The Coffee Hour from KFUO Radio

Concordia Seminary concluding students Joseph Eggerman and Micah Brown join Andy to share the stories of their seminary experience and pastoral formation. They talk about the challenges and key moments that shaped their pastoral training, as well as their aspirations for future ministry.
 
 Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
 
 Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
 
 Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
 
 To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
 
 Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: [email protected].

Illinois House Bill 2827 proposes new regulations for homeschooling and private religious schools, raising concerns among faith-based educators. The Rev. Heath Curtis, President of the LCMS Southern Illinois District, joins Andy and guest cohost Jordan Harms to discuss what this bill would require of homeschool families and Lutheran schools. Pastor Curtis shares his concerns about the bill’s potential impact and what Illinois residents can do in response.
 
 Resources: 
 
 Read HB2827 here: https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=2827&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104
 Contact your Illinois representative: https://oneclickpolitics.global.ssl.fastly.net/messages/edit?promo_id=23523
 
 As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: [email protected].

The Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing (Professor of Theology & Ministry, Paul Edwin F. and Esther L. Laatsch Chair of Old Testament Studies, Director of the Pre-Seminary Program, and Director of The Center for Biblical Studies at Concordia University St. Paul) joins Andy and Sarah for Part 4 of our series on his book Deliver Us: God’s Rescue Story in Exodus to discuss the significance of the tabernacle, the implications of the golden calf incident, the meaning of the name Yahweh, and God's relationship with Israel after Sinai. Find Deliver Us: God’s Rescue Story in Exodus here.
 
 As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: [email protected].

How do new pastors and their families find mutual encouragement and support? PALS Facilitator Rev. Steve Wagner from Concordia Lutheran Church in San Antonio, TX, and PALS Facilitators Rev. David & Kassie Weaver from Trinity Lutheran Church in Stewardson, IL, join Andy to talk about Post Seminary Applied Learning and Support (PALS), how PALS serves new pastors and families, their own experiences in ministry and how those experiences help them as PALS facilitators, and how aspects of ministry affect marriage and family life in a different way than other careers. Learn more about PALS at lcms.org/how-we-serve/education/pastoral/post-seminary-applied-learning-and-support. 
 
 This episode originally aired on July 1, 2024.
 
 As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you’d like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: [email protected].

What happened when Separatists from the Church of England left for North America? The Rev. Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for our nine-episode series, “Pilgrims, Puritans, and the Founding of New England.” In episode 2, we move to New England and the Puritan settlements, discussing how the Separatists left for North America, the settlement at Plymouth Plantation, the difference between Pilgrims and Puritans, and the Puritans who didn't separate from the Church of England.
 
 Resources in this episode:
 
 All episodes in The Puritan Movement series
 Find more from Dr. MacKenzie here
 Recommended reading from Dr. MacKenzie includes: Worldly Saints by Leland Ryken, English Puritanism by John Spurr, Reformation in England by Peter Marshall, Puritan Christianity in America: Religion and Life in 17th Century Massachusetts by John Carden, and Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan.
 
 As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: [email protected].

How does the LCMS National Youth Gathering feed and nourish the faith and vocations of the participants? The Rev. Mark Kiessling, Director of LCMS Youth Ministry, joins Andy for our Set Apart to Serve series to discuss his own vocational journey, the work of LCMS Youth Ministry, a brief history of the Youth Gathering and how it's grown over the years, the Gathering's impact on the faith and vocations of participants, and how the Gathering forms and recruits both youth and adults for full-time church work. Find all thing LCMS Youth Gathering at lcmsgathering.com.
 
 Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
 
 Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
 
 Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
 
 To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
 
 Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: [email protected].

Why was complaining a temptation for Israel after they left Egypt, and why is it still a struggle for us today? The Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing (Professor of Theology & Ministry, Paul Edwin F. and Esther L. Laatsch Chair of Old Testament Studies, Director of the Pre-Seminary Program, and Director of The Center for Biblical Studies at Concordia University St. Paul) joins Andy and Sarah for a series on his book Deliver Us: God's Rescue Story in Exodus to talk about Israel’s relationship with shame in Exodus, why complaining is such a temptation, what is significant about Rephidim, the role of Mount Sinai in the Exodus story, and how God’s redemptive activity is for all creation. Find Deliver Us: God's Rescue Story in Exodus here.
 
 As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: [email protected].

Mark your calendars for April 3rd-5th so you can join us for Sharathon 2025! KFUO Team Members Mary Schmidt and Rev. Doug Griebenaw join Andy and Sarah for a preview of KFUO Sharathon 2025, including this year's giving levels and special thank-you gifts, why your support is vital to our operation, and how to participate this year. Learn more and give your gift today at kfuo.org/sharathon.
 
 As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: [email protected].

How can you serve at the upcoming English Bible Camp in Taiwan? Mindy Thews, LCMS Lutheran Education Coordinator in Taiwan, and Erin Alter, Director of Short-term Missions with the LCMS Office of International Mission, join Andy to talk about what happens at an English Bible Camp. Tune in to hear some highlights from last year’s English Bible Camp in Taiwan, how volunteers serve, and what last year's participants have shared about their experiences. Learn more and join this year's team at servenow.lcms.org/opp/2025-english-bible-camp-taiwan.
 
 As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: [email protected].

How can theological education strengthen the Lutheran church in Taiwan and beyond? Rev. Dr. Tom Park, Serving the Lord in Taiwan as a theological educator, joins Andy to discuss the Lutheran presence in the region and the LCMS’s partnerships there. He shares about the current need for theological education in Taiwan, the request that led to the creation of a new seminary, and how Concordia Theological Seminary Taiwan will serve China Evangelical Lutheran Church and other Lutherans across Asia. Learn more about Dr. Park's work at lcms.org/park, and stay updated on LCMS Asia region news at international.lcms.org/asia.
 
 As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: [email protected].

Why did the the Puritan movement start, and when did Puritans decide to travel to the New World? The Rev. Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for our nine-episode series, “Pilgrims, Puritans, and the Founding of New England.” In episode 1, we continue where our last series left off with the Puritan movement in England to revisit how that movement started, how King James played a role in the Puritan movement in Great Britain, and what led the Pilgrims and Puritans to leave England for the New World between 1620-1640.
 
 Resources in this episode:
 
 All episodes in The Puritan Movement series
 Find more from Dr. MacKenzie here
 Recommended reading from Dr. MacKenzie includes: Worldly Saints by Leland Ryken, English Puritanism by John Spurr, Reformation in England by Peter Marshall, Puritan Christianity in America: Religion and Life in 17th Century Massachusetts by John Carden, and Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan.
 
 As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: [email protected].

Why is it important to provide young adults with a space to grow in theological understanding? The Rev. Harrison Goodman (Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things) and Crysten Sanchez (Executive Director of Operations for Higher Things) join Andy for our Set Apart to Serve series to discuss the upcoming HT Beyond: Eyes to See - A Young Adult Event from Higher Things, including what HT Beyond is, the significance of this space for young adults, what young adults will learn about art and architecture through the event, the topics liturgical artist Ed Riojas will present on, and how events like these inspire young adults to consider church work vocations. Learn more and register here.
 
 Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
 
 Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
 
 Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
 
 To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.

What is significant about the miracles in the exodus story? The Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing (Professor of Theology & Ministry, Paul Edwin F. and Esther L. Laatsch Chair of Old Testament Studies, Director of the Pre-Seminary Program, and Director of The Center for Biblical Studies at Concordia University St. Paul) joins Andy and Sarah for a series on his book Deliver Us: God's Rescue Story in Exodus to talk about who Moses is, the significance of miracles in this story, how the plagues directly address Egypt's gods, the context of the Passover, and where we still sing Israel's song of deliverance today. Find Deliver Us: God's Rescue Story in Exodus here.
 
 As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: [email protected].

Why do we have a Concordia University System? The Rev. Dr. Jamison Hardy (President, Concordia University System) and the Rev. Dr. Douglas Spittel (Vice President, Concordia University System) join Andy and Sarah to talk about what the Concordia University System (CUS) is, where each of the Concordias are and how this has changed over the long history of CUS, their visits to campuses and what happens on an official visit, the incredible things going on at our Concordia Universities, and where you can find both of them at upcoming conventions this year. Subscribe to the CUS newsletter and learn more about CUS at cus.edu.
 
 As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: [email protected].

What lessons can we learn from the book of Joshua? Donna Snow, author of many books including the new Strong and Courageous: Studying God's Promises in Joshua from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why she chose to write a new book on Joshua, what she found most interesting about Joshua as she considered writing this study, her research for this book, what she has learned in her study of God’s Word that has changed her, and the most challenging part of the writing process. Find Strong and Courageous: Studying God's Promises in Joshua here.
 
 As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: [email protected].

How does Lutheran Senior Services, now EverTrue, serve the community? Rev. Dr. Travis Scholl, Corporate Director of Mission Integration for EverTrue, the KFUO Organization of the Week for March 9-15, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why Lutheran Senior Services made the name change to EverTrue, what a Life Plan Community is, how EverTrue serves its residents and clients, and what makes EverTrue unique among organizations serving older adults. Learn more about EverTrue at evertrueliving.org.
 
 As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: [email protected].

You have the opportunity to serve on a short term mission trip to South Africa for Bible Camp! Shara Osiro (serving the Lord in Africa as Regional Shared Ministries manager) and Erin Alter (Director of Short-Term Missions for the LCMS Office of International Mission) join Andy and Sarah to discuss Shara's work managing and supporting ministries across the region, her experience as a short-term volunteer prior to serving full-time, and what it was like for her to serve with Bible Camp alongside our partners in the Lutheran Church in Southern Africa last year. Tune in to hear how you can serve in a capacity similar to this, and what the team will be doing at Bible Camp! Find Shara's prayer card and support information at lcms.org/osiro. Learn more and apply to serve on the Bible Camp team at servenow.lcms.org/opp/bible-camp-team-south-africa.
 
 As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: [email protected].

What is the joy in teaching at a Lutheran High School? Rev. Joe Cox, head of Academics at Lutheran High School South in St. Louis, MO, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about his journey to the seminary and into the teaching vocation, what gives him joy as a Lutheran high school teacher, the relationships he builds with students as a part of their formation as young adults, how he and other school leadership work with parents in the formation journey, and his favorite lessons to teach students. 
 
 Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
 
 Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
 
 Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
 
 To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
 
 Have a topic you’d like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: [email protected].

What is unique or interesting about the book of Exodus? The Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing (Professor of Theology & Ministry, Paul Edwin F. and Esther L. Laatsch Chair of Old Testament Studies, Director of the Pre-Seminary Program, and Director of The Center for Biblical Studies at Concordia University St. Paul) joins Andy and Sarah for a series on his book Deliver Us: God's Rescue Story in Exodus to discuss who the book of Exodus is about, what is unique about Exodus, our connection to and Christ's place in the Exodus story, and the different ways we can view or outline this book of the Bible. Find Deliver Us: God's Rescue Story in Exodus at cph.org/deliver-us-gods-rescue-story-in-exodus.
 
 As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: [email protected].

On Ash Wednesday (March 5), the church enters the holy season of Lent, in which we focus on Christ’s righteousness, sufferings and death, and the new testament in His blood. Much ink has been spilt over the decision of St. Jerome to translate the Greek "diatheke" as "testamentum" in his Latin Vulgate, which ultimately influenced the King James Version’s selection of “testament” as a translation of this term. This, in turn, led to our common division of “Old Testament” (2 Corinthians 3:14) and “New Testament” (Matthew 26:28; Mark 14:24; Luke 22:20; 1 Corinthians 11:25; 2 Corinthians 3:6; Hebrews 9:15). However, diatheke can also mean “covenant,” which is how many recent English translations, such as the ESV, render the term (except in Hebrews 9:16–17, where it opts for “will,” as in, “last will and testament”). Lutherans tend to prefer the translation “testament” over “covenant,” since covenants in the Bible sometimes require works on the part of humans. But in no case does a testament (a will) involve the works of the beneficiary — not to mention that it must be put into effect by the death of the testator. As we will see, even “covenant” can be understood correctly — provided that we pay attention to context and keep in mind the proper distinction between Law and Gospel.
 
 Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the March 2025 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “Covenant or Testament?” on Jeremiah 31:31–34. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Opening the Old Testament” and will walk through ways that the Old Testament witnesses to Jesus Christ and His grace, mercy and peace, delivered through the holy Christian church. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us!
 
 Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness. 
 Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: [email protected].

What does righteousness have to do with good works? The Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District and host of KFUO Radio’s Concord Matters, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Formula of Concord reading plan he created for 2025, including the questions concerning our righteousness that are addressed in this month’s readings. What does righteousness have to do with good works? What are the Smalcald Articles? How do we speak about our works when they are done in faith? Where do we find all of this in Scripture? Find the full reading plan from The Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org/2024/reading-plan, and find correlating Concord Matters episodes at kfuo.org/formulaofconcord.
 
 MARCH | The Righteousness of Faith Before God
 WEEK 1:
 Ep III 1–2 (p. 479–480)
 AC IV (p. 32–33)
 WEEK 2:
 Ep III 3–11 (p. 480–481)
 Ap IV 1–47 (p. 82–88)
 WEEK 3:
 SA Part III, Article XIII (p. 283)
 SD III 6–17 (p. 536–539)
 WEEK 4:
 Ep III 12–23 (p. 481–482)
 
 As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: [email protected].

What has been the state of the Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA) after the Theses of Agreement in 1966? The Rev. Thomas Pietsch, Assistant Professor of Theology at Concordia University Wisconsin, joins Andy and Sarah for the fourth episode in our series on Australian Lutheranism to talk about how the ordination of women become a significant point of opposition in the LCA, the effect of the disagreement on the union, the argument in favor of ordaining women, and how differing viewpoints led to the creation of the newly formed Lutheran Mission - Australia.
 
 Resources in this episode:
 
 Theses of Agreement: lca.org.au/foundational-documents
 The history of the Lutheran Church in Australia: lca.org.au/our-history
 Lutheran Mission – Australia: lutheranmissionaustralia.org.au and facebook.com/LutheranMissionAustralia
 All episodes in the Lutheran Mission – Australia series: kfuo.org/tag/lutheran-mission-australia
 
 As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: [email protected].

How can camp ministry form future church workers? David Vandercar (Executive Director of Lakeview Ministries in Seymour, Indiana) and Danny Frastaci (Operations Director of Lakeview Ministries in Seymour, Indiana) join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about Lakeview Ministries, how life at camp shapes attitudes concerning a life of Christian service, how many church workers could potentially attribute experience at Lakeview to their consideration of full-time church work, what Lakeview does to intentionally to form church workers, and what's on deck for this summer. Find Lakeview Ministries at lakeview.camp and the National Lutheran Outdoors Ministry Association (NLOMA) at nloma.org.
 
 Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
 
 Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
 
 Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
 
 To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
 
 Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: [email protected].

Dr. Robert Sorensen, Professor of Theology and Foreign Languages at Concordia University Chicago in River Forest, Illinois, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about St. Matthias, whose commemoration day is February 24, including where we hear about St. Matthias in Scripture, what is unique about how he became an apostle, how he served the Church, and what we can learn from Matthias’ story and service to the Church.
 
 Feature image: Peter Paul Rubens, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
 
 As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you’d like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: [email protected].
 
 The Coffee Hour is underwritten by Concordia University Wisconsin. Live Uncommon. Learn more at cuw.edu.

Why does having good listening and conversational skills truly matter? The Rev. Brian Davies, pastor of Lord of Glory Lutheran Church in Grayslake, IL, and author of “Captivating Conversations” (available from CPH), joins Sarah to talk about the current state of discourse in our culture, what we can learn from Jesus about having good conversations, what true listening looks like, how being curious and inquisitive can lead to healthy dialogue, and the steps we can take towards thoughtful listening.
 
 As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: [email protected].

Dr. Joe Herl, professor of music at Concordia University Nebraska, joins Andy and Sarah on Martin Luther's commemoration day (February 18) to talk about Luther's Deutsche Messe (German Mass), including the problems Luther had with the traditional Latin Mass, why Luther wrote this German Mass and who it was for, what the German Mass contained after he translated it from Latin, and where we have this Mass in our Lutheran liturgy today. Find Divine Service Setting 5 in Lutheran Service Book on p. 213.
 
 As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you’d like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: [email protected].

How were early Lutheran congregations in Australia organized and unified? The Rev. Thomas Pietsch, Assistant Professor of Theology at Concordia University Wisconsin, joins Andy and Sarah for the third episode in our series on Australian Lutheranism to discuss how congregations and missions were organized and supported—from the time of the early missionaries to unification in 1966; the Theses of Agreement in 1966; what these Theses accomplished and did not accomplish; and how they have served the Lutheran Church of Australia since then.
 
 Resources in this episode:
 
 Theses of Agreement: lca.org.au/foundational-documents
 The history of the Lutheran Church in Australia: lca.org.au/our-history
 Lutheran Mission – Australia: lutheranmissionaustralia.org.au and facebook.com/LutheranMissionAustralia
 The Hermannsburg Choir: hermannsburg.com.au/stories/hermannsburg-choir
 All episodes in the Lutheran Mission – Australia series: kfuo.org/tag/lutheran-mission-australia
 
 As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: [email protected].

How are church work students prepared for well-being in their future vocations? Dr. Thaddeus Warren, Chair of the Department of Human and Social Sciences and DCE Program Director at Concordia University, Nebraska (CUNE), joins Andy and Sarah to discuss his passion for worker well-being, the church work programs available at CUNE, and how students are formed for ministry. He also shares how students learn to build and maintain healthy relationships, and reflects on the significance of LCMS support for church worker wellness. Learn more about church work programs at CUNE at cune.edu.
 
 Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
 
 Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
 
 Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
 
 To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
 
 Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: [email protected].

How does Christian Friends of New Americans help immigrants and refugees settle into their new country? The Rev. Dr. Stanish Stanley, Executive Director of Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA), and Amy Ziegler, Community Engagement Associate with CFNA, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the refugees and immigrants who have found a new home in St. Louis and find support with CFNA, how they find their way to the United States, challenges these new neighbors face while building a new life, what day to day life looks like for immigrant and refugee families, how CFNA supports and cares for these families in the St. Louis area, the volunteers and supporters who contribute to these acts of mercy, and the current needs of refugee families in St. Louis. Learn more about CFNA and how you can support their work through time, talent, or treasure at cfna-stl.org.
 
 As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: [email protected].

Things are gearing up for the 2026 LCMS Convention! The Rev. Dr. John Sias, Secretary of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins Andy and Sarah to discuss the convention cycle's big picture, our current place in the cycle, the next steps for congregations and districts, opportunities for LCMS members to participate, and details for the convention in Phoenix on July 18-24. Learn more about nominations and other convention proceedings at lcms.org/convention/governance and lcms.org/nominate.
 
 If you love School House Rock, see how an Overture becomes an Action at files.lcms.org/file/preview/overture-infographic.
 
 As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: [email protected].

How does the Church raise up multiethnic leaders for the kingdom through catechesis? The Rev. Dr. Ely Prieto, Associate Professor of Practical Theology and Director of the Center for Hispanic Studies at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Concordia Seminary Multiethnic Symposium happening May 6-7. They discuss how catechesis is part of the Lord’s command in Matthew 28:19, what is meant by "all nations" in this command, what a multiethnic church is and where we see examples of the beauty of multiethnic churches, how catechesis is a powerful tool in the context of a multiethnic church, and the exciting topics to be covered at this year's Multiethnic Symposium.
 
 Learn more and register at csl.edu/multiethnic, and read on for the official press release with more details.
 
 ---------------------------------------------------
 
 ST. LOUIS, Feb. 12, 2025— Registration is open for the 2025 Multiethnic Symposium, “Learning From Each Other: Catechesis That Raises Up Multiethnic Leaders for the Kingdom,” set for May 6-7 on the campus of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. The symposium brings together individuals from varied cultural backgrounds to share their unique perspectives and experiences to help equip future leaders with knowledge, stills and spiritual maturity to serve God’s kingdom faithfully.
 
 “Raising up the next generation of multiethnic leaders within The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) presents a significant challenge, but it also represents a tremendous responsibility and a unique opportunity that the Lord has graciously bestowed upon us,” said Dr. Ely Prieto, the Lutheran Foundation Professor of Urban and Cross-Cultural Ministry. “In a multiethnic church context, catechesis serves as a vital and powerful tool for cultivating leaders who are equipped to effectively minister among diverse communities. This symposium will provide an invaluable opportunity to learn from esteemed scholars, experienced pastors and dedicated missionaries who have studied this crucial area and have played a pivotal role in raising up the next generation of immigrant leaders.”
 
 Plenary speakers include:
 
 Dr. Kent Burreson, Professor of Systematic Theology, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis
 Dr. Rhoda Schuler, Professor Emeritus, Concordia University, St. Paul, St. Paul, Minn.
 Rev. Jeff Cloeter, Senior Pastor, Christ Memorial Lutheran Church, St. Louis
 Dr. Stanish Stanley, Executive Director, Christian Friends of New Americans, St. Louis
 Jessica Bordeleau, Coordinator, Digital Publishing, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis
 The 19th Annual Lecture in Hispanic/Latino Theology and Mission also will be held during the symposium. Dr. Hosffman Ospino, professor of Hispanic Ministry and Religious Education and chair of the Department of Religious Education and Pastoral Ministry at Boston College, in Boston, Mass., will present, “How the Roman Catholic Church is Cultivating and Mentoring a New Generation of Hispanic-Ecclesial Leaders.” The response will be given by Rev. Stephen Heimer, manager of All Nations Ministry for the LCMS Office of National Mission (ONM) in St. Louis, Mo.
 
 The lecture, sponsored by the Seminary’s Center for Hispanic Studies, is free and open to the public.
 
 Participants are encouraged to extend their stay and attend the 2025 Multi Asian Gathering, set for May 7-8 on the Seminary campus. The admission fee for the Multi Asian Gathering is $25.
 
 Registration closes April 21. The admission fee for the Multiethnic Symposium is $85, but free for Concordia Seminary students and faculty. For more information, visit csl.edu/multiethnic or contact Continuing Education at 314-505-7286 or [email protected].
 
 As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: [email protected].

What prompted early Lutheran immigrants to move to Australia? The Rev. Thomas Pietsch, Assistant Professor of Theology at Concordia University Wisconsin, joins Andy and Sarah for the second episode in our series on Australian Lutheranism to talk about why German Lutherans immigrated to Australia in 1838, how these early immigrants settled into the land, where early Lutheran churches were established, and the mission work that began among Indigenous people. 
 
 Resources in this episode:
 
 The history of the Lutheran Church in Australia: lca.org.au/our-history
 Lutheran Mission – Australia: lutheranmissionaustralia.org.au and facebook.com/LutheranMissionAustralia
 Story of Blind Moses: iadpress.com.au/products/blind-moses
 Finke River Mission: finkerivermission.lca.org.au
 All episodes in the Lutheran Mission - Australia series: kfuo.org/tag/lutheran-mission-australia
 
 As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: [email protected].

How can a winding career path lead to seminary? James Wiencke, a first-year Residential Alternate Route student at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to share his journey—his life before considering seminary, the various careers that led him there, how his family supported his decision, the joys and challenges he encountered, and what he is looking forward to in seminary.
 
 Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
 
 Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
 
 Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
 
 To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
 
 Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: [email protected].

LCMS Office of International Mission has many great resources for families and congregations to use! Stephanie Hovland, Deaconess Intern with the LCMS Office of International Mission (OIM), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about her work as a deaconess intern with OIM; the benefits of learning about international missions in the local congregation and home; available resources, including the Missions Unpacked series; the flexibility of these resources for almost any situation; and how others have used them. Find Missions Unpacked for Kids, English Bible Camp, and other resources at international.lcms.org/resources.
 
 As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: [email protected].

What is the history behind the Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord, and how does it fit uniquely into our church year? The Rev. Sean Daenzer, LCMS Director of Worship and Chaplain for the LCMS International Center, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what this day in our church year is and what makes it important, why the global church celebrates Transfiguration on different dates, the unique features of this day, why the One Year Lectionary has "Pre-Lent", and how Transfiguration transitions us into the season of Lent. Learn more about our church year and liturgical feasts at lcms.org/worship.
 
 As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: [email protected].

Rev. Dr. Joel Elowsky, professor of Historical Theology and coordinator of International Seminary Exchange Programs at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, joins Andy and guest co-host Pastor James Cleland to talk about St. Valentine, including why the church commemorates him on February 14, what we know about the era in which Valentine lived and served, how Valentine served the church, what we can learn from his example, and why this day of his commemoration is associated with love, relationships, greeting cards, candy, gifts and flowers.
 
 This episode originally aired on February 11, 2022.
 
 As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you’d like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: [email protected].

What is Lutheran Mission - Australia (LM-A) and why did it begin? The Rev. Matt Anker, President of Lutheran Mission - Australia, joins Andy and Sarah to begin our series on Lutheranism in Australia, sharing a brief history of the Lutheran Church in Australia, the theological history leading to the Theses of Agreement, when it became clear a new mission was needed, what has been important in the formation of Lutheran Mission - Australia, how the formation of a new mission has been received, what has brought joy to everyone involved, and what is next for Lutheran Mission - Australia. Learn more about Lutheran Mission - Australia at lutheranmissionaustralia.org.au and follow them online at facebook.com/LutheranMissionAustralia.
 
 As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: [email protected].

What does a second career journey from the music industry to pastoral ministry look like? The Rev. Paul Hemenway, pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Edmond, OK, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about his life prior to his journey to seminary, skills from the music industry that have translated into pastoral ministry, how he finally made his way to seminary, who supported him on this journey, what he loves about being a Lutheran pastor, and words of wisdom and encouragement for others who are considering church work vocations.
 
 Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
 
 Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
 
 Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
 
 To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
 
 Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: [email protected].

National Lutheran Schools Week was January 26-31, and we're celebrating with conversations featuring teachers and students! In Part 2, we hear from Laura Hanson (English Teacher and Choir Director) and students Mason and Linda from Lutheran High School South in St. Louis, MO on what they love about their Lutheran education. Then, we hear from 4th grade teacher Casey Schmidt and students Theo and Mattie from Word of Life Lutheran School in St. Louis, MO about their experiences in a Lutheran school.
 
 Learn more:
 Lutheran High School South: lslancers.org
 Word of Life Lutheran School: wordoflifeschool.net
 LCMS School Ministry: lcms.org/how-we-serve/education/elementary-schools
 National Lutheran Schools Week: resources.lcms.org/reading-study/national-lutheran-schools-week-resources
 
 As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: [email protected].

National Lutheran Schools Week was January 26-31, and we're celebrating with conversations featuring teachers and students! In Part 1, we hear from Principal Andy Spieler and students Paylin and Cade from Immanuel Lutheran School in Perryville, MO, who share their favorite things about Immanuel in Perryville. Then, hear from teacher Joseph Meador (Strings, Choir, and Band Director, and Theology Teacher) and students Kylie and Andrew from Metro East Lutheran High School in Edwardsville, IL, about what they love about MELHS and their plans for after high school.
 
 Learn more:
 Immanuel Lutheran in Perryville: ilsperryville.org
 Metro East Lutheran High School: melhs.org
 LCMS School Ministry: lcms.org/how-we-serve/education/elementary-schools
 National Lutheran Schools Week: resources.lcms.org/reading-study/national-lutheran-schools-week-resources
 
 As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: [email protected].

On the Epiphany of Our Lord (January 6), we followed the Wise Men as they brought gifts (Matthew 2:11) predicted by the Old Testament (Isaiah 60:6) to Jesus, “He who has been born king of the Jews” (Matthew 2:2). The Wise Men even found Christ using the Old Testament: at first, through the fulfilled prophecy of Numbers 24:15–19 concerning a star and a king’s scepter in Israel; ultimately, through the fulfillment of Micah 5’s words about the Good Shepherd of Judah being born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2–5). And not only does the whole Bible reveal Jesus as King, it also shows that He is God’s Prophet, one like — yet greater than! — Moses.
 
 Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the February 2025 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “The Prophet Like Moses” on Deuteronomy 18:15–19. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Opening the Old Testament” and will walk through ways that the Old Testament witnesses to Jesus Christ and His grace, mercy and peace, delivered through the holy Christian church. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us!
 
 Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

What is Free Will and how do we understand conversion? The Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District and host of KFUO Radio’s Concord Matters, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Formula of Concord reading plan he created for 2025, including what "free will" means, how we are converted, heresies surrounding free will, the role of God's Word in conversion, and where we find this in Scripture. Find the full reading plan from The Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org/2024/reading-plan, and find correlating Concord Matters episodes at kfuo.org/formulaofconcord.
 
 February | Free Will
 WEEK 1:
 Ep II 1 (p. 477)
 AC XVIII (p. 40–41)
 WEEK 2:
 Ep II 2–6 (p. 477–478)
 Ap XVIII (p. 197–198)
 WEEK 3:
 SD II 48–73 (p. 529–533)
 WEEK 4:
 Ep II 7–19 (p. 478–479)
 
 
 As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: [email protected].

How do relationships, opportunities, and invitations encourage young people to remain in the church and consider church work? Rev. Seth Flick, pastor of Divine Redeemer Lutheran Church in Hartland, WI , joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about his formation as a pastor and who encouraged him in this pursuit, his congregation's emphasis on their duty to raise up future church workers, how they use relationships, opportunities, and invitations to encourage children in the faith, and the roles of other church workers and parents in their approach.
 
 Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve.
 
 This episode originally aired on March 8, 2024.
 
 Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
 
 Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
 
 Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
 
 To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.

How does Doxology serve church workers? Dr. Beverly Yahnke (Executive Director for Christian Counsel with Doxology) and the Rev. David Fleming (Executive Director for Spiritual Care with Doxology) join Andy to talk about the story of Doxology, the need for their services and spiritual care today, Doxology's continued service to the church, and how Doxology creates a culture of care for workers who can then faithfully carry out their given ministry. Learn more about Doxology at Doxology.us.
 
 As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: [email protected].

How can we show love to our neighbors through acts of mercy? Deaconess Dr. Tiffany Manor (Managing Director, LCMS Office of National Mission), the Rev. Dr. Brian Heller (Manager of LCMS Specialized Spiritual Care Ministry), and the Rev. Andy Becker (Manager of Family Discipleship) join Andy and Sarah to talk about the Mercy: Love Throughout Life conference happening March 14-15, 2025. They discuss why this conference is so timely, the variety of topics the conference will cover, who this conference is for (everyone!), and the unique in-person + online hybrid format. Learn more and register at calendar.lcms.org/event/mercy-love-throughout-life-conference-2025.
 
 As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: [email protected].

How does Concordia University Wisconsin's Hesed Transition Program serve adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities? Professor Kelly Osowski (Director, Hesed Transition Program at Concordia University Wisconsin) and Kathy Loveless (parent of Noah, current Hesed student at CUW) join Andy and Sarah to share Kathy and Noah's story, Noah's educational journey and his parents' hopes for him, what the Hesed program is and how it serves students, and how this program changes the lives of students like Noah. Learn more about the Hesed Program, including admission requirements, at cuw.edu/admissions/hesed-admissions/index.html. Read more stories about the Hesed Program at blog.cuw.edu/cuws-hesed-transition-program-introduces-new-director and reporter.lcms.org/2025/cuw-hesed-program.
 
 As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: [email protected].

Why and how does the Church write new hymnody? The Rev. Dr. Jon Vieker, Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Practical Theology, and Dean of Chapel at Concordia Seminary in St Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why authors are still writing new hymnody (because we can always have more), what we learn about our church forefathers from our hymnody, if hymn writing has changed over the centuries, how hymns shape who we are and what we believe, and what happens at the annual Prevallet Hymn Writing Workshop. Learn more and register at csl.edu/event/prevallet-hymn-writing-workshop-2025.
 
 As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: [email protected].

What does someone on the Seminary's Board of Regents do, and why is this work important? Matt Kenitzer, a member of the Board of Regents for Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his upbringing in the church, what drew him to the LCMS, why faithful leadership in the church is important to him, how he became a member of the Board of Regents, and all the critical work the Regents do for the good of the Seminary.
 
 Christ’s church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers.
 
 Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations.
 
 Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS:
 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers.
 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers.
 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.
 
 To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.
 
 Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: [email protected].

How does Grace Point Institute for Relational Health serve the church and her members? The Rev. Dr. Mark Hannemann, MDiv, DMin, LMHP, LPC, CLC (Co-founder and President of Grace Point Institute for Relational Health) joins Andy to discuss why Grace Point was founded, the services it offers, where these services are needed today, how Grace Point serves locally, and how it fosters a culture of care for ministry workers. Learn more about Grace Point Institute for Relational Health at relationalhealth.org.
 
 As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: [email protected].

What is Team Flex, and how do they serve at the LCMS Youth Gathering? Leslie Sullivan (Team Flex Manager) and Danny Swafford (Team Flex Leadership) join Andy and Sarah to talk about their roles on Team Flex, how Team Flex serves at the LCMS Youth Gathering, responsibilities they and others have on Team Flex, and how to apply to serve in this way. The application deadline is April 30! Learn more and apply at lcmsgathering.com/volunteer/#TeamFlex.
 
 
 As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: [email protected].