The Coffee Hour from KFUO Radio

Dawn Hawk and Paul Lindberg, Operation Barnabas volunteers at Catalina Lutheran Church in Tuscon, Arizona, join Andy and Sarah during National Volunteer Month to talk about how Operation Barnabas makes a difference for veterans in Tuscon, the needs of veterans in their community, an how this opportunity has been a joyful way to serve the community. Learn more about LCMS Operation Barnabas at lcms.org/OperationBarnabas. Find stories on Facebook of volunteers around the LCMS using the hashtag #LCMSVolunteers. Find out how you can serve as a volunteer in a variety of ways at home or around the globe at lcms.org/serve.

Kerry Pozaric, business manager for Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the work of CFNA, ways the community and churches can volunteer, and stories from participants of the 5K Run and Walk. Find details and register at cfna-stl.org/walk.

Chaplain Craig Muehler, Director of LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces, joins Andy and Sarah to share about his experiences as a deployed military chaplain during Lent and Easter, how services in the midst of battle are both similar and vastly different to services at home, and how military chaplains are incredibly important to our service members. Learn more about LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces (MAF) at lcms.org/armedforces. Interested in military chaplaincy? Contact LCMS MAF at [email protected].

Christine Behnke, Director of Parish Education for Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France, sharing about the fire at Trinity in Milwaukee almost a year ago, and the hope that we have in Christ even when our buildings are destroyed. Read articles about these churches: blogs.lcms.org/2018/fire-guts-historic-milwaukee-church-pastor-sees-tremendous-opportunity blogs.lcms.org/2018/bells-still-are-chiming-and-calling-damaged-lcms-churches-carry-out-ministry-while-working-to-rebuild cnn.com/2019/04/16/opinions/one-year-after-milwaukee-church-burned-its-rising-from-ashes-behnke/index.html

Rev. Merritt Demski, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Waterloo, Illinois, and Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, Illinois, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the immense imagery in our wonderful Easter hymnody, especially Lutheran Service Book 458, “Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands.”

Deaconess Kimberly Trombley, Vice President for Religious Life with Bethesda Lutheran Communities, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about celebrating Bethesda’s 115th anniversary in 2019, including the early history of Bethesda from 1904, how their ministry has expanded since that time, and the importance of community for people of all abilities. Learn more about Bethesda’s work providing homes and other services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities at BethesdaLC.org.

Phillip Magness, Director of Sanctuary Worship at Concordia Lutheran Church in Kirkwood, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Holy Week and Easter hymns from the Lutheran Service Book, including 617 (O Lord, we praise Thee), 454 (Sing, my tongue, the glorious battle), 467 (Awake, my heart, with gladness), and 486 (If Christ Had Not Been Raised).

Cindy Twillman, DCE, National Youth Gathering / LCMS Youth Ministry Volunteer, and Rev. Mark Kiessling, Director of Youth Ministry with LCMS Office of National Mission, join Andy and Sarah during National Volunteer Month to talk about the integral role of volunteers with LCMS Youth Ministry and the National Youth Gathering, how Cindy got involved with volunteering for NYG, and how volunteering makes a difference in the lives of young people. Find stories on Facebook of volunteers around the LCMS using the hashtag #LCMSVolunteers. Find out how you can serve as a volunteer in a variety of ways at home or around the globe at lcms.org/serve.

Rev. Trevor Sutton— Pastor of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Lansing, Michigan, and author of Clearly Christian available from Concordia Publishing House, and Joe Willmann— Senior Instructional Designer with Concordia Publishing House, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the CPH FaithCourse on Clearly Christian, why it’s important to be clear about what we believe, what leads to confusion, and what you’ll get out of this CPH FaithCourse. Find the course at cphfaithcourses.com/clearly-christian and find your copy of the book at cph.org/clearlychristian.

Rev. Roy and Eliza Askins with their children, who serve through the LCMS in Asia, join Andy and Sarah to talk about Rev. Askins’ work as the Witness & Communications Manager for the Asia region, the family transition from Hong Kong to Taiwan, and the children share song and prayer in Mandarin. The Askins have several ways to follow their work and the work across Asia. Learn more about them and how to support their work at lcms.org/askins, and follow their personal story at facebook.com/askinsinasia or on their blog askinsinasia.com. Follow the work being done with partner churches in Asia at international.lcms.org/asia and hear podcast episodes at lcmsasia.fireside.fm.

Rev. Jeff Hemmer, pastor of Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church in Fairview Heights, Illinois, our KFUO Radio Church of the Week, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the history of the Easter Vigil service, why this service is so unique in the church year, and what attendees can expect. Find directions and service information for Bethany Lutheran at bethanylcms.org.

Lisa Clark, Senior Editor for Curriculum Resources with Concordia Publishing House, and Mark Knickelbein, editor of music/worship at Concordia Publishing House, join Andy and Sarah to talk about their collaboration on hymns, including the process of writing the text and composing the music, where inspiration comes from, and how the marriage of text and tune create a certain experience for the singer.

Rev. Mark Kiessling, Director of LCMS Youth Ministry, and Rev. Derek Broten, Program Director for the LCMS National Youth Gathering, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the current preparations for the 2019 National Youth Gathering, the pre-Gathering materials and Bible studies for groups to be studying, and how the theme will play out throughout the Gathering. Learn more and find materials at lcmsgathering.com.

Kelsey, Kara, and Kyla, wives of students at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, join Andy and Sarah to talk about life at the seminary, what it’s like to move so frequently, the best parts of seminary life, and what they’re looking forward to for Call Day and beyond. Learn more about Concordia Seminary and how you can watch Call Day at csl.edu or at Concordia Theological Seminary at ctsfw.edu.

Lavonne Pappert, Superintendent of Our Savior Christian Academy (OSCA) in Platte City and Smithville, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the unique makeup of military families at OSCA, the challenges and opportunities this unique makeup presents, and how OSCA makes military families and children welcome in order to build a welcoming community. Learn more about OSCA at oursavioracademy.org.

Rev. Matthew Wietfeldt, Director of Admission and Director of Christ Academy with Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Christ Academy High School at CTSFW in June 2019, including the opportunities available for young men and women, what attendees will learn, and why this opportunity is important for young men and women. Learn more and register at ctsfw.edu/ChristAcademy.

Rev. James Butler and Leslie Colligan, Volunteers with LCMS Short Term Missions, and Anne Gonzalez, DCE— Manager of Short-term Mission Training & Engagement for the LCMS Office of International Mission, join Andy and Sarah during National Volunteer Month to talk about why they volutneered for the short-term mission team going to Poland, their experiences during their time in Poland, and how their time made a difference in their lives and the lives of the people they served. Find stories on Facebook of volunteers around the LCMS using the hashtag #LCMSVolunteers. Find out how you can serve as a volunteer in a variety of ways at home or around the globe at lcms.org/serve.

Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what “Joy:fully Lutheran” means, how viewing the Small Catechism through a joyful lens can help us see these tenets of faith in a new light, and how praying the catechism has changed him. Find President Harrison’s book at cph.org/joyfullylutheran and read stories about joyful Lutherans across the LCMS at joyfullylutheran.org.

Anne Gonzalez, Manager of Short Term Training and Engagement with the LCMS Office of International Mission, joins Sarah to talk about important things to think about while preparing for a short term mission trip, including insurance, cultural preparation, and spiritual preparation. Find short term service opportunities at lcms.org/service.

Dr. Martin and Marie Dicke, who serve the Lord through The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) as missionaries in Papua New Guinea (PNG), join Sarah and guest co-host Anne Gonzalez, Manager of Short Term Training and Engagement with the LCMS Office of International Mission, to talk about their journey to the mission field in PNG, the music education work that they do in the field, and the the culture they’re a part of. Learn more about the Dickes at lcms.org/dicke, read Martin Dicke’s music blog at jubalslyre.com, and follow their story at facebook.com/dickesbacktopng.

Signe White, President of the National Lutheran Outdoors Ministry Association and Executive Director of Camp Perkins (campperkins.org) in Stanley, Idaho, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how summer camp makes an impact on summer camp staff, the staffing needs for this summer, and how to prepare for an amazing summer as a camp staffer. Apply to be camp staff at camps across the United States at nloma.org.

Rev. Alexey Shepelev, pastor of St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church (ELCIR) in Simferopol, The Crimea, and evangelistic missionary to Russian and Slavic speaking Jews, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how he came to know the Good News of Jesus, the nature of his mission work today, challenges he faces in his outreach, and how the Lord has provided for him. Learn more about outreach in Russian and other Slavic languages at WORDrus.org.

Dwight Schettler, President of Ambassadors of Reconciliation, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the difference that Christ-centered reconciliation can make on families, communities, and congregations across many cultures, including stories from travelling in Rwanda and upcoming training events you can attend. Learn more and find training events at aorhope.org.

Rachel Bomberger, managing editor of the Lutheran Witness, joins Andy and Sarah to give a preview of the April LW, including the overall theme, all of the different viewpoints to consider Holy Week, and the variety of articles you’ll get to read. Find your copy of the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness, and read online articles at witness.lcms.org.

Susan Schaefer, Vice President of Operations and Special Projects with Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the 2019 Kaleidoscope Fund Grants from LCEF, including the new focus this year on Lutheran K-8 elementary education the four funding categories available this year, and stories from previous grant recipients. Learn more and apply at lcef.org.

Bev Schaefer, with Lutheran Family and Children’s Services of Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how foster parents make a difference in the lives of children and families, who are candidates to be foster parents, the need for foster parents, and how to become licensed. Learn more about foster parenting at lfcsmo.org or by calling Jenny at 314-754-2807.

Maureen Lenz, Manager of LCMS Volunteer Connection, and Ed Delfert, Volunteer with LCMS Volunteer Connection, join Andy and Sarah to talk about what National Volunteer Month is, how volunteers make a difference in the LCMS, and how Ed’s work is edifying for him as he serves and gives back. Find stories on Facebook of volunteers around the LCMS using the hashtag #LCMSVolunteers.

Dr. Jeffrey Blersch, professor of music at Concordia University Nebraska and director or music at Pacific Hills Lutheran Church in Omaha, Nebraska, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why we sing together, whether singing together helps us focus on what we’re singing about, and how we encourage each other to sing boldly. Read Dr. Blersch’s article in the March Lutheran Witness entitled “Singing in Community.” Find your copy of the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness, and read online articles at witness.lcms.org.

Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, MSW, of ilovemyshepherd.com, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Friendship and Ministry, why friendships are important for all people, and why it can be hard for church workers to make friends. Read resources about Church Worker Wellness at lcms.org/wellness. This episode is part of an ongoing Church Worker Wellness series with Deaconess Heidi Goehmann. Find more episodes in this series with the tag “Church Worker Wellness.”

Deaconess Sandra Rhein, Hymnal Consultant for the LCMS Office of International Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the exciting new developments in the Lutheran hymnals in Mandarin and Amharic, including the Pilot edition of the Chinese Lutheran Service Book that is now in print, the collaborations necessary to produce these hymnals, and what’s on the horizon for the Amharic language hymnal for the church in Ethiopia. For more information on obtaining a Chinese Lutheran Service Book, contact Deaconess Rhein at [email protected]. Read more of her story and watch videos of this hymnal translation process in the Spring 2018 edition of Lutherans Engage, available at engage.lcms.org/hymnal-project-spring-2018.

Robo Raiders FTC 7219 team members Ava, Bella, Ian, Isaac, Matthew, Taylor, and Thor, High School Home School Robotics Team, join Andy and Sarah to talk about their robotics team, how building robots helps them in other areas of life, skills they’ve developed, and what they’re looking forward to at the Word Championships in Detroit, Michigan. They also brought along their robot Charon, to demonstrate the skills and share insight into building it. Watch the entire interview and robot demonstration on Facebook Live at facebook.com/kfuoradio!

Rev. Dr. Ron Mudge, Associate Professor of Theology and Director of the Pre-Seminary Program at Concordia University Wisconsin, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Servants of Christ Conference, how this conference began, what attendees will learn and experience regarding vocation and living as Christians, and how this conference has made a difference in the lives of past attendees. Learn more about this summer’s Servants of Christ Conference at cuw.edu/landingpages/servants_conference/index.php.

Rev. Dr. Abjar Bahkou— Associate Professor of Practical Theology at Concordia Seminary, and Rev. Kou Seying— Associate Professor of Practical Theology, Associate Dean of Urban and Cross-Cultural Ministry, and Lutheran Foundation Professor of Urban and Cross-Cultural Ministry at Concordia Seminary St. Louis, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the upcoming Multiethnic Symposium at Concordia Seminary on April 25-26, 2019, titled “Shame and Honor: Gospel Proclamation in the Majority World,” including why this topic is important and relevant, how culture affects one’s understand of the Gospel, and what honor-shame culture is. Learn more and register at csl.edu/multiethnic.

Rev. Michael Salemink, Executive Director of Lutherans for Life, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the new movie “Unplanned,” including the story behind the film, the R rating given to the film, and the good and bad of the movie. Learn more and watch the trailer at unplannedfilm.com. Learn more about Abby Johnson’s organization And Then There Were None at attwn.org. Are you in St. Louis? Visit unplannedstl.com for free tickets in St. Louis.

Dr. Jeff Kloha, Chief Curatorial Officer at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his work at the Museum, new things going on at the Museum, and the exciting internships available for students. Learn more about the Museum of the Bible and available internships at museumofthebible.org/careers. You can watch the MOTB Speaker Series on Facebook! Visit facebook.com/museumoftheBible for speaker series and other interesting videos.

Patti Ross, President of Lutheran Women in Mission (LWML), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about her LWML story, reflect on her time as president, and share insight into the future of LWML. Learn more about LWML at lwml.org, and follow them on social at facebook.com/TheLWML, twitter.com/TheLWML, and instagram.com/lwmlnational.

Joshua Kittleman, Assistant Professor of Family Life at Concordia University Ann Arbor, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the advantages of using service opportunities in Youth Ministry, the benefits those opportunities bring both the youth and the church, and how these projects share the love of Christ. Read Joshua’s article in the March Lutheran Witness entitled “The Joy of Serving.” Find your copy of the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness, and read online articles at witness.lcms.org.

Rev. Dr. Kent J. Burreson, Professor of Systematic Theology and Dean of the Chapel at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, and also one of the presenters of The Gospel of Mark, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what this presentation is, why it’s very different from just sitting down to read the Gospel of Mark, and how the speakers prepare to present the text. See this presentation at various places this year! 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 16, Zion Lutheran Church in Bethalto, Ill. 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 26, Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bronx, N.Y. 3 p.m. Saturday, April 27, St. John’s Lutheran Church in Westfield, Mass. 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, Our Savior Lutheran Church in Sedalia, Mo. 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Pekin, Ill. Learn more about the Gospel of Mark Tour and watch the preview at csl.edu/thegospelofmark.

Maureen & Rudy Bertarelli, parents of students at Christ Community Lutheran School in Kirkwood, Missouri, and Sue Nahmensen, CEO of the Lutheran Elementary School Association in St. Louis, Missouri, join Andy and Sarah to share personal stories of how Lutheran schools have made a difference in their lives and the lives of the Bertarelli children, the special community that exists in Lutheran schools, and how you can support LESA at the upcoming Cooking for Kids Tribute Dinner Auction on April 6 from 5:00-10:00 p.m. at Orlando Gardens South in St. Louis. Find details about the dinner auction and how you can support LESA at lesastl.org. Download the event flyer here.

Peter Slayton— Social Media Manager with LCMS Communications, Matthew Bergholt— Manager of Online Support and Services with LCMS School Ministry, and Meredith Whitefield— Communications Specialist with LCMS Youth Ministry, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the latest social media trends with the app TikTok, what is useful and not that useful in social media platforms, and how adults can help children work through how to safely use social media.

Jay and Sofia Lyons, filmmakers sharing the story of Kara Tippetts, “The Long Goodbye,” join Andy to talk about Kara Tippetts, her legacy of love and beauty, and the documentary available on March 22 on digital and DVD. Learn more and watch the trailer at karatippettsdocumentary.com and follow more of the story at facebook.com/karatippettsdocumentary.

Dr. Joel D. Biermann, Professor of Systematic Theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about being in the world but not of it as he wrote about in his article “In Christ and in the World” in the March issue of Lutheran Witness, including what that means to live in the world but not of it, what the two realms are, and whether we should live cloistered lives. Find your copy of the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness, and read online articles at witness.lcms.org.

Matt Machemer, Associate Kantor at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about just a few of the rich Lenten hymns we sing at this time of year. Included in our conversation is LSB 432 – In Silent Pain the Eternal Son, LSB 438 – A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth, and LSB 455 – The Royal Banners Forward Go. Find your copy of the Lutheran Service Book at cph.org/lsb.

Rev. Dr. Joel Elowsky, professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the lives of early Christians as he wrote about in his article “Life Among the Pagans” in the March issue of Lutheran Witness, including the society early Christians lived in, how their time is similar and different to ours today, and how Christians set themselves apart from society. Find your copy of the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness, and read online articles at witness.lcms.org.

Mary Schmidt, Manager of Development for KFUO Radio, joins Andy and Sarah to preview this year’s Sharathon happening April 25-27, including why we need your support, what your support makes possible, and the levels of giving available this year. To show your love for KFUO Radio and partner with us financially, visit kfuo.org/support-us.

Larry Hansen, an attorney in the Chicago office of Locke Lord LLP, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Gaylor v. Mnuchin, a case before the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago, regarding the constitutionality of the so-called clergy housing allowance, an Internal Revenue Code provision that allows certain religious leaders to exempt church-approved housing allowances from their taxable income. Hansen co-authored an amicus ‎brief on behalf of the Church Alliance, and talks about the case, the amicus brief, and why this case is significant for church workers. Read about the case at becketlaw.org/case/gaylor-v-mnuchin and learn more about the Church Alliance at church-alliance.org.

Rev. Michael Meyer, Manager of LCMS Disaster Response, joins Andy and Sarah to share updates from LCMS congregations in the flood-affected areas of Nebraska, what immediate and future needs will be, and how you can support the recovery efforts. Read about the flooding at blogs.lcms.org/2019/nebraska-other-states-face-historic-flooding, and give to LCMS Disaster Response at lcms.org/givenow/flood or to the LCMS Nebraska District at ndlcms.org/disaster-response. You can also text LCMSFLOODS to 41444 to give.

Deaconess Dr. Kim Schave, CEO of Humanitri in St. Louis, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to share an incredible story about the real impact of Humanitri’s work in the St. Louis community, the programming available through Humanitri, and how you can get invovled to support Humanitri’s efforts. Learn about programs, volunteer opportunities, and fundraising events at humanitri.org. You can also follow them at facebook.com/Humanitri and twitter.com/humanitri. Learn more about the April 26 Trivia Night at facebook.com/events/404627560270991.

Steven Meseke— Superindendent, and Paul Looker— Assistant Superintendent, of the Lutheran High School Association (LHSA) of Greater Detroit, join Sarah and guest co-host Rachel Bomberger, managing editor of the Lutheran Witness, to talk about the legacy of Lutheran higher education in the Detroit area for the last 75 years, the future for the high schools, and how Lutheran education has made a difference. Learn more about LHSA at lhsa.com.

Tim Young Eagle, Executive Director of Lutheran Indian Ministries, joins Sarah and guest co-host Rachel Bomberger, managing editor of the Lutheran Witness, to talk about the mission and impact of Lutheran Indian Ministries, the difference the Gospel of Jesus makes in the lives of Native people, and an upcoming event in St. Louis for the public to learn about Lutheran Indian Ministries. The event takes place Thursday, April 4, 4-6 p.m., at the Sunset Country Club. Please RSVP by March 21 to Kathleen at 888-783-5267 or [email protected]. View the event poster here. Learn more about Lutheran Indian Ministries at lutheranindianministries.org.