The Coffee Hour from KFUO Radio

Debbie Larson, President of the LWML, joins Andy and Sarah to review the LWML 2021 National Convention in Lexington, Kentucky, including what convention delegates learned from Scripture about the theme “Running the Race, Looking to Jesus,” what the LWML aims to accomplish at convention every two years, and some of highlights from the mission grants that were approved this year. Learn more about the work of the LWML and the current mission grants at lwml.org.

Deaconess Caitlin and Seminarian Jeancarlos Ramírez, serving the Lord with the LCMS Office of International Mission in the Dominican Republic, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how Caitlin serves on the field with deaconess formation and caring for underserved, what seminary education looks like for Jeancarlos, and how they are preparing to serve in the future in Latin America. Learn more about their story and how to support their work at lcms.org/ramirez.

Deaconess Dorothy Krans, Director of LCMS Recognized Service Organizations, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how service organizations have been a part of extending the church’s mission throughout history, how organizations work in harmony with the LCMS and her mission today, and the benefits of being an RSO of the Synod. Read her article “Extending the Mission: Recognized Service Organizations of the LCMS” in the June/July issue of The Lutheran Witness. Find the LCMS RSO directory at lcms.org/rso.

Kara Warme, American Heritage Girls Troop Coordinator for Troop IA2016 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ames, Iowa, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how she first discovered American Heritage Girls, how the troop began at St. Paul Lutheran Church, how the AHG Troop has been helpful to the girls who are members, and what she has learned in her time coordinating the troop. Learn more about AHG and how to find or start a troop in your area at americanheritagegirls.org.

Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about resilience, hope, and working through our struggles together as the body of Christ. 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 and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.

Dr. Daniel Harmelink, Executive Director of Concordia Historical Institute, joins Andy and Sarah live from the LWML National Convention in Lexington, Kentucky, to talk about the 491st commemoration of the Presentation of the Augsburg Confession, including the historical context of when the presentation happened, why the Augsburg Confession is so important in our Lutheran history, and what you will learn when you read it! Read through the Augsburg Confession and the rest of the Book of Concord at bookofconcord.org/augsburg-confession or find a copy at cph.org/p-22525-The-Augsburg-Confession-Concordia-Readers-Edition.aspx.

Cathy Stanish and Elise Zeigler from Selah Textiles in St. Louis, Missouri, join Andy and Sarah live from the LWML National Convention in Lexington, Kentucky, to talk about how Selah Textiles got its start, how this social entrepreneurship serves other people, and what they've learned while creating this enterprise. Learn more and browse their store at selahtextiles.org.

Rev. James Krikava, serving the Lord with the LCMS Office of International Mission as regional director for the Eurasia region, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the geographical area of the Eurasia region, the theological education going on in different parts of this region, the challenges faced by some in this region, and how the Lord has blessed His church over the last year. Read the Krikava family's story and how to support their work at lcms.org/krikava and learn more about the work being done in the Eurasia region at international.lcms.org/eurasia.

NADCE Board Members Thad Warren, Shelli Haynes, and Emily Phoenix join Andy and Sarah to talk about where Directors of Christian Education serve today, the process of DCE formation, and how DCEs serve with pastors and other church workers.

Dr. Bill Karpenko — Director of Christian Education, Emeritus, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what a Director of Christian Education is, the history of the DCE position, how the first DCEs served in their congregations, and how this office has developed into the Commissioned Minister status in the LCMS.

Sara Correnti, MS, RD, LD — Manager of Health & Welfare – Member Wellness Products with Concordia Plan Services, Dr. Jeff Stanley — Medical Director of Virta, and Bonnie Parker — LCMS Employee and Virta Client, join Andy and Sarah to talk about what is significant about Type 2 Diabetes, the correlation between obesity and Type 2 Diabetes, challenges faced when adressing obesity and Type 2 Diabetes, and how accountability and personal support are crucial in making lifestyle changes. Bonnie shares her story of how Virta helped her reverse her Type 2 Diabetes, and we discuss how Virta can be an important tool in the toolbox of a person with diabetes. Learn more about diabetes solutions from Concordia Plans at concordiaplans.org/members/my-wellness-benefits/diabetes-solutions and about Virta at virtahealth.com/concordia.

Chara Sype, preschool teacher in Lincoln, Nebraska, and Chelsea Irwin, who serves the Lord in the Czech Republic, join Sarah to talk about the Missions Unpacked for Kids program available this summer through the LCMS Office of International Mission, including what kids will learn about during this program, why it's important for kids to learn about mission service around the globe, and how families and schools can participate. Learn more about the regions kids will explore and register for the program at international.lcms.org/missions-unpacked.

Carla Elenz, Zone President of the LWML Land of Lakes Zone in Michigan, and who is cycling from Gaylord, Michigan to the LWML Convention in Lexington, Kentucky, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about her long history of cycling (including biking across America), preparations for a long cycling trip, what inspired her to make this 550-mile journey, and what she hopes to accomplish with this ride. Read more of her story at lwml.org/posts/news/enews-336#3 and find Miles for Mites on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/milesformites.

Rev. Mark Rabe, who serves the Lord in Ethiopia as a theological educator at Mekane Yesus Seminary in Addis Ababa, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the community at the seminary and in Addis Ababa, the seminary students and education available in Ethiopia, the struggles they have weathered over the last year, and how the Lord has provided for them through these challenges. Read his family's story and how to support their work at lcms.org/rabe.

Rev. Dr. Travis Scholl, managing editor of the Concordia Journal, joins Andy and Sarah to share his story as a writer, how creative writing really encompasses more than we may think, what the intersection of faith and writing means, and the format for this year's Faith & Writing Workshop at Concordia Seminary St. Louis. Learn more and register at csl.edu/resources/continuing-education/faith-writing-workshop. Faith and Writing Workshop Concordia Seminary’s Faith and Writing Workshop explores various forms of creative writing — starting a blog, creating a sermon or devotion, “traditional” forms of creative writing (story, nonfiction, drama, poetry) — and everything in between. Attention will be given to social media and new forms of expression, with ample time provided for creative exercises. July 20-22, 2021 | 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CDT Registration: $175 (Seminary students $75 per person) Registration deadline: July 7, 2021

Rev. Edgar Keinath — Director of CrossLife Ministries, the counseling ministry of Ambassadors of Reconciliation, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how the culture of our nation has impacted the life of the Church, how difficult things like the COVID-19 pandemic affect how we relate to our brothers and sisters in Christ, how the pandemic has affected our identity, and how we move toward resolve. Learn about the Ambassadors of Reconciliation webinars on these topics at aorhope.org/webinars. Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday."

Rev. Dr. Mark Wood, Director Witness and Outreach & Revitalization with the LCMS Office of National Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his book Connected to Christ: Witnessing in Everyday Life available from Concordia Publishing House, including defining the terms "evangelist" and "witness," who is called to be a witness, some misconceptions about witnessing, and how witnessing is about sharing Jesus' love with those around us in our lives. Find Connected to Christ: Witnessing in Everyday Life at cph.org/p-34258-connected-to-christ-witnessing-in-everyday-life.aspx.

Rev. Eric Moffett, Associate Pastor of Foothills Lutheran Church in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and Speaker for the Lutheran Church–Canada National Youth Gathering in 2022, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the theme "In not Of" from Philippians 3:20, how this Gathering serves the youth of the Lutheran Church–Canada, what the youth will be doing during their time at the gathering in Winnipeg, and the people behind the scenes who make this event possible. Learn more about the LCC NYG July 15-19, 2022, at lccnyg.ca and Lutheran Church–Canada at lutheranchurchcanada.ca.

Rev. Kyle Castens, Pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Festus, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the history of Grace Day Jefferson County, how this event serves the surrounding community, the services that are provided, and how this event fits into how Immanuel and the churches in Jefferson County serve the community throughout the year. Learn more at ilcfestus.org.

The Rev. Matthew Wood, serving the Lord in Indonesia with the Indonesian Christian Lutheran Church (GKLI), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the community where he serves on the island of Sumatra in Indonesia, how the GKLI serves the people of Indonesia, the challenges they've faced in the last year, and how the Lord has provided through trying times. Learn more about Rev. Wood and and how to support his work at lcms.org/wood.

Brett McCracken, senior editor for the Gospel Coalition and the author of Uncomfortable; Hipster Christianity; Gray Matters; and The Wisdom Pyramid, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about our current cultural state of information gluttony, what happens when we constant distraction and input in our lives, where true wisdom comes from, and how the Wisdom Pyramid can inform how we navigate the information we choose to consume. Find Brett McCracken's content at brettmccracken.com and The Wisdom Pyramid at brettmccracken.com/the-wisdom-pyramid.

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."

Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the June/July 2021 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty" about this phrase of the Second 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.

Peter Slayton, Social Media Manager for the LCMS, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how context collapse affects how we interact with each other on social media, what scripture says about how we talk about hot topics (like abortion), and what it means to behave like a Christian online while still speaking the truth. This is a rebroadcast from May 23, 2019. 1 Peter 3:13-17 ESV 13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil. English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org

The Rev. Jerry Lawson, who serves the Lord in Russia as a theological educator, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the community where he serves in St. Petersburg, stories of learning cultural nuances, the focus of his service here, and how the Lord has provided for his service during his time there. Read his family's story and how to support their work at lcms.org/lawson, and also follow the Lawsons on Facebook at facebook.com/LawsontoRussia.

Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why we should do both devotions and attend corporate worship, what to look for in devotional material, and how to pick out if the devotional material is worthy of your time. Find the Treasury of Daily Prayer at cph.org/treasury or find the PrayNow App in your Apple or Google Play app store. This is a rebroadcast from August 29, 2019.

Rev. Merritt Demski, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Waterloo, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about a few hymns common during the "Green Season," or the season after Pentecost or Trinity. These hymns are: LSB 708 "Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart," LSB 722 "Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me," and LSB 729 "I Am Trusting Thee, Lord Jesus."
 
 This is a rebroadcast from August 27, 2019.

Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the relationship between fear and mystery, distinctions to make between fear, anxiety, and worry, and how we can know to ask for help with our fear. 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 and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com. This is a rebroadcast from January 27, 2020.

Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the ways we deal with emotions (both good and bad coping mechanisms), practical tips for faithfully dealing with emotions, and why this even matters in our relationships. 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 and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com. This is a rebroadcast from October 21, 2019.

Rev. Dr. Matthew Heise, Executive Director of Lutheran Heritage Foundation joins Andy and Pastor Cleland to share an update on the work of LHF and partners around the globe, including the state's case filed against Bishop-elect Juhana Pohjola of the Finnish Mission Diocese, Dr. Heise's book on the persecution of Lutherans in the USSR, a new translation of Luther's Small Catechism in the Zou language, and more projects in progress. You can visit lhfmissions.org to read about the ways LHF is providing Gospel resources in many languages.

Kelly Schumacher, liturgical artist of Agnus Dei Liturgical Arts, joins Andy to discuss the joys of learning watercolor painting and announces upcoming classes in the St. Louis area. You may request more information at AgnusDeiArts.com.

Lee Hinton, MSgt, USAF (Ret), Assistant to the Director, LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces joins Andy to discuss how chaplains made a difference for her during her deployment and announces the Adopt-a-Chap program for LCMS congregations. Learn more at lcms.org/adopt-a-chap. You may also email [email protected] or call Lee at 314-996-1337.

Kay Meyer, President, Family Shield Ministries joins Andy to share ideas for building up your family and lifting up your neighbor in prayer while taking the family on an outdoor prayer walk. More tips and resources are available at the FSM website: https://familyshieldministries.com/family-prayer-walk/

The Rev. Dr. James Marriott, Director of Music Arts and Dean of Chapel, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis joins Andy to discuss the June 2021 Carillon Concert Series and the uniqueness of the carillon as a musical instrument. Learn more about the Carillon Concert Series at the CSL website: https://www.csl.edu/campus-life/music-arts/concordia-seminary-concert-series/.

Dr. Daniel Deen, Professor of Philosophy and Program Director of Crosswise, Concordia University Irvine and Dr. Joel Oesch, Director of Graduate Programs in Theology at Christ College and Executive Director of Crosswise, Concordia University Irvine join Andy to discuss the upcoming Crosswise Summer Weekend for high school students. Why is dialogue on contemporary issues important for young Christians today? Crosswise engages students in dialogue about complex issues to equip them for critical thinking and faithful witness. Learn more about Crosswise at Concordia University Irvine on their website at cui.edu/crosswise.

Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Kloha, Chief Curatorial Officer for Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C, joins Andy to discuss the upcoming Magna Carta exhibit. Dr. Kloha shares the importance of this historical document for Western nations today and its relationship to the Bible and the English Church. Learn more about the exhibit at the Museum of the Bible by visiting their website: https://www.museumofthebible.org/exhibits/magna-carta.

The Rev. Jeff Pflug of Faith Lutheran Church in Madison, Indiana, joins Andy to share a personal story about overcoming stigma and facing mental illness with dignity to find the healthiest outcome. Resources mentioned in this episode include community education from NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health First Aid.

The Rev. Dr. Joel Elowsky, professor of Historical Theology and coordinator of International Seminary Exchange Programs at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, joins Andy and Pastor Cleland to talk about the church's commemoration of Constantine the emperor and Helena, mother of Constantine.

Rev. Sean Daenzer, LCMS Director of Worship and Chaplain for the LCMS International Center, joins Andy and Pastor Cleland to talk about the history of the day of Pentecost. We look at the origins in the biblical Feast of Weeks and the Church's observance of Pentecost today.

Dr. Danny Faulkner— Researcher, author, and speaker for Answers in Genesis and Hannah Klein, coordinator for the Gateway Creation Conference, join Andy to talk about topics to be covered at the upcoming Gateway Creation Conference. Topics include design astronomy, the light travel time problem, the Galileo affair, and flat Earth. Hear these presentations and more at the upcoming Gateway Creation Conference, June 25-26. at The Rock Church of St. Louis’s Ballwin campus. Learn more and register at creationconf.com.

Rehema Kavugha, Synod Relations Manager for Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the upcoming "Growing in Christ" webinars offering support to church workers and volunteers who have labored exhaustively during the pandemic. You can request an invitation to the webinars online: lcef.org/webinars

Rev. Dr. Wilhelm Weber, Managing Director of the International Lutheran Society of Wittenberg, joins Andy and Sarah to share an update on the the Old Latin School in Wittenberg, how the community of Wittenberg has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and opportunities to visit the Old Latin School. Learn more about the Old Latin School and how you can visit at oldlatinschool.org.

Rev. Dr. Richard Marrs, Associate Professor of Practical Theology and Director of the M.Div. and Residential Alternate Route (RAR) Programs at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what God says about emotions, why we have emotions, and what role emotions play in our well-being, decision making, and faith. Find his book Making Christian Counseling More Christ Centered from WestBow Press at amazon.com and westbowpress.com. Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday."

Brianne E. Gerzevske, Assistant Executive Director with LCMS Mission Advancement, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what Mission Advancement does for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, how the work of the LCMS is funded, and the exciting dollar-for-dollar matching opportunities that are available to further our mission at nationally and internationally. Find these opportunities and how you can give at lcms.org/matchinggifts.

Seth Hinz, Director of brand, marketing and creative at Pathfinder Church and St. John School in Ellisville, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why we use social media, how we navigate conversations and interactions even when they make us frustrated, what's important to consider when we want to share the Gospel on social media, and how to build relationships to have better interactions in the long run. Read his article "Sharing the Gospel on Social Media" in the May 2021 issue of The Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org/2021/two-views-on-technology-and-faith-part-2-sharing-the-gospel-on-social-media.

Rev. Sean Daenzer, LCMS Director of Worship and Chaplain for the LCMS International Center, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why Jesus' ascension into heaven is historically important, what it means for us, and how the church has celebrated this feast through the ages. This is a rebroadcast from May 21, 2020.

Stephanie DiDonato, marketing content specialist at Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the CPH Reads Summer Reading Program, the benefits of a summer reading program, who can participate (hint: everyone!), what books are eligible, and how the program works, including points and prizes. Learn more and register at read.cph.org. The program begins June 1, 2021!

Rev. Dr. Geoffrey Boyle, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church and Grace Lutheran Church in Wichita, Kansas, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why we read the Church Fathers, how we regard their writings, and where we find our Lutheran theology in these writings from Church Fathers. He also gives us an exemplary summer reading list:
 
 Polycarp of Smyrna, Epistle to the Philippians, Martyrdom (d. 155)
 Ignatius of Antioch, Letters to the Churches, Martyrdom (d. 108/140)
 Epistle of Barnabas (70-132)
 Justin Martyr, First Apology (100-165)
 Irenaeus, Apostolic Preaching (130-202)
 Melito of Sardis, On Pascha (d.180)
 Hippolytus, Apostolic Tradition (170-235)
 Cyprian of Carthage, Unity of the Catholic Church (210-258)
 Athanasius, On the Incarnation (296-373)
 Cyril of Jerusalem, Lectures on the Sacraments (313-386)
 John Chrysostom, Marriage & Family Life (347-407)
 Augustine, Confessions, On Christian Teaching, Enchiridion (354-430)
 Cyril of Alexandria, Unity of Christ (376-444)
 Leo the Great, Sermons (beginning at XXI, especially 73-74) (400-461)
 Gregory the Great, Pastoral Rule (540-604)
 
 You can find many of these writings for free at ccel.org/fathers, and you can also purchase several of them in the Popular Patristics series from St. Vladimir Press at svspress.com. Share your progress with us on social media! Find us @KFUOradio on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
 
 Find the Lutheran Witness online articles referenced in this episode at witness.lcms.org/author/geoff-boyle.

Megan Miessler, DCE, LCSW — Executive Director of Lutheran Counseling Services (LCSFL) in Winter Park, Florida — joins Andy to talk about how everyone has mental health, how we can acknowledge our need to care about our mental health, some common myths about mental health, and how we can help care for our neighbor's mental health as well as our own. Learn more about LCSFL at lcsfl.com and find mental health resources at nami.org. Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday."

Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of The Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the May 2021 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead," about this phrase of the Second 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.