The Coffee Hour from KFUO Radio

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.

Jeff Wielert, Farmer with Bountiful Blessings Produce in Hinckley, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about a typical Spring planting season on his farm, how the rain/snow/hail this Spring have impacted planting, how the weather is impacting the farms around him, and how neighbors can support him and his fellow farmers.

Rev. Todd Kollbaum, Director of LCMS Rural and Small Town Mission (RSTM), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how farmers have been affected by the unusual amount of snow and rain this year, how this rain and flooding impacts their livelihood, and how we can support and pray for our farming neighbors. Learn more about RSTM at lcms.org/rstm.

Rev. Michael Schuermann, pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Sherman, Illinois, and Katie Schuermann, author of He Remembers the Barren and He Restores My Soul, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the Illinois Reproductive Health Act, what’s at stake with this legislation, what it means for women, and how Illinois residents can respond. Find bill details at ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp and read the impact of this bill at illinoisrighttolife.org. Find your senator at illinoispolicy.org/maps.

Kevin Hildebrand, Kantor at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Musician Workshops at CTSFW, what musicians would benefit from these, and what attendees will learn and experience. Learn more and register at ctsfw.edu/musicianworkshops.

Rev. Daniel McMiller, Executive Director of the LCMS Office of International Mission, and Christian Boehlke, Associate Executive Director of St. Louis Operations for the LCMS Office of International Mission, join Andy and Sarah to share the latest news and updates from mission fields around the world, including Latin America/Dominican Republic, Africa, Europe, and Asia. Learn more about the work being done worldwide and how you can support missionaries at international.lcms.org.

Ian Burger, Lutheran Young Adult Corps Volunteer, and Julianna Shults, Program Manager for Lutheran Young Adult Corps, join Andy and Sarah to share Ian’s adventures at KFUO Radio for the last 10 months, how this program will serve him in his future, and opportunities for young adults to serve 10 months or 10 weeks over the next 2 years. Learn more about opportunities and apply at lcms.org/yacorps.

Kent Kunkel, Disaster Response Coordinator for the LCMS Missouri District, joins Andy to talk about the impact of the recent storms in Missouri, the immediate and long-term needs, and how people can volunteer to help. Find details at facebook.com/events/2243893705876138.

Karel Keldermans— Carillonneur from Springfield, Illinois, and Rev. Dr. Kent Burreson— Dean of Chapel at Concordia Seminary St. Louis, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the annual Summer Carillon Concert Series at Concordia Seminary. Join in on these casual outdoor concerts each Tuesday evening in June on the Seminary Campus. Find more details on CSL’s website: csl.edu/2019/05/annual-outdoor-summer-carillon-concert-series-announced-for-tuesdays-in-june-2.

Deaconess Heidi Sias with Lutheran Friends of the Deaf, a Mill Neck Organization, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the unique joys and challenges of Deaf ministry, resources that Lutheran Friends of the Deaf is creating, and great opportunities to learn more about Deaf ministry at Church Interpreter Training Institute. Find these resources and learn more about Deaf ministry at lutheranfriendsofthedeaf.org. Follow them on social at facebook.com/LutheranFriendsoftheDeaf, twitter.com/Lutheran_Deaf, and instagram.com/lutheranfriendsdeaf. This is a rebroadcast from February 20, 2019. Find a transcription of this episode at kfuo.org. Thanks to Gwen Zagore and the LCMS Volunteer Connection for this service!

Jana Inglehart, who serves the Lord through the LCMS as a missionary in the Latin America and Caribbean Region, based in the Dominican Republic, as this region's communication specialist, joins Andy and Sarah to share her story of being a missionary, what her unique role gives her the opportunity to experience, and how she sees the Good News of Jesus Christ being proclaimed in the LAC Region. Read more about Jana at lcms.org/inglehart and follow her missionary page at facebook.com/journeywithjanainglehart. Follow the stories from the Latin America and Caribbean Region at facebook.com/LCMSLAC and learn more about the region at international.lcms.org/latin-america-caribbean. This is a rebroadcast from March 15, 2019.

Allison Kieselowsky, Mother, Educator, and Reading Specialist, joins Andy and Sarah to share her and her kids' summer reading lists, as well as some fantastic tips to make your summer reading the best experience it can be! Find out about "The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place" at maryrosewood.com. This is a rebroadcast from May 31, 2018.

Rev. William Weedon, LCMS Director of Worship, joins Andy to talk about the Feast of Ascension, the history of this feast in the church year, and the texts, prayers, and hymns we'll get to hear and sing.

Mark Bott— Founder of Operation Kidsafe International, joins Andy to talk about their innovative approach to helping parents maintain valuable information on an Amber Alert-ready Bio Card and children's safety education as well as the grand opening of a Child Safety Center in Wentzville, MO. Learn more about Operation Kidsafe International at operationkidsafe.org.

Peter Slayton, Social Media Manager for the LCMS, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how context collapse affects how we interact with each other on social media, what scripture says about how we talk about hot topics (like abortion), and what it means to behave like a Christian online while still speaking the truth.

Bev Schaefer— Foster Parent Coordinator with Lutheran Family and Children’s Services Missouri, Debbie Wolf— Program Manager with Lutheran Family and Children’s Services PPAS Program, and Suzanne Pennycook— Foster Parent of 30 years, join Andy and Sarah during Foster Care Month to talk about the joys and challenges of foster parenting, the need for foster parents in St. Louis County, and the training required to become a foster parent. Learn more about foster parenting and other services that LFCS provides at lfcsmo.org or call Jenny at 314-787-5100.

Katie Fiene, Swaddling Clothes Director at River of Life Lutheran Church in Channahon, Illinois, and Barb Meade, Swaddling Clothes Director at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Elizabeth, Colorado, join Andy and Sarah to talk about how the Fienes began Swaddling Clothes stores, how these stores serve and support families in their respective communities, and how they are able to share God’s love with donors, volunteers, and recipients. Learn more and contact Katie to begin your own chapter of Swaddling Clothes at swaddlingclothes.org.

Rev. Tyrel Bramwell, pastor of St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ferndale, California, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about whether the 4th Commandment looks different as we and our parents mature, how the 4th Commandment applies as we care for aging parents, and how we can model the 4th Commandment well for our children.

Jeannine Leibmann, MA, LPC, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “sandwich generation,” the common struggles that happen for those of us in the sandwich generation, and some helpful thoughts for navigating this time in life when caring for both children and parents.

Andy and Sarah talk briefly with Deaconess Heidi Goehmann about wellness, and then discuss the positives of getting outside and being active, especially using active modes of transportation to get from one place to another. May 17 is Bike to Work Day, and May is Bike Month!

Rev. Scott Holder, Admissions and Recruitment with Concordia Seminary St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how Vocatio has made an impact on young people considering church work, the events and opportunities students have during Vocatio, and how this event benefits these young people. Learn more and register at csl.edu/vocatio.

Rev. Hesham Shehab, pastor of Salam Christian Fellowship with Peace Lutheran Church in Lombard, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what Ramadan is for our Muslim neighbors, what’s important for Christians to understand about our Muslim neighbors, and how we can pray for our Muslim neighbors during Ramadan. Learn more about Salam Christian Fellowship at salamchristianfellowship.org.

Remkea Ockander, Director of Youth & Family Ministry at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Fremont, Nebraska, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the community around them in the Fremont area, the destruction the flooding left in its wake, and the great need for volunteers. To lend a hand, visit goodshepherdlutheranchurch.org/project-restore-signup.