The Coffee Hour from KFUO Radio

Rev. Matthew Wood, serving the Lord in Indonesia working with the Indonesian Christian Lutheran Church (GKLI), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the September issue of the Lutheran Witness, all about our certainty in Christ Jesus in life and death. Follow along and search the Scriptures with us! Read about Pastor Wood and how to support his work at lcms.org/wood. Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

Matthew Gerhardt, Associate Minister of Music at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Des Peres, Missouri, and Rev. Dr. Jon Vieker, Senior Assistant to the President of the LCMS, join Andy and Sarah to talk about a Paul Gerhardt hymn festival this Sunday, September 27, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. They discuss who Paul Gerhardt was and what his life was like, the influences on his hymn writing, and the wonderful hymnody that will be presented and sung on Sunday. Pre-registration is required at stpaulsdesperes.org/music.

Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, President of the LCMS, joins Andy and Sarah during our series on hobbies to talk about his love of collecting old books and doing German translation, what he finds exciting and challenging about doing this work, and what we can learn from these written words of our Lutheran history. Find all the episodes in our series on hobbies at kfuo.org/tag/hobbies.

Rev. Keith Haney, Author of One Nation Under God: Healing the Racial Divides in America and Assistant to the President— Missions, Human Care & Stewardship with LCMS Iowa District West, joins Andy and Sarah in the second of a six-part series on healing racial divides in America to talk about how the "us vs. them" mentality deepens divides, how Satan works hard to sow seeds of division among us, and how God equips us for battle against Satan in order that we can love our neighbors. Find Pastor Haney's Bible study at cph.org/healingracialdivides and read his blog at alightbreaksthrough.org.

Mike Thirtle, President and CEO of Bethesda Lutheran Communities, joins Andy to talk about what Bethesda Cornerstone Village is, what the need for this unique community is, and the grand opening for this new community. Learn more about Bethesda Cornerstone Village in Victoria, Minnesota, at bethesdacornerstonevillage.org.

Rev. Dr. Roosevelt Gray, Director of LCMS Black Ministry, joins Andy to talk about the impact of the storms on local communities in the South, the historic significance of these communities, the LCMS congregations that are impacted, and the ability of congregations to respond to the needs of their communities. Learn more about LCMS Disaster Response at lcms.org/disaster and LCMS Black Ministry at lcms.org/blackministry.

Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how shame and autonomy interact as we balance our free will with God’s will and the will of others, how shame impacts our mental health, and how shame and our identity in Christ intersect. 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.

Sharon Riordan, Director of International Student Ministry - St. Louis, joins Andy to talk about the work of International Student Ministry and how the organization helps students, how students have been affected by the pandemic, and how you can help students through the work of ISM. Learn more at ismstl.org.

Rev. Brandon Merrick, pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Paradise, California, joins Andy to talk about rebuilding after the November 2018 fires destroyed most of the community, including Our Savior Lutheran Church. They discuss losses experienced by members of the congregation, blessings in the midst of great losses, the rebuilding process, and how the current fires are affecting their community and church. Lear more about Our Savior at facebook.com/Our-Savior-Lutheran-Church-Paradise-CA-182663725082577.

Rev. Tyrel Bramwell, Admissions Counselor at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah during our series on hobbies to talk about what he loves about photography, his favorite things to photograph and favorite cameras to use, and insight for newbies who want to get into photography. Find all the episodes in our series on hobbies at kfuo.org/tag/hobbies.

Rev. Keith Haney, Author of One Nation Under God: Healing the Racial Divides in America and Assistant to the President— Missions, Human Care & Stewardship with LCMS Iowa District West, joins Andy and Sarah in the first of a six-part series on healing racial divides in America to talk about defining the racial division in America, the complexity of the situation, the experience of most black Americans, and how emotions play a role in our divisions. Find Pastor Haney's Bible study at cph.org/healingracialdivides and read his blog at alightbreaksthrough.org.

Rev. David Goehmann, pastor of Christ Lutheran Church in Norfolk, Nebraska, joins Andy and Sarah during our series on hobbies to talk about how he got into hunting, what he likes about hunting, different ways to hunt, and insights for newbies. Find all the episodes in our series on hobbies at kfuo.org/tag/hobbies.

Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how our free will is acknowledged, what shame is and how it relates to free will, how autonomy relates to both shame and free will, and what all of these things mean for our mental health and daily decision-making. 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.

Rev. Michael Schuermann, pastor of University Lutheran Church, campus ministry at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why we should consider our mortality even if we are presumably in the prime of life, how or beliefs about death and resurrection color our vocations, and what scripture teaches us about death. Read his answer to the question about considering death in the prime of life in the September issue of the Lutheran Witness. Read and listen to LW online at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, Illinois, joins Andy to talk about how to know all our sins are forgiven, how we know that our pastors have authority to forgive sins, and where we read about this in scripture and our confessions. Read his answer to the question about Haunting Sins in the September issue of the Lutheran Witness. Read and listen to LW online at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, Texas, joins Andy and Sarah during our series on hobbies to talk about how he got into knife an tomahawk throwing, how this is actually a really fun (and safe) hobby, insights for people who want to get into this hobby, and how hobbies are good for body and spirit. Find all the episodes in our series on hobbies at kfuo.org/tag/hobbies.

Mark Hancock, CEO of TrailLife USA, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the biggest challenges facing boys today, how TrailLife helps to raise up Christ-centered boys, and how TrailLife has remained active during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more about TrailLife and troops in your area at traillifeusa.com.

Justin and Jordan Logston, who serve the Lord in Belize, join Andy to talk about their journey to becoming missionaries, how the Lord has prepared them for this service, and what their primary duties will be once they are deployed. Learn more about the Logstons and how to support their work at lcms.org/logston.

Rev. Sean Smith, Pastor of the Evangelical Dual Parish of Immanuel-Campbell Hill and St. Paul-Wine Hill, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah during our series on hobbies to talk about why he enjoys making wine, all the wonderful lingo and science that goes along with making wine, and tips for newbies who want to start making their own wine. Find all the episodes in our series on hobbies at kfuo.org/tag/hobbies.

Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how to have empathy on social media, including these five points: Find Their Face Know When to Abort or Relocate Utilize the Facebook Disclaimer Be Real, but Understand the Intimacy Level Just Be Happy for Them. This is a rebroadcast from June 15, 2020. 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.

Mrs. Debbie Larson, President of the LWML, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how the LWML supports global mission work, some of the LWML Mission Grants for this year, and how having a community of women devoted to sharing the Gospel makes a difference to our communities and church at large. Learn more at lwml.org.

Wade Waterstreet, student at Concordia Seminary St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah during our series on hobbies to talk about why he loves radio controlled aircraft, what makes this hobby fun and exciting, and tips for newbies who would like to take up this hobby. Find all the episodes in our series on hobbies at kfuo.org/tag/hobbies.

Rev. Michael Meyer, Director of Disaster Training with LCMS Disaster Response, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the damage sustained by communities in Texas and Louisiana from Hurricane Laura, the LCMS congregations that will respond to the communities, and the outlook for volunteers and recovery work. Learn more about LCMS Disaster Response and volunteer work at lcms.org/disaster and facebook.com/LCMSDisasterResponse.

Rev. James Miller, associate pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Nashville, Illinois, KFUO Radio's Church of the week, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how Trinity serves the community around them, how the congregation has been gathered around the Word during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how KFUO Radio is a part of Trinity's ministry. Learn more about Trinity Lutheran Church at tlcnashville.org and facebook.com/trinitynashvilleillinois.

Samantha Bender, mom and artist, joins Andy and Sarah during our series on hobbies to talk about why she loves to paint, insights for people who want to start painting, different styles of painting, and some favorite tools and supplies to use. Find all the episodes in our series on hobbies at kfuo.org/tag/hobbies.

Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what hinders trust and what builds trust, including how nature and nurture play a role in our ability to trust, specific actions that break trust like secrets and failing to show up, and specific things that build trust like forgiveness and vulnerability. 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.

Rev. Merritt Demski, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Waterloo, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about understanding things that don't seem fair to us (like a global pandemic), how God and be both merciful and just, and God's disposition towards His children through Jesus Christ. This is a rebroadcast from June 24, 2020.

Dr. Rebecca Schmidt, Director of Lutheran School Ministry for the LCMS Office of National Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the challenges Lutheran schools are facing this year, some of the creative ways Lutheran schools are managing education plans, and how Lutheran schools are thriving even in the midst of a pandemic. Learn more about Lutheran schools at lcms.org/schools and find resources for Lutheran education at luthed.org.

Rev. Amadeus Gandy, Pastor at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Clarksburg, West Virginia, and Chaplain 1st Lieutenant with the United States Air Force, joins Andy and Sarah during our series on hobbies to talk about his interest in bodybuilding and how it's not the same as power lifting or C rossfit, benefits of a physical fitness hobby, how the whole family is involved, and tips for newbies to the fitness world. Find all the episodes in our series on hobbies at kfuo.org/tag/hobbies.

Rev. Dr. Stanish Stanley, Executive Director of Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how CFNA serves immigrants to the St. Louis area, how CFNA's work has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the upcoming Golf Tournament on October 12, 2020 to benefit CFNA. Learn more and register at cfna-stl.org/golf.

Tony Ciro, Development Manager for Phil’s Friends, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how Phil's Friends shares the comfort of Christ in a time of need, opportunities to volunteer with Phil's Friends including the new Hope on Call initiative, and the upcoming Virtual Gala to support Phil's Friends. Learn more about volunteering and sending care packages to those dealing with cancer at philsfriends.org.

Kristi Stell, hobby crocheter, joins Andy and Sarah during our series on hobbies to talk about her interest in crocheting, what she loves about it, and how she's been able to use this hobby to serve others. Find all the episodes in our series on hobbies at kfuo.org/tag/hobbies.

Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how trust is built, including how trust is both presupposed and earned, what trust looks like in a relationship, and some specific actions that build trust. 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.

Rev. Dr. Joel Biermann, Professor of Systematic Theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the root of the American ideology of voting, if God cares whether we vote a certain way, how we can determine how God would want us to vote, and how we love our neighbors in the voting booth. Read his article Beyond the Booth in the August 2020 issue of the Lutheran Witness. Read and listen to LW online at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

Krista Hinrichs, Respiratory nurse, pastor’s wife, musician, and gardener, joins Andy and Sarah during our series on hobbies to talk about her interest in gardening, insights into those interested in starting a garden, and some of the things she's learned over the years. Find all the episodes in our series on hobbies at kfuo.org/tag/hobbies.

Rev. Dr. Ross Johnson, Director of LCMS Disaster Response, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about damage from the derecho that hit Iowa and Illinois, how local LCMS congregations and schools were impacted, and how Disaster Response is aiding those who are affected. Learn more about LCMS Disaster Response and how you can help at lcms.org/disaster.

Barb Rebentisch, who serves the Lord in Taiwan, based in ChiaYi, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about her role translating and interpreting between Mandarin and English to facilitate the communication of the Gospel, what led up to her service in Taiwan, and what she enjoys most about this culture and service. Read her story and how to support her work at lcms.org/rebentisch.

Erin Alter, Director of Short-Term Missions for the LCMS Office of International Mission, joins Andy and Sarah during our series on hobbies to talk about her interest in sewing, some of the wonderful pieces she's made, and some of the things she's learned over the years. Find all the episodes in our series on hobbies at kfuo.org/tag/hobbies.

Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how trust impacts our mental health, including how trust is like an "essential multivitamin" for our mental health, what happens when we don't have trust in our relationships, and how our ultimate trust is in Christ alone. 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.

Tanner Olson, poet of Written to Speak, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his Poetry School happening virtually this fall, including how poetry can be beneficial for kids, who this school is for, and what the curriculum includes. Learn more and sign up at writtentospeak.com/poetry-school-1.

Rev. Roy Askins, Managing Editor of the Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the theme for the August issue of LW, why talking about religion and politics is timely and necessary, and some of the great things to read and listen to in this month's issue. Read and listen to LW online at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

Rev. Randy Asburry, pastor of Hope Lutheran Church in St. Louis, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah during our series on hobbies to talk about his interest in woodworking, some of his latest projects, tips for newbies, and why he loves woodworking. Find all the episodes in our series on hobbies at kfuo.org/tag/hobbies.

Jenn Rutherford, Vice President of Lending with Lutheran Federal Credit Union (LFCU), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about insights into buying a first home, important steps in preparation for a mortgage, and how LFCU can help home buyers and especially church workers. Learn more at LutheranFCU.org.

Rev. William Cwirla, pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Hacienda Heights, California, joins Andy and Sarah during our series on hobbies to talk about his interest in baking bread, the key pointers for newbies, and the best parts about having fresh bread from your own oven. Find all the episodes in our series on hobbies at kfuo.org/tag/hobbies.

Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what trust is, how our bodies interpret trust, and what God's Word says about trust. Read more: heidigoehmann.com/blog/always-growing-what-is-trust. 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.

Rev. Weslie Odom, pastor of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Arlington, Texas, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching the Scriptures” feature in the August issue of the Lutheran Witness, all about civility and conviction. 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.

Beth Lutz, Director of Programs for Camp Luther in Three Lakes, Wisconsin, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about an incredible opportunity for college students to live at Camp Luther for a semester while completing classes online at their own individual schools, requirements for this new program, and how this program is a unique way for students to learn and serve. Learn more and apply at campluther.com/students.

Rev. Mark Kiessling, Director of Youth Ministry for the LCMS, and Rev. Derek Broten, Program Director, for the LCMS Youth Gathering, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the purpose of LCMS Youth Gatherings, the theme for Youth Gathering 2022 in Houston, and what to look forward to at this Gathering. Join the community for LCMS Youth Ministry on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/LCMSYouthMinistry. Learn more details at lcmsgathering.com and follow updates on the social media linked on the Gathering website.

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.

Mrs. Jocelyn Benson, Head Teacher with Wittenberg Academy, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what Wittenberg Academy offers to families, how classical education and online learning are very compatible together, and curriculum options for both primary grades and junior/high school students. Learn more, sign up for free primary grades curriculum, and register for Fall junior/high school classes at wittenbergacademy.org.