The Coffee Hour from KFUO Radio

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia! Sing a beautiful Easter Cantata with us today. Rev. Brian Hamer, US Navy Chaplain, joins Sarah and Andy to talk about J.S. Bach's BWV 4, "Christ lag in Todesbanden" (Christ Lay in Death's Strong Bands), including the texts for this cantata, unique features that set it apart from Bach's other sacred works, the familiar melody that unites each movement, and beautiful highlights from each of the movements. Find the familiar hymn, Lutheran Service Book 458, at hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/458, and read Chaplain Hamer's column on this cantata and hymn at whatdoesthismean.org/lifted-voice--brian-hamer/cantatas-over-coffee-christ-jesus-lay-in-deaths-strong-bands.

What can we learn from Maundy Thursday hymns? Benjamin Kolodziej, Church Organist and Musicologist, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Maundy Thursday Hymns, their history, theology, and author. Hear this discussion on Lutheran Service Book 445 "When You Woke That Thursday Morning," Lutheran Service Book 446 "Jesus, Greatest at the Table," and Lutheran Service Book 617 "O Lord, We Praise Thee."

Rev. Sean Daenzer, Director of Worship for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and International Center Chaplain, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the services of the Triduum during Holy Week, the origins of these services, what makes Tenebrae a unique service among the others, and the beautiful Responsories used in the Medieval church during these Tenebrae services.
 
 Listen to the Responsories by Carlo Gesualdo on YouTube.
 
 This program originally aired April 5, 2023.

How does Lutheran Elementary education make a difference for students, and how does LESA support families and educators? Amee Colvin — Director of Fund Development and Marketing with Lutheran Elementary School Association (LESA) in St. Louis, MO, and Mark Debrick — Principal of Zion Lutheran School in St. Charles, MO, join Sarah to talk about how Zion Lutheran serves the surrounding community, what makes Zion a unique place for children to learn about Jesus, how Zion partners with LESA to provide exemplary education for their students, the work that LESA does to support families and educators, and the upcoming A Night for Kids Dinner and Auction on April 13, 2024. Learn more about the Dinner and Auction at lesastl.org/2024-a-night-for-kids-dinner-auction-pre-event. Find the St. Louis Post-Dispatch article on Lutheran Schools at stltoday.com.

We hear Psalm 22 during Holy Week, so how do we see it fulfilled? Rev. Andrew Jones, pastor of First Lutheran Church and Preschool in Concord, California, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the place of Psalm 22 in Holy Week, the theme of Psalm 22, how it walks us through Holy Week, and where we see fulfillments of the Psalm in Holy Week. Read his CPH blog post at blog.cph.org/study/the-fulfillment-of-psalm-22-in-holy-week.
 
 This program originally aired March 30, 2021.

Why is supporting church workers important to the LWML? Eden Keefe, President of LWML (Lutheran Women in Mission), joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about both her personal interest and LWML's interest in supporting and loving church workers, why LWML is invented in forming and recruiting church workers in congregations and school, the $100,000 mission offering grant for Set Apart to Serve, and her encouragement for women and laity to intentionally encourage young people to consider full-time church work. Learn more about the LWML and their mission grants at lwml.org.
 Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
 
 Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
 
 Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
 
 Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
 
 To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.

Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, Texas, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the difference between Palm Sunday and Sunday of the Passion, how the Church typically observes Palm Sunday, what makes this day unique in the Church Year, and the scripture readings and hymns we have for this day. Learn more about our Lutheran Church Year and practices at lcms.org/worship.
 
 This program originally aired March 25, 2021.

How does Lutheran Braille Workers reach the blind and visually impaired with the Gospel? Daniel Jenkins, President of Lutheran Braille Workers (LBW), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the current status of the blind and visually impaired population in the US, the opportunities for sharing the Gospel with this population, how LBW has reached the blind and visually impaired in the last year, how LBW is able to serve those in prison, and stories of the growing need for accessible Bibles and faith-development materials. Learn more about LBW's work and how to support them, including volunteer opportunities, at lbwloveworks.org.

How can parents respond when a child wanders from the faith? Kay Meyer — Founder and Director of Family Shield Ministries, and Paula Isakson — Founder of Faith Family Reunion, join Andy and Sarah to share Paula's story of bring raised in a Christian family, wandering away from faith, how her parents responded to her decisions, and what ultimately brought her back to the church. Learn more about Family Shield Ministries, including the merger with Faith Family Reunion, at familyshieldministries.com.

J.S. Bach's St. John Passion is an experience like none other during Holy Week. Dr. Maurice Boyer, Music Director of the American Kantorei, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Bach's St. John Passion and how it fits into his body of work, why this is an important piece in music history as we celebrate its 300th anniversary, some key highlights of the work, and what will sound familiar to those listening to the work. Learn more about American Kantorei at americankantorei.org.
 
 Resources from this episode:
 
 The Beginner's Guide to the St. John Passion: witness.lcms.org/2022/a-beginners-guide-to-bachs-st-john-passion
 St. John Passion from the Netherlands Bach Society: youtube.com/watch?v=zMf9XDQBAaI
 
 Sunday, March 24th
 The Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus
 Concordia Seminary
 801 Seminary Place, Clayton, MO 63105
 
 Tuesday, March 26th
 St. Paul’s Lutheran Church
 12345 Manchester Road, Des Peres, MO 63131
 
 Additionally, Concordia Seminary is celebrating J.S. Bach in additional ways! You are invited to a celebration of the 300th anniversary of the St. John Passion at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, beginning with a lecture at 5 p.m. Thursday, March 21, in the Hasse Library and will continue with a concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 24 — Palm Sunday — in the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus on the Seminary campus, 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO 63105. The lecture will feature Dr. Maurice Boyer, music director of the American Kantorei. A reception will follow at 6 p.m. in the Hasse Library. The free concert will feature the American Kantorei, with a reception following the performance at 5:30 p.m. in Koburg Hall.p.m. To learn more about the Seminary’s annual music events, including the Concordia Seminary Concert Series, please visit csl.edu/music.

How does the LCMS English District make it a priority to raise up church workers from their congregations? Rev. Dr. Jamison Hardy, Bishop of the LCMS English District, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about his own story of how he became a pastor, what the English District is doing to encourage men and women to consider full-time church work, some stories of how he has witnessed men and women enter full-time church work, and how Set Apart to Serve is a resource to help the English District form and recruit church workers.
 
 Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
 
 Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
 
 Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
 
 Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
 
 To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.

In what ways are LCMS Chaplains and others providing spiritual care for the incarcerated today? Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Nehrt, pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Greenville, IL, and Prison Ministry Coordinator for the LCMS Southern Illinois District, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how he became involved in prison ministry, how prison ministry has made a difference for the incarcerated, who serves in prison ministry, and how continuing education is important for those serving in prison ministry. Learn more about the Prison Ministry Coordinator Conference on April 15-16 at sidlcms.org/2024/03/05/prison-2024-ministry-coordinator-conference. For registration information, email [email protected] or text/call Pastor Nehrt at 618-292-4392.

Why does good leadership matter, and what makes an effective leader? Dr. Elisabeth Bennett, Associate Professor and Director of the Master of Science in Leadership at the Batterman School of Business at Concordia University Wisconsin, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about her own leadership story, some key qualities of an effective leader, and how the leadership programs at CUW and CUAA help leaders develop these qualities. Learn more about these faith-based programs at cuw.edu/academics/programs/leadership-masters/index.html and cuaa.edu/academics/programs/leadership-masters/index.html.
 
 Register for the upcoming Master of Science in Leadership Information Session on March 20 at 2:00 p.m. CT at cuwaa.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_RhTlTII0Ro6rd5yMwAmkzw.

What should someone look for when identifying a mental health professional for myself or a loved one? Stephen M. Saunders, PhD, Schneider Endowed Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Marquette University, and author of Martin Luther on Mental Health: Practical Advice for Christians Today available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about factors to consider when looking for a mental health professional, red flags to avoid, how to overcome some fears of seeing a mental health professional for the first time, expected outcomes of a first session, and how to speak about faith with a mental health professional.
 
 Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9:00 a.m. CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
 
 Disclaimer: Dr. Saunders is a professional clinical psychologist and is very pleased to offer ideas and suggestions about mental health and mental health problems on these shows. However, one of the most important pieces of advice Dr. Saunders frequently gives is to get professional help when you need it. Nothing said on these shows should be taken as therapy or treatment or as a substitute for personal consultation with a professional.

How do relationships, opportunities, and invitations encourage young people to remain in the church and consider church work? Rev. Seth Flick, pastor of Divine Redeemer Lutheran Church in Hartland, WI , joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about his formation as a pastor and who encouraged him in this pursuit, his congregation's emphasis on their duty to raise up future church workers, how they use relationships and opportunities and invitations to encourage children in the faith, and the roles of other church workers and parents in their approach. 
 
 
 Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
 
 Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
 
 Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
 
 Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
 
 To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.

What's it like to lead a team of college students on an international mission trip to the Czech Republic? Rev. Richard Woelmer — Pastor of University Lutheran Church at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, and Erin Alter — Director of Short-Term Missions for the LCMS Office of International Mission, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how international mission trips have been a valuable part of Pastor Woelmer's ministry to students, what was most helpful to him in preparing to lead a team, what was the most challenging part of leading an international team for the first time, what students are looking forward to on the upcoming trip to the Czech Republic, and how LCMS Office of International Mission equips team leaders for short-term mission events. Find ways to serve at servenow.lcms.org and follow LCMS Office of International Mission at facebook.com/LCMSInternationalMission and instagram.com/lcmsinternationalmission.

How did the new "Missouri Synod" position itself in the midst of other synods? Was fellowship possible with other groups? What became of the other synods that existed in the mid-1800s, and when did the German identity become less significant for the Lutherans who founded the Missouri Synod? Hear these stories and the influence of characters such as Johannes Andreas August Grabau and L.F.E Krause.
 
 Rev. Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for our nine-episode series on the History of the LCMS. Find more from Dr. Mackenzie at video.ctsfw.edu.

This issue of LW encourages us to be a hopeful community. In current English usage, “hope” usually expresses a wish about something yet to be determined, such as, “I hope I don’t have cancer,” or “I hope the Astros win the World Series.” In the Bible, hope does not convey mere wishfulness; rather, it conveys expectation — patiently waiting for God’s reliable promises in His Word to be fulfilled, since He “has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3). Christian hope is not in this life, with all its changes and chances. Paul says, “If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead” (1 Corinthians 15:19–20). Through Christ, you “are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God” (1 Peter 1:21). Your hope is sure and certain because it rests upon “the word of the Lord [that] remains forever” (1 Peter 1:25).
 
 Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the March 2024 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "A Community of the Word" on 1 Peter 1:22–2:3. This year, "Searching Scripture" is themed "Elect Exiles" and will walk through the First Epistle of St. Peter. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us!
 
 Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
 
 1 Peter 1:22–2:3
 
 22 Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, 23 since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; 24 for
 
 “All flesh is like grass
 and all its glory like the flower of grass.
 The grass withers,
 and the flower falls,
 25 but the word of the Lord remains forever.”
 
 And this word is the good news that was preached to you.
 
 A Living Stone and a Holy People
 
 2 So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. 2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.
 
 English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org

What is the role and scope of a pastor or a mental health professional when someone is experiencing a mental health crisis? Stephen M. Saunders, PhD, Schneider Endowed Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Marquette University, and author of Martin Luther on Mental Health: Practical Advice for Christians Today available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy, Sarah, and guest co-host Deaconess Tiffany Manor to talk about the scope of help a pastor or church worker might offer to one experiencing a mental health problem, the scope of a mental health professional when it comes to mental health and faith, why it's important to understand and respect these distinctions, what congregations can do to be helpful in caring for those with mental health problems, and what congregations can do to address the stigma of mental health problems and mental illness. Find more information on NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness) at nami.org.
 
 
 Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9:00 a.m. CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
 
 Disclaimer: Dr. Saunders is a professional clinical psychologist and is very pleased to offer ideas and suggestions about mental health and mental health problems on these shows. However, one of the most important pieces of advice Dr. Saunders frequently gives is to get professional help when you need it. Nothing said on these shows should be taken as therapy or treatment or as a substitute for personal consultation with a professional.

How does a church family and culture help to form and shape future church workers? Rev. Dr. Scott Murray, Senior Pastor at Memorial Lutheran Church in Houston, Texas, and 3rd Vice President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about his formation as a pastor, who was significantly supportive during his pastoral education and formation, how Memorial Lutheran Church shows her commitment to encouraging and raising up church workers, how the acolyte program has given opportunities to encourage youth to consider church work, and how the vicarage program has increased awareness in the congregation of church work vocations.
 
 Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
 
 Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
 
 Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
 
 Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
 
 To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.

What progress has been made in Black Ministry in the last 50 years, and what challenges still remain? Ms. Nikki Rochester — active in the Coalition of Lutherans in Black Ministry, and Rev. Donald Anthony — Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Concord and Crown In Glory Lutheran Church in Salisbury, North Carolina, join Andy and Sarah to share their own involvement in LCMS Black Ministry, some key developments of LCMS Black Ministry in the last several decades, and how community-building and relationships matter in this work.
 
 
 Resources in this series:
 
 LCMS Black Ministry lcms.org/how-we-serve/national/black-ministry
 Roses and Thorns by Dr. Richard C. Dickenson cph.org/roses-and-thorns-black-lutheran-centennial
 Recommended reading from LCMS Black Ministry lcms.org/how-we-serve/national/black-ministry/recommended-reading
 This Far by Faith augsburgfortress.org/store/category/286353/This-Far-by-Faith 
 
 One Nation under God: Healing Racial Divides in America by Keith Haney cph.org/one-nation-under-god-healing-racial-divides-in-america-downloadable

We've come to the creation of The German Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and Other States in the first convention in Chicago in 1847. What happened at this convention, and who made up the first Synod? What institutions joined the Synod? Who was the first missionary, and where did he serve? Hear these things and a bit of trivia about the church where this first convention was held.
 
 
 Rev. Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for our nine-episode series on the History of the LCMS. Find more from Dr. Mackenzie at video.ctsfw.edu.

How does Classical Education serve the community and congregation? Rev. Stephen Kieser, Headmaster and Associate Pastor at Faith Lutheran Church & School in Plano, Texas, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how and why Faith Lutheran School began, how a classical Lutheran school supports families in their congregation and community, the challenges of a congregation operating a classical Lutheran school in a consumer-driven culture, and stories from parents and children about why they love having a classical Lutheran school. Learn more about Faith Lutheran School at flsplano.org.

What is a helpful conversation? What is not a helpful conversation? Stephen M. Saunders, PhD, Schneider Endowed Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Marquette University, and author of Martin Luther on Mental Health: Practical Advice for Christians Today available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy, Sarah, and guest co-host Deaconess Tiffany Manor to talk about what makes good conversation about mental health, the goal of a helpful conversation, an example from Luther that can illustrate the application of advice we’ve discussed so far for helpful conversations, and what we should consider if planning to have a helpful conversation.
 
 Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9:00 a.m. CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
 
 Disclaimer: Dr. Saunders is a professional clinical psychologist and is very pleased to offer ideas and suggestions about mental health and mental health problems on these shows. However, one of the most important pieces of advice Dr. Saunders frequently gives is to get professional help when you need it. Nothing said on these shows should be taken as therapy or treatment or as a substitute for personal consultation with a professional.

Why is it fitting for Lutherans to adopt today, and what may be unique about Lutheran or Christian adoption? Rev. Michael Salemink, Executive Director Lutherans for Life, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the upcoming Lutheran Adoption Conference, the need for adoption today, why it is fitting for Lutherans to adopt today, and what may be unique about Lutheran or Christian adoption. Learn more and register at Lutheransadopt.org.

What did Black Ministry look like in the 1960s and 1970s, and how did the civil unrest during that time shape Black Ministry? Rev. Dr. McNair Ramsey — Retired Pastor from Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wittenburg, Alabama, and serving as 1st Vice President of the LCMS Southern District of the LCMS, and Rev. Michael Shannon — Pastor of Faith Lutheran in Shreveport, Louisiana join Andy and Sarah to share their own stories of Lutheranism, Dr. Ramsey's education under Dr. Rosa Young in Alabama, Rev. Shannon's experience of converting to Lutheranism, the significant developments of LCMS Black Ministry in the 1960s and 1970s, and how the unrest among the broader society during this era shape Black Ministry. 
 
 Resources in this series:
 
 LCMS Black Ministry lcms.org/how-we-serve/national/black-ministry
 Roses and Thorns by Dr. Richard C. Dickenson cph.org/roses-and-thorns-black-lutheran-centennial
 Recommended reading from LCMS Black Ministry lcms.org/how-we-serve/national/black-ministry/recommended-reading

As Lutherans continue to form synods in America, what is the story of the Ohio Synod, and how did American Protestantism begin to have a poor influence on Lutherans? Why were the German Lutherans so concerned about retaining the German language? Hear these stories and the history of the meetings leading up to the First Convention of The German Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and Other States.
 
 Rev. Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for our nine-episode series on the History of the LCMS. Find more from Dr. Mackenzie at video.ctsfw.edu.

How can the arts, specifically music and rap, engage communities and reach people with the Gospel? Flame — Lutheran rap artist, author of Extra Nos: Discovering Grace outside Myself (available from CPH), and creative behind Extra Nos Academy, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about rap as art, art in outreach to engage communities, what he's been working on and upcoming projects, Extra Nos Conferences, and the value he sees in equipping laity to understand great Biblical doctrine. (Plus, hear his answers to our Lightning Round!) Find Flame's book at books.cph.org/extra-nos and find Extra Nos Academy at extranosacademy.com.

What is Luther's advice for managing behaviors associated with mental health?
 
 Stephen M. Saunders, PhD, Schneider Endowed Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Marquette University, and author of Martin Luther on Mental Health: Practical Advice for Christians Today available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy, Sarah, and guest co-host Deaconess Tiffany Manor to talk about Luther's advice for behavior, Luther's understanding of Anfechtung, how Anfechtung is different from mental illness, and Luther's personal experience with Anfechtung.
 
 Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9:00 a.m. CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
 
 Disclaimer: Dr. Saunders is a professional clinical psychologist and is very pleased to offer ideas and suggestions about mental health and mental health problems on these shows. However, one of the most important pieces of advice Dr. Saunders frequently gives is to get professional help when you need it. Nothing said on these shows should be taken as therapy or treatment or as a substitute for personal consultation with a professional.

How do faithful Lutheran school leaders encourage children to pursue church work? Thomas Wrege, Principal of Zion Lutheran Church & School in Georgetown, TX, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about his journey from the military to Concordia Nebraska to Lutheran education, how the military prepared him for service in the church, how he sees faithful Lutheran school leaders encouraging children to consider church work vocations, how his relationship with students resulted in some of them considering a church work vocation, and how we form and recruit Lutheran school principals. Learn more about the Lutheran Education Association (LEA) at lea.org.
 
 
 Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
 
 Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
 
 Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
 
 Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
 
 To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.

What was life like as a pastor's kid during LCMS Black Ministry from 1927-1977? Mrs. Cheri Laurent Blair joins Andy and Sarah to share her personal family history of LCMS Black Ministry, including her family's story, her father's service to the church, where her father trained to become a pastor, her memories of how her father cared for his congregation, and more stories from her childhood. 
 
 Resources in this series:
 
 LCMS Black Ministry lcms.org/how-we-serve/national/black-ministry
 
 Roses and Thorns by Dr. Richard C. Dickenson cph.org/roses-and-thorns-black-lutheran-centennial
 Recommended reading from LCMS Black Ministry lcms.org/how-we-serve/national/black-ministry/recommended-reading

How did Lutheranism settle on the American frontier, and what was the religious culture like in those remote areas? What was the relationship between the Lutheran missionaries and Native Americans on the frontier? Hear these stories and the influence of men like Friedrich August Craemer and Wilhelm Sihler on the frontier Lutheran churches and the formation of Lutheran church bodies and seminaries.
 
 
 Find the Lutheran Ladies’ Lounge podcast episode about Dorothea Craemer at kfuo.org/2021/04/09/lutheran-ladies-lounge-episode-080-story-time-with-sarah-dorothea-craemer-goes-to-america.
 
 Rev. Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for our nine-episode series on the History of the LCMS. Find more from Dr. Mackenzie at video.ctsfw.edu.

What can humans do that artificial intelligence will never be able to do? Why should we care? Dr. Robert Marks — Distinguished Professor at Baylor University, Director of Discovery’s Walter Bradley Center for Natural & Artificial Intelligence, and author of Non-Computable You: What You Do Artificial Intelligence Never Will, and Dr. Elisabeth Bennett — Associate Professor and Director of the Master of Science in Leadership for the Haab School of Business at Concordia University Wisconsin, join Andy and Sarah to talk about what sparked Dr. Marks' interest in design and AI that led to a full career in research and academia in this field, how AI has become useful to the average person and business, what humans do that AI never will, and the upcoming leadership conference at Concordia Unversity Wisconsin that will provide opportunities to learn more about human-centered leadership in the time of artificial intelligence. Find registration information for the Ignite & Inspire Leadership Conference at learn.cuw.edu
 
 Dr. Marks’ books:
 
 Non-Computable You: What You Do Artificial Intelligence Never Will
 For a Greater Purpose 
 Minding the Brain

What was the state of medicine and mental health care during the Renaissance Era and the time of Martin Luther? Stephen M. Saunders, PhD, Schneider Endowed Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Marquette University, and author of Martin Luther on Mental Health: Practical Advice for Christians Today available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy, Sarah, and guest co-host Deaconess Tiffany Manor to talk about how he first learned about Martin Luther’s experience with mental health problems, the understanding of medicine and mental health care during the Renaissance Era and the time of Luther, how mental illnesses typically were treated by physicians or other caregivers in this era, and how Martin Luther cared for souls with mental health problems and mental illness.
 
 Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9:00 a.m. CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
 
 Disclaimer: Dr. Saunders is a professional clinical psychologist and is very pleased to offer ideas and suggestions about mental health and mental health problems on these shows. However, one of the most important pieces of advice Dr. Saunders frequently gives is to get professional help when you need it. Nothing said on these shows should be taken as therapy or treatment or as a substitute for personal consultation with a professional.

It's soup season, so we're having a Live Soup-er Bowl Social! Mike Broberg, Administrator of Residential Services at Concordia Seminary in St Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Concordia Seminary Food Bank, how this service helps seminary students and their families, and how people can support the Food Bank. Call 314-505-7029, email [email protected], and visit csl.edu/campus-life/food-bank to learn more.

What did the first 50 years of LCMS Black Ministry look like, from 1877-1927? Rev. Dr. James McDaniels, serving St. Luke Lutheran Church in High Point, North Carolina, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Lutheran Synodical Conference's work in evangelization, some important figures in the early work of missionary work to Black Americans, Black Lutheran congregations that flourished in North Carolina and other areas, how Black professional church workers were raised up, some challenges of this work, and the joyful outcome of this work.
 
 Resources in this episode:
 
 LCMS Black Ministry lcms.org/how-we-serve/national/black-ministry
 Concordia Seminary's post about Marmaduke Carter facebook.com/ConcordiaSem/posts/948333803689601 
 Roses and Thorns by Dr. Richard C. Dickenson cph.org/roses-and-thorns-black-lutheran-centennial
 
 Recommended reading from LCMS Black Ministry lcms.org/how-we-serve/national/black-ministry/recommended-reading

What role did Frederick Wyneken and August Craemer play in Lutherans settling in Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan? Hear about these settlements, how Wyneken and Wilhelm Loehe partnered to send more German missionaries to America, and what happened with the Lutherans who remained in the German states. Find the Lutheran Ladies' Lounge podcast episode about Dorothea Craemer at kfuo.org/2021/04/09/lutheran-ladies-lounge-episode-080-story-time-with-sarah-dorothea-craemer-goes-to-america.
 
 Rev. Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for our nine-episode series on the History of the LCMS. Find more from Dr. Mackenzie at video.ctsfw.edu.

The February issue of the Lutheran Witness explores a broken community. Peter summons Christians to gather as a holy community — consecrated by and set apart for the One who alone is holy, God the Holy Trinity. Whenever Christians fall short of this calling, they inevitably revert to “the passions of [their] former ignorance” (1 Peter 1:14) and “the futile ways inherited from [their] forefathers” (1 Peter 1:18), whether the Gentile proclivity for idolatry and licentiousness or the Jewish inclination toward self-righteousness. Peter wisely guides us away from both antinomianism and legalism by upholding both Law and Gospel as God’s unchanging Word for humanity. He proclaims our redemption from sin by the blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:18–19) while urging sober-mindedness and reverent conduct (1 Peter 1:13, 17). In fact, believers can receive Peter’s quotation of Leviticus 11:44, “You shall be holy, for I am holy” (1 PETER 1:16), as both a command and promise: He will make us holy by His Word, so we must always “be holy in all [our] conduct” (1 Peter 1:15).
 
 Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the February 2024 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "A Holy Community" on 1 Peter 1:13–21. This year, "Searching Scripture" is themed "Elect Exiles" and will walk through the First Epistle of St. Peter. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us!
 
 Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
 
 1 Peter 1:13–21
 Called to Be Holy
 
 13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action,[a] and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 17 And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, 18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 20 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you 21 who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.
 
 Read full chapter
 
 Footnotes
 1 Peter 1:13 Greek girding up the loins of your mind
 
 English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org

What do we do with the stigma and shame around mental health problems? Stephen M. Saunders, PhD, Schneider Endowed Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Marquette University, and author of Martin Luther on Mental Health: Practical Advice for Christians Today available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy, Sarah, and guest co-host Deaconess Tiffany Manor to talk about what has led to stigma and shame around mental health problems, why we struggle with shame, and how we can understand mental illness and mental health problems.
 
 If you or someone you know struggles with self-harm, call or text the suicide prevention hotline at 988. Help is available, and you are not alone.
 
 Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9:00 a.m. CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
 
 Disclaimer: Dr. Saunders is a professional clinical psychologist and is very pleased to offer ideas and suggestions about mental health and mental health problems on these shows. However, one of the most important pieces of advice Dr. Saunders frequently gives is to get professional help when you need it. Nothing said on these shows should be taken as therapy or treatment or as a substitute for personal consultation with a professional.

How do men from various backgrounds become LCMS pastors? Rev. Harrison Goodman, Content Executive for Higher Things, and Rev. Randy Sturzenbecher, Vice President of Higher Things, join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about their paths to the pastoral ministry, how pastors serve in many and various ways in the church, who encouraged them to become pastors, and how Higher Things encourages youth to consider church work through their conferences and large amount of other resources. Learn more about Higher Things at higherthings.org.
 
 Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
 
 Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
 
 Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
 
 Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
 
 To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.

What's it like to be a writer, and what can we learn from Lutheran writers? Presenters from this year's Texas Lutheran Writers Roundup join Andy and Sarah to talk about their presentations and what people will learn at this year's event. Learn more about the Texas Lutheran Writers Roundup, including how you can attend if you're in Central Texas, at facebook.com/events/1121263108907395.
 
 Today's guest lineup:
 
 Sarah Baughman is the author of A Flame in the Dark (available from CPH). Find Sarah at sarahbaughman.org.
 Christina Hergenrader is the author of Inspired by the Holy Spirit: Four Habits for Faithful Living (available from CPH). Find Christina at christinahergenrader.com.
 Rev. Dr. Brian Kachelmeier is the author of Reading Isaiah with Luther (available from CPH). Find this book on CPH FaithCourses at youtube.com/watch?v=QAOPUOsLVKU.
 Rev. Dr. Christopher Kennedy is the author of Jesus Said What? (available from CPH).
 Ruth Meyer is the author of N for Nativity (available from CPH). Find Ruth at Ruthmeyerbooks.com.
 Donna Snow is the author of Meant for Good: a Study of Joseph (available from CPH). Find Donna at artesianministries.org.

Out of any place the Saxons could have settled in America, why did they choose Missouri? Hear about their journey, C.F.W. Walther's role in settling Lutherans in both St. Louis and Perry County, and the fallout from Martin Stephan's dramatic story with the Saxon immigrants. Find the Lutheran Ladies' Lounge episode on C.F.W Walther's wife Emilie at kfuo.org/2020/09/11/lutheran-ladies-lounge-episode-050-story-time-with-sarah-walthers-wife-emilie.
 
 Rev. Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for our nine-episode series on the History of the LCMS. Find more from Dr. Mackenzie at video.ctsfw.edu.

Kay Meyer, Founder and Director of Family Shield Ministries, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how Family Shield Ministries began, how they have served families throughout the history of the organization, and the work of Family Shield Ministries today. Learn more about Family Shield Ministries at familyshieldministries.com.

How are thoughts, emotions, and behaviors related to mental health, and how are these affected by social media? Stephen M. Saunders, PhD, Schneider Endowed Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Marquette University, and author of Martin Luther on Mental Health: Practical Advice for Christians Today available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and guest co-host Deaconess Tiffany Manor to talk about how mental health is related to emotions and behaviors, how social media affects our mental health, unique things about social media that may contribute to mental health problems in adolescents and young adults, and some practical advice for parents and others who care for youth and young adults.
 
 Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9:00 a.m. CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
 
 Disclaimer: Dr. Saunders is a professional clinical psychologist and is very pleased to offer ideas and suggestions about mental health and mental health problems on these shows. However, one of the most important pieces of advice Dr. Saunders frequently gives is to get professional help when you need it. Nothing said on these shows should be taken as therapy or treatment or as a substitute for personal consultation with a professional.

How does a love of languages serve future church workers? Rev. Joshua Hayes, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer, KS, editor of Johann Gerhard’s Theological Commonplaces (available from CPH), and a contributing translator to the American Edition of Luther’s Works, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about his story of considering and becoming a pastor, the challenges and joys in his journey, his love of languages, what a day in the life of a pastor looks like, and how he and his congregation encourages and forms youth and adults in the Christian faith and to consider a church work vocation.
 
 Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
 
 Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
 
 Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
 
 Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
 
 To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.

What happens at the National March for Life and how has it changed since the Dobbs decision in 2022? Deaconess Dr. Tiffany Manor, LCMS Director of Life Ministry, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the 2024 National March for Life, the long list of events surrounding the March, how state Marches have become more significant in the last few years, and LCMS resources that are available for congregations and groups interested in supporting life in their states and communities. Learn more about LCMS Life Ministry and the state Marches at lcmslife.org and find information on the Million Dollar Life Match grants at lcms.org/serve/grants/life-grant.

What's the rest of the story about Martin Stephan? How did his actions affect the Saxons in Perry County? Hear about his dramatic exit from the Lutheran community as well as the journey of the Saxons into their new homeland.
 
 Rev. Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for our nine-episode series on the History of the LCMS. Find more from Dr. Mackenzie at video.ctsfw.edu.

Robert Lunak, Superintendent of Lutheran Neighborhood Schools in the LCMS South Wisconsin District, joins Andy to talk about Lutheran education in South Wisconsin, what makes Lutheran Neighborhood Schools different, how this creative model will benefit students, and how our tradition of excellence in Lutheran education continues in this unique educational experience. Learn more about Lutheran Neighborhood Schools at mylns.org.
 
 This program originally aired October 19, 2023.

What are some risk factors for mental illness, and how are mental illnesses different in adolescents and young adults? Stephen M. Saunders, PhD, Schneider Endowed Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Marquette University, and author of Martin Luther on Mental Health: Practical Advice for Christians Today available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and guest co-host Deaconess Tiffany Manor to talk about risk factors for mental illness, how mental illness present differently in young people, and how mental health problems have increased over the last 13 years.
 
 Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9:00 a.m. CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
 
 Disclaimer: Dr. Saunders is a professional clinical psychologist and is very pleased to offer ideas and suggestions about mental health and mental health problems on these shows. However, one of the most important pieces of advice Dr. Saunders frequently gives is to get professional help when you need it. Nothing said on these shows should be taken as therapy or treatment or as a substitute for personal consultation with a professional.

Why is it important for parents to teach their children the faith, immerse them in God's Word in the home, and bring them faithfully to church? Allison and Michael Zeller, Members of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Fenton MO, join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about how they were formed in the faith and why it is important to teach their children the faith, what they do at home to teach the faith, how they see their roles in teaching their children the faith, and why it's important for them to bring their children to the Divine Service and Sunday school.
 
 Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
 
 Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
 
 Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
 
 Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
 
 To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.