The Coffee Hour from KFUO Radio

Chaplain Craig Muehler, Director of LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces, joins Andy and guest co-host Jordan Harms from the LCMS National Convention to talk about the St. Martin of Tours Silver Medal, who St. Martin of Tours is, and the recipient of this award at the National Convention. Learn more about Synod Convention at lcms.org/convention and Ministry to the Armed Forces at lcms.org/ministry-to-the-armed-forces.

Rev. Dr. Nathan Meador, Executive Assistant to the President of the LCMS South Wisconsin District, joins Andy and guest co-host Jordan Harms from the LCMS National Convention to talk about his role in the South Wisconsin District, this District's role in the National Convention this year, and what it means to be a Lutheran in Wisconsin. Find all things Convention at lcms.org/convention.

Matthew Machemer, Assistant Kantor at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series during Bach Week to talk about who helped him consider a career in church music, his path to where he is serving today, his responsibilities as a Kantor / Director of Parish Music, the influence of Bach in the role of a Kantor today, and what about Bach’s life and service to the Church has influenced him as a Kantor.
 
 Listen to all previous Bach Week episodes at kfuo.org/tag/bach-week.
 
 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.

Dr. Martin Dicke, former LCMS missionary in Papua New Guinea and board member for David’s Harp, joins Andy and Sarah during Bach Week to talk about Bach’s celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the Lutheran Chorale in 1724 with the Chorale Cantata Cycle, what is unique about the Lutheran chorale, how Luther's influence on church music was carried on by Bach, how the Chorale Cantata Cycle has persisted the test of time, and the resources David's Harp is producing in celebration of Reformation-era Lutheran music. Learn more about David's Harp at davidsharpmusic.org.
 
 
 Listen to all previous Bach Week episodes at kfuo.org/tag/bach-week.

Paul Soulek — cantor of St. John Lutheran Church in Seward, NE, and cantor for Higher Things, and Renata Peperkorn — Higher Things Summer Cantoral Intern, join Andy and Sarah at Higher Things in Carbondale, IL, to talk about their duties as Cantor and Cantoral Intern at Higher Things, what worship looks like at a Higher Things conference, their teaching about the work of church musicians and hymnody to the youth at Higher Things, and how Bach has played a role in their formation as church musicians. Learn more at Higher Things at higherthings.org.
 
 Listen to all previous Bach Week episodes at kfuo.org/tag/bach-week.

Dr. Jonathan Wessler, Kantor at First Lutheran Church in Boston, MA, joins Andy and Sarah during Bach Week to talk about Liturgy in Bach’s Leipzig, including the role of the cantata in the service, how hymn singing worked in those days versus what we're used to now, the “pulpit service” and preaching and its associated music, and music in the service and how everything except the sermon was sung.
 
 Listen to all previous Bach Week episodes at kfuo.org/tag/bach-week.

Rev. Brian Hamer, active duty Navy Chaplain and author of Cantatas Over Coffee - J. S. Bach Cantata 75, “The Poor Shall Eat and be Satisfied”, joins Andy and Sarah during Bach Week to talk about why Cantata 75 is so unique to Bach's Leipzig heritage, the liturgical context for Cantata 75, Hamer's Highlights for the Cantata, how the people of Leipzig reacted to the cantata, and the beautiful hymn we have inherited from the Cantata. Read Chaplain Hamer's article at whatdoesthismean.org/lifted-voice--brian-hamer/cantatas-over-coffee-j-s-bach-cantata-75-the-poor-shall-eat-and-be-satisfied and find Lutheran Service Book 760 "What God ordains is always good" at hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/760.
 
 
 Listen to all previous Bach Week episodes at kfuo.org/tag/bach-week.

Erica Sorensen — Executive Director for Higher Things, and Rev. Harrison Goodman — Content Executive for Higher Things, join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about the mission of Higher Things, how Higher Things facilitates conversations with youth about considering full-time church work, how Higher Things supports church workers in their vocations, and why conferences are important for teaching the faith to youth. 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.

Lars Gindler and Stephen Christian, CCVs at Higher Things in Carbondale, IL, join Andy and Sarah to talk about what a CCV (College Conference Volunteer) does to make conferences run smoothly, what they've learned as they've served in this way, why it's important for them to serve, and how this experience shapes their thoughts about future vocations. Learn more about Higher Things at higherthings.org.

Rev. Dr. Stephen Oliver, serving the Lord in Taiwan and the Asia Region, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how he serves in Taiwan, mission projects happening in the Asia region, exciting new things happening in the Asia region, and the current project he's working on. Learn more about the Oliver family and how to support their work at lcms.org/oliver.

Rev. Carl, Chenhsi, and Lydia Hanson, Serving the Lord in South Korea, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how they serve in South Korea, the community where International Lutheran Church is in Seoul, their transitions on the mission field, and how they share the Gospel in their community. Learn more about the Hansons and how to support their work at lcms.org/hanson and International Lutheran Church at ilcseoul.org.

Dr. Jonathan Butterfield — Head of School at Lutheran High School South in St Louis, Savannah Butterfield and Aidan Toner — Lutheran High School South students, and Erin MacKenzie — missionary serving the Lord in Latin America and the Caribbean based in the Dominican Republic, join Andy and Sarah to talk about their time serving in the Dominican Republic, how they prepared for their service, who they interacted with in the Dominican Republic, what they learned from this trip, and how this experience impacted their thoughts and plans for the future. Learn more about serving on a short term team at servenow.lcms.org.

Lisa Clark — Senior Editor for Curriculum Resources with Concordia Publishing House (CPH), and Jonathan Schultz — President and CEO of Concordia Publishing House, join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about how they came to be at CPH, the Set Apart to Serve curriculum currently in development, how a curriculum like this is developed, how this curriculum will benefit churches and schools, and who will receive this curriculum when it is released. Follow updates on this exciting project at lcms.org/sas.
 
 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.

Rehema Kavugha, Director of Synod Relations for Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Synod 175 Student Art Contest from LCEF, including why LCEF created this contest, who was eligible, the response they received, and what the winners received.
 
 
 Then, some of the winners share about their artwork! These winners are: Lorraine Hester, Ava Anderson, Alayna Schnare, Lucia Schnare, Isaiah Schnare, Juda Schnare, Noah Casper, Sophia Williams (and Mrs. Leamon), Pearl Curtis, Eve Curtis, Arabella Blakely, Eli Boehmer, Chase Erickson, Irene Ball, and Serena Baumgarn.
 
 Learn more about this art contest and the full list of winners at lcef.org/artcontest.

Ruth Meyer, author of N is for Nativity: Christmas from A to Z and Our Faith from A to Z, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about where the idea began to write an alphabet book on the Christmas story, the creative process for writing an alphabet book, and how families can enjoy this new book for Christmas. Find her books at cph.org/n-is-for-nativity-christmas-from-a-to-z, cph.org/our-faith-from-a-to-z, and ruthmeyerbooks.com.

Rev. Bryan Roberts, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Pevely, MO, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the needs of the community in Jefferson County, how LCMS congregations in Jefferson County work together to meet the needs of this community, what is available at Grace Day, and how this day supports families in the Jefferson County area. Learn more about Zion Pevely and Grace Day at zionpevely.com and facebook.com/zionpevely.

FLAME, Lutheran artist and author of "Extra Nos: Discovering Grace outside Myself," available now from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his journey into the Lutheran faith, the people who were influential in this journey from childhood, how his love of rap music blossomed into more than just a hobby, how he discovered Lutheran theology, and why clarity in theology and confession is a top priority for him. Find FLAME's book at cph.org/extranos and all things Extra Nos Academy at extranosacademy.com.

Andy and Sarah talk with presenters at the upcoming CCLE Conference XXIII at Concordia University Nebraska, July 18-21. Rev. Robert Paul, Headmaster of Memorial Lutheran Church and School in Houston, TX, talks about "Culture Cultivation and the Administrator’s Role," including the role of an administrator in creating school culture and parents also play a role. Rev. Phillip Fischaber, pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Walnut, IL, talks about "Teaching Latin and Other Languages the Lutheran Way," including why Latin and other languages important today and how teachers can teach Latin to their students. Matt Rivers, Parent and Volunteer Instructor in Music at Faith Lutheran High School in Plano, TX, talks about "Teaching Hymn Composition to High School Students," including what happens when we set high expectations for our students and how he teaches hymn composition to high schoolers.
 
 Learn more about CCLE Conference XXIII at live.eventtia.com/en/6340/Home and the work of CCLE at ccle.org.

Bill Schranz — Director of Education & Synodical Careers and Director of Colloquy at Concordia University Nebraska, and Lead Placement Director for the Concordia University System, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about his path to becoming a Lutheran teacher, the process of formation to placement for commissioned church workers, his role as placement director in the formation and placement of commissioned church workers, what Synod and Concordia Universities are doing to address the church worker shortage, and what you can do to begin addressing a shortage in 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.

Amy Hubach — DCE Internship Placement Coordinator and Assistant Professor at Concordia University Nebraska, Deaconess Caitlin Ramirez — LCMS missionary serving the Lord in Peru, and Anne Gonzalez — Manager of Short-term Mission Training & Engagement with the LCMS Office of International Mission, join Andy and Sarah to talk about serving on an international short-term mission team, learning about tradition and culture in Peru, how they served while in Peru, how these teams are a great partnership with missionaries in the region, and upcoming opportunities to serve as an international volunteer with the LCMS. Learn about opportunities at servenow.lcms.org.

Rev. Dr. Lawrence Rast, Jr, President of Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, joins Andy and Sarah for our History of Lutheranism in America series to talk about the formation of the German Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and Other States, including the people who began the ground work for forming what became The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, the challenges that they faced, how the creation of our Synod happened, and what we can we learn from our history that would be helpful as we gather for convention this year.
 
 Find all three episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/history-of-lutheranism-in-america.

Rev. Dr. James Gimbel, President of Concordia Lutheran Seminary in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how we understand “vocation” from a Biblical perspective, the difference between vocation and career, how Martin Luther understood and taught about vocation, what it means to be a "mask of God," and how we see vocation playing out in different areas of our lives. Read Dr. Gimbel's insightful article from The Canadian Lutheran at canadianlutheran.ca/on-vocatio.
 
 This is a rebroadcast from August 24, 2022.

Rev. Roger James, Assistant to the General Secretary for the International Lutheran Council, joins Andy and guest co-host Rev. Brady Finnern at the 2023 LWML National Convention to talk about who makes up the International Lutheran Council, why this Council was formed, the church bodies that are active members (including the LCMS), and what is accomplished through this partnership. Learn more about the International Lutheran Council at ilc-online.org.

Mike Schiemann, Principal of Bethany Lutheran School in Parma, Ohio, joins Andy for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about how the church and church work were a part of his childhood and youth, when he began thinking about church work as a possible vocation, how church worker formation different in the Lutheran Church-Canada than The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, what his formation as a Lutheran teacher looked like, and his advice for a young adult or college student who is uncertain about what their future vocations and callings might be.
 
 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. Jamison Hardy, Bishop of the English District of the LCMS, joins Andy and Sarah at the 2023 LWML National Convention to talk about his book Pastoral Leadership available from Concordia Publishing House, including his background in leadership, how he defines pastoral leadership, when learning about leadership happens, how we learn from mistakes, what it means to be a leader not a follower, and why listening is critically important. Find his book at books.cph.org/pastoral-leadership.

Rev. Dr. Lawrence Rast, Jr, President of Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, joins Andy and Sarah for our History of Lutheranism in America series to talk about how churches began to organize into large synods, how language played a role in the development of these synods, challenges these Lutherans faced, and two important characters in this story: C.F.W. Walther and Martin Stephan.
 
 Find all three episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/history-of-lutheranism-in-america.

Rev. Charles Ferry, Regional Director for Asia Region with the LCMS Office of International Mission, joins Andy and Sarah at the 2023 LWML National Convention to talk about what countries make up the Asia Region, the creation of a music conservatory in Taiwan, how music is a key bridge into communities in Asia, other exciting things happening in the Region, and the need for partner churches in this Region. Learn more about what's happening in Asia at lcms.org/asia and learn more about Rev. Ferry at lcms.org/ferry.

Rev. Ed and Sheryl Dewitt, Founders of Redeeming Life Outreach in Sanford, Florida, join Andy and Sarah live at the 2023 LWML National Convention to talk about how Redeeming Life Outreach Ministries began, why this ministry is so important to them, how this ministry helps women with unplanned pregnancies, the need for this type of outreach, and how Redeeming Life is expanding. Learn more at rlom.org.

Rev. Dr. Mark Wood — Managing Director for Church Planting, Renewal and Support with the LCMS Office of National Mission, joins Andy for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about his life and career before seminary, how he made the decision to pursue seminary education and church work vocation, the challenges of moving to seminary as a second career family, how seminary life was for his family, and his encouragement for men to consider second-career pastoral 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.

Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Presentation of the Augsburg Confession (which we commemorate on June 25), including the cultural and political context leading up to the Diet of Augsburg, what the Diet of Augsburg was and why it became necessary, how the Confessors prepared for this Diet in 1530, and the significance of what happened during the Diet.
 
 Read more about this important historical event at lutheranreformation.org/history/presentation-augsburg-confession and ilc-online.org/2021/06/25/confessing-the-faith-reflections-on-the-presentation-of-the-augsburg-confession.
 
 This is a rebroadcast from June 21, 2022.

Rev. Dr. Lawrence Rast, Jr, President of Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, joins Andy and Sarah for our History of Lutheranism in America series to talk about the different groups leaving the Holy Roman Empire German states for America, how things like Pietism and Rationalism affected their decision to leave, the variety of groups that immigrated to America, and Rev. Muhlenburg and the Pennsylvania Ministerium.
 
 Find all three episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/history-of-lutheranism-in-america.

Benjamin Kolodziej, member of Faith Lutheran Church in Plano, TX, highly active church organist and composer, and contributor to the Lutheran Service Book Hymnal Companion, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about three upcoming hymns in the Three Year Lectionary for Series A, Propers 14-16: Lutheran Service Book 717, 615, and 645. Learn more about the LSB Hymnal Companion and find your copy at music.cph.org/lutheran-service-book-companion-to-the-hymns.
 
 This is a rebroadcast from August 5, 2020.

Dr. Wilhelm Weber, Director of the Old Latin School in Wittenberg, Germany, joins Andy to talk about what's been happening at the Old Latin School, including how Ukrainian refugee families have been served by the School, the joys and challenges of serving a large number of people, how these refugees are being fed the Gospel, and what is happening in the coming months. Learn more about the Old Latin School at oldlatinschool.org.

Linda Dehn, Teacher and Principal at Our Savior Lutheran School in Fenton, MO, joins Andy for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about how the Lord brought her to the Lutheran church, her journey into church work as a second-career Lutheran teacher, how her family supported this decision, the colloquy process she went through, and her advice for others considering second-career church work.
 
 Visit lcms.org/sas to learn more about Set Apart to Serve.
 
 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. Sean Daenzer, director of worship for the LCMS and International Center Chaplain, joins Sarah to talk about how the Athanasian Creed became part of our Confessions, who St. Athanasius was and his relationship to this creed, how it's similar and different to the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds, some of the language that might make us uncomfortable and also the beautiful language to pay attention to. Find this Creed on pages 319-320 in the Lutheran Service Book or download it from this link on lcms.org.
 
 This is a rebroadcast from June 8, 2022.

Rev. Dr. John Sias, Secretary of the LCMS, joins Andy to talk about what happened during Floor Committee Weekend leading up to the LCMS Convention, including what Floor Committees do, what they accomplished over the weekend, and how this weekend helps in preparation for an efficient and productive convention. Learn more about all things LCMS Convention at www.lcms.org/convention/national.

Rev. Dr. Nathan Meador, Executive Assistant to the President for Mission, Mercy, and Stewardship at South Wisconsin District – LCMS, joins Andy to talk about volunteering at this year's LCMS Synodical Convention. Learn more and register to volunteer in a variety of ways at swd.lcms.org/serve.

The Rev. Ted Krey, Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean for the LCMS Office of International Mission, joins Andy for an update on the Lord's work in that region, including the growth of the Seminario Concordia el Reformador in the Dominican Republic. To learn more about Pastor Krey and the Lord's work in Latin America and the Caribbean region visit lcms.org/krey

Rev. Dr. Cory Rajek, Eurasia Regional Director for the LCMS Office of International Mission joins Andy for an update on the Lord's work in Eurasia including growth at Luther Academy, the seminary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia. To Learn more about Dr. Rajek's service in Eurasia visit lcms.org/rajek

Rev. J.P. and Aimee Cima join Andy for an update on the Lord's work in Cambodia. Pastor Cima travels throughout Cambodia to equip and empower the leaders of the Cambodia Lutheran Church with mentorship and theological education. Aimee serves as the Mercy Manager for the Asia region, supporting other personnel serving in this region. She also works with local church partners to coordinate mercy work. The Cimas share an update on family life, post-pandemic in Cambodia including school, travel, and favorite foods. 
 
 You can follow updates on the Lord's work in Cambodia and the Cima family at CimaFam.com

Rev. Bryan Roberts, joins Andy for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about transitioning from a military career to seminary to being a parish pastor. Pastor Roberts shares stories of family life in the midst of transition and pastoral formation. He also shares the stories of ministry in the lives of his congregation members that have formed him into the pastor the Lord would have him be. 
 
 Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.

Sheryl Tietz, teacher and director, Jesus Our Savior Preschool, Winnebago, Nebraska joins Andy with stories of 25 years of ministry to indigenous children and their families. The preschool began at the request of the Ho-Chunk tribe in the late 1990's and has continued by God's grace to bring the Good News of Jesus to young hearts and their families. Ministry on the reservation has provided opportunities to learn the language and culture and be welcomed into the community of the Ho-Chunk tribe. You can read more about Jesus Our Savior Preschool in the Spring 2023 issue of Lutherans Engage: https://engage.lcms.org/winnebago-outreach-spring-2023/

Beth Kramer, Marketing Manager for Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy to talk about what she loves about reading, why reading is an important part of summer break for kids, how CPH is helping kids keep up reading skills and supporting their faith this summer, and how to participate in the CPH Reads program. Learn more and sign up at cph.org/cph-reads.

The Rev. Dr. Matthew Heise, executive director of Lutheran Heritage Foundation joins Andy to provide an update on the recent political unrest in Sudan and South Sudan and it's impact on the Evangelical Lutheran Church in South Sudan and Sudan. Sudanese are fleeing the capital city of Khartoum seeking safe refuge to the West and South. Lutheran Heritage Foundation played a key role in the development of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in South Sudan and Sudan and continues to support the church today with books in the languages of the people.

Rev. Dr. Adam Filipek, pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Lidgerwood, North Dakota, joins Andy and guest co-host Jordan Harms to talk about his new book, Life in Christ: Rooted, Woven, and Grafted into God’s Story, available from Concordia Publishing House, including the state of Biblical literacy today in the wider society and within the church, what changes in us with increased Biblical literacy, what we learn about God and us in the history of key figures and events in the Old and New Testaments, and how we can use this book. Find your copy at cph.org/life-in-christ-rooted-woven-and-grafted-into-gods-story and amazon.com.

Rev. Anthony Oliphant, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Elmhurst, IL, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the June/July 2023 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "Receive Him in the Lord" on Philippians 2:19–3:1. 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 2:19–3:1
 
 Timothy and Epaphroditus
 
 19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. 20 For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. 21 For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know Timothy's[a] proven worth, how as a son[b] with a father he has served with me in the gospel. 23 I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, 24 and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.
 
 25 I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, 26 for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. 29 So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, 30 for he nearly died[c] for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.
 
 Righteousness Through Faith in Christ
 
 3 Finally, my brothers,[d] rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.
 
 Footnotes
 Philippians 2:22 Greek his
 Philippians 2:22 Greek child
 Philippians 2:30 Or he drew near to the point of death; compare verse 8
 
 Philippians 3:1 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 13, 17
 
 
 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. Sam Shick, pastor of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Oviedo, Florida, a Set Apart to Serve pilot project participant, joins Andy and guest co-host Jordan Harms for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about his journey into pastoral ministry, how the Set Apart to Serve Pilot Project is going in his congregation, how he and the congregation encourage young people and adults to consider church work, how he sees these resources being useful for Synod at large, and his advice for encouraging others to consider church work vocations.
 
 Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
 
 Feature image: The Rev. James H. Rockey, president of the LCMS Florida-Georgia District (far right) prays with church workers from local congregations in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian on Saturday, Oct. 01, 2022, at Grace Lutheran Church, Naples, Fla. LCMS Communications/Erik M. Lunsford
 
 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 Reinke, founder of Deaf Outreach, joins Andy to talk about his path to Deaf Outreach, what the hearing community might not know or understand about the Deaf community, how American Sign Language is different from other forms of communication, who can learn ASL, what hearing congregations can do to reach our Deaf neighbors with the Good News of Jesus, and the upcoming Jesus Signs Immersion Event 2023. Learn more and register at deafoutreach.org.

Julianna Shults, Program Manager with LCMS Youth Ministry, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why it's important to develop leadership among youth in our churches, some misconceptions we might have about the capability of youth to serve as leaders, some proven ways to develop leadership among youth, how YouthLead works to develop young leaders in the church, and how to participate in YouthLead. Learn more and register at lcms.org/youth-ministry/youthlead.

John Klinger, Chief Information Officer at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis joins Andy to talk about the upcoming annual carillon concert at the Seminary, including what a carillon is and how it's played, how these concerts are a tradition at the Seminary, some of the artists that we'll hear this summer, and the best way to enjoy these summer concerts at the Sem. Learn more and find the summer schedule at csl.edu/event/summer-carillon-concert-2023-06-06.