The Coffee Hour from KFUO Radio

Rev. Jeff Hemmer, pastor of Bethany Lutheran Church in Fairview Heights, Illinois, and author of Man Up: The Quest for Masculinity available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how our confession of Jesus is also a confession of God the Father, why fatherhood is an important vocation, and how God the father is the perfect father. Find Pastor Hemmer's book at cph.org/manup.

Rev. Keith Haney— Assistant to the President Missions, Human Care & Stewardship, LCMS Iowa District West, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his Bible Study One Nation under God: Healing Racial Divides in America, including the heightened emotions that make us feel uncomfortable when we talk about racial divides, where our ultimate hope and healing come from, and what this Bible study will help us to understand. Find the downloadable Bible Study at cph.org/p-31186-one-nation-under-god-healing-racial-divides-in-america-downloadable.aspx. Rev. Haney will be conducting an online Bible study from June 24 - July 29, 2020. Find details and register here: my.demio.com/ref/mAH7i90zTZzixWhF.

Deaconess Sandra Rhein, Sacred Music Educator in Asia through the LCMS Office of International Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what being a Sacred Music Educator really means, how she will be expanding her hymnal translation work into teaching those hymns to people, and stories from translating hymnals for our church partners. Read her story and how to support her work at lcms.org/rhein. Church musician and Deaconess Sandra Rhein works at her home on Friday, Feb. 2, 2018, in South Bend, Ind. LCMS Communications/Erik M. Lunsford

Rev. Joe Rodriguez, pastor of St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Liberty, Missouri, KFUO Radio's Church of the Week, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the history of the Liberty community, how St. Stephen has served the community, and why KFUO Radio is important to them. Learn more about St. Stephen at teamjesusliberty.org.

Dr. Kent Burreson, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology & Dean of the Chapel at Concordia Seminary St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what makes a carillon a unique instrument, the carillonneurs who perform on the seminary campus, and how to enjoy the music of the seminary's carillon. Find details about this summer's carillon concert series at csl.edu/2020/05/outdoor-summer-carillon-concerts-slated-for-june.

Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how to have empathy on social media, including these five points: 1 – Find Their Face 2 - Know When to Abort or Relocate 3 - Utilize the Facebook Disclaimer 4 - Be Real, but Understand the Intimacy Level 5 – Just Be Happy for Them. 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.

Deaconess Anna Johnson, Senior Manager of Marketing with Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how churches are trying to do VBS even in the midst of social distancing and global pandemic, the resources that CPH is providing for churches no matter their situation, and why VBS is an important time for kids during the summer. Learn more about resources for virtual VBS at cph.org/vbs and on the CPH VBS Youtube channel.

Dr. Jim Marriott, Director of Musical Arts at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about a few hymns for Ordinary Time, or the Season after Pentecost, or the Season after Trinity, including LSB 834 "O God O Lord of heaven and earth" for Proper 6, LSB 659 "Lord of our life and God of our salvation" for Proper 7, and LSB 685 "Let us ever walk with Jesus" for Proper 8.

Rev. Dr. Dien Ashley Taylor, pastor of Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church in The Bronx, New York, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what it means to be a disciple for life, what our Lord would have us focus on even in the midst of despair, the blessings that have arisen from the global pandemic situation, and how his congregation has weathered this time with grace and faith. Read his article on Making Disciples for Life in the June/July issue of the Lutheran Witness. Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

Rev. Gerard Bolling and Rev. John Schmidtke from Bethlehem Lutheran Church in St. Louis, Missouri, join Andy and Sarah to talk about what makes Bethlehem a unique congregation, the challenges that Bethlehem has faced in the past, and how the congregation serves the diverse community around them. Learn more about Bethlehem at facebook.com/Bethlehem-Lutheran-Church-120259484657725.

Rev. Gerard Bolling and Rev. John Schmidtke from Bethlehem Lutheran Church in St. Louis, Missouri, join Andy and Sarah to talk about what makes Bethlehem a unique congregation, the challenges that Bethlehem has faced in the past, and how the congregation serves the diverse community around them. Learn more about Bethlehem at facebook.com/Bethlehem-Lutheran-Church-120259484657725.

Dr. Travis Scholl, managing editor of the Concordia Journal, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the 2020 Faith and Writing Workshop presented by Concordia Seminary St. Louis, including his background as a writer, how this workshop has benefited participants over the years, and how this year's online workshop will be a unique opportunity. Find details and register at csl.edu/resources/continuing-education/faith-writing-workshop.

Cheryl Magness, managing editor of the LCMS Reporter, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what a writer's job actually is, how a writer can make a reader's job easier, and some things that make for good writing. Find these resources mentioned in this episode: George Orwell, “Politics and the English Language” https://www.orwell.ru/library/essays/politics/english/e_polit William Zinsser, On Writing Well https://www.amazon.com/Writing-Well-Classic-Guide-Nonfiction/dp/0060891548 Strunk & White, The Elements of Style https://www.amazon.com/Elements-Style-Fourth-William-Strunk/dp/020530902X The 'Here I Write' Conference for Lutheran Writers was created by Katie Schuermann as a place for Lutheran writers, editors, authors, journalists, preachers, teachers, professionals, novices to come together and learn from each other. It was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but we're overjoyed to welcome several of the speakers to our mini-conference on The Coffee Hour! Find all speakers and topics at kfuo.org/hereiwrite.

Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what empathy is and why it matters for mental health, what it actually means to have cognitive or emotional empathy, and how we interact with empathy for others. 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. Roy Askins, Managing Editor, of the Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the June/July issue of LW, including the theme surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and the various perspective that this issue looks at the pandemic and its affect on our vocation. Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

Deaconess Dr. Kim Schave, Executive Director of Humanitri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about who Humanitri serves, how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected these families, and some unexpected blessings that have come during this time. Learn more about the work of Humanitri at humanitri.org.

Kelly Schumacher, creator and artist of Agnus Dei Liturgical Arts, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how illustration affects how a reader reads a book, the influence visual art has when paired with words, and Kelly's inspirations for illustrations. Find Kelly's artwork and books at agnusdeiarts.com. The 'Here I Write' Conference for Lutheran Writers was created by Katie Schuermann as a place for Lutheran writers, editors, authors, journalists, preachers, teachers, professionals, novices to come together and learn from each other. It was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but we're overjoyed to welcome several of the speakers to our mini-conference on The Coffee Hour! Find all speakers and topics at kfuo.org/hereiwrite.

Mary J. Moerbe, LCMS deaconess and writer, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why community is important for creatives, some ways to find community online and in person, and how community helps creatives hone ideas and share resources. Find Deaconess Moerbe's resources at LutheranHomeschool.com and maryjmoerbe.com. The 'Here I Write' Conference for Lutheran Writers was created by Katie Schuermann as a place for Lutheran writers, editors, authors, journalists, preachers, teachers, professionals, novices to come together and learn from each other. It was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but we're overjoyed to welcome several of the speakers to our mini-conference on The Coffee Hour! Find all speakers and topics at kfuo.org/hereiwrite.

Rev. Roosevelt Gray— LCMS Director of Black Ministry, and Rev. Dr. Steven Schave— LCMS Director of Urban & Inner City Mission and Church Planting, and Host of Mission Field USA, join Andy and Sarah to talk about experiences with systemic racism and civil unrest, how we respond as people of faith to our neighbors around us, and what Scripture tells us about sharing the love of Christ. The Rev. Roosevelt Gray, director of LCMS Black Ministry (with tie), and the Rev. Steve Schave, director of LCMS Urban and Inner City Mission (second from right) pray with others along West Florissant Avenue on Monday, August 18, 2014, in Ferguson, Mo. LCMS Communications/Erik M. Lunsford

Donna (Pyle) Snow, author of over 35 Bible studies for Concordia Publishing House and the LWML, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why being comfortable with public speaking is an important skill to have, how even introverts can be good at it, and some tips on how to put the audience at ease and engage them with the topic. Find Donna's work at artesianministries.org and cph.org. The 'Here I Write' Conference for Lutheran Writers was created by Katie Schuermann as a place for Lutheran writers, editors, authors, journalists, preachers, teachers, professionals, novices to come together and learn from each other. It was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but we're overjoyed to welcome several of the speakers to our mini-conference on The Coffee Hour! Find all speakers and topics at kfuo.org/hereiwrite.

Heather Smith, writer for several publications and one of our Lutheran education experts, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how the art of rhetoric informs writing, what persuasion actually is, and how these things are present in much of what we read. The 'Here I Write' Conference for Lutheran Writers was created by Katie Schuermann as a place for Lutheran writers, editors, authors, journalists, preachers, teachers, professionals, novices to come together and learn from each other. It was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but we're overjoyed to welcome several of the speakers to our mini-conference on The Coffee Hour! Find all speakers and topics at kfuo.org/hereiwrite.

Dr. John Eckrich, Founder of Grace Place Wellness, fills in for Deaconess Heidi Goehmann on this episode of Mental Health Monday to talk about the relationship between physical activity and mental health, including correlation between the two, benefits of physical movement on mental wellbeing, and ways to incorporate physical movement into daily living. Learn more about Grace Place Wellness at graceplacewellness.org. 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. Kenneth Wieting, author of 'The Blessings of Weekly Communion,' joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how God's Word is different from cultural inventions or feelings in informing our vocations in marriage, what scripture commands husbands and wives to do and be, and the relationship between marriage and baptism. Read Pastor Wieting's article 'Wedding Vows: The Voice of Love' in the May issue of the Lutheran Witness. Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

Rev. Dr. Ross Johnson, Director of LCMS Disaster Response, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how the recent flooding in mid-Michigan has affected the communities near Midland, how the many LCMS congregations in the area have been affected, and how the Synod and communities are coming together to help in the disaster response. To learn more or donate, visit lcms.org/disaster or michigandistrict.org.

Naomi Stephens, author of 'Shadow among Sheaves,' a 19th-century retelling of the Ruth/Boaz story set during the British occupation of India, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about where to begin when writing historical fiction, fitting historical facts into a work of fiction, and the challenges of writing this particular genre. Find her book at Amazon.com or wherever books are sold. The 'Here I Write' Conference for Lutheran Writers was created by Katie Schuermann as a place for Lutheran writers, editors, authors, journalists, preachers, teachers, professionals, novices to come together and learn from each other. It was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but we're overjoyed to welcome several of the speakers to our mini-conference on The Coffee Hour! Find all speakers and topics at kfuo.org/hereiwrite.

Rev. Bryan Wolfmueller, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church and the Jesus Lutheran Church of the Deaf in Austin, Texas, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what makes a good Bible study, resources to facilitate the study of scripture, and encouragement in Scripture to study the Bible. Find his works at Wolfmueller.co. The 'Here I Write' Conference for Lutheran Writers was created by Katie Schuermann as a place for Lutheran writers, editors, authors, journalists, preachers, teachers, professionals, novices to come together and learn from each other. It was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but we're overjoyed to welcome several of the speakers to our mini-conference on The Coffee Hour! Find all speakers and topics at kfuo.org/hereiwrite.

Rev. Delwyn X. Campbell, Sr., domestic missionary and pastor of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Gary, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the work he has been doing prior to the pandemic, how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the community of Gary, his concerns for the impoverished community around the churches, and how he is still bringing the Gospel of Jesus to those around him. Read more of his story and how to support his work at lcms.org/campbell. Learn more about the community Rev. Campbell serves at engage.lcms.org/gary-missionary-summer-2017. The Rev. Delwyn Campbell, national missionary to Gary, Ind., chats with parishioners following a Lenten service at St. John's Lutheran Church on Wednesday, April 5, 2017, in Gary. LCMS Communications/Erik M. Lunsford

Katie Schuermann, author of “He Remembers the Barren,” “He Restores My Soul,” the “Anthems of Zion” series, and mastermind of the 'Here I Write' Conference, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the idea behind the 'Here I Write' Conference, how authors can decide what kind of thing to write, and why the author-reader relationship is so important. Find Katie's writings at katieschuermann.com. The 'Here I Write' Conference for Lutheran Writers was created by Katie Schuermann as a place for Lutheran writers, editors, authors, journalists, preachers, teachers, professionals, novices to come together and learn from each other. It was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but we're overjoyed to welcome several of the speakers to our mini-conference on The Coffee Hour! Find all speakers and topics at kfuo.org/hereiwrite.

Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how to access telehealth for mental health and what resources and providers in your area. Resources for information or how to get started: lcms.org/wellness for LCMS resources Insurance or medical sharing programs, supplemental coverage programs EAP (Concordia Plans members, look here) 211.org – find your local resources for each state / area ruralhealthinfo.org – find information for rural health. (Behavorial health: ruralhealthinfo.org/toolkits/telehealth/2/specific-populations/behavioral-health) nami.org/Videos/NAMI-Basics-OnDemand – National Alliance on Mental Illness. This link is for Mental Health Basics. mhanational.org/ – Mental Health America, mental health screenings hazeldenbettyford.org – substance use and treatment, other addiction treatment Search for apps va.gov and lcms.org/armedforces for veterans and military personnel Resources if you need immediate help: thehotline.org – National Domestic Violence Hotline – (800) 799−7233 or chat online crisistextline.org – Crisis Counseling via text message – text HOME to 741741 suicidepreventionlifeline.org – National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – (800) 273-8255 or chat online 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.

Mindy Thews, who serve the Lord in Taiwan at Concordia Middle School in ChiaYi, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how Concordia Middle School has weathered the COVID-19 pandemic, how the surrounding community around has been affected, and how she is still able to share the Word of God with those around her. Read her story and how to support her work at lcms.org/thews. Find LCMS resources during the COVID-19 pandemic at lcms.org/coronavirus.

Matt and Dee Dee Wasmund, who serve the Lord in South Korea along with their daughters Lily and Olivia, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how their work has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, how the community around them has been affected, and how they are still able to share the Word of God with those around them. Read their story and how to support their work at lcms.org/wasmund. Find LCMS resources during the COVID-19 pandemic at lcms.org/coronavirus.

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.

Krista and Joel Young, who serve the Lord as missionaries in Kenya, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how Krista's work has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, how the community around them has been affected, and how they are still able to share the Word of God with those around them. Read their story and how to support their work at lcms.org/young. Find LCMS resources during the COVID-19 pandemic at lcms.org/coronavirus.

Shara Osiro, who serves the Lord as communications specialist for Eastern and Southern Africa based in Kenya, along with her husband Michael, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how the community around them has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, how their lives have changed (sometimes for the better), and how they are still able to share the Word of God with those around them. Read their story and how to support their work at lcms.org/osiro.
 
 Find LCMS resources during the COVID-19 pandemic at lcms.org/coronavirus.

Rev. Mark and Stefanie Rabe, who serve the Lord as missionaries in Ethiopia at Mekane Yesus Seminary in Addis Ababa, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how the seminary has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, how the community around them has been affected, and how they are still able to share the Word of God with those around them. Read their story and how to support their work at lcms.org/rabe. Find LCMS resources during the COVID-19 pandemic at lcms.org/coronavirus.

Rev. Eric and Johanna Stinnett, who serve the Lord as missionaries in Ethiopia at Mekane Yesus Seminary in Addis Ababa, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how the seminary has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, how the community around them has been affected, and how they are still able to share the Word of God with those around them. Read their story and how to support their work at lcms.org/stinnett. Find LCMS resources during the COVID-19 pandemic at lcms.org/coronavirus.

Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what telehealth is, benefits and drawbacks to utilizing telehealth for mental health services, and how to find resources and providers in your area. Resources for information or how to get started: Insurance or medical sharing programs, supplemental coverage programs EAP (Concordia Plans members, look here) 211.org - find your local resources for each state / area ruralhealthinfo.org - find information for rural health. (Behavorial health: ruralhealthinfo.org/toolkits/telehealth/2/specific-populations/behavioral-health) nami.org/Videos/NAMI-Basics-OnDemand - National Alliance on Mental Illness. This link is for Mental Health Basics. mhanational.org/ - Mental Health America hazeldenbettyford.org - substance use and treatment, other addiction treatment Search for apps Resources if you need immediate help: thehotline.org - National Domestic Violence Hotline - (800) 799−7233 or chat online crisistextline.org - Crisis Counseling via text message - text HOME to 741741 suicidepreventionlifeline.org - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - (800) 273-8255 or chat online 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.

Sam Wegner, who was supposed to shadow Ben Helge & Kim Bueltmann in Europe, and Hayden Rensner, who was supposed to shadow Krista Young & Sarah Kanoy in Africa, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the experiences they were going to have this summer, the virtual shadowing experience they just completed, and what they learned from this virtual shadowing experience. Find your opportunity to serve at servenow.lcms.org.

Julianna Shults, DCE, Program Manager with LCMS Youth Ministry, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how we usually respond to people when they experience tangible losses, how ambiguous losses are different than tangible losses, and how we can support the young people in our lives who may be hurting. Read Julianna's article on Youth E-Source at youthesource.com/2020/03/25/ambiguous-loss and a version of this article for people of all ages at blogs.lcms.org/2020/showing-christs-love-in-times-of-ambiguous-loss.

Rev. Vance and Linda Becker, who serve the Lord through as missionaries in Kenya and are currently stationed in Tanzania, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how their work has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, how the community around them has been affected, and how they are still able to share the Word of God with those around them. Read their story and how to support their work at lcms.org/becker. Find LCMS resources during the COVID-19 pandemic at lcms.org/coronavirus.

Mark and Megan Mantey, who serve the Lord through as missionaries in Uganda, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how their work has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, how the community around them has been affected, and how they are still able to share the Word of God with those around them. Read their story and how to support their work at lcms.org/mantey.
 
 Find LCMS resources during the COVID-19 pandemic at lcms.org/coronavirus.

Dr. Mark Bender, Minister of Music at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Des Peres, Missouri, and author of "Singing Christ’s Love" in the May issue of the Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the purpose of wedding music, why we should sing hymns at wedding services, and some favorite hymns and music for wedding services. Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

Gwen and Bob Zagore, local St. Louis gardeners, join Andy and Sarah to talk about why someone would want to start a garden, what to look for when selecting a location, and what to consider about soil and seeds.

Brenda Jank, Founder and Executive Director of Run Hard. Rest Well, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the challenges that come with finding a new normal, how to keep work and home life separated when many of us are newly working from home, and how we find rest when our usual restful places at home are no longer quiet. Learn more about Run Hard. Rest Well at runhardrestwell.org.

Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about some of the stressors church workers and pastors face during this time, how to take advantage of counseling available to church workers, and some ways workers can support their own mental health and the mental health of others. 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 May issue of the Lutheran Witness, all about wedding and Holy Matrimony. 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.

Jasmine Bibby and Taylor Ross, Senior Students at Lutheran High School North in St. Louis, Missouri, join Andy and Sarah during Teacher Appreciation Week to talk about some highlights of their senior year at LHSN, how the last few weeks have been during the COVID-19 pandemic, their plans for next year, and how LHSN has prepared them for their futures. Learn more about LHSN at lncrusaders.org.

Jacob Martinez and Savannah Schmidt, Senior Students at Lutheran High School South in St. Louis, Missouri, join Andy and Sarah during Teacher Appreciation Week to talk about some highlights of their senior year at LHSS, how the last few weeks have been during the COVID-19 pandemic, their plans for next year, and how LHSS has prepared them for their futures. Learn more about LHSS at lslancers.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 ideas and tips for eating healthy during stay-at-home times, some things she's enjoyed cooking, and how to incorporate the whole family (including the kids) for meals and meal prep. Learn more about Concordia Plans at concordiaplans.org.

Rev. Phil Hoppe, pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in Finlayson and St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bruno, Minnesota, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how he has been caring for his congregation during this time of pandemic, how he's used Bible verses (aka #CoronaVerses) to bring comfort to parishioners, and how important hearing God's Word is during this time. Find these #CoronaVerses at facebook.com/peacefinlayson.