The Coffee Hour from KFUO Radio

Rev. Randy Asburry and Kantor Matthew Janssen from Hope Lutheran Church in St Louis, Missouri, join Andy to talk about the organ re-dedication and inaugural season of Music in a Sacred Space. Learn more about Hope Lutheran and organ re-dedication details on July 28th at hopelutheranstl.org.

Paul Garner MSc, FGS, Researcher and Lecturer for Biblical Creation Trust, joins Andy to talk about upcoming Missouri Association for Creation events. Learn more about the Missouri Association for Creation at missouricreation.org/2019/06/creation-geologist-from-the-uk-visits-st-louis.

Dr. John Eckrich, retired practicing physician and founder of Grace Place Wellness Ministries, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the prevalence of anxiety and shame in the church and how both church workers and congregation members can help each other work through these emotions and situations. Find his book “Fear, Anxiety, and Wellness: Journey to a Heart at Peace” on amazon.com/Fear-Anxiety-Wellness-Journey-Heart/dp/1938840135 and learn more about Grace Place Wellness (along with bulk book discounts) at graceplacewellness.org. Watch Dr. Eckrich’s recent Parish Nurse Webinar on this topic at blogs.lcms.org/2018/fear-anxiety-and-wellness. This is a rebroadcast from June 29, 2018.

Rev. Phil Hoppe, Pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in Finlayson and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Bruno, Minnesota, and co-author of livingplanted.com, joins Andy and Sarah in the final part of a four-part series on listening to a sermon. In this episode, Pastor Hoppe talks about what to do and expect after listening to a sermon, ways to follow up on a sermon, and what happens if it seems nothing has changed. Find all four episodes in this series with the tag “Sermon Listening.” This is a rebroadcast from November 27, 2018.

Chaplain (Retired Lt. Col.) Steve Hokana, Assistant Director of Ministry to the Armed Forces, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his journey into chaplaincy and share a story from his time serving in combat areas. Interested in serving God and your country? Learn more about how to become a chaplain at lcms.org/ministry-to-the-armed-forces. This is a rebroadcast from March 1, 2018.

Rev. Phil Hoppe, Pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in Finlayson and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Bruno, Minnesota, and co-author of livingplanted.com, joins Andy and Sarah in the third part of a four-part series on listening to a sermon. In this episode, Pastor Hoppe talks about what we should expect during the sermon, how a pastor prepares the sermon, and what Scripture teaches about hearing the preacher. Find all four episodes in this series with the tag “Sermon Listening.” This is a rebroadcast from November 20, 2018.

Joe Willmann, Senior Instructional Designer for Concordia Publishing House in St. Louis, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to share knowledge about staying in the routine of receiving the gifts of God in Divine Service, even while on summer vacation. Read Joe’s blog post about this at education.cph.org/teaching-the-faith-at-home/joy-challenge-summer-vacation. This is a rebroadcast from May 9, 2018.

Rev. Phil Hoppe, Pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in Finlayson and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Bruno, Minnesota, and co-author of livingplanted.com, joins Andy and Sarah in the second part of a four-part series on listening to a sermon. In this episode, Pastor Hoppe talks about what happens in a sermon, what God does in His Word, and the aim of the sermon. Find all four episodes in this series with the tag “Sermon Listening.” This is a rebroadcast from November 13, 2018.

Rev. Dr. Daniel Paavola, Theology Department Chair at Concordia University Wisconsin and author of Grace, Faith, Scripture: Portrait of a Lutheran from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy to talk about why Grace, Faith, and Scripture the key things to know about who Lutherans are, the many stories Dr. Paavola uses to illustrate his points, and what readers will learn while reading his book. Learn more and find your copy at cph.org/GraceFaithScripture.

Kip Allen, staff journalist for KFUO Radio, and the Rev. Sean Smith, pastor of Immanuel-Campbell Hill and St. Paul-Wine Hill, Illinois, join Andy and Sarah to talk about politics (without fighting). The group discusses why politics are such a touchy topic for many people, why and how Christians should be concerned with politics, and how our two kingdom theology plays a role in conversing with other people. You can read more about this in Luther’s Works Volume 45, and get a brief overview at lutheranreformation.org/theology/kingdom-left-luther-temporal-authority. This is a rebroadcast from July 2, 2018.

Barb Silver-Thorn, technologist with Bethesda Lutheran Communities, joins Andy to talk about the use of assistive smart home technology, how we are starting to implement in our homes, and how this technology assists those with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Learn more about Bethesda at bethesdalc.org.

Dr. David Schmitt, Professor of Practical Theology and Chairman of the Department of Practical Theology at Concordia Seminary St. Louis, joins Andy to talk about the upcoming Theological Symposium including his plenary presentation on devotion and discipleship, how God works through His Word, and living as faithful disciples. Learn more at csl.edu/symposium and register at concordiasem.regfox.com/theological-symposium-2019.

Rev. Phil Hoppe, Pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in Finlayson and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Bruno, Minnesota, and co-author of livingplanted.com, joins Andy and Sarah in the first part of a four-part series on listening to a sermon. In this episode, Pastor Hoppe talks about preparing to listen to a sermon, resources that are helpful, and if you can help your pastor prepare for the sermon. Find the LCMS Lectionary Summaries at lcms.org/worship/lectionary-summaries. Find all four episodes in this series with the tag “Sermon Listening.” This is a rebroadcast from November 6, 2018.

Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LMHP, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah for the third installment in our Church Worker Wellness series about the intersections in the ministry house. Today’s conversation covers vacation, including whether or not church workers actually get vacation. (Spoiler alert: They do.) Find Heidi’s “Ministry Talks” on Youtube to experience all of her guidance, and search the tag “Church Worker Wellness” on kfuo.org to find all of the episodes in this series. Find the book Life in the Fishbowl: Building Up Church Workers on Amazon.com. This is a rebroadcast from May 16, 2018.

Peter Slayton, Social Media Manager for the LCMS, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how everyone can follow the 67th Regular Convention of the LCMS online. lcms.org/convention: Find absolutely everything (or links to everything) here, including Livestream Video, KFUO Radio reports, Reporter News, Schedule, Facebook, and Twitter. facebook.com/LCMSConvention: The place on Facebook to follow all convention proceedings. twitter.com/LCMSConvention: The place on Twitter for all convention proceedings, resolutions, and general discussion.

Mrs. Offiong Ekong— Wife of Archbishop, the Most Reverend Christian Ekong, and leader of pastors’ wives conferences, and Deaconess Uduak Effiong Essien— Deaconess & Secretary of Lutheran Women Fellowship of Lutheran Church of Nigeria, join Sarah to talk about the Lutheran Women Fellowship in Nigeria, the role of women and Deaconesses in mercy work, and how pastors’ wives conferences build up with group of women in the church. The Lutheran Church of Nigeria started in 1936 and has grown to 339 congregations in 38 districts with over 80,000 baptized members and 72 pastors. Deaconesses play an important role in the mercy work of the church, and there are 438 commissioned deaconesses in the Lutheran Church of Nigeria. They are working with Deaconess Grace Rao at the The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod to receive theological training for all 438 women. The Lutheran Church of Nigeria’s Lutheran Women Fellowship is similar to the LWML in the LCMS. The Lutheran Church in Nigeria has the Jonathan Ekong Memorial Lutheran Seminary, which is incredibly important to the church body and is supported by various Lutheran organizations, including the LCMS, International Lutheran Council, Lutheran Heritage Foundation and the LWML.

Rev. Greg Truwe, pastor of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cole Camp, Missouri, joins Sarah to talk about what a family altar is, why it’s important in a Christian home, and ways to start using a family altar in your own home. Find resources like Bibles, hymnals, and devotional books at cph.org.

Nikki Kueck, principal at Faith Lutheran High School of Central Texas, joins Sarah to talk about STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) activities for kids, why these activities benefit all kids, and how parents can do fun STEM activities at home with their kids. Find STEM books at your local library or search online to find great activities!

Rachel Bomberger, former editor of the Lutheran Witness and now Navy Chaplain’s wife, joins Sarah to talk about the vocation of wife, how this changes throughout life, and her experiences through different stages of life with her husband, Ken. Join us in wishing God’s blessing to them and their children as they embark on a new journey in service to God.

Kristen Whirrett, blogger at joyfullythriving.com, joins Sarah to talk about how family budgets can be affected over the summer, ways to prepare for additional summer expenses, and great tips for free or inexpensive summer activities for families. Read more from Kristen at joyfullythriving.com.

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

J.P. and Aimee Cima, who serve the Lord in the Kingdom of Cambodia along with their 3 children, join Sarah to talk about the work they do with the Cambodia Lutheran Church and mission work at large in the Asia region, what life is like in Cambodia, and what is most enjoyable about working on the mission field for 12 years. Learn more about them at lcms.org/cima and follow their story at cimafam.com.

Rev. William Weedon, Director of Worship with the LCMS Office of National Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the green season of the church year, a.k.a. The Time of the Church, a.k.a the Season after Pentecost, a.k.a the Season after Trinity – you pick. Hear why we have so many names for it and what highlights to look for! Find insights into worship planning and the church year at lcms.org/worship/planning-resources. This is a rebroadcast from May 31, 2018.

Meredith Whitefield, Communications Specialist—Youth Ministry with the LCMS Office of National Mission, joins Sarah to talk about all of the digital resources for the LCMS National Youth Gathering, including why and how to follow all @LCMSNYG social media channels, what’s available on the website lcmsgathering.com (including Livestreams), and the app that’s now available for download for both iOS and Android. Find @LCMSNYG on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, and YouTube.

Rev. Dr. Joel Lehenbauer, Director of the LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the text of the Bible study at the National Youth Gathering this year, what sets the Psalms apart from other Scripture, and what themes will be studied during these Bible studies. Find the Bible study at lcmsgathering.com/biblestudy.

Mary Schmidt, Manager of Development for KFUO Radio, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the 38th Biennial LWML Convention in Mobile, Alabama, where she’s representing KFUO Radio alongside Joanie Harwell and her family, and she shares what’s happening at this year’s Convention and some of the mission grants that women will vote on. Learn more at lwml.org/2019-convention.

Mollie Clark, Director of Marketing for Perry Lutheran Home in Perry, Iowa, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the prayer crosses that resident make to give out to those who need them, the experiences of residents as they serve in this way, and how Perry Lutheran Home emphasizes living fully into later years of life. Read about this ongoing servant project at blogs.lcms.org/2019/recognized-service-organizations-second-quarter-2019-newsletter. Learn more about Perry Lutheran Home at perrylutheranhome.org and facebook.com/PerryLutheranHome.

Kelly Schumacher, Liturgical Artist of Agnus Dei Liturgical Arts, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about her latest children’s book “Lord, Thee I Love With All My Heart” from Kloria Publishing, how she chose this hymn to illustrate, and the story behind the illustrations in the book. Find this book at kloria.com and find all of Kelly’s work at agnusdeiarts.com.

Jamie Truwe, artist of Pure Joy Creative in Cole Camp, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why art is valuable to kids of all ages, what kids learn through art in addition to art skills, and what kids will learn in art camp. If you’re close to Cole Camp, find camp details at purejoycreative.com/2019/05/summer-art-camp-2019.html. If you’re not close to Cole Camp, find home art camp ideas at kitchentableclassroom.com.

Deaconess Anna Johnson, Marketing Manager for Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the new Enduring Faith Bible Curriculum, share what parents and teachers can expect in this curriculum, and how this curriculum teaches the faith to kids and adults of all ages. Find the curriculum at cph.org/enduringfaith. You can download samples at cph.org/sample or order hard copy samples in the Sample Box on the cph.org website.

Sara Correnti, MS RD LD, Health and Wellness Educator with Concordia Plan Services, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about healthy grilling ideas, ways to get creative with food you already have, and how to get the whole family involved. Download the PDF recipes here Download the grilling recipes at kfuo.org/thecoffeehour. Editor's note: The App mentioned in this episode is Seasonal Food Guide, not Food Keepr. This app is available for Android or iOS.

Rev. Dr. Stephen Oliver, who serves the Lord as a missionary in Taiwan and Asia Region along with his wife and children, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how he became a missionary, the work he does teaching the New Testament at China Lutheran Seminary in Hsinchu, Taiwan, and stories of the language, culture, and family life. Learn more about his work and family at lcms.org/oliver and the work being done in Asia at international.lcms.org/asia.

Rev. Dr. Ross Johnson, Director of LCMS Disaster Response, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the floods and tornadoes in the Midwest, new Disaster Response Trailers being deployed now, and the upcoming Disaster Response Conference happening this Fall. Find details about volunteering for disaster relief in Nebraska and registration for the Conference at lcms.org/disaster.

Rev. Dr. Dennis Goff—Director of Ministry Programs at The Lutheran Foundation in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Amy Gerdts—Coordinator of LCMS Rural & Small Town Mission, join Andy and Sarah to talk about what a “no-casserole illness” is, why we treat mental illness so differently than other illnesses, and how we can reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness in order to better care for each other. This will be the topic for the August 2019 RSTM webinar, which you can view live on August 22, 1:00-2:00 p.m. CT at anymeeting.com/lcmsrstm1. Find the webinar schedule and view archived webinars at lcms.org/rstm, and follow RSTM on Facebook at facebook.com/LCMSrstm.

Rev. Gene Wyssmann, Assistant to the President: Church Worker and Congregational Health for the Missouri District of the LCMS, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why pastors (and church workers in general) should take vacation, what’s at stake when they don’t, and how the church can help their pastors take time away. Read the article from the Missouri District at mo.lcms.org/pastor-please-take-your-vacation.

Rev. Joel and Clarion Fritsche, who serve the Lord as missionaries of the LCMS in the Dominican Republic along with their 3 boys, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the focus of the mission work in the DR, what Pastor Fritsche does as a church planter and director of Concordia Seminary and Mercy Center in Palmar Arriba, and how family life has been since they arrived on the field four years ago. Learn more about the Fritsches at lcms.org/fritsche and follow their story at facebook.com/lcmsfritsche.

Dr. Robert Hermann, professor of physics and director of Osten Observatory at Concordia University Nebraska, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about viewing opportunities in the night sky this summer, how to best see Jupiter and Saturn, and some inexpensive ways to start enjoying God’s creation in the night sky.

Dr. Charles Arand, Dean of Theological Research and Publication at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Summer Seminary Workshops CSL is presenting all over the USA, specifically the one he is teaching titled “The Great Evangelical Creation Debate.” Learn more about these fascinating workshops at csl.edu/resources/continuing-education/summer-workshop-series.

Michael Klatt, President and CEO of The Lutheran Home Association based in Belle Plaine, Minnesota, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the stories of how senior living communities make a difference for aging adults, the ways in which senior living communities serve the aging population, and how TLHA communities focus on living during our latter years. Learn more at TLHA.org.

Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why it’s so hard to make friends as adults (especially in ministry), how to even take the first step towards a friendship, and why we should embrace the [middle-school] awkwardness that comes with making new friends.

Rev. Dr. John Sias, Secretary of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the latest Synod Convention news, including floor committee and the resulting resolutions for convention, the next step for these resolutions, and where we are in the process of all elections. Read the first issue of “Today’s Business,” now available along with the Convention Workbook and candidate bios at lcms.org/convention.

Dr. Donna Harrison, Executive Director of the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists (AAPLOG), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how elective drug-induced abortions were introduced into the United States, how Mifeprex was shuffled through FDA regulations to the detriment of women, and recent research on the effects of drug-induced elective abortion. Read more and find the research at aaplog.org/new-research-shows-potential-for-mental-and-physical-harm-to-women-who-undergo-drug-induced-elective-abortions.

Rev. Dr. R. Lee Hagan, President of the LCMS Missouri District, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the devastating flooding happening in Orchard Farm, MIssouri, and across the state of Missouri, the impact this flood is having on families and land, and how people can prepare to help once the waters recede. A LERT Training is available on Saturday, June 8, 2019, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Jefferson City, Missouri. Find details and RSVP here: mo.lcms.org/urgent-lert-training-offered-6-8-19-in-jefferson-city Missed this training or desire a training in your area? Find more about LCMS Disaster Response at lcms.org/disaster.

Laura Montgomery, Director of Educational Resources with Lutheran Elementary School Association in St. Louis, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how we can keep kids sharp in creative and unique ways that summer offers, some favorite tried-and-true activities for kids and families, and how to incorporate learning into fun activities. Find lots of great ideas at lesastl.org/information/activities-to-exercise-your-childs-brain-this-summer.

Matt Machemer, Associate Kantor at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Pentecost hymns, the wonderful texts in these hymns, and what we learn about Pentecost by singing them.

Rev. John Suguitan, Pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Cincinnati, Ohio, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how Prince of Peace meets the needs of the diverse community surrounding them, how the Peace Café is a wonderful service to people, and how Prince of Peace and Peace Café share the love of Jesus with neighbors. Learn more about Prince of Peace and the Peace Café at poplcmscinci.org. Read more at blogs.lcms.org/2019/partners-in-hope-schave-speaks-d-c-seminar-addiction-joblessness.

Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the connection of Pentecost in the New Testament to Shavuot in Old Testament, what happened at Pentecost that is still celebrated by the Church today, and what traditions commemorate this feast.

Jeremy Boyer, Director of Sacred Music & Liturgy at Saint Francis of Assisi Parish in Saint Louis, Missouri, and organist for the St. Louis Blues, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his love of playing the organ, the uniqueness of the organ at the Enterprise Center, and how he uses his talent both as a church musician and sports organist. Hear him play at Blues homegames, and at youtube.com/user/JABsMusic. You can also follow him on Twitter to see behind-the-scenes at Blues games at @JABsMusic.

Steve Johnson, Executive Director of Lutheran Valley Retreat in Florissant, Colorado, joins Andy to talk about the Servant Event at LVR, how youth served, and how servant events made a difference for participants. For more information on 2019 LCMS Servant Events visit servantevents.lcms.org.

Rev. Paul Cain, pastor & headmaster at Martin Luther Grammar School in Sheridan, Wyoming, and member of the Consortium for Classical Lutheran Education (CCLE) conference planning committee, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about CCLE conferences, this year’s conference content, and what attendees will have the opportunity to learn. Find details and register at ccle.org/ccle-xix.