The Coffee Hour from KFUO Radio

How are high school teachers formed for their vocations? Elizabeth Henschen (English teacher at Lutheran High in Sheboygan, WI) joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about her formation at Concordia University, Nebraska, why she chose to pursue church work, what she loves about teaching English, and her advice to high school students who are thinking of pursuing church work. 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: listener@kfuo.org.

What did typical worship services in the late 19th century look like? Benjamin Kolodziej (Church Organist and Musicologist, author of Portraits in American Lutheran Sacred Music, 1847-1947 available from Concordia Publishing House) joins Andy and Sarah for Episode 5 of our series on Portraits in American Lutheran Sacred Music. Benjamin talks about the kinds of cultural influences at play during this time, the liturgical traditions that the Lutherans brought with them from Germany, how early LCMS services might have looked the same or different from the motherland, how liturgy and hymns walked together in a worship service, who was influential in the style of liturgy of the church in America, and the expectations of the pastor, organist, choir, and congregation during the service. Find Benjamin Kolodziej's book Portraits in American Lutheran Sacred Music, 1847-1947 at cph.org/portraits-in-american-lutheran-sacred-music. Find all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/portraits-in-american-lutheran-sacred-music. For more information on the book release event in Missouri this month, visit facebook.com/events/1500931187738079. 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: listener@kfuo.org.

How do poetry and fantasy literature connect us to God's eternal truth? KFUO Radio went on the road to the Sing! Conference in Nashville, TN, to share Lutheran hymnody and teaching heard on KFUO. In this special crossover episode, Sarah interviews Dr. Malcolm Guite (poet-in-residence at the Sing! Conference and prolific writer) for a Lutheran Ladies' Lounge podcast episode about his journey in the Christian church, poetry, fantasy literature, and God's eternal truths. The full interview will be shared in a November episode of The Lutheran Ladies' Lounge podcast, which you can find at kfuo.org/category/lutheran-ladies-lounge. 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: listener@kfuo.org.

Have you ever wondered what inspires the writing of hymns? The Coffee Hour went on the road to the Sing! Conference in Nashville, TN, to share Lutheran hymnody and teaching heard on KFUO Radio and to connect with church musicians. Sandra McCracken (singer-songwriter) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the faith tradition from which she comes, how hymns have shaped her faith and life, why she is passionate about writing hymns that point to Jesus, and what's important to her when writing a new hymn. 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: listener@kfuo.org.

What makes a good modern hymn? The Coffee Hour went on the road to the Sing! Conference in Nashville, TN to share Lutheran hymnody and teaching heard on KFUO Radio and to connect with church musicians. Andrew Osenga (hymnwriter with Anchor Hymns) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the faith tradition from which he comes, how hymns have shaped his faith and life, why he is passionate about writing hymns that point to Jesus, and what's important to him when writing a new hymn. 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: listener@kfuo.org.

Have you ever wondered what inspires the writing of hymns? The Coffee Hour went on the road to the Sing! Conference in Nashville, TN to share Lutheran hymnody and teaching heard on KFUO Radio, and to connect with church musicians. Jordan Kauflin (Worship Pastor at Christ Covenant Church in Atlanta, GA, and songwriter) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the faith tradition from which he comes, how hymns have shaped his faith and life, why he is passionate about writing hymns that point to Jesus, and what's important to him when writing a new hymn. 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: listener@kfuo.org.

How does a Christian school flourish while remaining faithful to God's Word? Dr. Bernard Bull (President of Concordia University, Nebraska, and author of Faithful and Flourishing: Strategies for Leading Your Christian School with Excellence) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his new book available from Concordia Publishing House. He explains why Christian schools are important today, the research that led to this book, how being distinct and intentional is related to being faithful and flourishing in a Christian school, what establishes the formative message that impacts the lives of students and families in every school, what he looks for when seeking to know the mission of a school, and who would find this book helpful.

What does the Bible say about Jesus descending into hell? The Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District and host of KFUO Radio's Concord Matters, joins Andy to talk about the Formula of Concord reading plan he created for 2025, including the questions concerning The Descent into Hell that are addressed in September's readings. What does the Bible say about Jesus descending to hell? Why did Jesus descend into hell? What are the ideas and theories about what 1 Peter 3:18 means by “he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison”? What do we do with the questions not answered by God's Word? 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. September | The Descent Into Hell WEEK 1: Ep IX 1–4 (p. 495) SA Part I (p. 262) SC Part II, Article II (p. 329) WEEK 2: LC Part II, Article II (p.401–402) WEEK 3: SD IX (p. 596–597) WEEK 4: 1 Peter 3:18–22; Heb. 10:10–13; Psalm 16 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: listener@kfuo.org.

What kind of hymns would Lutherans have been singing in Germany before coming to America? Benjamin Kolodziej (Church Organist and Musicologist, author of Portraits in American Lutheran Sacred Music, 1847-1947 available from Concordia Publishing House) joins Andy and Sarah for Episode 4 of our series on Portraits in American Lutheran Sacred Music. Benjamin talks about the influence of rationalism on hymnody at this time, C.F.W. Walther's preferred style of singing, what would have been considered Lutheran hymns at this time, how Lutherans created a new hymn book, what congregational singing looked, and where we see the legacy of these opinions and practices today. Find Benjamin Kolodziej's book Portraits in American Lutheran Sacred Music, 1847-1947 at cph.org/portraits-in-american-lutheran-sacred-music. Find all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/portraits-in-american-lutheran-sacred-music. For more information on the book release event in Missouri this month, visit facebook.com/events/1500931187738079. 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: listener@kfuo.org.

In this crossover episode with The Lutheran Witness podcast, The Rev Roy Askins shares his interview with Sandra, an American living in Germany. This edition of The Lutheran Witness podcast was recorded almost a year ago in Berlin-Steglitz, Germany. In this episode, we speak with Sandra, an American living in Germany and working with the members of Trinity Lutheran Church, Berlin-Steglitz, Germany. She discusses her life between Germany and the USA, and the great privilege and opportunity she has to help care for refugees in Germany.   For the full story, visit engage.lcms.org/persian-project-winter-2025. To learn more about the Independent Evangelical — Lutheran Church (SELK), visit lcms.org/partner-church-bodies/independent-evangelical-lutheran-church. Photo credit: LCMS Communications/Erik M. Lunsford  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: listener@kfuo.org.

Anyone who has studied the Third Commandment in confirmation class has encountered Colossians 2:16–17, which answers the question, “Why don't Christians have to worship on Saturday (the Sabbath) as the Israelites did in the Old Testament?” St. Paul writes, “Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance [literally, “body”] belongs to Christ.” Not only does this passage teach that under the New Testament Christians are not obligated to keep Old Testament ceremonial or political laws (although the moral Law does continue to apply to all people of all times and all places), but it also leads Christians to ask, “Why would we try to cling to mere shadows of our Savior, when He is really present in His Body, the church?” We have Jesus as our Bridegroom, so we lack nothing. Nevertheless, the New Testament does use types, examples and shadows from the Old Testament to teach us about life in Christ and in the church. We can gain insights into the New Testament Means of Grace by opening the Old Testament. Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the September 2025 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “Sacramental Shadows” on Exodus 13 & 14. 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. 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: listener@kfuo.org.

What hymns bring you comfort when seeking peace? In this episode, Chaplain Brian Hamer joins Andy to explore the significance of hymns in the context of war and peace. They discuss the origins and historical contexts of three hymns: 'Silent Night', 'Now Thank We All Our God' and ‘O God, Our Help in Ages Past'. The conversation highlights how these hymns have provided comfort and hope during times of conflict, emphasizing their enduring relevance and trans-cultural nature. To view Chaplain Hamer's article, visit whatdoesthismean.org/lifted-voice--brian-hamer. 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: listener@kfuo.org.

How was Set Apart to Serve part of summer activities for youth around the Synod? The Rev. Dr. James Baneck (LCMS Executive Director of Pastoral Education and Set Apart to Serve) joins Andy for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about the extensive summer travel that took SAS around the country, the work he sees other people doing to recruit future church workers, why SAS is such a passion for him, and an important message for our listeners. 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: listener@kfuo.org.

How can we further understand C.F.W. Walther as not just a theologian but also as an immensely talented musician? Benjamin Kolodziej (Church Organist and Musicologist, author of Portraits in American Lutheran Sacred Music, 1847-1947 available from Concordia Publishing House) joins Andy and Sarah for Episode 3 of our series on Portraits in American Lutheran Sacred Music. Benjamin talks about Walther's formation as a church musician, how he was a talented composer and conductor, Walther's organ designs, and where we see the influence of C.F.W. Walther on American Lutheran Sacred Music today. Find Benjamin Kolodziej's book Portraits in American Lutheran Sacred Music, 1847-1947 at cph.org/portraits-in-american-lutheran-sacred-music. Find all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/portraits-in-american-lutheran-sacred-music. 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: listener@kfuo.org.

In this crossover episode with The Lutheran Witness podcast, The Rev Roy Askins shares his interview with Sebastian, an Iranian convert in Germany. This edition of The Lutheran Witness podcast was recorded almost a year ago in Berlin-Steglitz, Germany. In it, we speak to Sebastian, who was baptized during our trip to Germany. In this podcast, he discusses the importance of dreams in Iranian culture, how he came to faith, and how the Lord is working through Trinity Lutheran Church, Berlin-Steglitz, Germany.   For the full story, visit engage.lcms.org/persian-project-winter-2025. To learn more about the Independent Evangelical — Lutheran Church (SELK), visit lcms.org/partner-church-bodies/independent-evangelical-lutheran-church. 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: listener@kfuo.org.

What does it mean to be an artist in the church? Michael Scheer (Director, Center for Liturgical Art) and Deb Jurchen (Director, University Institutes at Concordia Nebraska) join Andy to discuss the significance of the Center for Liturgical Art at Concordia University, Nebraska, sharing about its history, mission, and the role of visual arts in the church.  To learn more about the Center for Liturgical Art, visit liturgicalart.org. To register for the CLA's 20th anniversary celebration, visit CUNE.edu/homecoming. 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: listener@kfuo.org.

Movies have the power to both shape and reflect our society. But what can happen when we look at film through the lens of faith? Andy Bates and guest host Jordan Harms sit down with professors from Concordia University and Concordia Seminary to discuss the intersection of film and Christian faith. They explore how cinema can reflect and shape societal values, the importance of recognizing biblical themes in various films, and share about an upcoming continuing education course that aims to equip pastors with tools to use movies as a means of witness. To learn more about the six-week virtual continuing education course, visit csl.edu/2025/08/movies-and-mission-explores-film-through-biblical-lens/. To register for "Movies and Mission", visit one.csp.edu/s/286/20/interior.aspx?sid=286&gid=1&pgid=3149&cid=11384&ecid=11384. 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: listener@kfuo.org.

How does a family legacy of church work influence younger generations? The Rev. Dr. Todd Allen Jenks (pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ames, IA) joins Andy for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about his journey into the pastoral ministry, who had the greatest influence on his decision to consider and enter the pastoral ministry, the story of his family of church workers including his father and siblings, an endowed scholarship in honor and memory of his father at Concordia Seminary St. Louis, how a scholarship like this helps others pursue the pastoral ministry, and his encouragement for those who are considering entering the pastoral 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: listener@kfuo.org.

How did the vocation of "church musician" develop in the 19th century Missouri Synod? Benjamin Kolodziej (Church Organist and Musicologist, author of Portraits in American Lutheran Sacred Music, 1847-1947 available from Concordia Publishing House) joins Andy and Sarah for Episode 2 of our series on Portraits in American Lutheran Sacred Music. Benjamin talks about the vocation of teacher/musician, what Luther taught about the vocation of teacher and musician, the key figures in retaining this understanding, an introduction to Friedrich Lochner, and how musicians and teachers at this time shared valuable information about their profession.   Find Benjamin Kolodziej's book Portraits in American Lutheran Sacred Music, 1847-1947 at cph.org/portraits-in-american-lutheran-sacred-music. Find all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/portraits-in-american-lutheran-sacred-music. 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: listener@kfuo.org.

In this crossover episode with The Lutheran Witness podcast, The Rev Roy Askins shares his interview with missionaries serving Germany. The Rev. Dr. Gottfried Martens, the Rev. Dr. David Preus and the Rev. Dr. Christian Tiews join the podcast to discuss the work at Trinity Lutheran Church, Berlin-Steglitz, Germany. This congregation of the Independent Evangelical — Lutheran Church (SELK) cares for Persian immigrants seeking asylum in Germany. The conversation includes an explanation of the political situation in Germany, and the LCMS mission with Farsi speakers in Germany and beyond.   For the full story, visit engage.lcms.org/persian-project-winter-2025. To learn more about the Independent Evangelical — Lutheran Church (SELK), visit lcms.org/partner-church-bodies/independent-evangelical-lutheran-church. 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: listener@kfuo.org.

What are the latest updates on Concordia University System scholarships and the new school year? The Rev. Dr. Jamison Hardy (President of Concordia University System) and the Rev. Dr. Douglas Spittel (Vice President of Concordia University System) join Andy and Sarah to talk about their time at the LCMS Youth Gathering, what it was like for them to represent CUS and meet thousands of Lutheran youth, the scholarships available from CUS, what these scholarships mean for CUS students entering a new school year, where Dr. Hardy and Dr. Spittel will be present for opening services, and upcoming conferences. Learn more about CUS and how you can support the scholarship fund 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: listener@kfuo.org.

What is still relevant today as we celebrate the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea? Dr. Joel Elowsky (Professor of Historical Theology, Dean of Advanced Studies and Director of the Center for the Study of Early Christian Texts at Concordia Seminary St. Louis) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the upcoming Theological Symposium at Concordia Seminary all about "Nicaea 1700," including the state of the church at the time of the Council of Nicaea, why the Council was called, who was present or represented, what it accomplished, and what Symposium attendees will learn about the Council, the Nicene Creed, and its contemporary applications. Learn more about the Theological Symposium happening September 16-17 at Concordia Seminary St. Louis by visiting csl.edu/resources/continuing-education/theological-symposium. 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: listener@kfuo.org.

How does learning to witness the faith to others help form future church workers? The Rev. Andrew Jagow (Pastor of Bethany Lutheran Church in Alexandria, VA) joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about his congregation and the community it serves, his journey into the pastoral vocation, how his experiences sharing his faith in high school provided a space for formation into church work, the Set Apart to Serve pilot program he is participating in, and how he and his congregation are encouraging young people to consider 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: listener@kfuo.org.

Why has sacred music always been important to the Lutheran church, and who is Ferdinand Winter in this story? Benjamin Kolodziej (Church Organist and Musicologist, author of "Portraits in American Lutheran Sacred Music, 1847-1947" available from Concordia Publishing House) joins Andy and Sarah for Episode 1 of our series on Portraits in American Lutheran Sacred Music. Benjamin talks about the development of sacred music pedagogy (teaching), the development of Addison Seminary (1864-1913) and then its successor institution Concordia Teachers College River Forest, how the teachers of sacred music ensured this treasured gift of sacred music would be retained in the church throughout time, and why this history is so important to retain and share. Find Benjamin Kolodziej's book "Portraits in American Lutheran Sacred Music, 1847-1947" at cph.org/portraits-in-american-lutheran-sacred-music. Find all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/portraits-in-american-lutheran-sacred-music. 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: listener@kfuo.org.

Do you know the history of Lutheranism in Brazil? The Rev. Dr. Daniel Harmelink, Executive Director of Concordia Historical Institute (CHI), joins Andy and Sarah to talk about a new exhibit coming to CHI celebrating 120 years of Lutheranism in Brazil, including the planning process to create the exhibit, the history of the LCMS's mission work in Brazil, the challenges missionaries faced, how these missionaries were connected to Lutherans in the United States, and what to expect in this exciting exhibit. Learn more about Concordia Historical Institute and how to visit at concordiahistoricalinstitute.org. This episode originally aired on July 17, 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: listener@kfuo.org.

How does the LCMS prepare and train people to respond to disasters with the mercy of Christ? The Rev. Michael Meyer (Managing Director, LCMS National Mission) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how Disaster Response has grown among LCMS districts and congregations over the last ten years, why Disaster Response and mercy work are an important part of who we are as LCMS Lutherans, why it is important for us to consider both physical and spiritual care together, and the theme and details of this year's LCMS National Disaster Response and Training Conference, "Serving the Suffering: The Church's Role in Recovery." Learn more and register here: calendar.lcms.org/event/2025-lcms-national-disaster-response-and-training-conference. 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: listener@kfuo.org.

Why does it matter that we understand that Jesus is both 100% God and 100% man? 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 The Person of Christ that are addressed in August's readings. What is a proper understanding of the natures of Christ, and where is this written and confessed? Why is a proper understanding of the divine and human natures of Jesus vital to our faith? What happens when we get it wrong, and how can this be detrimental to faith? Where do we see these errors in other churches' teachings? 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. August | The Person of Christ Week 1: Ep VIII 1-3 (p. 491) AC III (p. 32) Week 2: Ep VIII 4-18 (p. 492-493) Ap III (p. 82) Week 3: LC Part II, Article II (p. 401-402) SD VIII 1-15 (p. 581-583) Week 4: Ep VIII 19-39 (p. 493-495)

It's Set Apart to Serve at the LCMS Youth Gathering! Ben Honkomp (Pre-Seminary student entering his first year at Concordia University, Nebraska) joins Andy and Sarah at the 2025 LCMS Youth Gathering to talk about his hometown and high school, what and who influenced him to consider studying for pastoral ministry, his journey in contemplating seminary, why he chose CUNE for his studies, and what he's looking forward to at CUNE his first year. Concordia University, Nebraska, president Dr. Bernard Bull makes a surprise appearance at the end of our conversation to encourage Ben in his studies and time at CUNE. Learn more about 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.

How do youth learn about applying the Lutheran faith to the culture around them in LCMS Youth Gathering sessions? We sit down with the Rev. Dr. Scott Stiegemeyer (professor of theology, church history, and bioethics at Concordia University Irvine) at the 2025 LCMS Youth Gathering to talk about what he's experienced at this Gathering, how he sees this as a valuable experience for youth, and what youth learned in his two sessions: "Male and Female, Gender in the Light of God's Word" and "Christianity, Disability, and Our Own Personal Easter." Learn more about the LCMS Youth Gathering at lcmsgathering.com. Hear Dr. Stiegemeyer on The Lutheran Ladies' Lounge episode "Kitchen Table Talk: Transgenderism, Sexuality, and God's Design for Humanity."

How do youth learn about the Lutheran Confessions in LCMS Youth Gathering Sessions? We sit down with the Rev. Dr. Jason Lane (Associate Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis) at the 2025 LCMS Youth Gathering to talk about what he's experienced at this Gathering, how he sees this as a valuable experience for youth, and what youth learned in his two sessions: "Learning to Confess like Luther" and "Conversion in Lutheran Theology." Learn more about the LCMS Youth Gathering at lcmsgathering.com.

We caught up with FLAME at the 2025 LCMS Youth Gathering! Grammy-nominated Christian rap artist Flame (author of Extra Nos and Because Jesus Taught It, Mass Event Speaker and Mass Event Plus performer) joins Andy and Sarah at the 2025 LCMS Youth Gathering to talk about what he's been experiencing at this summer's Gathering, his preparation for being a Mass Event Speaker and Mass Event Plus performer, what it's like to perform for 20,000 Lutherans, why a gathering like this is important for youth, the best part of meeting and talking with so many youth, and how an experience like this informs his artistic work. You can find Flame's work at extranosacademy.com and his books from Concordia Publishing House at cph.org/flame.

Our very own Concord Matters host was also Mass Event Host at the 2025 LCMS Youth Gathering! The Rev. Brady Finnern (President of the LCMS Minnesota North District and Host of Concord Matters on KFUO Radio) joins Andy and Sarah at the 2025 LCMS Youth Gathering to talk about his experiences at previous Gatherings, how he got selected to host Mass Events at this summer's Gathering, what a Mass Event is, the preparation behind each night's Mass Event, and what he wants youth to gain from the Gathering. Learn more about the LCMS Youth Gathering at lcmsgathering.com.

In May, we studied Exodus 12:1–14, which introduced the idea of substitution: In order to escape the destroyer, who would kill the firstborn male of every family as a judgment on Egypt, an unblemished male lamb had to be killed and its blood sprinkled on the lintels and doorposts of Israelite houses. The Passover lamb was a substitute for the firstborn males of Israel, and St. Paul makes the connection with Jesus explicit when he says, “Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” (1 Corinthians 5:7). Later in the same Epistle, St. Paul emphasizes the substitutionary work of Jesus, teaching that it was “of first importance … that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3). In addition to the Passover lamb, there are other substitutes in the Old Testament that point to the person and work of Jesus Christ. These will be the subject of this study. Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the August 2025 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “Substitutes” on Genesis 17:15–21 and 22:1–18. 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.

How is LCMS Disaster Response responding to the tragic flooding in Texas Hill Country? Julie Tucker (Emergency Management Director, LCMS Texas District) and the Rev. Dan Mueller (Pastor at Hosanna Lutheran Church in Kerrville, TX) join Andy and Sarah to talk about what the situation currently looks like in Texas Hill Country, how the flooding affected the Kerrville community and the members of Hosanna Lutheran Church, how churches in Texas have responded in mercy, and ways we can support LCMS Disaster Response and the LCMS churches across Texas in the relief effort. Give now to support the relief effort at lcms.org/disaster. 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: listener@kfuo.org.

It's Bach Week! How can we successfully teach Bach to our children and youth? Dr. Jerrode Marsh (Director of Music at St. Paul Lutheran High School, Concordia, MO; Executive Director of Concordia Music Conservatory; and artistic director and conductor for the Sedalia Symphony Orchestra), joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about how Bach has influenced her life and work, formative experiences as a musician where Bach played a role in her love of music, why it's important to her that children and youth learn Bach, her approach to teaching Bach in German to children and youth, the benefits of learning to sing Bach in German for her students, how students also learn about the life and history of J.S. Bach, and what benefits her former students have shared with her about their experience of learning Bach. Learn more about St. Paul Lutheran High School in Concordia, MO at splhs.org. Find all Bach Week episodes at kfuo.org/tag/bach-week. 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: listener@kfuo.org.

It's Bach Week! How can the works of J.S. Bach be used in support of our vocations at home and in our worship? The Rev. Brian Hamer (U.S. Navy Chaplain) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Omnibus Bach: “All of Bach” with the Netherlands Bach Society and Bach in the Parish: “Bach through the Year,” a resource for incorporating Bach music into the three-year lectionary. They discuss how Bach has influenced Chaplain Hamer's life and faith, examples of how listening to Bach at home can be helpful, the amazing project "All of Bach" from the Netherlands Bach Society, how Bach's compositions were intended to support faithful liturgical life in the Church, the lectionary in use at the time of J.S. Bach, how this lectionary is similar and different from the lectionary used by many churches today, and what has helped him utilize the works of Bach in support of a faithful liturgical life for those he serves. Find All of Bach from The Netherlands Bach Society at bachvereniging.nl/en/allofbach and "Bach Through the Year" by John S. Setterlund at kirkhousepublishers.com/product-page/bach-through-the-year-by-john-s-setterlund. Find all Bach Week episodes at kfuo.org/tag/bach-week. 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: listener@kfuo.org.

It's Bach Week! How can someone learn to listen to Bach? Kantor Kevin Hildebrand (Kantor of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how Bach has influenced his work and faith, how Bach played a role in his love of music, how we can marvel at the beauty of Bach's music and also let it wash over us as something good and beautiful, insights for understanding the significance of Bach's music, what is key when listening to Bach's organ and choral music, and examples of where to start a listening journey. Find all Bach Week episodes at kfuo.org/tag/bach-week. 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: listener@kfuo.org.

It's Bach Week! What was the liturgical life of the church like at the time of J.S. Bach? Benjamin Kolodziej (Church Organist and Musicologist) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how Bach has influenced his life and work, formative experiences where Bach played a role in his learning music, the liturgical life of the church in Leipzig at the time of J.S. Bach, the external influences impacting churches at this time, how orthodox Lutheran chorales were included in the services of the church, how the work of Bach influenced or shaped liturgical life even through to today, and how he encounters theological symbolism in Bach's music as a church organist. Find all Bach Week episodes at kfuo.org/tag/bach-week. 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: listener@kfuo.org.

It's Bach Week! Is J.S. Bach considered a "Fifth Evangelist"? Dr. Martin Dicke (former LCMS missionary, Member of Board of Directors for David's Harp, Composer of settings for Hymns of the Reformation from David's Harp) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how Bach has influenced his life and work, formative experiences as a musician and missionary where Bach played a role in his love of music, where the phrase “the fifth evangelist” began as a description of J.S. Bach, how Bach approached scripture and who influenced his understanding and handling of the Word of God, and how his understanding of scripture is apparent in his compositions. Learn more about David's Harp at davidsharpmusic.org, including the Hymns for the Reformation at davidsharpmusic.org/product/hymns-of-the-reformation-occasional-series. Find all Bach Week episodes at kfuo.org/tag/bach-week. 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: listener@kfuo.org.

We're talking church work recruitment and worker wellness at the 2025 LCMS Youth Gathering! Deaconess Dr. Tiffany Manor (Managing Director, LCMS Office of National Mission) and the Rev. Dr. James Baneck (Executive Director of Pastoral Education and Set Apart to Serve) join Andy and Sarah on the KFUO Stage for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about the role of the lay person in worker wellness, how worker wellness is a part of Set Apart to Serve, what concerns we have about the wellness of church workers, what we mean by personal stewardship, and some examples of excellent worker wellness and personal stewardship from the parish and Deaconess Tiffany and Rev. Baneck's prior service. 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: listener@kfuo.org.

Meet the President at the 2025 LCMS Youth Gathering! The Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison (President of the LCMS) joins Andy and Sarah on the KFUO Stage to talk about his experiences at the LCMS Gathering, youth ministry in the Synod, and what he's hopeful of for the youth of the Lutheran Church. 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: listener@kfuo.org.

Meet international participants at the 2025 LCMS Youth Gathering! James from Korea and Lilly from Hong Kong join Andy and Sarah on the KFUO Stage to talk about their home countries and the church bodies in each country, what makes their Lutheran church body unique, what they want their friends and family back home to know about the LCMS Youth Gathering, how they got the privilege of serving as an international representative, and their favorite foods from their home countries! 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: listener@kfuo.org.