The Coffee Hour from KFUO Radio

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: [email protected].

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: [email protected].

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: [email protected].

A new Christmas program is available from Higher Things! The Rev. Harrison Goodman (Content Executive for Higher Things) and Paige Rebber (Assistant Editor for Higher Things), join Andy and Sarah to talk about “Christmas FOR YOU.” Tune in to hear about the inspiration for this Christmas program, how kids will learn about and share the Christmas story, what's included, and how to use it. Download the program for free at higherthings.org/christmas.
 
 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: [email protected].

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: [email protected].

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: [email protected].

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: [email protected].

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: [email protected].

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: [email protected].

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: [email protected].

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: [email protected].

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:
 - 55th Anniversary Celebration
 - Veterans Day events
 - Thanksgiving services
 - Cookie Parade
 - Advent services
 - 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: [email protected].

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: [email protected].

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: [email protected].

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: [email protected].

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: [email protected].

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: [email protected].

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: [email protected].

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: [email protected].

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: [email protected].

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: [email protected].

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: [email protected].

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.
 
 _____________________________________________________________________
 
 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.