The Coffee Hour from KFUO Radio

Tanner Olson, poet of Written to Speak, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how his interest in poetry began, how poetry is alive and relevant today, and how poetry has given him an opportunity to share his faith. Find his work and book at writtentospeak.com and @WrittenToSpeak on social media platforms.

Dr. Tim Brackman, Principal of Lutheran North High School and Middle School, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the community around Lutheran North, how Lutheran North Middle School will meet needs of the community, and the unique opportunities and experiences for both Middle and High School students at Lutheran North. Learn more at lutherannorthstl.org.

Sharla Fritz, author of Enough for Now: Unpacking God’s Sufficiency available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about her Lutheran Witness article on “Joy,” including what joy really is, how the world perceives joy, and how our true joy is found in Christ. Read her article in the August 2019 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. Rich Heinz, Assistant Vice President for Mission & Ministry at Concordia University Chicago, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the opportunities and needs for young people to pursue church work vocations, the upcoming Careers for Christ weekend at Concordia Chicago, and what students will experience during this weekend. Learn more and register at CUChicago.edu/c4c.

Deaconess Laura Jostes, serving at Village Lutheran Church in Ladue, Missouri, joins Sarah to talk about the community at Washington University in St. Louis and the Lutheran Student Fellowship at WashU, how members at Village Lutheran support students at WashU, and the upcoming ROOTS Conference at Concordia Seminary. Learn more about the Lutheran Student Fellowship at WashU at facebook.com/LCMSU2016 and find your local LCMS U chapter at lcms.org/lcmsu. Interested in the ROOTS conference on bioethics? Learn more at facebook.com/events/concordia-seminary/roots-conference-on-bioethical-questions/461525857761408 and register at ulue.org.

Pastor Eric Andrae, Campus Chaplain for Lutheran Student Fellowship (LSF) out of First Trinity Lutheran Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, joins Sarah to talk about the vibrant university community in Pittsburgh, the expansive ways First Trinity reaches out to all of these students, and how this campus ministry makes a difference for college students. Learn more about LSF at First Trinity at lsfpgh.com and find your local LCMS U chapter at lcms.org/lcmsu.

Dr. Michael Artigues, pediatrician in southwest Mississippi and board member of the American College of Pediatricians, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the emotional, biological, and physical benefits of hugging. Read the blog post on ACPEDS’s website: https://www.acpeds.org/do-you-hug-your-child-enough. This is a rebroadcast from February 22, 2018.

Jonathan Mayer, founder and liturgical artist of Scapegoat Studios, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his journey into liturgical (or sacred) art and why it’s important to him. You’ll want to check out Jonathan’s amazing work on his Facebook page (linked below) and at scapegoatstudio.com, where you can also purchase his work. This is a rebroadcast from March 9, 2018.

Rev. Dr. James Voelz, Professor of New Testament Theology at Concordia Seminary, St Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why the Gospel according to St. Mark is unique, the benefits of hearing versus reading scripture, and great insight into how Mark shares the Gospel account. Find tour dates at csl.edu/thegospelofmark.

Mike Thirtle—President & CEO of Bethesda Lutheran Communities, and Tom Campbell—VP Real Estate Development with Bethesda Lutheran Communities, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the new Cornerstone Village in Minnesota, who this community is for, and the wonderful amenities available to residents. Learn more at bethesdacornerstonevillage.org.

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

Rev. Glenn Worcester, pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, and Lisa Olding, Lutheran Church-Canada (LCC) National Youth Gathering Co-Chair, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the 2019 LCC National Youth Gathering, including the theme, experiences of the youth, and how this gathering strengthens community and faith for those who attend. Learn more at nyg19.ca and read articles at canadianlutheran.ca/nyg-2019-lcc-youth-find-their-worth-in-christ and canadianlutheran.ca/worthless.

Rev. William Weedon, Director of Worship for the LCMS, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Feast of the Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist, including an overview of the story, how the feast is typically observed, and what we learn from the story and appointed texts, hymns, and prayers.

Dr. John Ekrich, Founder of Grace Place Wellness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the 20-year legacy of Grace Place Wellness, the upcoming Gala to celebrate this legacy and jumpstart into the next phase, and what is coming down the line for Grace Place Wellness. Find more details about Grace Place and the upcoming Gala at graceplacewellness.org.

Rev. Dr. Matthew Heise, Executive Director of the Lutheran Heritage Foundation, joins Sarah to talk about LHF’s children’s mission project for the upcoming academic year, why LHF does these mission projects, and how integral these projects for inspiring young people to support missions and the church. Learn more at lhfmissions.org.

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

Rev. Bryan Wolfmueller, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church and Jesus Deaf Lutheran Church in Austin, Texas, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his new book available from Concordia Publishing House titled A Martyr’s Faith in a Faithless World, including why he wrote a book about martyrs in the first place and what we can learn from martyrs. Find your copy at books.cph.org/martyrs-faith.

Rev. Dr. Ross Johnson, Director of LCMS Disaster Response, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his recent visit to India, the destruction that happened to Concordia Theological Seminary in Nagercoil, and the mercy work being done there. Learn more about the seminary at ctsn.edu.in, and follow Disaster Reponse work at lcms.org/disaster and facebook.com/LCMSDisasterResponse. You can also hear another perspective of the recovery effort on the LCMS Asia podcast. Listen here: international.lcms.org/concordia-theological-seminary-in-nagercoil-continues-recovery.

Rev. Dr. Stephen Chambers, Academic Dean and Director of Library at Concordia Lutheran Seminary in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the unique perspective of pastoral formation at Concordia Lutheran Seminary, the relevance of studying Biblical languages, and how this learning and formation benefit both pastors and congregations. Learn more about Concordia Lutheran Seminary at concordiasem.ab.ca.

Rev. Steve Albers, pastor of Historic Trinity Lutheran Church, along with Rev. Joshua Hatcher, Andrea Roettger—Director of Christian Education, and Bob Kurtz—Director of Community Care, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the history of Historic Trinity Lutheran Church, the unique and eclectic Soulard neighborhood where Historic Trinity sits, and the many outreach and ministry opportunities Historic Trinity is able to participate in to serve the community. Learn more about Historic Trinity at trinitystlouis.com and follow their story at https://www.facebook.com/HistoricTrinity, twitter.com/trinitysoulard, and instagram.com/trinitystlouis. Read their story in the August 2019 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.

Deaconess Kim Schave, Executive Director of Humanitri, joins Sarah to talk about Humanitri’s Open House for a renovated property funded from a grant in partnership with LCMS National Housing Support, their upcoming Vision Event in September, and upcoming Annual Gala in October. Find stories from Humanitri at facebook.com/Humanitri and find event details at humanitri.org/events.

Rev. Dr. Abjar Bahkou, Associate Professor of Practical Theology at Concordia Seminary St. Louis, joins Sarah to share his story as a Syrian Christian, why we should share the Gospel with our Muslim neighbors, and what attendees at the Fall Lay Bible Institute at Concordia Seminary will learn. Find details and register at csl.edu/resources/continuing-education/lay-bible-institute. Jesus in Islam Saturday, October 5,2019 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Register by September 20, 2019

Rev. Doug and Angela Thompson, who serve the Lord as missionaries in Sierra Leone, West Africa, join Sarah to talk about the work being done at the Coordinating Center for Theological Studies (CCTS) in Jembe, the importance of this seminary in the Seirra Leone region, and sharing the Gospel among the people in West Africa. Learn more about their story at lcms.org/thompson and follow their page on Facebook at facebook.com/Meansofgrace.

Rev. Luke Wolters, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Wellsville, Missouri, joins Sarah to talk about why Grace Lutheran supports KFUO Radio as a Church of the Week, how he and his congregation use KFUO programming in their daily lives, and the upcoming Drive Your Tractor to Church Sunday. If you’re in the Wellsville area, drive your tractor to Grace Lutheran on Sunday, August 25, 2019! Find details on Facebook: facebook.com/events/2455460138024007.

Jennifer Burton, Founder of Alpha Gal Encouragers of Northwest Arkansas, and Dr. Tina Merritt, with the Allergy and Asthma Clinic of Northwest Arkansas, join Andy and Sarah to talk about Alpha Gal Syndrome, both Jennifer and Dr. Merritt’s journeys through diagnosis and coping, and Jennifer’s creation of the Alpha Gal Encouragers of Northwest Arkansas. Learn more at alphagalencouragers.org and read about Alpha Gal Syndrome from the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology.

Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about mental health and worker wellness, the blog “Building Up the Body,” and a new series this Fall called “Mental Health Mondays.” Find that series in various places including The Coffee Hour! Find Heidi’s writing at heidigoehmann.com and read the Church Worker Wellness Devotions at blogs.lcms.org/tag/church-worker-wellness-devotions.

Darin Storkson, Interim General Secretary of the International Lutheran Council (ILC), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the work of the ILC, how Lutheran church in the ILC support each other, and the significant things happening at this year’s ILC World Seminary Conference. Read more about the Conference at ilc-online.org/2019/07/31/philippines-to-host-2019-ilc-world-seminary-conference.

Michael Olin, who served on Short Term Missionary Teams for English Bible Camps in Poland, and Anne Gonzalez, Manager of Short-Term Training and Engagement with the LCMS Office of International Mission, join Andy and Sarah to talk about serving on a short-term team, a typical day for an English Bible Camp, the importance of these short-term teams, and upcoming opportunities to serve. Discover how you can serve at servenow.lcms.org.

Rev. Michael Meyer, Manager of LCMS Disaster Response, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the upcoming Disaster Response Conference, some of the topics that will be covered, extra training available at the Conference, and why we have conferences about disaster response and mercy work. Learn more about LCMS Disaster Response at lcms.org/disaster and register for the conference, especially for the additional chainsaw training, at calendar.lcms.org/event/2019-lcms-national-disaster-response-conference.

Rev. Robert Riggert, author of the 2019-2020 Chapel Talks, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the difference chapel makes for students at Lutheran Schools, how schools use the Chapel Talks resource, and this year’s theme of “Joy:fully Lutheran.” Find the Chapel Talks at luthed.org/chapel-talks.

Dr. Becky Schmidt, Director of School Ministry with the LCMS Office of National Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the distinct difference Lutheran Schools make for students, the emphasis of all 1,950 Lutheran schools across the country, and this year’s theme. Learn more at lcms.org/schoolministry.

Dr. Michelle Cretella, Executive Director of the American College of Pediatricians, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about EMTALA and the Born-Alive Infant Protection Act of 2002, why the Department of Health & Human Services recently re-issued guidance regarding these issues, and the importance of these documents. Read the re-issuing from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Rev. Dr. Alfonso Espinosa, senior pastor at Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church in Irvine, California, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the upcoming Southern California Defending Life Conference, including why these gatherings are so important, the cultural issues we face as Christians, and the exciting line-up of speakers and guests. Learn more and register at defendinglifeconference.org.

Jody Token, Founder of the Great Flip, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about 4 important safety tips for college women going back to campus, the Triple As to remember in an unsafe situation, and teaching young girls self defense and life skills. Learn more about Jody’s online self defense curriculum for girls at thegreatflip.com.

Ian Burger, Lutheran Young Adult Corps Participant at KFUO Radio, joins Andy and Sarah on his last day to reflect about his time at KFUO Radio, what he’s learned, and what he’ll take with him as he moves on. Interested in serving on the Lutheran Young Adult Corps? Find information at lcms.org/yacorps.

Rev. Dr. Matt Richard, pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Minot, North Dakota, joins Andy and Sarah to talk through a Christian response to violent events like the recent mass shootings, including real issue at the root of violence, the solutions we try to bring to the table, and how we cope with moving forward. Read his blog post at pastormattrichard.com/2019/08/the-root-problem-of-mass-shootings.html.

Dr. Jim Marriott, Director of Musical Arts and Kreft Chair for Music Arts at Concordia Seminary St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about The Concordia Seminary Concert Series, including After Chapel Concerts once per month, the Premiere Concert Series, and the summer Carillon concerts. Find details about these fantastic events at csl.edu/music. Opening Weekend Hymn Festival The festival will be available via live stream at csl.edu/live. 3 p.m. Aug. 25, 2019 Valparaiso University Chorale Concert 7 p.m. Sunday, March 1, 2020 Organ and Carillon Concert 3 p.m. Sunday, April 26, 2020

Katie Schuermann, author of books including the Anthems of Zion series from Concordia Publishing House and He Remembers the Barren from Emmanuel Press, and her goddaughters Olivia and Lydia Brown join Andy and Sarah to talk about memorizing the Athanasian Creed, what they learned about our God while memorizing, what they learned about themselves, and why it’s important to know what you believe. Hear them recite the Creed, as well! Want to memorize the Athanasian Creed, too? Find a memorization chart here!

Deaconess Kim Bueltmann, who serves as a missionary in Germany, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the recent youth camp in Germany including opportunities the youth had to worship and play, camp experiences that American kids would recognize, and unique experiences these campers were able to experience. Follow Deaconess Kim’s story at facebook.com/DeaconessKim.

Rev. Duane Meissner, former missionary to Belize and now Executive Director of Belize Mission Society, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the work he did in Belize as a missionary, the work that the Belize Mission Society does, and how this Society makes a difference in the lives of people in Belize. Follow their work at belizemissionsociety.net and facebook.com/BelizeLutherans.

Andrew Nelson, DCE in St. Louis Area, Missouri, and Shelli Haynes, DCE in Southern California, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how DCEs are Lifespan Educators, the work of DCEs in churches, and how DCEs help make disciples for life.

Rev. Dr. Lee Hagan, President of the LCMS Missouri District and Chairman of Floor Committee 1 for the 67th Regular Convention of the LCMS, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the work of a floor committee, the work Floor Committee 1 worked on, and the outcomes of resolutions for National Witness. Read more about these resolutions at blogs.lcms.org/2019/lcms-convention-passes-four-national-witness-resolutions-by-wide-margins.

Dr. Kevin Armbrust, Interim Managing Editor of the Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the theme of the August issue, what it means to be Joy:fully Lutheran, and what readers can expect to read and see when they pick up this month’s issue. Find online LW articles at lcms.org/witness and subscribe to the LW at cph.org/witness.

Rev. Dr. Ryan Tinetti, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Arcadia, Michigan, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his story of becoming Lutheran, what he appreciates about the Lutheran church, and seven reasons to be Joy:fully Lutheran. Read his article in the August 2019 issue of the Lutheran Witness. Find online LW articles at lcms.org/witness and subscribe to the LW at cph.org/witness.

Sheryl Dewitt, Executive Director of Redeeming Life Outreach Ministries in Sanford, Florida, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the work of Redeeming Life Outreach, how they serve expecting mothers along with mothers and babies, the servant event at the LCMS Convention, and the impact this servant event has and will have on the women they serve. Learn more about the work they do at rlom.org. Read about the servant event at blogs.lcms.org/2019/joyfully-serving-our-neighbors-in-florida.

Rev. Derek Broten, Gathering Director with Youth Ministry for the LCMS Office of National Mission, and Rev. Mark Kiessling, Director of Youth Ministry for the LCMS Office of National Mission, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the impact of the National Youth Gathering on both attendees and people in Minneapolis, the learning that took place, how to follow resources post-gathering, and where NYG 2022 will be held. Find post-gathering resources at youthesource.com/category/real-present-god and follow all things NYG at lcmsgathering.com.

Matt Machemer, Associate Kantor with Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about just a few of the hymns we sing in the “Green Season” of the church and why they are great ones to sing, including Lutheran Service Book 536, 541, and 552.

Rev. Kevin Robson, Chief Mission Officer of the LCMS, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the exciting happenings at the 67th Regular Convention of the LCMS, including convention’s beautiful focus on the Church’s mission work both here in the U.S. and abroad, adoption of “Making Disciples for Life” as the Synod’s official mission emphasis for the coming triennium, and how the LCMS as the Church is thoroughly engaged with contemporary cultural issues. Find all convention updates and stories at lcms.org/convention.

It’s a 2-part episode on campus ministry! Peter LeBorious, DCE, with Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Wanner Robbins, Georgia, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why connecting students to campus ministry before they leave for college is so important, what he aims to do in these campus visits, and how the visits have proven beneficial. Rev. Greg Michael, Pastor of Christus Victor Lutheran Church & Student Center with the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how he approaches campus ministry, how the initial connection between student and campus ministry can be initiated, and how important a faithful campus ministry can be for students in this time of life. Read about Campus Ministry in Georgia in the Summer Edition of Lutherans Engage, which you can find at engage.lcms.org/georgia-ministry-summer-2019. Find your local LCMS Campus Ministry chapter and learn more about LCMS U at lcms.org/lcmsu.

Rev. Timothy Appel, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Smithville, Texas, and new host of Sharper Iron, joins Andy and Sarah to share about his family, why he enjoys studying scripture, and his favorite part of hosting Sharper Iron. Tune in weekday at 8:00 a.m. CT to hear it live, or find it on demand at kfuo.org/sharperiron or on your favorite podcast app.