The Coffee Hour from KFUO Radio

Who is Jeremiah, and what are we going to learn from him in this series? Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing, author of Overcoming Life’s Sorrows: Learning from Jeremiah, joins Andy and Sarah for Part 1 of our series on Overcoming Life's Sorrows to talk about how Jeremiah is, what we can understand about Babylon and Assyria, a brief overview of the timeline of Jeremiah, how the themes of hope and destruction are presented in Jeremiah, the writing style of Jeremiah, and what we have to look forward to in this series.
 
 Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing is Professor of Theology & Ministry, Director of the Pre-Seminary Program, and Director of The Center for Biblical Studies at Concordia University St. Paul, and author of Overcoming Life’s Sorrows: Learning from Jeremiah available from Concordia Publishing House. Find all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/overcoming-lifes-sorrows.

What is a mission education team, and what is its purpose? Aaron Wade — First-year student at Concordia Theology Seminary Fort Wayne, Patrick Randolph — Fourth-year student at Concordia Theology Seminary Fort Wayne, and Erin MacKenzie — Volunteer Coordinator for the Latin America and Caribbean Region with the LCMS Office of International Mission, join Andy to talk about their service on a mission education team, why Aaron and Patrick were interested in the mission education team to the Dominican Republic, what they learned during their time in the Dominican Republic, and how their time has shaped their seminary education and pastoral formation. Learn more about serving on a mission education team at servenow.lcms.org.

What is the emotion of Agency, and how do we experience it? Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, MSW, joins Andy and Sarah in our mini-series on Emotions to talk about how "agency" is defined, where or when we experience agency, how agency is subjective and/or objective, how agency is related to accessibility, and a helpful exercise to experience agency.
 
 Find your copy of Emotions and the Gospel: Created for Connection at books.cph.org/emotions-and-the-gospel. Listen to all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/emotions-and-the-gospel.
 
 Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
 
 View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.

What does formation as a Director of Christian Education (DCE) student look like? Concordia University Chicago DCE students Scott Treptow, Josh Meeks, Emily Minor, Justin Weber, and Mckenna Stanley, along with Dr. Debbie Arfsten — Professor of Christian Education, DCE Program Director, Director of Synodical Placement for Concordia University Chicago, join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about the students' interest in becoming a DCE, how the DCE program has affirmed their interest in this service to the Lord and His church, which classes have been key to their formation as servants in the church, and how Dr. Arfsten considers the experiences that are most important to the formation of servant leaders in Christian education.
 
 Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
 
 Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
 
 Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
 
 Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
 
 To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.

What happens during Christ Academy events at Concordia Theological Seminary? Rev. Matthew Wietfeldt, Assistant Vice President of Admission and Director of Christ Academy at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how Christ Academy has become a regular part of seminary life for the seminary community, the various offerings of Christ Academy each year, the focus of Christ Academy Family Institute, and what happens at Christ Academy Family Institute. Learn more and register at ctsfw.regfox.com/2024-christ-academy-family-institute-cafi.

How is Vocatio a great experience for high schoolers considering church work? Rev. Micah Glenn, Director of Recruitment and Enrollment at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what "Vocatio" means, how students gain a clearer understanding of church work and vocation at Vocatio, what students learn and experience during this event, and how this event has made a difference for past attendees. Learn more and register at csl.edu/admissions/visit/vocatio-high-school.

Why have a conference on Liturgy, Preaching and Church Music? Rev. Sean Daenzer — Director of Worship for the LCMS, and Christina Roberts — Kantor at Our Savior Lutheran Church and School in Grand Rapids, MI, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the 2024 Institute on Liturgy, Preaching and Church Music happening July 9-12, 2024, at Concordia University, Nebraska (CUNE) in Seward, Nebraska. They talk about how this conference will benefit pastors and church musicians, the theme of this year's conference, what attendees will learn in the keynote and special sessions, the fellowship festivities, and details about registration. Learn more and register at lcms.org/worshipinstitute.

What is the place of singing in Classical Lutheran education? Rev. Robert Paul, Associate Pastor and Headmaster at Memorial Lutheran Church and School in Houston, Texas, joins Andy and guest co-host Jordan Harms to talk about why classical Lutheran education is important to him and why he is invested in it, what happens at a CCLE conference, the place of singing in classical Lutheran education, and what this year's conference attendees will learn. Learn more and register at ccle.org/current-conference.
 
 Consortium for Classical Lutheran Education Conference
 July 23-26 at Concordia University Nebraska
 “Cantate: Sing to the LORD a New Song.”

What is the emotion of anger, and how do we experience it? Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, MSW, joins Andy and Sarah in our mini-series on Emotions to talk about what may be difficult to understand about anger, how anger is associated with justice and fairness, some anger-adjacent emotions, and how we can healthily process anger.
 
 Find your copy of Emotions and the Gospel: Created for Connection at books.cph.org/emotions-and-the-gospel. Listen to all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/emotions-and-the-gospel.
 
 Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
 
 View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.

How is gift planning beneficial for KFUO Radio and its donors? Mike Fischer, Senior Gift Planning Advocate with LCMS Mission Advancement, joins Andy and Sarah during Sharathon 2024 to talk about his work with Mission Advancement, what Mission Advancement's guiding theme of "Blessed to be a Blessing" means for KFUO Radio listeners, and how Mission Advancement can help KFUO listeners with planned giving. For more information, contact Mary Schmidt at (314) 996-1518.
 
 Learn more about Sharathon 2024 and give now at kfuo.org/sharathon.

How is KFUO Radio an essential part of prison ministry? Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Nehrt, pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Greenville, IL, and Prison Ministry Coordinator for the LCMS Southern Illinois District, joins Andy and Sarah during Sharathon 2024 to share the success of the recent Prison Ministry Conference and how KFUO Radio has been helpful to him and those he serves. 
 
 Learn more about Sharathon 2024 and give now at kfuo.org/sharathon.

Why is it important to tell the church’s story of how she raises up faithful church workers? Rev. Dr. James Baneck, LCMS Executive Director of Pastoral Education and Executive Director of Set Apart to Serve, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series during Sharathon 2024 to talk about the Set Apart to Serve stories we've shared over the last two years, who these stories have shaped his view of church work, some of his favorite stories, why it's important to share these stories, and what's next for the Set Apart to Serve Initiative. 
 
 Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
 
 Learn more about Sharathon 2024 and give now at kfuo.org/sharathon.
 
 Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
 
 Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
 
 Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
 
 To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.

Why is it important to remember and teach the church’s history today? Rev. Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah during Sharathon 2024 to talk about why learning history is so important for Christians, why it's important for laity as much as pastors and church leaders, his favorite era in church history to teach, and what we can look forward to in the next series in church history.
 
 
 Learn more about Sharathon 2024 and give now at kfuo.org/sharathon.

Why is it important to hear God’s Word daily? Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison, President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins Sarah during Sharathon 2024 to talk about the treasure of God's Word, what he would say to the team of founders of KFUO as they were considering this new medium of AM Radio 100 year ago, and how important our listeners and donors are as we continue this radio ministry for another 100 years.
 
 Learn more about Sharathon 2024 and give now at kfuo.org/sharathon.

How does the LWML share God's Word, and how does KFUO partner with LWML? Eden Keefe, President of LWML - Lutheran Women in Mission, joins Andy and Sarah for Sharathon 2024 to talk about how LWML partners with other organizations and ministries to proclaim the Good News of Jesus, what is beautiful and good about these partnerships, how the tiny little mite boxes make a big difference for these opportunities to support Gospel work around the globe, what's on deck for LWML this year and next year, and how KFUO has been a blessing for the LWML.
 
 Learn more about Sharathon 2024 and give now at kfuo.org/sharathon.

What do we learn about Christ in the Five Books of the Psalms? Does the order of Psalms actually matter? Rev. Dr. Adam Hensley, associate professor of exegetical theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the order of the Psalms and why that matters, the pictures of Christ in the Psalms, what we learn about Christ through these pictures, and how the Psalms shape his own teaching and devotional life.
 
 Dr. Hensley is a Keynote Speaker at the upcoming LCMS Institute On Liturgy, Preaching and Church Music, happening July 9-12 at Concordia University Nebraska in Seward, Nebraska. Learn more and register at lcms.org/worshipinstitute.

KFUO Radio's Annual Sharathon is happening April 18-20, and we need your support to continue sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ around the world. Mary Schmidt — KFUO Radio Director of Development, and Rev. Doug Griebenaw KFUO Radio Mission Advocate, join Andy and Sarah to talk about what we mean when we say we are listener-supported, what happens during Sharathon each year, how KFUO programming supports Lutherans in their daily lives, how necessary your contributions really are (hint: very necessary!), and our thank-you gifts this year. Learn more and give at kfuo.org/sharathon.

What is the emotion of calm, and how do we experience it? Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, MSW, joins Andy and Sarah in our mini-series on Emotions to talk about what "calm" actually is and how it's different from "peace," why we seek calm, how calm is related to anxiety, the relationship between brokenness and calm, and how we recognize or find calm. 
 
 Find your copy of Emotions and the Gospel: Created for Connection at books.cph.org/emotions-and-the-gospel. Listen to all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/emotions-and-the-gospel.
 
 Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
 
 View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.

How do Lutheran Schools elevate church work vocations and raise up the next generation of church workers? Alicia Levitt — Director of Academic Excellence and Interim Executive Director of The Lutheran Schools Partnership in Northeast Indiana, and Jacob Pennekamp — Head of School for Concordia Lutheran High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana, join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about how they serve in Lutheran Schools, their journeys into church work, the role each of them plays in forming and recruiting youth to consider full-time church work, the dual-credit program Concordia Lutheran High School offers students “for teaching preparation from the Lutheran Christian perspective,” and the “Champions for Church Workers” program in the Partnership. Learn more about The Lutheran Schools Partnership at thelutheranschools.org and Concordia Lutheran High School at clhscadets.com.
 
 Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
 
 Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
 
 Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
 
 Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
 
 To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.

What do we mean when we say “principles of biblical interpretation”? Dr. James W. Voelz, Dr. Jack Dean Kingsbury Professor of New Testament Theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his book Principles of Biblical Interpretation for Everyone, including who this book is for, what "biblical interpretation" means, why it's important to have a common or shared set of principles of interpretation, why we can't just leave the Bible literally, and a key foundation to establishing principles for biblical interpretation. Find Dr. Voelz's book at store.csl.edu/product-category/publications, and find his Fall Online Greek course at concordiasem.regfox.com/online-greek-part-1-fall-2024.

How do the Psalms form us in our daily lives and the rhythm of worship? Dr. Geoffrey Boyle, Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry and Missions at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the posture of worship, how the Lord speaks to us in the Psalms, what the Psalms reveal about our Lord, how the Psalms shape our worship, and how the Psalms form us as children of God. 
 
 Dr. Boyle is a Keynote Speaker at the upcoming LCMS Institute On Liturgy, Preaching and Church Music, happening July 9-12 at Concordia University Nebraska in Seward, Nebraska. Learn more and register at lcms.org/worshipinstitute.

What's it like to serve on a short-term mission team with the LCMS? Rev. Richard Woelmer — Pastor of University Lutheran Church at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, Lewis Ostermeyer — Member of University Lutheran Church at IU and short-term mission participant, and Anne Gonzalez — manager of Short-term Mission Training and Engagement with the LCMS Office of International Mission, join Andy and Sarah to share about the team from University Lutheran Church who served in the Czech Republic, how they were able to serve, what they learned while they were there, and how you can serve in a similar way. To inquire about service opportunities, reach out to [email protected] and visit servenow.lcms.org.

What is the emotion of wonder, and how do we experience it? Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, MSW, joins Andy and Sarah in our mini-series on Emotions to talk about how wonder is connected to curiosity and surprise, the place of wonder in the midst of brokenness and the ugliness we experience in the world, the sensory and cognitive components of wonder, how wonder is a spiritual emotion, and how we practice wonder.
 
 
 Find your copy of Emotions and the Gospel: Created for Connection at books.cph.org/emotions-and-the-gospel. Listen to all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/emotions-and-the-gospel.
 
 Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT, or listen to all episodes at kfuo.org/tag/mental-health-monday.
 
 View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube, listen to the Life in Relationship Podcast, and find all of her writings and resources at heidigoehmann.com.

What does a young man's path to seminary look like, and how is he formed during seminary for the pastoral vocation? Jason Kohm, 4th-year seminarian at Concordia Seminary in St Louis, and Zachary Staehr, 4th-year seminarian at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about how they decided to study for the pastoral ministry, their path to and through seminary, who was most influential in their journeys, their vicarage experience and how that formed them for ministry, and how they feel looking forward to Call Day.
 
 Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
 
 Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
 
 Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
 
 Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
 
 To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.

When Jesus first saw Peter, He said to him, “‘You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas’ (which means Peter)” (John 1:42). God the Father chose Peter to make the great confession of Jesus, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). Then Jesus made a play on words with Peter’s name, “You are Peter (Petros), and on this rock (petra) I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18). This rock was not Peter himself but rather his confession of Jesus as the Christ. Later, in the epistle that bears his name, Peter further confessed Jesus as a living stone, chosen and precious to God, and the cornerstone of God’s spiritual house of chosen children.
 
 Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the April 2024 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "A Chosen Community" on 1 Peter 2:4–10. This year, "Searching Scripture" is themed "Elect Exiles" and will walk through the First Epistle of St. Peter. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us!
 
 Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
 
 1 Peter 2:4–10
 
 4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it stands in Scripture:
 
 “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone,
 a cornerstone chosen and precious,
 and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”
 
 7 So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe,
 
 “The stone that the builders rejected
 has become the cornerstone,”[a]
 
 8 and
 
 “A stone of stumbling,
 and a rock of offense.”
 
 They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.
 
 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
 
 Read full chapter
 
 Footnotes
 1 Peter 2:7 Greek the head of the corner
 
 English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org

How significant is singing the psalms in the life of the congregation? Dr. Charles Brown, professor of music and chair of the arts division at Concordia University Chicago, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how the Psalms are accessible for congregational singing, what is unique about singing the Psalms, how singing Psalms encourages congregational song in general, what is unifying about singing the Psalms, and how singing the Psalms can be both technical and expressive.
 
 Dr. Brown is a Keynote Speaker at the upcoming LCMS Institute On Liturgy, Preaching and Church Music, happening July 9-12 at Concordia University Nebraska in Seward, Nebraska. Learn more and register at lcms.org/worshipinstitute.

What does a volunteer coordinator do on the mission field, and how can you serve in a role like this? Erin MacKenzie — Volunteer Coordinator for the Latin America and Caribbean Region with the LCMS Office of International Mission, and Ariana Gomez — Manager of Missionary Recruitment with the LCMS Office of International Mission, join Sarah to share Erin's story about being a Volunteer Coordinator, including how she came to serve in this role, her day-to-day responsibilities, what she loves about this position, and some necessary skills for serving in a role like this. More opportunities to serve in roles like this are open now! To learn more and apply for a long-term (2+ year) missionary position, visit servenow.lcms.org and lcms.org/careers. Chat directly with Ariana about potential openings at [email protected].

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.