The Coffee Hour from KFUO Radio

It's a Fireside Chat with the Rev. Dr. Carl Fickenscher (Professor of Pastoral Ministry and Missions, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN) who joins us to talk about where we find Christmas in the Divine Service during the Christmas season. 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 a Fireside Chat with the Rev. Dr. Peter Scaer (Professor and Chairman of Exegetical Theology, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN) who joins us to talk about how God used Caesar Augustus for good in the Christmas story. 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 a Fireside Chat with the Rev. Dr. Adam Hensley (Associate Professor of Exegetical Theology, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO) who joins us to talk about Christ Incarnate in Hebrews and the Psalms during the Christmas Season. 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 a Fireside Chat with the Rev. Dr. Thomas Egger (President, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO) who talks about Old Testament types of Christ during the Christmas Season. 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 a Fireside Chat with the Rev. Dr. Kevin Golden (Associate Professor of Exegetical Theology, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO) who joins us to talk about Old Testament prophecy in Hosea during the Christmas Season. 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 a Fireside Chat with the Rev. Dr. Ryan Tietz (Associate Professor of Exegetical Theology and Dean of Students at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN) who joins us to talk about Isaiah's Prophecy of the Prince of Peace during the Christmas Season. 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 a Fireside Chat with the Rev. Dr. Cameron MacKenzie (Professor of Historical Theology, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN) who joins us to talk about celebrating Christmas with Martin Luther during the Christmas Season. 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 a Fireside Chat with the Rev. Dr. Geoffrey Boyle (Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry and Missions, and Director of Field Education at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN) who joins us to talk about Isaiah's Prophecy of the Prince of Peace during the Christmas Season. 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 a Fireside Chat with the Rev. Dr. Joel Elowsky (Professor of Historical Theology, Dean of Advanced Studies, Concordia Seminary, St Louis, MO) who joins us to discuss why the Church Fathers talk about two births for Jesus during the season of Christmas. 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 a Fireside Chat with the Rev. Dr. Todd Peperkorn (Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry and Missions, Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN) who joins us to talk about mental heath and spiritual care during the Christmas Season. 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 a Fireside Chat with the Rev. Dr. Joel Biermann (Professor of Systematic Theology, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO) who joins us to talk about true leisure in Christ during the Christmas Season. 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 a Fireside Chat with the Rev. Dr. Jon Bruss (President, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN) who joins us to talk about Christmas in Martin Luther's sermons during the Christmas Season. 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.

Andy and Sarah reflect on the highlights of Coffee Hour 2025, sharing memorable conversations and themes from the year including the history of the oldest Lutheran church in the Americas, the significance of catechesis, and the relationship between disability, suffering, and resurrection. They also review insights from various series, including American Lutheran sacred music and historical perspectives on events like the Salem witch trials, culminating in a heartfelt farewell to a beloved Lead Producer, Jenny Williams. The Coffee Hour episodes highlighted in this review: kfuo.org/2025/07/14/coffee-hour-071425-a-congregation-older-than-the-nation/ kfuo.org/2025/10/02/coffee-hour-100225-what-is-catechesis/ kfuo.org/2025/10/30/coffee-hour-103025-disability-the-resurrection-body-and-flannery-oc… kfuo.org/2025/09/25/coffee-hour-092525-portraits-in-american-lutheran-sacred-music-bonu… kfuo.org/2025/05/05/coffee-hour-050525-pilgrims-puritans-new-england-ep-8-the-mathers-a… kfuo.org/2025/04/01/coffee-hour-040125-celebrating-35-years-of-jenny-williams/ 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 the tradition of the house blessing? The Rev. Dr. Ross Shaver (serving the Lord in the Dominican Republic as Church Planter and Theological Educator) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what a house blessing is, why it's traditional in Latin America, the scriptural foundation for house blessing, why someone would request a blessing from their pastor, what happens during a house blessing, what these blessings are and are not, and Pastor Shaver's recommendations for preparing for the season of Epiphany. Learn more about Dr. Shaver's work in the Dominican Republic at lcms.org/shaver. 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 are future pastors and deaconesses formed at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis? The Rev. Dr. Thomas Egger (President, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis) and the Rev. Jesse Kueker (Director of Enrollment, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis) join Andy and Sarah to talk about what they love about their work at Concordia Seminary, the church work programs available at Concordia Seminary, why these programs are unique, what students experience in these programs, events that serve the church globally, why listeners should consider formation at Concordia Seminary, and first steps for someone considering church work. Learn more about Concordia Seminary at csl.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: listener@kfuo.org.

Today we're bringing you a story of international mercy work and beautiful music coming together in an unlikely partnership. Erin Bode (singer, songwriter, and recording artist) and the Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison (President, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod) join Andy and Sarah to discuss President Harrison's time with LCMS World Relief and Human Care and his visits to South Africa in the early 2000s, and Erin's experience working with the Themba school and choirs in South Africa. Listen to the original Themba Girls album on YouTube: youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kCti42_eCK_f6DQmrFugftY1UBCgjpQqU 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.

On December 17, the Church commemorates Daniel the Prophet and the Three Young Men. The Rev. Dr. Walter A Maier, III, (professor of Exegetical Theology, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne) joins Andy and Sarah to discus who Daniel was, what was unique about him, who the three young men were and their place in the book of Daniel, things about Daniel we might not have learned in Sunday School, what the Lord teaches us in their story, and why the Church commemorates the Prophet Daniel and the Three Young Men. Read more about Daniel in the Concordia Commentary series at cph.org/daniel-concordia-commentary. 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's been happening at the Lutheran Heritage Foundation? Rev. Dr. Matthew Heise (Executive Director, LHF) and Rev. Dr. Ted NaThalang (Asia Director, LHF), join Andy and Sarah to share updates from around the world. They discuss how the Lutheran Women's Missionary League (LWML) supports LHF's work in significant ways, including a National LWML grant that enabled the distribution of resources in Indonesian schools, the recent Sudan Seminary graduation, and the opening of a new LHF office in the Philippines. They also highlight projects happening in Norway and Iceland, the development of resources in Arabic and Farsi, and more. Learn more about Lutheran Heritage Foundation at LHFmissions.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: listener@kfuo.org.

How is Concordia University, Nebraska (CUNE) supporting continuing education for adults? Dr. Bernard Bull (President, Concordia University, Nebraska) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how CUNE serves the church at large, how CUNE's new program, Studia Vitae, furthers this work of serving the church, where the idea for Studia Vitae came from, the exciting course offerings for 2026, potential course topics in the future, and how people can enroll in these courses. Learn more about Studia Vitae at ceu.cune.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.

How are future pastors and deaconesses formed at Concordia Theological Seminary (CTSFW)? The Rev. Dr. Jon Bruss (President of Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN) and the Rev. Matt Wietfeldt (Assistant Vice President of Admission at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN) join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about what they love about being at CTSFW, the church work programs CTSFW offers, what campus life looks like, some things that make formation at CTSFW unique, opportunities like Christ Academy and Symposia which serve the church at large, recruitment efforts for future church workers, and first steps for someone considering church work programs. Learn more at ctsfw.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: listener@kfuo.org.

Dr. Richard Fischer is retiring after more than 51 years at Concordia University Chicago, and we celebrate his legacy today. Dr. Richard Fischer (distinguished professor of music and conductor of Concordia University Chicago's University Band and Wind Symphony), Adam Friedrich (Concordia University Chicago Alumni), and Amanda Bowman (Concordia University Chicago Alumni) join Andy and Sarah to talk about Dr. Fischer's formation as an educator, how he began at Concordia in 1974 and how his role evolved over time, some favorite highlights from his years of teaching and leadership at Concordia, Adam and Amanda's time with Dr. Fischer and their favorite memories, and how their education and experience with Dr. Fischer shaped who they are and how they serve today. Read more about "Doc" Fischer at cuchicago.edu/news/2025/02/dr.-richard-fischer-to-retire-after-51-years-of-musical-excellence-at-concordia-university-chicago. 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.

Concordia Publishing House is launching a new VBS, and it's based on a hymn! Dr. Lisa M. Clark (Senior Editor, Curriculum Resources, Concordia Publishing House) and Mary Laesch (Editor, Curriculum Resources, Concordia Publishing House) join Andy and Sarah to preview the new "Wake Awake" VBS curriculum, including the inspiration for this hymn-based curriculum, how this VBS is different from others, the theme for this curriculum, what the structure looks like (including some brilliantly fun snacks and crafts!), special features like catechism lessons, and how listeners can learn more. Find this VBS curriculum (shipping in January) at cph.org/wake-awake-watching-for-jesus-hymn-vbs. Join the VBS email list from CPH by sending a message to vbsteam@cph.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: listener@kfuo.org.

'Tis the season to celebrate Christmas with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra! Peter Henderson (SLSO Principal Keyboard player joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his time with the SLSO, what he loves about playing Christmas programs with the SLSO, what makes these programs so special for the St. Louis community, and the line up for this year's celebration. Learn more about how you can attend at slso.org. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Handel's Messiah | Joyful Praise Friday, December 12, 7:30 CST Saturday, December 13, 7:30 CST Sunday, December 14, 3:00 CST   Nicholas McGegan, conductor Sherezade Panthaki, soprano Sara Couden, contralto (SLSO debut) John Matthew Myers, tenor Philippe Sly, bass-baritone St. Louis Symphony Chorus | Erin Freeman, director   G.F. Handel's Messiah:   G.F. Handel's Messiah has stood the test of time. Originally written as a retelling of Jesus' life through text compiled from the King James Bible, the oratorio has gained prominence as a holiday favorite, especially the “Hallelujah Chorus.” Nicholas McGegan, one of the world's foremost experts on Handel's music, conducts the SLSO and St. Louis Symphony Chorus in this beloved holiday tradition. Joining McGegan is a quartet of vocal soloists, including soprano Sherezade Panthaki, mezzo-soprano Sara Couden in her SLSO debut, tenor John Matthew Myers, and bass-baritone Philippe Sly.   -------------------------------------------------------------------------- IN UNISON Christmas with the Clark Sisters Thursday, December 18, 7:30 CST Friday, December 19, 7:30 CST   Kevin McBeth, conductor The Clark Sisters, vocals St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON® Chorus | Kevin McBeth, director Repertoire and additional artists announced later. Supported by Bayer Fund.   A beloved holiday tradition for decades, the SLSO and St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON Chorus celebrate the season with soulful melodies of Christmas favorites. This year, the ensembles are  joined by gospel legends the Clark Sisters. This festive concert brings together a beautiful blend of gospel, jazz, and traditional holiday tunes. As a group, the Clark Sisters have won two Grammy Awards and are the highest-selling female gospel group in history. In 2020, the Clark Sisters were honored with the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award at the 35th Annual Stellar Awards. In 2022, the group was inducted into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame.   -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mercy Holiday Celebration Saturday, December 20, 2:00pm & 7:30pm CST Sunday, December 21, 2:00pm & 7:30pm CST Tuesday, December 23, 2:00pm CST   Stuart Malina, conductor Kennedy Holmes, vocals St. Louis Symphony Chorus | Erin Freeman, director Repertoire and additional artists announced later. Presented by Mercy.   Experience the magic of the holidays as St. Louis native Kennedy Holmes joins the SLSO to perform seasonal favorites and exciting twists on timeless classics. A cherished tradition, this festive performance promises to fill the air with cheer. From the joyous sounds of sleigh bells to new renditions of beloved tunes, this concert brings the holiday season to life in a way that only the SLSO and hometown favorite Holmes can. Holmes originally rose to fame during season 15 of the NBC hit show “The Voice” and has since performed with the SLSO several times.   -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Home Alone in Concert Saturday, December 27, 2:00pm & 7:00pm CST Sunday, December 28, 2:00pm CST   Joshua Gersen, conductor The St. Louis Children's Choirs | Dr. Alyson Moore, artistic director John Williams Home Alone   A true holiday favorite, this beloved comedy classic features renowned composer John Williams' charming and delightful score performed live by the SLSO. Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy who's accidentally left behind when his family leaves for Christmas vacation and who must defend his home against two bungling thieves. Hilarious and heart-warming, Home Alone is fun for the entire family. The SLSO is joined by the St. Louis Children's Choirs for this holiday treat.   -------------------------------------------------------------------------- New Year's Eve Celebration Wednesday, December 31, 7:30pm CST   Stéphane Denève, conductor Stewart Goodyear, piano   Leonard Bernstein Candide Overture Georges Bizet Selections from L'Arlésienne Jacques Offenbach Excerpts from Gaîté Parisienne Orchestrated by Manuel Rosenthal George Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue Orchestrated by Ferde Grofé George Gershwin An American in Paris Revised by Frank Campbell-Watson   Break out the bubbly and ring in the new year in style with the SLSO's sparkling New Year's Eve Celebration, led by Music Director Stéphane Denève. Denève pays homage to two countries in this rousing program: his native France and his adopted home of the US, concluding with George Gershwin's An American in Paris, capturing the essence of his two home nations. Canadian pianist Stewart Goodyear returns to the SLSO for Gershwin's iconic Rhapsody in Blue. 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 happens when we die, and what is eternal life? The Rev. James Huenink (Pastor of First Lutheran Church in El Cajon, CA) joins Andy and Sarah for Episode 8 of our “Prepared with a Reason” series to talk about some worldly visions of the human's purpose and what happens after or in death, the ideas of ongoing progression and material despair, where we see these assumptions in our culture, how Christians can respond to these worldviews faithfully, and what Pastor Huenink finds particularly interesting about this topic. Find the “Prepared with a Reason” curriculum at cph.org/prepared-with-a-reason-leaders-guide-digital-edition. Other resources mentioned in this episode: The New Science of Politics by Eric Voeglein: amazon.com/New-Science-Politics-Introduction-Foundation/dp/0226861147 Surprised by Hope by N.T. Wright: amazon.com/Surprised-Hope-Rethinking-Resurrection-Mission/dp/0062089978 First Lutheran Church of El Cajon Youtube channel: youtube.com/@FirstLutheranChurchofElCajon 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. Today's episode of The Coffee Hour is underwritten in part by Concordia University, Irvine. You can learn more about Concordia University, Irvine at cui.edu.

How does LAMP bring Jesus' love to remote places in Canada? The Rev. Dr. Steven D. Schave (LAMP Executive Director) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how the Lord is working in the remote places of North America through LAMP, the outcome of the 55 for 55 Initiative, what led to the initiative's success, the challenges they overcame during this initiative, and how listeners can be involved with LAMP. Learn more at lampministry.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: listener@kfuo.org.

How does St. Paul's Lutheran in Des Peres, MO celebrate Christmas? Matthew Gerhardt (Kantor, St. Paul's Lutheran Church and School, Des Peres, MO) joins Andy and Sarah to share about St. Paul's as our Church of the Week, including a history of the tradition of Lessons and Carols, how Lessons and Carols became a part of the seasonal traditions at St. Paul's, some of the pieces that will be included in this year's program, the commitment of volunteer musicians, and details for attending. Learn more about St. Paul's Des Peres and the Lessons and Carols service by visiting stpaulsdesperes.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: listener@kfuo.org.

How are church work students formed at Concordia University, St. Paul (CSP)? The Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich (President of Concordia University, St. Paul) and Breana Winnes (Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions for Concordia University, St. Paul) join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about what they love about what they get to do, an overview of the church work programs at CSP, why these programs are important to CSP, what makes these programs unique among the Concordias, what campus life is like at CSP, and how prospective students can learn more and visit campus. Learn more about Concordia St. Paul at csp.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: listener@kfuo.org.

What do the Formula of Concord and Scripture have to say about other factions and sects? 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 other factions and sects that are addressed in December's readings. How does this last reading sum up the year-long study? Who were the Anabaptists, and what were their false teachings? Who were the Schwenkfeldians, New Arians, and Anti-Trinitarians? What do we learn from understanding each of these groups? 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. December | Other Factions & Sects Week 1: Ep XII 1–11 (p. 500–501) SD XII 1–27 (p. 616–617) Week 2: Ep XII 12–19 (p. 501–502) SD XII 28–36 (p. 617–618) Week 3: Ep XII 20–31 (p. 502) SD XII 37–40 (p. 618–619) Week 4: Off for Christmas! 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.

As our year of focusing on the Old Testament comes to a close, it is fitting that we conclude with texts from the Messiah's first “biographer,” the prophet Isaiah, whose career spanned 740–680 B.C. Thanks to the Lutheran composer Handel, whose “Messiah” is especially popular around Christmas and Easter, many of Isaiah's prophecies are quite familiar (in fact, about one-third of the movements in “Messiah” are from Isaiah!). As we open these Old Testament texts, we discover the incarnate Lord and the gifts of forgiveness of sins, life and salvation that He came to bring. Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the December 2025 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled "Son of David, Son of God" on Isaiah 9:2–7 and Isaiah 11:1–10. 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: listener@kfuo.org.

What is beauty? What is art? The Rev. Dr. Matthew Rosebrock (Pastor, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Lindenwood, IL) joins Andy and Sarah for Episode 7 of our “Prepared with a Reason” series to talk about how the concepts of beauty and art intersect with our contemporary life, the discipline of philosophy that considers beauty and art, some worldly assumptions about beauty and what is beautiful, what happens when we try very hard to call things beautiful that really aren't, whether religion has a place in understanding or finding beauty, what God's Word teaches us about beauty, and how we can respond to worldly assumptions about beauty. Find the “Prepared with a Reason” curriculum at cph.org/prepared-with-a-reason-leaders-guide-digital-edition. 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 beloved Christmas traditions that make Concordia University Chicago unique, and how can you participate in them? Dr. Charles Brown (Professor of Music, Arts Division Chair, Music Program Leader for Concordia University Chicago) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the upcoming special music events at Concordia University Chicago, including the University Band concert and the traditional Lessons and Carols services, why these services are special for students and attendees, and the various options available for participating. Learn more at CUChicago.edu/music. December 5 - University Band Christmas Pops Concert December 6-7 - Lessons and Carols (Streaming December 7 beginning at 6:40pm at cuchicago.edu/events/streaming-video) 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 the people of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in O'Fallon, Missouri serve the community around them? The Rev. Jason Kohm (Associate Pastor, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, O'Fallon, MO) and Charity Smith, DCE (Director of Christian Education, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, O'Fallon, MO) join Andy and Sarah as our Church of the Week to talk about the community of O'Fallon, how Holy Cross Lutheran Church is a part of the O'Fallon community, the special events happening at Holy Cross this Advent and Christmas season, and how visitors can find Holy Cross. Learn more at hcross.com. 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 Divine Service form Christians and church workers? Rev. Sean Daenzer, LCMS Director of Worship and LCMS International Center Chaplain, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about how the Lord guided him to become a pastor, how his love for church music and worship developed, who has most shaped his understanding and love of worship, how the Divine Service formed him as a Christian and pastor, and the importance of the Divine Service in forming church workers. This program originally aired on May 24, 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. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

“Bring us some Figgy Pudding!” Inspired by the traditional Christmas carol, Andy Bates joins Sarah and Erin in the Lutheran Ladies' Lounge for a festive, fig-filled crossover episode all about the legendary dish everyone's heard of (but few have ever actually tasted): Figgy Pudding, also known as Christmas Pudding. What is it made from? Is it secretly its own food group? Will Erin try it again? From its origins as a savory dish, through the faux liturgical feast day of “Stir Up Sunday,” and ending with Andy sharing his first go at making this dish at home, this episode invites you to celebrate the holiday season with the hosts of The Coffee Hour and The Lutheran Ladies' Lounge Podcast. In this episode: Find the recipe Andy adapted: food.com/recipe/figgy-pudding-337148 (Replaced butter with plant butter, milk with oat milk, and brown sugar with madhava raw sugar) A Lutheran Witness article mentioning Stir Up Sunday: witness.lcms.org/2025/all-saints-day-the-last-sunday-of-the-church-year-stir-up-sunday-pudding The Lutheran Ladies' Lounge covers Fruitcake in this Recipe Card episode: kfuo.org/2021/11/19/lutheran-ladies-lounge-episode-112-erins-recipe-card-the-fruitcake-even-skeptics-will-love 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 do we learn about the people of Israel and God's promises to them in the last chapters of Numbers? 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 Episode 4 of our series on his book Hope in the Wilderness: Practical Insights from the Book of Numbers to talk about Israel's track record of idolatry, the account of Balaam and Balak and how it points us to Christ, why the account of Zelophehad's daughters is unique, the last Promised Land update in Numbers, and how Numbers point us to Christ, our Conqueror and Redeemer. Find Hope in the Wilderness: Practical Insights from the Book of Numbers from Concordia Publishing House at cph.org/hope-in-the-wilderness-practical-insights-from-the-book-of-numbers. 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 we know what is right and wrong? The Rev. Joe Cox (Director of Curriculum and Education at Lutheran High School South in St. Louis, MO) joins Andy and Sarah for Episode 6 of our “Prepared with a Reason” series to talk about what ethics is and how ethics has been used throughout history, how humans have known right from wrong and how these ideas or philosophies have changed over the years, the assumptions of the world regarding ethics, how we respond with God's Word, and how he uses these ideas as he teaches high school students. Find the “Prepared with a Reason” curriculum at cph.org/prepared-with-a-reason-leaders-guide-digital-edition. 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 Lutheran Elementary School Association (LESA) support Seminary families with school-age children? Libby Gutberlet (Chief Executive Officer of the Lutheran Elementary School Association, St. Louis, MO) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the Concordia Seminary Family Student Scholarship Fund, the challenges families face when moving to St. Louis for seminary, how the Fund supports families of seminarians, how this scholarship Fund has made a difference for families and children, and how our listeners can support this fund. Learn more about LESA at lesastl.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: listener@kfuo.org.

What's happening this Advent and Christmas season at Peace Lutheran Church? The Rev. Robert Brown (Associate Pastor, Peace Lutheran Church in St. Louis, MO) joins Andy and Sarah on the show as they celebrate Peace as our Church of the Week! They talk about all the exciting things happening at Peace this season, including Peace's Thanksgiving services, Christmas Tree Lot, Boar's Head Festival, Christmas at Peace concert, special German Service, Christmas services, and more! Find Peace Lutheran in St. Louis at peacelutheranstl.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: listener@kfuo.org.

How are students at Concordia University Wisconsin formed into church workers? Dr. Erik Ankerberg (President of Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor) and Jeff Frosch (LCMS Admission Counselor at Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor) joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about why they love working for Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor (CUWAA), the church work programs available at CUWAA, why church work programs are important for CUWAA, why CUWAA is a unique place for forming and training church workers, and how prospective students can discover more about CUWAA. Learn more at cuw.edu and cuaa.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: listener@kfuo.org.

How does Numbers point us to Christ, our conqueror and redeemer? 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 Episode 3 of our series on his book Hope in the Wilderness: Practical Insights from the Book of Numbers to talk about the account of Moses striking the rock to receive water, why God barred Moses from the Promised Land, the account of the bronze serpent and how this points to Christ, what we learn about Israel's relationship with other nations, and an introduction to Balaam and Balak. Find Hope in the Wilderness: Practical Insights from the Book of Numbers from Concordia Publishing House at cph.org/hope-in-the-wilderness-practical-insights-from-the-book-of-numbers. 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 pillars of fire and cloud, and what is the Israelites' attitude in the wilderness? 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 Episode 2 of a series on his book "Hope in the Wilderness: Practical Insights from the Book of Numbers" to talk about the place of the Passover in Numbers, the pillar of cloud and fire, the attitude of the Israelites when they have been out of Egypt and slavery for a little over a year, and the accounts of the call to march, the spies in Canaan, and Korah's rebellion. Find Hope in the Wilderness: Practical Insights from the Book of Numbers from Concordia Publishing House at cph.org/hope-in-the-wilderness-practical-insights-from-the-book-of-numbers. 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 we determine what is important? The Rev. Dr. Jon Furgeson (Senior Pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in St. Louis, MO) joins Andy and Sarah for Episode 5 of our “Prepared with a Reason” series to talk about what axiology is and why it's important, how we even know what is important, how humans determine their values, how our approach to assigning value to something might change throughout our lives, worldly assumptions about what gives something value or importance, and what God's Word says about determining our values. Find the “Prepared with a Reason” curriculum at cph.org/prepared-with-a-reason-leaders-guide-digital-edition. 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.