Kim Schave, CEO of Humanitri in St. Louis, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to share an incredible story about the real impact of Humanitri’s work in the St. Louis community, the programming available through Humanitri, and how you can get invovled to support Humanitri’s efforts. Learn about programs, volunteer opportunities, and fundraising events at humanitri.org. You can also follow them at facebook.com/Humanitri and twitter.com/humanitri. Learn more about the April 26 Trivia Night at facebook.com/events/404627560270991.
Steven Meseke— Superindendent, and Paul Looker— Assistant Superintendent, of the Lutheran High School Association (LHSA) of Greater Detroit, join Sarah and guest co-host Rachel Bomberger, managing editor of the Lutheran Witness, to talk about the legacy of Lutheran higher education in the Detroit area for the last 75 years, the future for the high schools, and how Lutheran education has made a difference. Learn more about LHSA at lhsa.com.
Tim Young Eagle, Executive Director of Lutheran Indian Ministries, joins Sarah and guest co-host Rachel Bomberger, managing editor of the Lutheran Witness, to talk about the mission and impact of Lutheran Indian Ministries, the difference the Gospel of Jesus makes in the lives of Native people, and an upcoming event in St. Louis for the public to learn about Lutheran Indian Ministries. The event takes place Thursday, April 4, 4-6 p.m., at the Sunset Country Club. Please RSVP by March 21 to Kathleen at 888-783-5267 or kwalrath@lutheranindianministries.org. View the event poster here. Learn more about Lutheran Indian Ministries at lutheranindianministries.org.
Jana Inglehart, who serves the Lord through the LCMS as a missionary in the Latin America and Caribbean Region, based in the Dominican Republic, as this region’s communication specialist, joins Andy and Sarah to share her story of being a missionary, what her unique role gives her the opportunity to experience, and how she sees the Good News of Jesus Christ being proclaimed in the LAC Region. Read more about Jana at lcms.org/inglehart and follow her missionary page at facebook.com/journeywithjanainglehart. Follow the stories from the Latin America and Caribbean Region at facebook.com/LCMSLAC and learn more about the region at international.lcms.org/latin-america-caribbean.
Rev. Kevin Parviz, pastor of Congregation Chai v’Shalom and executive director of Burning Bush Ministries, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the historical significance of Purim, how it is celebrated, and the celebration that will be at Chai v’Shalom on March 22 at 6:00 p.m. Learn more about Burning Bush Ministries at lije.org, and about Congregation Chai v’Shalom, including a Lenten devotional, at chaivshalom.com. View the flyer for the Purim Party here.
Rev. Daniel Ross, pastor of Christ Lutheran Church in Topeka, Kansas, joins Andy and guest co-host Rachel Bomberger, managing editor of the Lutheran Witness, to talk about balancing academic and faith content on a Christian school’s website, what parents look for on a website, and advice for school administrators who are looking to overhaul their websites. Read Pastor Ross’s blog post at concordiatechnology.org/blog/2019/03/balancing-academic-and-faith-content-on-your-christian-schools-website.
Rev. Robert Paul, pastor and headmaster of Memorial Lutheran School in Houston, Texas, and Vice-President of the CCLE Board of Directors, joins Andy and guest co-host Rachel Bomberger, managing editor of the Lutheran Witness, to talk about the upcoming Consortium of Classical Lutheran Education conference July 16-18 at Concordia University Chicago, including what attendees will learn, who will be presenting, and why this conference is a great learning opportunity. Learn more and register at ccle.org.
Rev. William Weedon— Director of Worship with the LCMS Office of National Mission, and Joe Willmann— Senior Instructional Designer with Concordia Publishing House in St Louis, Missouri, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the new CPH FaithCourse on Rev. Weedon’s book Thank, Praise, Serve, and Obey, including recovering the joy of piety, what you’ll gain from the FaithCourse beyond reading the book, and how to use the FaithCourse. Find Rev. Weedon’s book at cph.org/piety and find the FaithCourse at cphfaithcourses.com/thank-praise-serve-and-obey.
Dr. Maurice Boyer, music director of the American Kantorei, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the upcoming American Kantorei concert featuring J.S. Bach Cantatas 47, 95, and 17, including why the music of J.S. Bach is so incredible, where the concert title “Christ Who Is My Life” comes from, and what attendees will hear and experience at this concert. Hear the Kantorei on Sunday, March 17, 2019, at 3:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Des Peres, MO. The concert is free and open to the public. (Parking is avaialbe on the first level of the Edward Jones parking garage at Manchester and Ballas, or in the North Lot next to the city park. A shuttle will run from 2:00pm-6:00pm.) Find details and learn more about the Kantorei at americankantorei.org/concerts and facebook.com/AmericanKantorei.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, MSW, of ilovemyshepherd.com, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what it means to have “resurrection” in the context of ministry, how and why we experience suffering in our life together, and why we should find joy in our vocations. Read resources about Church Worker Wellness at lcms.org/wellness
This episode is part of an ongoing Church Worker Wellness series with Deaconess Heidi Goehmann. Find more episodes in this series with the tag “Church Worker Wellness.”
Michelle Wamser, Director of Aging Answers with Lutheran Senior Services, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the needs of our aging neighbors, how providing services positively impacts the lives of seniors and their families, and the resources available through Lutheran Senior Services. Learn more at LSSAgingAnswers.org and call the hotline at 314-446-2475.
Stephen Born, LCMS Central Illinois District LERT (Lutheran Early Response Team) Coordinator, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what LERT volunteers are trained to do, what disasters they respond to, and how these volunteers make a difference in peoples’ lives after a disaster. Find more information about LERT training and upcoming events at cidlcms.org/disasterservices.html and facebook.com/illinoisdisaster.
Steven P. Krycho, Jr., Undergraduate of Classical Education and Undergraduate Pre-professional Church work Organization (UPCO) Conference Director for Concordia University Wisconsin, and Dr. Kurt Taylor, faculty adviser to Undergraduate Pre-professional Church work Organization (UPCO) at CUW, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the uniqueness of classical education, how it relates to apologetics, and what attendees at the upcoming Concord Apologetics Conference can expect to learn. Find details about the Concordia Apologetics Conference at cuw.edu/academics/schools/arts-and-sciences/clubs/apologetics-conference.html, and register for the upcoming conference on classical education at emsweb.cuw.edu/EmsRegics/ConcordiaApologeticsConference2019?_ga=2.58967337.500343107.1551718049-82590604.1550613852.
Melanie Reiner, Program Director at Trinity Lutheran Camp in Big Fork, Montana, joins Andy and Sarah during Camp Week to talk about how camp makes a difference in the lives of the youth and counselors who attend, what makes Trinity Lutheran Camp a unique experience, and what opportunities are available. Learn about camp options at Trinity Lutheran Camp at trinitylutherancamp.org. Follow them on social at facebook.com/trinitycampbigfork and instagram.com/trinitylutherancamp.
Find your nearest Lutheran Camp through the National Lutheran Outdoors Ministry Association (NLOMA) at nloma.org.
Students from Lutheran High School North in St. Louis, Missouri; Metro East Lutheran High School in Edwardsville, Illinois; and St. Paul Lutheran High School in Farmington, Missouri, join Andy and Sarah while at the International Center for LCEF’s YES! (Young Entrepreneurs Sharing) Challenge to talk about why they’re participating in the event, what they’ve learned from the process of building a business, and how others have supported them in this journey.
Dr. Craig Oldenburg, Camp Director at Camp Concordia in Gowen, Michigan, joins Andy and Sarah during Camp Week to talk about the difference camp has made in the lives of the kids and young adults who attend camp, what campers get to experience at camp, and what opportunities are available. Learn about camp options at Camp Concordia at campconcordia.org. Follow them on social at facebook.com/CampConcordia, twitter.com/CampConcordia, and instagram.com/campconcordia.
Find your nearest Lutheran Camp through the National Lutheran Outdoors Ministry Association (NLOMA) at nloma.org.
Rev. Greg Truwe, pastor of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cole Camp, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the importance of the vocations of marriage and family as will be discussed at the upcoming Marriage and Family Conference at Trinity Lutheran Church on April 26-27. Rev. Bryan Wolfmueller will be the keynote speaker, presenting on the three estates. Find details and register at marriagefamilyconference.org.
Nicole Ripke, Program Director at Camp Perkins in Hailey/Stanley, Idaho, joins Andy and Sarah during Camp Week to talk about how camp made a difference in the life of day camper, the unique opportunities available for campers this summer, and how families can prepare for camp. Learn about camp options at Camp Perkins at campperkins.org. Follow them on social at facebook.com/CampPerkinsID, instagram.com/campperkins, and twitter.com/campperkins.
Find your nearest Lutheran Camp through the National Lutheran Outdoors Ministry Association (NLOMA) at nloma.org.
Rev. Kevin Robson, Chief Mission Officer for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the National Offering happening at the Synod Convention later this year, the wonderful projects that happened thanks to last convention’s National Offering, and how donors view this opportunity as “an extension of baptismal identity in places [they] may not be able to go.”
David Vandercar, Executive Director of Lakeview Ministries in Seymour, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah during Camp Week to talk about how summer camp at Lakeview Ministries has been life-changing for kids, the opportunities for families this summer at Lakeview, and what makes Lakeview a unique place for families. Learn about camp options at Lakeview Ministries at lakeviewministries.camp. Follow them on social at facebook.com/Camp.Lakeview and instagram.com/lakeviewministries.
Find your nearest Lutheran Camp through the National Lutheran Outdoors Ministry Association (NLOMA) at nloma.org.
Kit Auble, Director of Fund Development and Marketing with Lutheran Elementary School Association (LESA), and Alex Cupp, Head Chef of The Stellar Hog, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the LESA Cooking for Kids Dinner Auction happening on April 6. This premiere LESA Spring Dinner Auction brings together those who care about and support Lutheran schools around food and fellowship, and this year we will be featuring and tasting the masterpieces of some outstanding alumni of St. Louis area Lutheran Schools. Learn more about The Stellar Hog, the Best BBQ in the Galaxy, at thestellarhog.com, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram @thestellarhog. Find details for Cooking for Kids at lesastl.org and facebook.com/LESASTL.
Robert Polansky, Executive Director of Camp Wartburg in Waterloo, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah during Camp Week to talk about how camp makes a difference for campers, what campers learn and how they grow during camp, and the exciting opportunities for campers this summer. Learn more about camp options at Camp Wartburg at campwartburg.com.
Find your nearest Lutheran Camp through the National Lutheran Outdoors Ministry Association (NLOMA) at nloma.org.
Rachel Bomberger, managing editor of the Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to preview the March issue of LW and talk about the theme, “Life Together, Set Apart,” including things like potlucks and the lives of early Christians. Find your copy of the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness, and read online articles at witness.lcms.org.
Rev. Dr. Joel Lehenbauer, Director of the LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the new CTCR document on Baptism, why this document is needed, what questions it responds to, and how baptism plays into all aspects of our lives as Christians. Find this document and more from the CTCR at lcms.org/ctcr.
Sandra Rice, Religious Resource Creation Director with Bethesda Lutheran Communities, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, how we can advocate for those with developmental disabilities, and new resources available from Bethesda. Learn more and find resources at bethesdalc.org.
Rev. Mark Birkholz, pastor of Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why learning some words in Biblical (Koine) Greek can be very useful for study, how Biblical Greek is different than Greek today, and what attendees will come away with after attending his seminary on March 9 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Find details and register at facebook.com/events/1332535456887630, and you can also send an email to Pastor Birkholz at greek@faithoaklawn.org to register.
Luke Vandercar, Men’s Gathering organizer, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the fantastic opportunities for men to gather together and study scripture, learn about real and true masculinity with Rev. Jeff Hemmer, bond over (maybe slightly dangerous) physical activities, have opportunities to give back, and eat lots of food at the annual Men's Gathering. Find Pastor Hemmer's book at books.cph.org/manup. The gathering is April 5-7 at Lakeview Villages in Seymour, Indiana. Find details and register at mensgathering.us.
Rev. Dr. Lee Hagan, President of the Missouri District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about family ministry, why it’s important to support the family in Christian vocation, and an upcoming family ministry conference opportunity for congregations. The “Tell the Next Generation: Family Ministry Conference” happens March 9 at Zion Lutheran Church in St. Charles, Missouri. Find details and register at mo.lcms.org/event/2019-family-ministry-conference/?event_date=2019-03-09.
Rev. Dr. Kent Burreson, Louis A. Fincke and Anna B. Shine Professor of Systematic Theology and Dean of the Chapel at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the history and customs for Ash Wednesday and where we have inherited our customs from.
Katie Schuermann, author of books available from Concordia Publishing House and Emmanuel Press, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about a writing contest during the season of Lent presented by the team at He Remembers the Barren and sponsored by Emmanuel Press. All entries must be submitted via email to katie@katieschuermann.com by noon on March 25, 2019, to be considered. Find contest details and more information at heremembersthebarren.com.
Katie Schuermann, author of books available from Concordia Publishing House and Emmanuel Press, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the process of writing, what is important in the writing process, and her biggest joy of being a writer. Find her books at katieschuermann.com/books.
Sarah Harms, serving on behalf of the LCMS in eastern Europe, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about her experiences in the Czech Republic and what she’s looking forward to in her next call.
Rev. Dr. John Sias, Secretary of the LCMS, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the process and importance of registering voters for the synod presidential election in June 2019. Voter registrations must be received by March 24, 2019. If your congregation misplaced your voter registration form, send a message to lcmspresidentvote@lcms.org. Find more information at lcms.org/convention/president-election.
Sara Correnti, MS RD LD, Health and Wellness Educator with Concordia Plan Services, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why the not-so-healthy stuff always tastes so good, tips for making favorite meals into heart-healthy meals, and a few healthy recipes that are guaranteed to also be delicious. Download a printer-friendly version of these recipes at kfuo.org/2019/02/22/ch-022219-delicious-and-heart-healthy-food.
Rev. Craig Muehler, Director of LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the necessity for faithful LCMS chaplains in the Armed Forces, how congregations can observe Armed Forces Sunday, and the resources available for congregations at blogs.lcms.org/2019/armed-forces-sunday-resources-available-for-congregations. Learn more about LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces at lcms.org/armedforces.
Rev. Bob Zagore, Executive Director of the LCMS Office of National Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about who God says is our neighbor, how difficult it often is to serve those closest to us, and how we can serve others. Read Rev. Zagore’s article in the print or online February edition of the Lutheran Witness at blogs.lcms.org/2019/who-is-my-neighbor. View online articles in theLW at witness.lcms.org, and subscribe to the LW at cph.org/witness. Find more author interviews at kfuo.org/witness.
Julianna Shults, Program Manager for Lutheran Young Adult Corps with the LCMS Office of National Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the upcoming opportunities for young adults to serve with LYAC, including feedback from past participants, where participants can serve, and how valuable this experience is for past participants. Learn more and apply at lcms.org/yacorps. Applications for this round are due March 1st!
Deaconess Heidi Sias with Lutheran Friends of the Deaf, a Mill Neck Organization, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the unique joys and challenges of Deaf ministry, resources that Lutheran Friends of the Deaf is creating, and great opportunities to learn more about Deaf ministry at Church Interpreter Training Institute. Find these resources and learn more about Deaf ministry at lutheranfriendsofthedeaf.org. Follow them on social at facebook.com/LutheranFriendsoftheDeaf, twitter.com/Lutheran_Deaf, and instagram.com/lutheranfriendsdeaf.
This episode of The Coffee Hour will be available as a printed transcript soon. Stay tuned! Thanks to our wonderful LCMS Volunteers for their support of this transcription.
Today on The Coffee Hour, guests remember their time with Professor Charles Froehlich, Instructor of Biblical Greek at Concordia University Chicago, who recently went to be with the Lord. Rev. Charles Henrickson, pastor of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Bonne Terre, Missouri, shares stories of Professor Froehlich in class and also gives insights into why studying biblical languages is so important to church vocations. Rev. Mark Birkholz, pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Oaklawn, Illinois, shares some historical context of Professor Froehlich and also his experiences with Professor in classes and his one-on-one honors project. Melanie Sorenson shares her profound experiences with Professor Froehlich and his caring nature toward her and her husband. Rev. Philip Hoppe, pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in Finlayson, Minnesota, shares his memories of classes with Professor Froehlich, and Andy shares a reflection from Rev. Martin R. Noland, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in San Mateo, California. Read his obituary at nidnews.org/called-to-glory-rev-charles-donald-froehlich.
Mrs. Nikki Kueck— Administrator for Faith Lutheran High School of Central Texas in Warda, Texas, and Ruth Meyer— author, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the importance of writing in their own lives and the lives of the students at Faith Lutheran High School, and also to share information about the upcoming Texas Lutheran Writers Round Up happening on March 8 at FLHS. Find registration and event details at facebook.com/events/379206619577180, and learn more about FLHS at faithlutheranhighschool.com.
Dr. Jerrode Baker Marsh, Director of Music at Saint Paul Lutheran High School in Concordia, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why singing in choir is so important for everyone, especially junior high students, and also the upcoming “Sing at St. Paul!” event happening on March 30th at Saint Paul Lutheran High School. Find event fliers and registration information at splhs.org/events, or contact Dr. Marsh at jmarsh@splhs.org or 816-605-5173.
Julianna Shults, DCE— program manager for Lutheran Young Adult Corps for the LCMS Office of National Mission, Rev. Mark Kiessling— Director of Youth Ministry for the LCMS Office of National Mission, and Ryan Curnutt— Senior Research Analyst for LCMS Research Services, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the three phases of study for the Young Adult Research, what insights came from the focus groups (final stage), and how parents and church leaders can use this research to help their ministries to young adults. Read more about the research process at blogs.lcms.org/2019/youth-ministry-wraps-up-multi-year-research-project-on-young-adult-retention and read the research findings and resources at youthesource.com/2018/06/04/lcms-young-adult-research.
Heather Smith, educator and author, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the love story of Martin and Katie Luther, the circumstances around their marriage, and what we can learn from them about our own vocations in marriage.
Aaron Nielsen with LCMS Disaster Response joins Andy and Sarah to share some of his insights into quick cooking, especially ways to make a dish fancier than usual, some staple items to have on hand, and the quickest way to make a meal.
Mark and Megan Mantey, who serve the Lord as missionaries in Uganda, join Andy and Sarah to talk about their work with the Lutheran Church of Uganda. Mark serves as a project manager for the LCU seminary, and Megan serves as an instructor of Christian education and counselings. Hear their wonderful stories and then learn more about them at lcms.org/mantey, and then follow their on-going journey at facebook.com/MissionMindedManteys.
Rev. Jeffery Hemmer, Pastor of Bethany Lutheran Church in Fairview Heights, Illinois, and author of Behold the Man! Lenten Devotions from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why daily devotions are helpful during Lent, what we’ll find in Behold the Man, and why he put such a strong emphasis on the human attributes of Jesus. Find your copy of this Lenten Devotional as well as other Behold the Man resources at cph.org/p-32396-behold-the-man-daily-devotions-for-lent-and-easter.aspx.
Kelly Schumacher of Agnus Dei Liturgical Arts joins Andy and Sarah to talk about her recent short-term mission to the Dominican Republic, including the artwork she was commissioned to create, the opportunities she had while she was there, and some of her favorite experiences. Learn more and find her art at agnusdeiarts.com.
View a few photos from the LCMS Missions in Latin American & Caribbean Facebook page: facebook.com/LCMSLAC, and see the full progression of this artwork plus more stories about Kelly’s time in the DR on her page facebook.com/agnusdeiarts.
Brenda Jank— founder of Run Hard, Rest Well, wife, mother of five, and author of God’s Gift of Family from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about her how her family was an inspiration for her new book from CPH, the joys of God’s gift of family, and what she’s learned about motherhood that she wants to share in this book. Find your copy of God’s Gift of Family at cph.org/p-32564-gods-gift-of-family.aspx. Learn more about Joshua’s story and Red Diamond Days at reddiamonddays.com.
Rev. Derek Wolter, chaplain at Lutheran Home & Harwood Place in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, and author of “More Than a Nicety” in the February Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what it means to be a chaplain in a residental care community setting, how he describes his work to others, and what it means to share Jesus with people who need to hear about Him. Read stories online at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Kaye Wolff, vice-president of Special Focus Ministries with the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, and Amy Gerdts, Coordinator of Rural and Small Town Mission with the LCMS Office of National Mission, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the upcoming RSTM webinar “Reaching Young Women: LWML” on Thursday, February 21, from 1 to 2 p.m. CT, given by Kaye Wolff. Kaye and Amy discuss what young women are interested in, how churches can reach them, and how these webinars benefit churches. Learn more about LWML Young Women at lwml.org/young-women and facebook.com/LWMLYoungWomen. Learn about RSTM webinars at lcms.org/rstm and attend this one on 2/21 at anymeeting.com/lcmsrstm1.
Gail Pawlitz, author of a new children’s book available from Concordia Publishing House, “Waiting in Wonder for Easter,” joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the premise behind the book, how families can use the book, and what children will learn and think about as they read through these devotions. Find your copy at cph.org/WaitingInWonder.
Rev. William Weedon, Director of Worship for the LCMS and author of a new children’s book from Concordia Publishing House “See My Savior’s Hands,” joins Andy and Sarah to talk about this book, the inspiration for writing the text, and what why talking about the incarnation with children is very important. Find the book at cph.org/SaviorsHands.
Rev. Dr. Steve Schave, Director of LCMS Church Planting, and Rev. Dr. Mark Larson, Manager of LCMS Church Planting, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the launch of the new Mission Field USA: Church Planting podcast, including what Mission Field USA is, why church planting is an engaging topic, and a sneak peek of what you’ll hear. Find church planting resources at lcms.org/churchplanting and find the new podcast on our website at kfuo.org/category/mission-field-usa. You can also subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or TuneIn.
If you’re interested in learning more about church planting resources, you can sign up to receive email notifications of new podcast releases and other church-planting ministry news. Registration only requires your email address, name and zip code. Check the “Church Planting” option on the form. Sign up at mailchi.mp/lcms/resources.
Scholars Austin, Ella, and Peter, along with Principal Kate Thoelke of Saint Paul Lutheran School in Hamel, Illinois, join Andy and Sarah to talk about their school and what they love about it during National Lutheran Schools Week. Learn more about St. Paul Hamel at school.stpaulhamel.org.
Learn about National Lutheran Schools Week festivities at lcms.org/lutheranschoolsweek.
Mr. Alan Freeman, Assistant to the President of the Missouri District of Lutheran Church Missouri Synod: Schools, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the legacy of Lutheran education, specifically early childhood education, in Missouri, and the details of the upcoming Missouri District Early Childhood Conference on March 2, 2019. Learn more and register at mo.lcms.org/event/early-childhood-directors-conference/?event_date=2019-03-02.
Ryan and Logann Edinger, young church musicians in the St. Louis area, and Dr. Mark Laverty, their teacher and Music Director at Zion Lutheran Church in Maryland Heights, Missouri, join Andy and Sarah to talk about learning to play piano and organ at young ages, what it’s like to be a young church musician, and encouraging young people to get involved with music in church.
Ryan Edinger will be presenting a piano recital on Saturday, February 16, at 3:30 p.m. at the Steinway Piano Gallery in Maryland Heights, Missouri.
Dr. Laverty will be presenting a piano concert on Saturday, February 23, at 7:00 p.m. at St Paul United Church of Christ in Columbia, Illinois. Find details for his concert and other appearances at marklaverty.com.
Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, MSW, of ilovemyshepherd.com, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about wellness for the church work student, including why it’s important to start wellness habits while still in college, tips for finding a mentor, and how wellness habits benefit the future vocation of church workers. Read resources about Church Worker Wellness at lcms.org/wellness.
This episode is part of an ongoing Church Worker Wellness series with Deaconess Heidi Goehmann. Find more episodes in this series with the tag “Church Worker Wellness.”
Jackie Smith, Executive Director of LASE Specialized Education in St. Louis, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about typical evaluations for special needs for students, what parents can do to start the evaluation process, and how LASE supports families through the education process. Read the article mentioned in this conversation at wcpastl.com/a-parents-call-to-action-10-reasons-not-to-avoid-evaluation-and-treatment-for-your-childs-academic-behavioral-or-emotional-problem. Learn more about LASE Specialized Education at lutheranspecialed.org and facebook.com/LASESpecializedEducation.
Students Anthony and Abby along with Director of Music Miss Jennifer Brauer and Head of School Dr. Craig Ernstmeyer from Lutheran High School of St. Charles County, Missouri, join Andy to talk about their school and what they love about it during National Lutheran Schools Week. Learn more about Lutheran High St. Charles at lutheranhighstcharles.com.
Learn about National Lutheran Schools Week festivities at lcms.org/lutheranschoolsweek.
Rachel Bomberger, managing editor of the Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to preview the February edition of LW, including what it means to have “mercy” in our context, and a few of the great articles about the legacy of the church’s mercy work. Subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness and find articles online at witness.lcms.org.
Students Saffron and Lindsay along with Choir Director Greg Gastler from Lutheran High School South in St. Louis, Missouri, join Andy and Sarah to talk about their school and what they love about it during National Lutheran Schools Week. Learn more about LHSS at lhssstl.org.
Learn about National Lutheran Schools Week festivities at lcms.org/lutheranschoolsweek.
Violet T. – Tenderheart in American Heritage Girls Troop VA0325, and Adalyn T. – Girl Member in American Heritage Girls Troop NE0508, join Andy to share their experiences in the 2019 March for Life in Washington, D.C., including their favorite things about the March and ways AHG has helped them learn about respecting life. Violet said, “It was great to see how many people come out and march for life. People are excited and they care so much about it.” Adalyn said the most memorable part of the March was, ““All the noises… the people cheering and chanting, the music playing from speakers, musical instruments playing, kids cheering. The sounds were so fun and encouraging and they made it easy to join in.” Learn more about American Heritage Girls at americanheritagegirls.org.
Dr. Bruce Carvell, Artistic Director of the Collegium Vocale of St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the upcoming “Rejoice and Be Glad!: Four Sacred Cantatas by Christoph Graupner,” a concert of Baroque sacred music on Sunday, February 3, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. Dr. Bruce Carvell will give an introductory lecture at 2:30 p.m. to provide greater context and insight into Graupner and his music. The concert will be performed at Concordia Lutheran Church, 505 S. Kirkwood Road, 63122. Learn more about the Collegium Vocale at collegiumvocaleofsaintlouis.org and find the concert Facebook event at facebook.com/events/2166032963648935.
Rev. Warren Woerth, pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Arnold, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why creation education is so important for people of all ages and to preview upcoming creation education events in Missouri. Events mentioned are:
“Creation Truth Conference” sponsored by Missouri Association for Creation. Friday, March 1 – Saturday, March 2 at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO. Find details and register at mocreation.org/TruthConf.
“The Alternative: Creation’s Competitive Edge” presented by Dr. Robert Carter at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Arnold, MO on March 3 at 2:00 p.m. Dr. Carter is a PhD Marine Biologist and speaker for Creation Ministries whose current focus is analyzing and determining the implications of DNA data gleaned from genome mapping databases. Find details at creation.com/events/us/181204251440537380018O.
“Thousands not Billions: How Old is the Earth?” 2019 Society of Creation Conference. Friday, June 14 – Saturday June 15 at the LCMS International Center in St. Louis, MO. Find details and register at societyofcreation.org/conferences.php.
Students Joshua and Taylor along with Assistant Principal Rob Stock from Metro East Lutheran High School join Andy to talk about their school and what they love about it during National Lutheran Schools Week. Learn more about MELHS at melhs.org.
Learn about National Lutheran Schools Week festivities at lcms.org/lutheranschoolsweek.
Rev. Mark Birkholz, pastor of Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his interest in bird watching, how to get started in bird watching, and how bird watching gives him an appreciation for our Creator.
Mr. Spangler and students Sophia, Kennedy, and Mason from Christ Community Lutheran School in Kirkwood, Missouri, join Andy to talk about their school and what they love about it during National Lutheran Schools Week. Learn more about CCLS at ccls-stlouis.org.
Learn about National Lutheran Schools Week festivities at lcms.org/lutheranschoolsweek.
Rev. Vince Parks— Executive Director of LINC, and Rev. Lonnie Gonzalez— City Director of LINC Houston, join Sarah to talk about LINC and LINC Houston, the unique needs of the people in Houston, and how LINC makes a difference in each community it serves. Learn more about LINC Houston at linchouston.org.
The Coffee Hour went on the road to the 2019 March for Life in Washington, D.C.! In this episode, Sarah Gulseth presents reflections and conversations from her time at the March, including conversations with the Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison— President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod; the Rev. Dr. Al Espinosa— senior pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Irvine, California; the Rev. Michael Salemink— Executive Director of Lutherans for Life; the Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz— Executive Director of the Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty; and Jeaneen Wyly— teacher at Lutheran High School Westland in Westland, Michigan.
Dr. Tom Mueller— Assistant Professor of Church Music and University Organist at Concordia University Irvine, California, and Dr. Mark Bender— Minister of Music at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Des Peres, Missouri, join Sarah to talk about Dr. Mueller’s upcoming organ concert on Sunday, January 27 at 4:00 p.m. for the Music at St. Paul’s Series. Special cameras will show the organ console during the concert so you can watch his playing! Learn more about this concert and the MASP series at facebook.com/MASP12345.
David Fiala, DCE, Assistant Director of Missionary Recruitment for the LCMS Office of International Mission, joins Sarah to talk about the current needs for missionary recruitment (looking at you, Lutheran accountants and project managers), and what the process is for becoming a missionary. Learn more and start your application at lcms.org/serve.
Dr. Becky Schmidt, Director of School Ministry with the LCMS Office of National Mission, joins Sarah and guest co-host Rachel Bomberger, managing editor of the Lutheran Witness, to talk about what makes Lutheran Schools integral to our communities, the festivities that happen during National Lutheran Schools Week, and why this week is important for our Lutheran school families. Find resources at lcms.org/lutheranschoolsweek and learn more about LCMS School Ministry at lcms.org/schoolministry. Follow LCMS School Ministry to see NLSW updates and to join in the National Sing-A-Long at facebook.com/LCMSschools. Don’t forget to use your hashtags #NLSW19 #LuthEd!
Deaconess Dorothy Krans— Director of Recognized Service Organizations for the LCMS, and LCMS Communications team members Erik Lunsford— Managing Photojournalist, Peter Slayton— Social Media Manager, and Kevin Armbrust— Director of Editorial Services, join Sarah to share their reflections and experiences at the 2019 LCMS Life Conference and the March for Life in Washington, D.C. Share your stories from the March for Life on social media using the LCMS hashtags #eyesoflife #JoyfullyLutheran #JoyfullyAlive and the March for Life hashtags #MarchforLife #whywemarch #uniquefromdayone.
.Learn more about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, read Eyes of Life stories at eyesoflife.org, and find Joyfully Lutheran stories at joyfullylutheran.org.
Dr. Jim Marriott, Director of Musical Arts for Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, joins Sarah to talk about Epiphany hymns, including Lutheran Service book 395, 397, and 403, as well as the theological themes we sing about in Epiphany and why singing the hymns of the church is so important for our life of faith.
Rev. Tim Droegemueller, Pastor of Living Faith Lutheran Church in Cumming, Georgia, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the importance of adult catechesis and how the seasons of the church year play into how the catechism and vocation are taught in his congregation. Read the explanation of his process at livingfaithlutheran.com/im-new. This is a rebroadcast from June 8, 2018.
Brenda Jank, founder of Run Hard. Rest Well., joins Andy and Sarah to talk about whether men and women rest differently, how that looks in daily life, and why it matters to couples and families. Read her blog post at runhardrestwell.com/7813-2 and follow Run Hard. Rest Well. at facebook.com/runhardrestwell. This is a rebroadcast from May 1, 2018.
Rev. Michael Schuermann, pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Sherman, Illinois, and his wife Katie Schuermann, author of the Anthems of Zion series and He Remembers the Barren, brought their goddaughters Olivia and Lydia Brown from South Dakota to join Andy and Sarah in studio to talk about the vocations of godparent and godchild. They share stories about how they talk to each other about baptism, the love of Jesus, and the rewards the girls receive for memorizing many thing (including maybe even the Athanasian Creed down the road). Listen to this heart-warming and hopeful conversation and hear the faith of the church professed from the mouths of children and encouraged by their faithful godparents. This is a rebroadcast from June 20, 2018.
Rev. Dr. Rick Marrs, Associate Professor of Practical Theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, joins Sarah and guest host Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, Illinois, in part two of our conversation about when you should talk to your pastor, specifically what to expect in your conversation, how to approach him with your question, and why you aren’t a burden on him. This is part two of this conversation, and you can hear part one here! Today’s program is a rebroadcast from March 12, 2018.
Rev. Dr. Rick Marrs, Associate Professor of Practical Theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, joins Sarah and guest host Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, Illinois, to talk about the difference between pastoral care and counseling, when you should talk to your pastor, and why pastors need to know what you’re going through. This is part one of this conversation, and you can hear part two here! Today’s program is a rebroadcast from March 12, 2018.
Rev. William Weedon, Director of Worship with the LCMS, joins Sarah and guest co-host Rachel Bomberger, managing editor of the Lutheran Witness, to talk about the difference between Christmas and Epiphany and a few of the themes we find in the season of Epiphany. Find worship resources at lcms.org/worship.
Rachel Bomberger, managing editor of the Lutheran Witness, joins Sarah to talk about how the theme of the January Lutheran Witness also applies in the home, including how parents influence their children in the Word of God and how spouses also encourage each other in the Word. Find the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe at cph.org/witness.
Emmy Woock, Director of Music Ministries at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Elmhurst, Illinois, joins Sarah and guest co-host Rev. William Weedon, LCMS Director of Worship, to talk about the importance of training young people in the music and liturgy of the church, the program she created to teach young people to play organ, and how other churches can do the same. Follow Redeemer at facebook.com/RedeemerElmhurst. This is a rebroadcast from July 23, 2018.
Rev. Dr. John Sias, Secretary of the LCMS, joins Sarah to talk about the upcoming deadlines regarding the 2019 National Synodical Convention (including nominations for president!), presidential election voter registration, and the overtures that will be considered at convention. Learn more about the upcoming convention at lcms.org/convention.
Cheryl Magness, Managing Editor of Reporter Online with LCMS Communications, joins Sarah for an overview of the January edition of the Reporter, including a photo spread from Erik Lunsford, an special insert on Worker Wellness, and many stories on important things going on around the Synod. Find online stories and subscribe to the Reporter at reporter.lcms.org.
Rev. Tyrel Bramwell, pastor of St Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ferndale, California, KFUO Radio’s Church of the Week, joins Sarah to talk about who St. Mark’s is, and also the rich theology of the Baptism of Jesus. Learn more about St. Mark’s at stmarksferndale.com.
Rev. Adam and Deaconess Melissa DeGroot, domestic missionaries in Albuquerque, New Mexico, join Sarah to talk about their work in New Mexico, the congregation they’re serving at St. Andrew, and their hope for St. Andrew in the coming months. Follow their story in their Facebook Group DeGroots in ABQ and find information about St. Andrew Lutheran Church at saintandrewlutheran.church and facebook.com/standrewabq. If you’d like to support their work as missionaries, visit lcms.org/degroot.
Dr. David Scaer, The David P. Scaer Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology and Chairman of Systematic Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Sarah to talk about the upcoming Symposia Series, including the exegetical symposium on themes in the Gospel of John and the systematic symposium focusing on the meaning of Biblical authority. Find details and register at ctsfw.edu/ctsfw-events/symposia.
Deaconess Betsy Karkan, university deaconess at Concordia University Chicago, joins Sarah and guest co-host Peter Slayton, LCMS social media manager, to talk about some survival tips for the March for Life, including what to expect, things to pack, and what to look forward to. If you’re planning on joining the LCMS groups at the 2019 Chicago or DC marches, look for fluorescent yellow hats and meet at Federal Plaza in Chicago, and on 12th street between Jefferson and Madison in DC. Find details about the Chicago March at marchforlife-chicago.org and the DC March at marchforlife.org/mfl-2019.
Rev. Eric Longman, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson, Missouri, joins Sarah and guest co-host Peter Slayton, LCMS social media manager, to talk about the “Night to Shine” event being held at St. Paul on February 8. “Night to Shine” is a prom experience for people with special needs, to show the love of Christ to them in a festive environment. Learn more about the event at St. Paul at stpauljackson.com/night-to-shine, and find more information about “Night to Shine” at timtebowfoundation.org/ministries/night-to-shine.
Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, Illinois, joins Sarah to talk about the theology of the Baptism of our Lord using hymns we sing for this day in our liturgical calendar, specifically Lutheran Service Book 405 “To Jordan’s River Came Our Lord” and 404 “Jesus Once with Sinners Numbered.”
Text of LSB 405 “To Jordan’s River Came Our Lord” © 1993 James P. Tiefel
Marguerite Duane, MD, MHA, FAAFP, Executive Director of FACTS (Fertility Appreciation Collaborative to Teach the Science), joins Sarah to talk about what fertility awareness based methods (FABMs) are, how they fit into whole-body wellness, and why medical professionals should know how to use them in their practices. FACTS is offering one day CME conferences geared to educate more medical professionals about the science supporting fertility awareness based methods. Learn more and register at FACTSaboutfertility.org/learn-more/conferences.
Sara Corenti, MS RD LD, Health and Wellness Educator with Concordia Plan Services, joins Sarah and guest co-host Rachel Bomberger, managing witness of the Lutheran Witness, to talk about strategies for coping with seasonal affective disorder, resources for mental health, and some great ways to eat healthy during the winter. For Concordia Health Plan members, find Employee Assistance Program resources at mycigna.com, and non-CHP members can access resources at my.cigna.com?token=LCMS.
Rev. Dr. Mark Wood, director of LCMS Witness & Outreach and Revitalization, joins Sarah and guest co-host Rachel Bomberger, managing witness of the Lutheran Witness, to talk about witnessing from a Lutheran perspective, how the Apostles’ Creed creates a framework for how we can share Jesus’ story with others, and how we live out our lives as witnesses to the Gospel. Read Rev. Wood’s article “Evangelism” in the January edition of the Lutheran Witness, which you can subscribe to at cph.org/witness. Find online articles at witness.lcms.org.
Rachel Bomberger, managing editor of the Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the January edition of the Lutheran Witness which includes great articles on the topic of missions and witness from a Lutheran perspective. These articles will enlighten and challenge you in a wonderful way! Find your copy of the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
Patti Garibay, Founder and Executive Director of American Heritage Girls, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how American Heritage Girls demonstrates an affirmation of life, how AHG troops will be learning about and supporting the value of human life, and the Respect Life patch that girls are eligible to earn. Learn more about American Heritage Girls at aghonline.org.