The Coffee Hour from KFUO Radio

Nathaniel, Gloria, Caroline, and Peter from the Robo Raiders FTC 7129 homeschool Christian robotics team from Southern Illinois join Sarah and guest co-host Rev. Doug Griebenaw to talk about their roles on the robotics team, this season's robot and what it can do, what goes into building a robot for competition, and the variety of things they learn from their participation in this program. Follow the Robo Raiders on Social media at facebook.com/roboraidersftc7129, twitter.com/ftc7129, instagram.com/ftc7129, and on Youtube Robo Raiders FTC 7219. Find a full video playlist at youtube.com.

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.

Rev. David Appold, Pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Paducah, Kentucky, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the community of Paducah and how St. Paul fits into this community, how the recent tornado impacted the community around Paducah, how St. Paul was affected, and how the congregation of St. Paul is serving their neighbors in the recovery effort. Learn more about LCMS Disaster Relief, including how to join in the response to this disaster, at LCMS-LERT.org.

Steph Schulte, RN, BSN, CMSRN, WCN, Mercy Medical Coordinator for West and Central Africa for the LCMS, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Missions Unpacked with the LCMS Office of International Mission, including what participants will experience in this immersive program, the different regions people will virtually explore, and some new and exciting features for this program. Learn more and register for this free virtual event happening Jan. 24–Feb. 20, 2022 at international.lcms.org/missions-unpacked.

Deaconess Tiffany Manor, Director of Life Ministry for the LCMS, joins Andy and Sarah to recap the March for Life Chicago including how this March is related to the National March for Life in Washington, D.C., how the LCMS was represented in Chicago, who else was a the March, and the highlights of the March and surrounding events. Learn more about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life and find the Friends For Life podcast at kfuo.org/friendsforlife.

Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Vulnerability, including why there are so many terrible definitions and what the good definitions are, different types of vulnerability and the common experience among all of them, and understanding vulnerability with a Biblical worldview. Find your copy of Finding Hope: From Brokenness to Restoration at cph.org/findinghope.
 
 Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the 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.

Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the January 2022 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “Ephesians: God’s eternal work marks the way we walk” on Ephesians 1:1-14. This year, "Searching the Scriptures" will study the book of Ephesians, so stay tuned each month for the next Bible study. Follow along and search the Scriptures with us! Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

Benjamin Kolodziej, member of Faith Lutheran Church in Plano, TX, highly active church organist and composer, and contributor to the Lutheran Service Book Companion to the Hymns, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Service of Lessons and Carols, including the history of this service, how it's celebrated now in our churches, what the traditional lessons and carols are, and why we celebrate this service the way we do.

Keith Getty, modern hymn writer along with his wife Kristyn Getty, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his inspirations for writing hymns, why congregational singing is incredibly important in the life of the church, and why families should sing together as often as they can. Learn more about the Gettys and hear their hymns at gettymusic.com. This is a rebroadcast from December 21, 2018.

Rev. William Cwirla joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his memories of making cookies as a child, stories of his family's traditions from his childhood, his favorite treat to make during the Christmas season (Epiphany Star Bread), and some tips for baking at during the holidays.

Mary Schmidt — Manager of Development for KFUO Radio, and Rev. Doug Griebenaw — Mission Advocate for KFUO Radio, join Andy and Sarah to share stories from listeners who love KFUO Radio and share why it's important to them, the needs KFUO Radio has, and how to support KFUO Radio with an end-of-year gift. Give now by calling (314) 996-1518 or (800) 844-0524. Go online and give at kfuo.org/give. Text KFUO to 41444 to give on your mobile device. We appreciate your support.

Kelly Nava joins Andy and Sarah to talk about her memories of making cookies as a child, her favorite Rum Balls, the traditions that surrounded making cookies as a family, and how she has continued these traditions with her own family.

Erin Alter — Director, Short-Term Mission Program with the LCMS Office of International Mission, and Stephenie Hovland — Deaconess Intern with the LCMS Office of International Mission, join Andy and Sarah to talk about what the English Conversation Partners program is, why participants are helping others learn English, who is eligible to participate in the program, and how to apply. Learn more and apply at servenow.lcms.org.

Rev. Marty Hasz, PLPC — Assistant to the President for Church Worker & Congregational Health for the LCMS Missouri District, Rev. Karl Gibbs — pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Carrolton, MO, and Assistant District Disaster Response Coordinator, and Kris Schuldt — LERT Team Leader at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wentzville, MO, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the damage from the recent tornadoes in Missouri, the LERT (Lutheran Early Response Team) teams across Missouri, how these teams are being deployed, and how to get involved with these efforts. Find the LCMS Missouri District at mo.lcms.org and find LCMS Disaster Response efforts at lcms-lert.org.

Rev. Andy Toopes, pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Bowling Green, Kentucky, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the community of Bowling Green, how Holy Trinity Lutheran Church is an integral part of that community, the destruction from the recent tornado, and how the community is recovering. Find the LCMS Mid-South District at mid-southlcms.org and LCMS Disaster Response efforts at lcms-lert.org.

Rev. Dr. Jon Vieker, Dean of the Chapel and Associate Professor of Practical Theology at Concordia Seminary St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the O Antiphons, their place in our liturgical church history, what each Antiphon is, how they're connected to the hymn "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" (Lutheran Service Book 357), and how we can use these in our devotional life during Advent. Read more about the O Antiphons at witness.lcms.org.

Friends from the LCMS International Center join Andy and Sarah for a morning of Christmas caroling outside the IC!

Sara Correnti, MS RD LD, Manager of Health and Wellness with Concordia Plan Services, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about her favorite Christmas cookies as a child, her secret recipe for chocolate chip cookies, some hints on how to make the best cookies, and how she carries on her childhood traditions with her own family.

Anna Boriack joins Andy and Sarah to talk about her memories of making cookies as a child, her two favorites —Springerle and Danish, the traditions that surrounded making cookies as a family, and how she has continued these traditions with her own family.

Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Resilience, including how we define resilience, our obsession with victory, why resilience in complex for people, the key in building resilience, and how hope and resilience are different for those who have hope in Christ rather than hope in the things of this world. Find your copy of Finding Hope: From Brokenness to Restoration at cph.org/findinghope. Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the 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.

The Rev. Doug Griebenaw, Mission Advocate for KFUO Radio, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the beautiful Collects (prayers) during the season of Advent, how these prayers show us the themes we hear about during Advent, how these prayers connect us to the coming of Christ, and some of the themes we hear about in the scripture readings for this season. To contact Rev. Griebenaw about a KFUO Sunday and other support opportunities, call him at (314) 996-1512 or email [email protected].

Sally Handrick, President of the Missouri District LWML, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about her memories of making Christmas cookies as a child, how Christmas cookies have been a part of her family life as a parent and pastor's wife, and several of her favorite cookies.

Trish Erzfeld, Director of Perry County Heritage Tourism, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the history of the Christmas Country Church Tour in the Perry County, MO, area, how many churches and sites are participating, the region of Missouri where these churches are located, and the wonderful experience participants will have. Learn more at visitperrycounty.com and facebook.com/christmascountrychurchtour.

Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the December 2021 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “The resurrection of the body and the life + everlasting. Amen.” about the this phrase of the Third Article of the Apostles’ Creed. Follow along and search the Scriptures and Apostles’ Creed with us! Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

Paul Soulek, Director of Parish & School Music at St. John Lutheran Church in Seward, Nebraska, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Advent hymnody! They discuss The King of Glory Comes (from One and All Rejoice), O Savior, Rend the Heavens Wide (Lutheran Service Book 355), and Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus (Lutheran Service Book 338).

Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Emotion, including how we define this emotion, how brokenness complicates or distorts our understanding of emotions, how emotions affect our mind and body, and what it means to be an emotional being. Find your copy of Finding Hope: From Brokenness to Restoration at cph.org/findinghope. Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the 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.

Rev. Charles Ferry, Asia Regional Director with the LCMS International Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Lord's work in the Asia region today and how it's grown since the early days of mission work in the region, several stories of the partnerships and partner churches in the region, the team that serves across the Asia region, and the need for lay workers like a Business Manager for the Asia Region. Learn more about what's happening in the Asia region at international.lcms.org/asia and find the business manager description at lcms.org/careers. Learn more about Rev. Ferry and his family and how to support their work at lcms.org/ferry.

Dr. Kurt von Kampen — Professor of Music, Chair of the Music Department, and Director of Choral Activities at Concordia University Nebraska, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the place of music at Concordia Nebraska, why music is important for student life, exciting new things happening for the music department, and the tradition of Christmas at Concordia at CUNE. Learn more about the music program at CUNE at cune.edu/music.

Dr. Louis Menchaca — Professor of Music and Music Department Chair at Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW), and Johanna Anderson — Associate Director of Instrumental Music at CUW, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the place of music at Concordia Wisconsin, how music is an important part of student life, the tradition of Christmas at Concordia University, and what to expect during this year's concerts. Learn more and watch live at cuw.edu/christmasconcert.

Rev. Michael Keith, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church and SML Christian Academy in Stony Plain, Alberta, and who holds a Certificate in Grief and Death Studies from the Center for Loss and Life Transition in Fort Collins, Colorado, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how how we process grief, some of the misconceptions we have about how we move through grief, how grief and mourning are different, helpful ways to think about grief, and the promises we have in Christ as we journey through grief. Read his article "The Journey Through Grief" in The Canadian Lutheran at canadianlutheran.ca/the-journey-through-grief.

Rev. Dr. Mark Wood, Director of Witness & Outreach and Revitalization for the LCMS, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the upcoming Making Disciples for Life Conference: The Rock in Shifting Sands, including what "Making Disciples for Life" means, the theme of this particular conference, what attendees can expect to hear about, and how participants can attend in person and online. Find the MDFL Resource center at mdfl.lcms.org. Learn more and register for this conference happening January 10-12, 2022, at calendar.lcms.org/event/making-disciples-for-life-conference.

Pastor Baker discusses theological distinctions between Law & Gospel. Today's topic of discussion is Sunday's Lectionary for Series C of the Three Year Lectionary. Festival: Second Sunday in Advent 1st Reading: Malachi 3:1-7b Psalm: Psalm 66:1-12 Epistle: Philippians 1:2-11 Gospel: Luke 3:1-14 (15-20) Law and Gospel is independently produced by Pastor Tom Baker. Views and opinions expressed on this program may not represent the official position of the management or ownership of KFUO Radio, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. To contact Pastor Tom Baker, email [email protected].

Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Body Image, including how we define this term, how our culture influences our perception of our body image, whether body image includes more than just our physical bodies, an how God's incarnation in Christ Jesus shapes how we think about human bodies. Find your copy of Finding Hope: From Brokenness to Restoration at cph.org/findinghope. Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the 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.

Rev. Merritt Demski, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Waterloo, Illinois, joins Sarah to talk about the role of social media in a congregation, some common pitfalls that pastors and congregations can fall into, and examples of how to do social media well while staying focused on Christ crucified. This is a rebroadcast from June 24, 2019.

Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LMHP, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how the holidays might be different for church worker families, some sources of tension, and how different personality types may affect the stress or tension we feel. Find the NAMI article referenced at nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/November-2015/Tips-for-Managing-the-Holiday-Blues. Find LCMS Worker Wellness resources at lcms.org/wellness. Find the Ministry Talks Episode 11: Holidays and the Ministry Family Video on YouTube at youtu.be/9j-D5CfT9hM. Find more episodes in the Church Worker Wellness series with Deaconess Heidi Goehmann with the tag "Church Worker Wellness." This is a rebroadcast from November 6, 2018.

Rev. Tyrel Bramwell, pastor of St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ferndale, California, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about whether the 4th Commandment looks different as we and our parents mature, how the 4th Commandment applies as we care for aging parents, and how we can model the 4th Commandment well for our children. "The Fourth Commandment: Honor your father and your mother. What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not despise or anger our parents and other authorities, but honor them, serve and obey them, love and cherish them." Find the 10 Commandments at catechism.cph.org/en/10-commandments.html. This is a rebroadcast from May 20, 2019.

Jeannine Leibmann, MA, LPC, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the "sandwich generation," the common struggles that happen for those of us in the sandwich generation, and some helpful thoughts for navigating this time in life when caring for both children and parents. This is a rebroadcast from May 20, 2019.

Kari Smith, Caseworker with Lutheran Family Service in Iowa, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the need for adoptive families today, several stories of families who have chosen adoption, some obstacles that families may face as they consider adoption, and advice for families who are thinking about adoption. Learn more about the services Lutheran Family Service provides at lutheranfamilyservice.org/adoption-services.

Burnell Hackman, Director of Music Ministry at Peace Lutheran Church in St. Louis, Missouri, which is KFUO Radio's Church of the Week, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the many music opportunities at Peace during Advent and Christmas, the traditions like the Christmas Tree Lot that are happening this year, and the support that the community at Peace gives to all of these great opportunities. Learn more about concerts, worship services, and the tree lot at PeaceLutheranSTL.org.

Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Brokenness and Disintegration, including the definitions of brokenness and disintegration, why we avoid talking about hard things like these, the impact of "the fall" on humanity and relationships, and what happens when we see ourselves as parts rather than a whole. Find your copy of Finding Hope: From Brokenness to Restoration at cph.org/findinghope. Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the 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.

Rev. Sean Daenzer, Director of Worship for the LCMS and International Center Chaplain, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the significance of the Last Sunday of the Church Year, all of the themes we talk about during this time of the church year, how the end of the church year drives us straight into Advent themes, and some of the hymns and readings we'll hear on this Sunday.

Kevin McBeth, Director of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra IN UNISON Chorus, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Christmas music opportunities for families with the St. Louis Symphony, including A Gospel Christmas on December 9 featuring IN UNISON Chorus and guest Oleta Adams singing gospel renditions of Christmas tunes, the family-friendly Mercy Holiday Celebration from December 15-19 at Lindenwood University and Powell Hall), and movie experience Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert from December 11-12). Learn more about these events and how you can attend at slso.org.

Elizabeth Pittman, Senior Manager of Public Relations & Concordia Gospel Outreach with Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Adent resources available for families, including The Jesse Tree Family Kit, the children's book Counting to Christmas, the theme package available for congregations Symbols of Salvation, and the CPH Advent and Christmas music playlist on YouTube. Find all of these resources at cph.org.

The Rev. Dr. Tom Park, serving the Lord in Asia with the LCMS Office of International Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what led him to the mission field, the preparations he's done in order to deploy to the field, what he's learned about the Asia region and different cultures there, and what he's looking forward to doing on the mission field. Read his story and how to support his work at lcms.org/park.

Dr. Maurice Boyer, Director of the American Kantorei, joins Sarah to talk about the music of J.S. Bach, how he chooses music for each Kantorei concert, and the music the American Kantorei will be presenting at their upcoming concert on Sunday, November 21st at 3pm at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Des Peres, Missouri. Even if you're not in St. Louis, enjoy Dr. Boyer's conversation about BWV 3 "Ach Gott, wie manches Herzeleid" (Oh God, how much heartache) and BWV 62 "Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland" (Now come, Savior of the nations) and listen to these cantatas on YouTube. Tap to listen to BWV 3 - "Ach Gott, wie manches Herzeleid" Tap to listen to BWV 62 - "Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland" Learn more about the American Kantorei at americankantorei.org. American Kantorei in Concert Sunday, November 21, 2021, at 3:00 pm St Paul's Lutheran Church, Des Peres, MO.

Dr. Beverly Yahnke, Executive Director for Spiritual Counsel with DOXOLOGY, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about developing a plan for self-care, including what we mean by self-care, why we need a plan, how we begin developing this plan, things that are important to consider, and how we ensure we make use of this plan. Learn more about DOXOLOGY, including Take Heart Retreats for pastors, at doxology.us. Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." This is a rebroadcast from June 7, 2021.

Rev. Warren Woerth, pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Arnold, Missouri, which is KFUO Radio's Church of the Week, joins Andy and Sarah to discuss what we need to know about climate change, how secular culture frames these discussions versus what we confess about creation and climate from a Biblical worldview, and who is ultimately in charge of creation and climate on earth. Hear Pastor Woerth each Tuesday on "A Moment in Creation" during the 12 o’clock hour with Gary Duncan on KFUO Radio. Learn more about Good Shepherd in Arnold, including their weekly worship services and Bible studies, at goodshepherdarnold.org.

Rev. Dr. Mark J. Schreiber — US Navy Chaplain, Retired, CAPT, CHC, USN (Ret.), and author of Nailed! Moral Injury: A response from the Cross of Christ for the Combat Veteran, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his path to becoming a Navy Chaplain, where he served as a Chaplain, what moral injury is and how it's different from PTSD, how moral injury affects combat veterans, and how chaplains and pastors bring the Word of God and the Cross of Christ to veterans experiencing moral injury. Find Nailed! Moral Injury: A response from the Cross of Christ for the Combat Veteran at amazon.com. Learn more about military chaplaincy through LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces at lcms.org/armedforces. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or self-harm, help is available. Contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741 or visit crisistextline.org. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255 or chat online at suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

Matt Christensen — Chaplain (MAJ) USA at the US Army Chaplain Center and School in Ft. Jackson, South Carolina, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his path to becoming a US Army Chaplain, the various places he's served on active duty, how he serves others as a Chaplain, what catechesis looks like as a military Chaplain, and the place of the Sacraments in his vocation. Learn more about LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces at lcms.org/armedforces.

Tanner Olson, poet of writtentospeak.com, joins Andy and Sarah on the release day for his new book Walk a Little Slower to talk about what's new for WrittentoSpeak, the creative process he has for writing his poetry, how the messiness of life provides for very real poetry, and a few selections from his new book. Find Walk a Little Slower, along with his previous two books As You Go: Words for the Unknown and I’m All Over the Place, at writtentospeak.com.