The Coffee Hour from KFUO Radio

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.

Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about play and delighting in God, including the relationship of silliness, delight, and play; the value of silliness and delight for our mental health; and some ways to let out the silliness and delight in God. 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. Steven Hokana, Associate Director of LCMS Ministry to Armed Forces, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the challenges our troops and chaplains have faced during COVID-19 pandemic, why our military chaplains are a vital resource for our armed forces, and the need for more Directors of Religious Education and Chaplains. Learn more about LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces at lcms.org/armedforces. Interested in becoming a chaplain? Email [email protected].

Rev. Mark Femmel, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Maryland Heights, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the new Higher Groundz Coffee & Tea at Zion Lutheran, including what prompted the idea for a coffee shop at Zion, what the shop is currently serving, and how to follow what's happening at Higher Groundz. Learn more at zionmh.org/hgz and facebook.com/HigherGroundzMH.

Rev. Nathan Wendorf, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Harlingen, Texas, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how hurricanes have impacted the community of Harlingen in the past, how the congregation of St. Paul was impacted by Hurricane Hanna, and how St. Paul continues to proclaim the Good News of Jesus in the Harlingen community. Learn more LCMS Disaster Response at lcms.org/disaster.

Cheryl Swope, educator and author of Simply Classical: A Beautiful Education for Any Child, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about quick tips for homeschoolers for parents who all of a sudden find themselves figuring out homeschooling, including routine, vision, and ways to enjoy this time together. Find Cheryl's work at cherylswope.com. This is a rebroadcast from March 18, 2020.

Erica Jacoby, Executive Director of Higher Things, and Crysten Sanchez, Events Executive for Higher Things, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the aim of Higher Things Conferences, this year's theme "Watermarked," and how participants can enjoy this year's virtual conference on August 6-7 and all it has to offer. Learn more and register at higherthings.org/conferences.

Rev. Marcus Zill, Chancellor of LCMS U and host of The Student Union on KFUO Radio, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the history of LCMS Campus Ministry, how the Lord has grown campus ministry over the last 100 years, and insight he's gained from hosting The Student Union. Learn more about LCMS U at lcms.org/lcmsu and find The Student Union podcast at kfuo.org/TheStudentUnion.

Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Leininger, University Pastor at Concordia University Chicago in River Forest, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his new book available from Concordia Publishing House Callings for Life, including some myths about callings that need to be addressed, what vocation means and what callings are for, and why it's important to understand our callings in life. Find your copy and download a sample at books.cph.org/callings-for-life.

Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about play and adults, including relationship to play as a child and how we experience play as adults; the difference between play, rest, entertainment, and recreation; and how Nature, Art, Music, Words, Movement are incorporated into play as adults. 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. Timothy Appel, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Smithville, Texas, and Rev. Philip Hoppe, pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in Finlayson and St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bruno, Minnesota, join Andy and Sarah (both in studio for the first time in 133 days) to talk about the greater tragedy of this season of pandemic, why it's so easy to point the finger at other people rather than examine ourselves, and what repentance during this time looks like in our vocations.

Deaconess Tiffany Manor, LCMS Director of Life Ministry, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what we mean by "Life Ministry," things we can do in our own vocations to promote life, and encouragement to promote life issues in our churches. Learn more about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life.

Amanda Bello and Solveig Fiene, English Conversation Partners with the LCMS Office of International Mission, and Anne Gonzalez, DCE, Manager of Short-term Mission Training & Engagement with the LCMS, join Andy and Sarah to talk about their experiences as English conversation partners with English students in Russia, what they learned about Russian culture and our own American culture, and upcoming opportunities to participate from the comfort of your own couch. (This is a perfect opportunity for families with children 14+!) Learn more at servenow.lcms.org/opp/online-english-conversation-partner.

Rev. Dr. Adam Koontz, assistant professor of exegetical theology at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana, and cohost of A Word Fitly Spoken podcast, joins Andy to talk about his post on The Lutheran Witness about worry, including why adults worry more than children, how being like a child in this instance can be a good thing, and what our Lord says to the worried or weary. Read his article at witness.lcms.org/2020/our-whole-future-wholly-in-his-hands and find all Lutheran Witness Series posts at witness.lcms.org/series.

Andrew Himelick, elementary music teacher in Carmel, Indiana, and Emmy Woock, Director of Music Ministries at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Elmhurst, Illinois, join Andy and Sarah to talk about why music an important thing for children to be immersed in as they are developing, the vast amount of musical skills and concepts babies and young children can learn, and ways to keep children engaged in musical learning at home and in daily life. Learn more about First Steps in Music at feierabendmusic.org. Find Keeping the Beat, a First Steps in Music resource, at amazon.com/First-Steps-Classical-Music-Keeping/dp/B00005A0A1.

Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how play in adolescence and teens looks different than play as a young child, what adolescents and teens need for growth in their play, and how "Social, Discovery, Imagination, Physical" makes a difference for adolescents and teens. 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. James Voelz, Professor of New Testament Theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the benefits of learning Koine Greek, a vivid example of how knowing this language can help in studying Scriptures, and how to register for the Fall 2020 online course. Learn more and register at csl.edu/2020/05/registration-opens-for-fall-online-greek-language-course-3.

Dr. John Behnke— Composer, Organist, Handbell Director, (Zoom Expert), and Clinician for the 2020 Music at Historic Trinity Church Music Workshop, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about this year's arrangements for the Workshop, what participants will be learning, and some exciting new things for the virtual event. Learn more at johnbehnke.weebly.com and eventbrite.com/e/music-at-historic-trinity-virtual-online-workshop-hosted-by-john-behnke-tickets-111609864108. Watch the promo on Youtube.com.

Sarah Kanoy, RN, BSN, Community Health Nurse and Educator in East Africa for the LCMS, Stephanie Schulte, RN, BSN, CMSRN, WCN, Mercy Medical Coordinator for West and Central Africa for the LCMS, and Anne Gonzalez, DCE, Manager of Short-term Mission Training & Engagement with the LCMS, join Andy and Sarah to talk about what Community Health Evangelism (CHE) is, where CHE has made a difference, and upcoming training for volunteers interested in CHE. To participate in upcoming training, email [email protected]. Read more about CHE in LCMS Engage magazine at engage.lcms.org/africa-grants-summer-2020.

Mark Mentele, Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Concordia University Wisconsin, and Lyndsey Sheridan, Visit and Events Coordinator at Concordia University Wisconsin, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how CUW participates in Wisconsin’s annual Private College Week, what makes CUW a unique Lutheran university, and the details of the upcoming Taste of Concordia virtual event. Learn more at blog.cuw.edu/prospective-undergrads-invited-to-get-a-taste-of-concordia-july-27-31.

Rehema Kavugha, Synod Relations Manager with Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how LCEF has supported borrowers, early childhood centers, and the church in general during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more about LCEF at lcef.org.

Sara Correnti, MS RD LD, Manager of Health and Welfare Member Wellness Products for Concordia Plan Services, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how physical therapy is useful for individuals at home, details of the SWORD Health program, and how Concordia Plan Services members can utilize this benefit. Watch a video about SWORD Health at vimeo.com/413625704. To apply/join, go to, join.swordhealth.com/Concordia.

Rev. Dr. Richard Marrs, Associate professor of Practical Theology and director of the M.Div. and Residential Alternate Route (RAR) Programs at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the premise behind his latest book Making Christian Counseling More Christ Centered (WestBow Press, 2019), including what Christian counseling generally means, concerns about mainstream Christian counseling, and what Lutherans uniquely bring to the table for mental health services. Find Dr. Marrs' book at westbowpress.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/779045-Making-Christian-Counseling-More-Christ-Centered. Find details about the Concordia Seminary Prof Insights: Faculty-Led Workshop August 6-8, 2020, at csl.edu/event/prof-insights-faculty-led-workshop-series-professor-marrs. Find details about the Concordia Seminary / Concordia Wisconsin Continuing Education course beginning September 8, 2020, at csl.edu/event/scripture-in-counseling-continuing-education-course-begins.