The Coffee Hour from KFUO Radio

Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard, pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Minot, ND, and author of Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up? available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah in our series on the Sundays in Advent to talk about the Gospel Reading for the Second Sunday in Advent. Why does Jesus keep talking about fig trees? What will the Second Coming be like? How does this story connect to Old Testament Prophecies?
 
 Luke 21:25-36
 The Coming of the Son of Man
 
 25 “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, 26 people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
 
 The Lesson of the Fig Tree
 
 29 And he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. 31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
 
 Watch Yourselves
 
 34 “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. 35 For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
 
 Read full chapter
 
 English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org

Rev. Anthony Oliphant, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Elmhurst, IL, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the December 2023 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "Grace Be With You" on Philippians 4:8-23. This is the final "Searching Scripture" feature for 2023 on the book of Philippians. Stay tuned for a new study in 2024 to follow along and search Scripture with us!
 
 Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
 
 Philippians 4:8-23
 
 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned[a] and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
 
 God's Provision
 
 10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
 
 14 Yet it was kind of you to share[b] my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.[c] 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
 
 Final Greetings
 
 21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar's household.
 
 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
 
 Read full chapter
 
 Footnotes
 Philippians 4:9 Or these things—9which things you have also learned
 Philippians 4:14 Or have fellowship in
 Philippians 4:17 Or I seek the profit that accrues to your account
 
 English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org

Kantor Matthew Gerhardt at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church & School in Des Peres, MO, our KFUO Radio Church of the Week, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the place of music in congregational life at St. Paul’s Des Peres, how the service of Lessons and Carols has become a tradition at St. Paul’s, what happens in Lessons and Carols, and what we can look forward to in this year’s Lessons and Carols on December 9 and 10. Find more details at stpaulsdesperes.org/news/seasonal-services.
 
 Saturday, December 9, 5:00pm | Sunday, December 10, 4:00pm 
 
 St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 12345 Manchester Road, Des Peres, MO (Corner of Manchester and Ballas Roads, Across from West County Shopping Center)
 stpaulsdesperes.org/music
 
 Music included in this episode:
 
 Elizabeth Poston (1905-1987) - “Jesus Christ the Apple Tree” - Listen on YouTube
 
 John Gardner (1917-2011) - “Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day” - Listen on YouTube
 
 George Frederick Handel (1685-1759) - “And the Glory” - Messiah - Listen on YouTube 
 
 Carl Schalk (1929-2021) - “Where Shepherds Lately Knelt” - Listen on YouTube 
 
 Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) - Fantasia on Christmas Carols - Listen on YouTube

The Rev. Dr. Cory J. Rajek — Regional Director for Eurasia Region in Riga, Latvia, and the Rev. Charles Ferry — Regional Director for Asia Region, Chiayi, Taiwan, join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about their very different journeys into pastoral ministry, how they each considered serving as a missionary, their journeys to the mission field, how missionaries serve in their respective regions, the challenges missionaries face today, and first steps for someone considering serving on the mission field.
 
 Read Dr. Rajek's story and how to support his work at lcms.org/rajek. Read Rev. Ferry's story about how to support his work at lcms.org/ferry.
 
 Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
 
 Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
 
 Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
 
 Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
 
 To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.

Rev. Dr. Matthew Heise, Executive Director of Lutheran Heritage Foundation, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about challenges faced by church and organization partners around the world to distribute God's Word, how digital media is creating new opportunities to spread God's Word around the globe, and resources in Haiti, Sudan/South Sudan, Mayan language in Mexico, Finland, Africa, and Chinese books in Sibera. Learn more about all of these projects and more at lhfmissions.org.

Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard, pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Minot, ND, and author of Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up? available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah in our series on the Sundays in Advent to talk about the Gospel Reading for the First Sunday in Advent. What does Advent even mean? Why are we reading about Palm Sunday in Advent? What does it mean that Jesus arrives on a donkey?
 
 Matthew 21:1-9
 The Triumphal Entry
 
 21 Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.” 4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying,
 
 5 “Say to the daughter of Zion,
 ‘Behold, your king is coming to you,
 humble, and mounted on a donkey,
 on a colt,[a] the foal of a beast of burden.’”
 
 6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. 8 Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”
 
 Read full chapter
 
 Footnotes
 Matthew 21:5 Or donkey, and on a colt
 
 English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org

Sharon Delmore from Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Chesterfield, MO, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about this year's Return to the Manger event on December 2 & 3, including some highlights from last year's event, how the story of the nativity is expressed in this event, and how visual and immersive artistic programs are an important part of the outreach of Lord of Life Lutheran Church. Learn more and reserve your seats at lordoflifelcms.org/dec-2-3-2023-return-to-the-manger.

Trish Erzfeld, tourism director with Perry County Heritage Tourism, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what's unique about the history of Perry County and surrounding communities, a brief history of the Christmas Country Church Tour, some of the sights and sounds and tastes people will experience on the Christmas Country Church Tour, and some of the most interesting places on the tour. Find details and download your tour map at visitperrycounty.com/christmas-country-church-tour.

Signe White — Executive Director of Camp Perkins and National Lutheran Outdoors Ministry Association (NLOMA) Joint Recruitment Chair, and Chase "Telli" Crawford, former Summer Camp counselor and current Camp Perkins staff member, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how camp is a formative experience for youth, Telli's story of camp and how it shaped how she wants to serve in the future, how young adults serve at camp, and what positions are available for summer 2024. Learn more about NLOMA and camp employment opportunities at nloma.org.

Rear Admiral Gregory N. Todd — Navy Chaplain and 28th Chief of Navy Chaplains, and Rev. James Hopkins — Navy Chaplain, join Andy and guest co-host Jordan Harms from the LCMS National Convention for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about their paths to becoming Navy Chaplains, the need for chaplains today, the most challenging and rewarding parts of serving as chaplains, and how others can serve as Navy Chaplains. Learn more about LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces at lcms.org/armedforces.
 
 Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
 
 This program originally aired August 4, 2023.
 
 
 Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
 
 Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
 
 Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
 
 To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.

Rev. Peter Bender, Director of the Concordia Catechetical Academy, and Rev. Dr. Al Espinosa, member of the board of directors for the Concordia Catechetical Academy, join Andy and Sarah to talk about what catechesis is, what the Catechism is, why catechesis is important, how the Concordia Catechetical Academy began, how the Concordia Catechetical Academy serves the church at large, and how the status as a Recognized Service Organization will help them better carry out this faithful work. Find the Concordia Catechetical Academy at peacesussex.org/cca.
 
 This program originally aired September 19, 2023.

Benjamin Kolodziej, Church Organist and Musicologist, joins Andy and Sarah for our series on the first 100 years of LCMS Music History to talk about the creation of The Lutheran Hymnal, the move from German to English in the LCMS, and the key people during these years of music in the LCMS.

Benjamin and Rebecca Helge, who serve the Lord in the Eurasia region based in the Czech Republic, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the communities where they serve, what's unique about the culture in these communities, the needs they meet and how they serve the community, the people they serve alongside, the relationship with the Lutheran church in the Czech Republic, and how they celebrate Advent and Christmas. Read their story and how to support their work at lcms.org/helge.

Christina Stackle, DCE at Peace Lutheran Church in St Louis, our Church of the Week, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the history of Peace Lutheran Church, special Advent and Christmas services at Peace, the Tree Lot, and the Boar's Head Festival. Find details for all of these events at peacelutheranstl.org.

Deaconess Dr. Tiffany Manor — Managing Director for Human Care and Ministerial Support and Director of Life Ministry with the LCMS Office of National Mission, and Rev. Ken Krueger — Vice President and Chief Customer Officer for Concordia Plans, join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about how each of them became church workers, why worker wellness is important to them, what worker wellness and the wellness wheel are, how the Synod is addressing worker wellness, and how different ministries across Synod work together to ensure worker wellness. Learn more about Church Worker Wellness at lcms.org/wellness and Concordia Plans at concordiaplans.org.
 
 Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
 
 Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
 
 Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
 
 Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
 
 To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.

Randy Ronning and Leah Sallach, LCMS Servant Event Planners, and Rev. Mark Kiessling, Director of LCMS Youth Ministry, join Andy and Sarah to talk about what LCMS Servant Events accomplish every year, why they love Servant Events, what experiences participants have at these events that are unique and life-changing, and what to know about 2024 Servant Events. 
 
 2024 LCMS Servant Events | Now Available! 
 
 Service opportunities provide young people with the chance to grow in their God-given gifts and show them how their skills can be used both in church work and in roles outside the church. LCMS Servant Events across the country are now open for summer 2024. Find a servant event for your group by clicking below, and find out more about LCMS Servant Events at lcms.org/servantevents.

Benjamin Kolodziej, Church Organist and Musicologist, joins Andy and Sarah for our series on the first 100 years of LCMS Music History to talk about interesting historical characters from 1860-1920, how Lutheran church music was being influenced during the turn of the century, and how global events influenced many things in the Lutheran church. Find the YouTube video mentioned at Order of the Holy Communion, Lutheran Church Missouri Synod 1941.

Dick Gast —President of Southern California Lutheran Layman League and General Chairman of the Lutheran Hour Float Committee, and Lynn Gast — Chair of Petal Pushers, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how Petal Pushers began and what they do with the Lutheran Hour Ministries float in the annual Rose Parade, some of the more memorable floats they've been a part of, how the floats are decorated (which might surprise you!), what happens throughout the year as they build the float, and how to volunteer your time as a float decorator. Learn more about how to volunteer as a float decorator or to support the work of the Petal Pushers at shop.petalpushers.org.

Deaconess Kim Bueltmann, serving the Lord in Germany, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Leipzig and Chemnitz communities where she lives and serves in Germany, how these communities have changed since she first began serving in Germany, the challenges of Lutheran theological resources in Farsi, translating hymns and prayers into Farsi, and how she's seen the Lord at work in His Word and Sacraments in the congregations she serves. Read Kim's story and how to support her work at lcms.org/bueltmann and facebook.com/DeaconessKim.

Rev. Joel Fritsche — Director of Vicarage and Deaconess Internships and Assistant Professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary in St Louis, and Dr. Todd Peperkorn — Director of Vicarage and Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry and Missions at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, join Andy for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about their journeys into pastoral ministry, what vicarage is and how it was an important part of their formations, what they want students to gain in their vicarage experiences, what they consider when coordinating vicarages for current pastoral formation students, what factors affect vicarage placement, the relationship of the vicar to his pastoral supervisor, and important things for a congregation to understand when requesting a vicar.
 
 Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
 
 Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
 
 Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
 
 Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
 
 To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.

Rev. Rick Jones, Vice President—Spiritual Life at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the reality that some youth face today regarding trauma and mental health/illness, the services offered through Dakota Ranch, what sets Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch apart from other residential treatment centers, what it looks like to care for the whole person, and stories of how Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch has made a difference for youth. Learn more about Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch and the unique ways you can support their ministry at dakotaranch.org.

Benjamin Kolodziej, Church Organist and Musicologist, joins Andy and Sarah for our series on the first 100 years of LCMS Music History to talk about the research he's doing into LCMS Church Music from 1847-1947, what he's been learning, how good church music is relevant to us in our daily lives, and some interesting things about the time period 1847-1860.

Deaconess Lorraine Roach, LCMS Ukraine Project Consultant, joins Andy and Sarah to give an update on the LCMS Ukraine Refugee Grant Program, including the need for U.S. sponsors for Ukrainian refugees, how the LCMS grants work for LCMS Congregations that welcome this opportunity to welcome new neighbors, how these grants have blessed refugees so far, and how congregations and RSOs can apply for these grants. Learn more and find the applications at lcms.org/serve/grants/ukraine-refugee-grant-program.

Rev. Warren Woerth, pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Arnold, MO, our Church of the Week for November 5-11, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how Good Shepherd serves the local community in Arnold, why Good Shepherd supports KFUO Radio, and the events coming up including the Veterans' Day Parade, Thanksgiving Day Service, Christmas Cookie Parade, and Advent & Christmas Services. Learn more about Good Shepherd Arnold at goodshepherdarnold.org.

Rev. Anthony Oliphant, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Elmhurst, IL, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the November 2023 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "Imitation of Christ" on Philippians 3:17–4:7. This year, "Searching Scripture" will study the book of Philippians, so stay tuned each month for a new Bible study. Follow along and search Scripture with us!
 
 Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
 
 Philippians 3:17–4:7
 
 17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.
 
 4 Therefore, my brothers,[a] whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.
 
 Exhortation, Encouragement, and Prayer
 
 2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion,[b] help these women, who have labored[c] side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
 
 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness[d] be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
 
 Footnotes
 Philippians 4:1 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 8, 21
 Philippians 4:3 Or loyal Syzygus; Greek true yokefellow
 Philippians 4:3 Or strived (see 1:27)
 Philippians 4:5 Or gentleness
 
 English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org

Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard, pastor of St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Minot, ND, and author of Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up? available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about his upbringing in the Church, his journey into pastoral ministry, how he came from the Lutheran Brethren to the LCMS, the colloquy process to become an LCMS pastor, and how his experience with various Christian denominations helps him serve in his vocations as pastor and author.
 
 Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
 
 Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
 
 Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
 
 Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
 
 To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.

We're celebrating PIE on The Coffee Hour! Pastor Matt Clark, Senior Pastor of Ascension Lutheran Church in St. Louis and Co-host of Wrestling with the Basics on KFUO Radio, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about food in fellowship at church, why he loves pie so much, and if there's a right and wrong way to do pie. Olivia Tischler, Founder and Owner of Teleo Coffee in Kirkwood, MO, shares the story of Teleo Coffee (our coffee sponsor for the day), how Teleo serves the community, and her favorite coffee and pie pairings. We also play some pie trivia! Find Teleo at teleocoffee.com.
 
 What's YOUR favorite pie?
 
 Download the PDF Pi Day Activity Booklet at piecouncil.org.

Rev. Dr. Jamison Hardy — Bishop of the LCMS English District and author of Pastoral Leadership, Shepherding and Caring for God’s People available from Concordia Publishing House, and Deaconess Dorothy Krans — director of LCMS Recognized Service Organizations, join Andy and Sarah for our series on Leadership to talk about what they observe in group dynamics, the characteristics of healthy and unhealthy teams, how conflict and discord on councils and boards are a symptom of spiritual issues, how unhealthy teams can turn the ship around and thrive as a healthy team, and what great leadership of an executive or administrative team looks like. 
 
 Find Bishop Hardy's book from CPH at cph.org/pastoral-leadership-shepherding-and-caring-for-gods-people.
 Find Dr. Kurt Senske's book from CPH at cph.org/the-ceo-and-the-board-the-art-of-nonprofit-governance-as-a-competitive-advantage.

Rev. Nabil S. Nour — a Palestinian Christian from Nazareth, Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Hartford, SD, and Fourth Vice President of the LCMS, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his heritage as a Palestinian Christian, his childhood in Israel, the history of the conflict between Palestine and Israel, how each group's understanding of land possession plays a role in this conflict, how we understand the Israel of the Scriptures and the nation-state of Israel established in 1948, what this conflict presents for an Arab Palestinian Christian from Israel living in the USA, and if there's a solution for this seeming unending conflict. Download Pastor's Nour's Bible Study by clicking here.

Rev. Brian Hamer, active duty Navy Chaplain and author of the Lifted Voice column in Around the Word: Theology for the Curious Christian, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Sacred Music for Child-Loss Month, including why sacred music is meaningful when addressing the topic of child loss, his encounter with the concept of the unborn Christ child, and three pieces of music that are especially helpful in this conversation. 
 
 These pieces are:
 
 James MacMillan: A Child's Prayer | Seattle Pro Musica youtu.be/tIgDUVUbOng?feature=shared
 
 
 Maurice Duruflé: Requiem, Op. 9: Kyrie youtu.be/cauEGSW73hg?feature=shared
 
 
 VOCES8: Nunc Dimittis - Paul Smith youtu.be/qwyqJoTmPCM?feature=shared
 
 
 Read more from Chaplain Brian Hamer at whatdoesthismean.org/lifted-voice--brian-hamer.

Rev. Dr. Charles Gieschen — Provost and Professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary Fort Wayne, and Rev. Dr. Ronald Mudge — Provost and Chief Academic Officer and Professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary St. Louis, join Andy and guest co-host Rev. Dr. James Baneck for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about their journeys into church work, the various aspects of seminary life that shaped their individual pastoral formation, what has changed in pastoral formation and seminary life since their days in seminary, and the rigors of current seminary education.
 
 Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
 
 Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
 
 Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
 
 Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
 
 To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.

Rev. Dr. John Bombaro, Associate Director of Eurasia for the LCMS and Chair of the Systematics Department for Luther Academy in Rīga, Latvia, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about today's age of Humanitarian ethics and the mission of Humanitarianism, how identity plays a role in this worldview, where we see these ethics at play today, and how to recognize and combat these ethics in our families and congregations.
 
 Learn more about the Lutheran Church in Latvia, Dr. Bombaro's work with Luther Academy, and the LCMS Eurasia region at engage.lcms.org/latvia-spring-2021.
 
 This program originally aired January 13, 2022.

Rev. Dr. Jamison Hardy, Bishop of the LCMS English District and author of Pastoral Leadership, Shepherding and Caring for God’s People available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah for our series on Leadership to talk about leadership as a means of pastoral care, including the relationship of pastoral duties (preaching, teaching, and administering the sacraments) to all other aspects of pastoral leadership, how leadership issues are related to spiritual issues, how pastoral leadership is stewarding the gifts entrusted to you, and how someone can become and remain a high-quality pastoral leader.
 
 Find Bishop Hardy's book from CPH at cph.org/pastoral-leadership-shepherding-and-caring-for-gods-people.

Rev. Mark Kiessling — Director of LCMS Youth Ministry, Julianna Shults — Program Manager for LCMS Youth Ministry, and Meredith Smith — Communications Specialist for LCMS Youth Ministry, join Andy to talk about the 2025 LCMS Gathering theme Endure based on Hebrews 12:1-3. They discuss what happens in the four days that make up an LCMS Youth Gathering, why this is a valuable experience for LCMS youth and adults, and what attendees will experience in New Orleans on July 19–23, 2025!
 
 Follow all things gathering at lcmsgathering.com, facebook.com/lcmsgathering, and instagram.com/lcmsgathering.

Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing, Professor of Theology & Ministry and Director of The Center for Biblical Studies at Concordia University St. Paul, joins Andy to talk about questions surrounding Israel’s role in God’s plan of salvation as the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict continues and intensifies. They discuss some modern-day misunderstandings we should address, how divergent methods of biblical interpretation play a role in our misunderstandings about modern-day Israel, what Premillennial-Dispensationalism is, whether there is a difference between the modern nation or land now known as Israel and the Israel we read about in the Old Testament, a proper biblical understanding of the land now known as Israel and Palestine, and how we can lovingly talk about this Truth with friends who believe that the nation-state of Israel is a sign of the end times. 
 
 Find the "Lutheran Response to The Left Behind Series" at files.lcms.org and the companion Bible study at files.lcms.org.

Robert Finch, pre-seminary student at Concordia University St. Paul, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about his journey to Lutheranism and Concordia St. Paul, how he discovered Lutheran doctrine, what he's learning in pre-seminary studies, why he loves learning Biblical languages, and how this program will prepare him for his next chapter at seminary. Learn more about the pre-seminary program and $0 tuition at Concordia St. Paul at csp.edu/program/pre-seminary.
 
 Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
 
 Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
 
 Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
 
 Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
 
 To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.

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

Rev. Dr. Jamison Hardy, Bishop of the LCMS English District and author of Pastoral Leadership, Shepherding and Caring for God’s People available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah for our series on Leadership to talk about financial matters and why they're important as a pastor, including how one’s understanding of money is significant in leadership and mission, why it's not enough to only teach good biblical stewardship from the pulpit, some financial terms and concepts that a pastoral leader should know, how laziness or complacency to financial matters impacts the health of a congregation, and why the pastor should be involved in the budgeting process.
 
 Find Bishop Hardy's book from CPH at cph.org/pastoral-leadership-shepherding-and-caring-for-gods-people.

Mike Fischer, Senior Gift Planning Advocate with LCMS Mission Advancement, and Mark Hofman, Executive Director of LCMS Mission Advancement, join Andy to talk about what LCMS Mission Advancement is and how it supports the LCMS, Why Mission Advancement offers and promotes gift planning, what the theme of “Blessed to Be a Blessing?” means for Mission Advancement, and how to learn more about gift planning. Learn more at giftplanning.lcms.org.

Crysten Sanchez, Events Executive for Higher Things, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Retreat in a Box and the 2024 "Who Am I" Conferences, including what comes in the Retreat in a Box and how congregations can use it, the theme for next summer's main conferences, who will be presenting at these conferences, and what these conferences on identity and vocation will teach youth and young adults. Find Retreat in a Box at higherthings.org/events/riab and 2024 Summer Conference information at higherthings.org/events/who-am-i-2024.

Dr. Russell Dawn, president of Concordia University Chicago (CUC), joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about his interesting path to becoming a church worker, how his varied background gives him perspective in leading a university and forming young people for service, CUC's role in preparing men and women for full-time church work, what sets the deaconess program apart from other programs, how to overcome distance when attending a university far away from home, and how CUC has partnered with Set Apart To Serve to raise up more church workers. Learn more about Concordia University Chicago at cuchicago.edu.
 
 
 Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
 
 Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
 
 Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
 
 Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
 
 To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.

Karen Lanter, Executive Director of St. Louis Health Equipment Lending Program (HELP), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how St. Louis HELP has made a difference for individuals and families, how St. Louis HELP began and how it continues to meet the needs of the community, the upcoming Equipment Drive on Saturday October 21, and what to donate to this equipment drive. Learn more and find locations for the equipment drive at stlhelp.org.

Rev. Dr. Ross Johnson, Director of LCMS Disaster Response, joins Andy to talk about flooding in southern Brazil, including the LCMS's relationship to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Brazil (IELB), his visit to southern Brazil, the damaged caused by flooding and how it impacted the homes and communities of Lutherans, how the IELB is working to serve communities affected by floods, and how LCMS Disaster is supporting the IELB. Learn more about LCMS Disaster Response at lcms.org/disaster.

Rev. Dr. Jamison Hardy, Bishop of the LCMS English District and author of Pastoral Leadership, Shepherding and Caring for God’s People available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah for our series on Leadership to talk about uplifting others in their leadership positions, including why it's important to do this to be an effective leader, what we mean by "servant leadership," where we find examples of this in Scripture, the role recognition plays in raising up new leaders, and what it means to lead without a title.
 
 Find Bishop Hardy's book from CPH at cph.org/pastoral-leadership-shepherding-and-caring-for-gods-people.

Aubrey Blank, KFUO Radio Intern, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why she was interested in serving as an intern at KFUO Radio, some of the skills she's gained so far, what's been most challenging and most enjoyable, and what she's hoping to gain from this experience. 
 
 Applications are open now for Spring 2024 internship opportunities. Apply at lcms.org/careers.

Rev. Ken Krueger, President and Chair of Ministry Focus, joins Sarah to talk about the investment and cost of the education to become a rostered church worker, how debt can become a distraction for pastors and other called workers, how MinistryFOCUS addresses this challenge, who supports this ministry, and who is eligible for support. Learn more and apply at ministryfocus.org.

Kay Berry and Julia Petrovic — volunteer team leaders for short-term mission trips, Erin Mackenzie — volunteer coordinator for the Latin America & the Caribbean region, and Anne Gonzalez — manager of Short-term Mission Training and Engagement with the LCMS Office of International Mission, join Andy and Sarah to talk about Kay and Julia's service as team leaders, the different mission trips they've experienced, the responsibilities of a team leader, how a team leader ensures success of the trip, how Erin interacts with the team leaders, and qualifications for serving as a team leader. Find current opportunities to serve at servenow.lcms.org.

Dr. Alan Freeman — Director of LCMS School Ministry, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about the faithful service of Lutheran Teachers during Church Worker Appreciation Month, including the teachers that influenced his journey to church work, what sets Lutheran teachers apart, and how he's able to interact with Lutheran educators in his role. Learn more about LCMS School Ministry at lcms.org/schools.
 
 
 Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
 
 Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
 
 Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
 
 Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
 
 To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.

Rev. Anthony Oliphant, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Elmhurst, IL, joins Andy and guest co-host Jordan Harms to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the October 2023 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "Pressing on Toward the Goal" on Philippians 3:12-16. This year, "Searching Scripture" will study the book of Philippians, so stay tuned each month for a new Bible study. Follow along and search Scripture with us!
 
 Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.
 
 Philippians 3:12-16
 Straining Toward the Goal
 
 12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained.
 
 Read full chapter
 
 
 English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org

Rev. Dr. Jamison Hardy, Bishop of the LCMS English District and author of Pastoral Leadership, Shepherding and Caring for God’s People available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah for our series on Leadership to talk about effective communication, including models of communication pastors use and what might be most effective, how communication in a ministry setting can differ from communication in other situations, what information is worth communicating, the role of listening in communication, and what makes an effective communicator.
 
 Find Bishop Hardy's book from CPH at cph.org/pastoral-leadership-shepherding-and-caring-for-gods-people.