The Coffee Hour from KFUO Radio

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 3:8–17
 Suffering for Righteousness' Sake
 
 8 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 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.
 
 A follow-up note from April: "Just to be clear, any good that comes through our prayers or music or art comes from God, and only God. We are not the ones controlling or creating that good. He just allows us to carry it sometimes, which is one of the most lovely gifts, I think."

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.

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.

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.

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 3:1–7
 Wives and Husbands
 
 3 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
 
 Footnotes
 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.