Podcast appearances and mentions of andy bates

What is it like to teach middle school at a Lutheran school in Taiwan? Andrew and Noel Schaff, serving the Lord in Chiayi, Taiwan, as middle school teachers at Concordia Middle and High School, join Sarah to talk about their journey to the mission field, what life has been like for them over their many years of service, what makes Concordia Middle and High School a unique place for students and teachers, and how they serve in their community in Taiwan. Learn more about the Schaffs and how to support their work at lcms.org/schaff. 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.

Did you know that the oldest Lutheran church in the Americas is an LCMS congregation in New York City? The Rev. Peter A.D. Deebrah (Pastor of Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. Matthew in New York City) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his journey from Guyana to New York City, how he became pastor of St. Matthew, the incredible history of St. Matthew beginning in the 1600s, how the congregation has both changed and stayed the same over 360 years, and how St. Matthew serves the Washington Heights neighborhood of New York City. Read more about the Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. Matthew in Lutherans Engage: engage.lcms.org/oldest-congregation-summer-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.

What is Worship Anew, and how does it help people experience the love of Jesus? Matthew Leighty (Executive Director, Worship Anew) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the history of Worship Anew (formerly Worship for Shut-Ins), who is reached by Worship Anew today and how it makes a difference for them, who makes the work of Worship Anew possible, and the new partnership between Worship Anew and KFUO Radio. You can learn more about Worship Anew by visiting worshipanew.org. Worship Anew will be partnering with KFUO Radio to bring more opportunities to hear God's Word on Sunday mornings beginning in September. Listen at 7:30 a.m. CT and 1:00 p.m. CT. 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.

Rev. Dr. Lawrence Rast, Jr, President of Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, joins Andy and Sarah for our History of Lutheranism in America series to talk about the formation of the German Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and Other States, including the people who began the ground work for forming what became The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, the challenges that they faced, how the creation of our Synod happened, and what we can we learn from our history that would be helpful as we gather for convention this year. Find all three episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/history-of-lutheranism-in-america. This episode originally aired on July 5, 2023. Note: Rev. Dr. Lawrence Rast, Jr. is now former president of Concordia Theological Seminary. 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.

Rev. Dr. Lawrence Rast, Jr, President of Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, joins Andy and Sarah for our History of Lutheranism in America series to talk about how churches began to organize into large synods, how language played a role in the development of these synods, challenges these Lutherans faced, and two important characters in this story: C.F.W. Walther and Martin Stephan. Find all three episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/history-of-lutheranism-in-america. This episode originally aired on June 28, 2023. Note: Rev. Dr. Lawrence Rast, Jr. is now former president of Concordia Theological Seminary. 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.

Rev. Dr. Lawrence Rast, Jr, President of Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, joins Andy and Sarah for our History of Lutheranism in America series to talk about the different groups leaving the Holy Roman Empire German states for America, how things like Pietism and Rationalism affected their decision to leave, the variety of groups that immigrated to America, and Rev. Muhlenburg and the Pennsylvania Ministerium. Find all three episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/history-of-lutheranism-in-america. This episode originally aired on June 21, 2023. Note: Rev. Dr. Lawrence Rast, Jr. is now former president of Concordia Theological Seminary. 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 we still need the law? What were the controversies concerning the Lord's Supper? 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 Third Use of the Law and The Lord's Supper that are addressed in June and July's readings. What is the Third Use of the Law? What were the controversies of those days surrounding the Third Use? Do we still need the law? What do we believe concerning the Lord's Supper according to the Word of God? Are the controversies concerning the Lord's Supper still prevalent? Why is it important for us to be very clear on the Scriptural Truth of the Lord's Supper? 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. June | Third Use of the Law Week 1: Ep VI 1 (p. 485–486) SC Table of Duties (p. 346–348) Week 2: Ep VI 2–7 (p. 486–487) Gal. 5:1–26 Week 3: SD VI (p. 557–561) Week 4: Ep VI 8 (p. 487) July | The Lord's Supper Week 1: Ep VII 1–5 (p. 487–488) AC X (p. 35) AC XXII (p. 45–46) Week 2: Ep VII 6–20 (p. 488–489) Ap X (p. 153–155) Ap XXII (p. 208–210) Week 3: SD VII 91–128 (p. 576–581) Week 4: Ep VII 21–42 (p. 489–491) This episode originally aired on June 2, 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.

Lutherans for Life has a new Executive Director! The Rev. Dr. Aric Fenske (Executive Director, Lutherans for Life) joins Andy and Sarah from the 2025 LWML National Convention to talk about his service prior to joining Lutherans for Life, what prompted his continuing education and earning a Doctor of Ministry, why advocating for life is so important to him and his family, why he appreciates Lutherans for Life's Gospel approach to life issues, and the upcoming Lutherans for Life conference happening September 24-26 in Colorado Springs, CO. Learn more about Lutherans for Life at lutheransforlife.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 can after-school care look like for teens with disabilities? Addie Johnson (Founder and Executive Director, Our Place After School Care) and Wade Johnson (DCE at Faith Lutheran Church in Hastings, NE, and volunteer with Our Place After School Care) join Andy and Sarah at the 2025 LWML National Convention to talk about what prompted Addie to start Our Place After School Care, why this work is so important to Addie and Wade, the teens and families Our Place serves, what people may not know about this kind of care, what happens in a typical day at Our Place, and how teens and families hear the Good News of Jesus. You can learn more about Our Place After School Care at ourplacecare.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 is the latest exciting news from Lutheran Heritage Foundation? The Rev. Dr. Matthew Heise and the Rev. Mark Moss from Lutheran Heritage Foundation join Andy and Sarah from the 2025 LWML National Convention to talk about the 25th anniversary of LHF work in Africa, the translation efforts in Germany for Lutheran materials in Farsi, work being done in England, and how LHF partners with missionaries on the ground to further the mission of LHF. You can 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.

What is it like to serve as missionaries in the Kingdom of Cambodia? The Rev. Dr. JP and Aimee Cima (Serving the Lord in the Kingdom of Cambodia) join Andy and Sarah to talk about their journey to the mission field in Cambodia, what they've been learning about the culture where they serve, what both of them get to do in Cambodia, and the partners who make this work possible. They also share some exciting things that have happened on the mission field and in family life, and what they are looking forward to when they return to Cambodia. Learn more about the Cimas and how to support their work at cimafam.com and LCMS.org/cima. Find out how you can serve at servenow.lcms.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.

Serving as a sacred music educator in Taiwan is no ordinary job—what is it like? Becky Bartelt (Sacred Music Educator, Serving the Lord in Taiwan) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about her path toward service in Taiwan, what a Sacred Music Educator is, what it's like teaching music in a variety of countries and cultures, what is unique about music in Taiwan, how she finds ways to share Jesus while teaching music, and the community where she lives and works in Taiwan. Learn more about Becky and how to support her work at LCMS.org/bartelt. Find how you can serve at servenow.lcms.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.

Where is Lutheranism flourishing in Spain? The Rev. Roy Askins (Managing Director, Editorial and Theological Content with LCMS Communications) joins Andy and Sarah to share a special Lutheran Witness Podcast crossover episode. In this episode, Rev. Askins talks with the Rev. Isaac Machado and the Rev. Allison Henn, alliance missionaries in Spain. Alliance missionaries are called by LCMS partner church bodies to serve as missionaries for the LCMS in an LCMS mission field, with the full support and guidance of the LCMS. For the full story, please read the summer edition of Lutherans Engage the World at engage.lcms.org. To learn more about alliance missionaries, read this downloadable FAQ. Find all Lutheran Witness Podcasts at kfuo.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.

Where is Lutheranism flourishing in Italy? The Rev. Roy Askins (Managing Director, Editorial and Theological Content with LCMS Communications) joins Andy and Sarah to share a special Lutheran Witness Podcast crossover episode. In this episode, Rev. Askins talks with the Rev. Tyler McMiller, LCMS missionary in Italy, to learn about the work of the Confessional Lutheran Church of Italy (CLCI). McMiller serves a number of house churches across the peninsula and recent developments — the ordination of two new local pastors — have greatly expanded the ability of the CLCI to proclaim the Gospel across the nation. Watch engage.lcms.org for the full story in the fall issue of Lutherans Engage. Find all Lutheran Witness Podcasts at kfuo.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.

How can Lutherans faithfully respond to an increasingly pagan society? The Rev. Dr. Matt Richard, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Minot, North Dakota, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about a recent insightful visit to his local post office and what he witnessed there. He shares what this experience brought to light for him regarding America's spiritual condition, how atheism and spirituality play a role in American culture, what syncretism is and why it's problematic, and how Lutherans can faithfully respond to an increasingly pagan society. Read about Pastor Richard's experience at facebook.com/share/p/15e6sxnrpH and find more from Pastor Richard at pastormattrichard.com/2025/06/let-world-rage-christ-is-enough.html. 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 worker wellness matter—and how can your congregation get involved in a pilot project to support it? Deaconess Dr. Tiffany Manor (Managing Director of the LCMS Office of National Mission) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why congregational leaders should care about the well-being of church workers. She shares who we consider to be church workers, what “worker wellness” really means, what participation in the pilot project looks like, how it benefits both congregations and workers, and what steps leaders can take to get started. Visit https://reporter.lcms.org/2025/congregations-needed-for-worker-wellness-pilot-project to find more information as well as the questionnaire for the Pilot Program. Please email workerwellness@lcms.org if you have any questions. 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 understanding archaeology help us to understand Biblical history? The Rev. Dr. Kevin Golden (Associate Professor of Exegetical Theology, Dean of Theological Research and Publication, Director of Resident Field Education, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about an upcoming lecture in Biblical Archaeology at Concordia Seminary titled "Judah in the Time of David." They discuss the time frame being considered in the lecture, what was unique about the context of David's reign, how an archeological understanding of Judah is helpful in understanding Biblical history, and who the expert lecturer will be for this event. You can learn more and register by visiting csl.edu/event/these-stones-will-shout-annual-lecture-in-biblical-archaeology. 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.

The 69th Regular Convention of the LCMS is next summer! Rev. Dr. John Sias, Secretary of the LCMS, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about where we are in the convention cycle, including the details for nominations across various synodical positions, the offices nominations are being sought for, how nominations are submitted, and encouragement for nominations. Visit lcms.org/nominate for nominations and documents, and lcms.org/convention/governance for convention overtures. 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 truly mean to live a receptive life? The Rev. Dr. Joel Biermann, Waldemar A. and June Schuette Professor of Systematic Theology and author of Day 7: For Work, Rest, or Play from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah for a series on what Sabbath means for us. In this final episode on chapter 7, they discuss what re-enchantment in God's Word looks like, how we can appreciate the metaphysical realities of this world, what truth, goodness, and beauty have to do with living a receptive life, and what it means to live in the fullness of God's Sabbath. Find Day 7: For Work, Rest, or Play at cph.org/day-7-for-work-rest-or-play. 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.

The 2025 LWML National Convention is coming up June 26-29 in Omaha, NE, under the theme “Growing in God's Grace” (2 Peter 3:18). President of the LWML Eden Keefe joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what the 2025 LWML Convention will look like this summer, the story behind the theme “Growing in God's Grace,” what this theme means for her and all Lutheran women, how planning happens for the National conventions every other year, the objectives for the convention, and what we can expect this summer in Omaha. Learn more at lwml.org/convention. 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 a FORO? The Rev. Dr. Brian Gauthier (Managing Director, Global Mission Operations, LCMS Office of International Mission) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the structure of the LCMS approach to international mission, how missionaries and support staff are organized, how these missionaries and support staff are supported from outside the International Center, what a FORO is and how it supports mission work efforts, why church planting is such an important strategic priority, and how you can support the work of a FORO. Learn more at lcms.org/international and international.lcms.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.

Is play really that important? The Rev. Dr. Joel Biermann, Waldemar A. and June Schuette Professor of Systematic Theology and author of Day 7: For Work, Rest, or Play from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah for a series on what Sabbath means for us. In this episode on chapter 6, they discuss how we distinguish between work and play, whether work counts as work if we really enjoy it, why play is actually very important (even for adults!), whether worship is play, how sleep forces us to understand our humanity and the nature of God, and the theological connection between sleep and death. Find Day 7: For Work, Rest, or Play at cph.org/day-7-for-work-rest-or-play. 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 if exciting fiction could teach readers the heart of Lutheran doctrine? Katie Schuermann (author of The Big Father and His Little Boy, The Creed: Book 1 and The Beloved Son and His Brother, The Creed: Book 2), Christine Elliott Rivers (author of Above All Things: The Tale of the King, The Commandments: Book 1), and Jesse Cordes (Illustrator of The Creed and The Commandments series from Kloria Publishing) join Andy and Sarah to talk about highlights from their careers in writing and illustrating, where the idea for a fiction catechesis series began, how they use fiction to teach the truth of God's Word as it is summed up in the Catechism, a sneak peek at each of the books, Jesse's process for illustrating books, and what they love most about this project. Find these books and more from Kloria at kloria.com/collections/fiction-for-children. 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 we still need the law? What were the controversies concerning the Lord's Supper? 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 Third Use of the Law and The Lord's Supper that are addressed in June and July's readings. What is the Third Use of the Law? What were the controversies of those days surrounding the Third Use? Do we still need the law? What do we believe concerning the Lord's Supper according to the Word of God? Are the controversies concerning the Lord's Supper still prevalent? Why is it important for us to be very clear on the Scriptural Truth of the Lord's Supper? 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. June | Third Use of the Law Week 1: Ep VI 1 (p. 485–486) SC Table of Duties (p. 346–348) Week 2: Ep VI 2–7 (p. 486–487) Gal. 5:1–26 Week 3: SD VI (p. 557–561) Week 4: Ep VI 8 (p. 487) July | The Lord's Supper Week 1: Ep VII 1–5 (p. 487–488) AC X (p. 35) AC XXII (p. 45–46) Week 2: Ep VII 6–20 (p. 488–489) Ap X (p. 153–155) Ap XXII (p. 208–210) Week 3: SD VII 91–128 (p. 576–581) Week 4: Ep VII 21–42 (p. 489–491) 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 is sabbatical valuable for church workers? The Rev. Dr. Greg Walton (Grace Place Wellness, LCEF) and Rehema Kavugha (Director of Synod Relations, LCEF) join Andy and Sarah to talk about why a Sabbatical Scholarship Program is important for the church and LCEF's mission, why sabbaticals are so critical for church workers, what kinds of things church workers do on sabbatical, how a scholarship can help, what a church might do to plan for sabbatical, and the application process for the Sabbatical Scholarship Program. Learn more and apply at lcef.org/sabbaticalscholarship. 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 can we know our purpose and understand life's meaning? The Rev. Dr. Joel Biermann, Waldemar A. and June Schuette Professor of Systematic Theology and author of Day 7: For Work, Rest, or Play from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah for a series on what Sabbath means for us. In this episode on chapter 5, they discuss the current state of Western culture, how a focus on the individual has shaped our culture, what happens when we remove meaning from the world, how we can know our purpose and life's meaning, what it means to have a receptive life, and how we can use the receptive life to live outside ourselves and serve our neighbor. Find Day 7: For Work, Rest, or Play at cph.org/day-7-for-work-rest-or-play. 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 time for the annual Carillon Concert Series at Concordia Seminary! John Klinger, Chief Information Officer and Carillonneur at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what a carillon is, what's unique about Concordia's carillon, the history and tradition of carillon concerts at Concordia Seminary, and the lineup of concerts and carillonneurs this year. Learn more about these concerts happening each Tuesday in June (that KFUO Radio will be broadcasting, weather-permitting!) at csl.edu/2025/05/summer-2025-carillon-concert-series-announced-for-tuesdays-in-june. 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.

Lutheran Federal Credit Union is celebrating 10 years! The Rev. Tom Schlund (Synod Relations & Marketing Coordinator, Lutheran Federal Credit Union) and Amanda Walker (CEO, Lutheran Federal Credit Union) join Andy and Sarah to talk about why a credit union was created for the LCMS, Rev. Schlund's new role and the need to build up relationships across the Synod, what has been accomplished in 10 years of Lutheran Federal Credit Union, and the many services available today. Find a special offer for KFUO Radio listeners to celebrate Lutheran Federal Credit Union's 10th Anniversary at LutheranFCU.org/kfuo. 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 KFUO Radio Interns help us share the Gospel AND learn valuable skills for future vocations? John Fiene (current KFUO Radio Intern), Aubrey Blank (current Digital Media Associate and former KFUO intern), and Jordan Harms (Media Operations Manager for KFUO) join Andy and Sarah to talk about why John applied to be an intern with KFUO, what he's learning this semester and how he expects to use these skills, where Aubrey's interest in becoming a KFUO intern began and how her internship prepared her for a full-time position with KFUO, and how Jordan uses these internship experiences to build up future radio talent. Learn about KFUO internship opportunities at lcms.org/careers. This episode originally aired on October 17, 2024. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

Aston Villa's season certainly ended with plenty of chaos! Join Cole and Gather 'Round The Lamps, Andy Bates, as they try and make some sense of Sunday's frustrating loss to Manchester United shortly after the final whistle.You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in!WHAT DO WE DISCUSS?Just how poor was that performance from Aston Villa at Old Trafford?Let's talk about Matty Cash's passing and THAT Emi Martinez bodycheck, shall we?An officiating disaster for the ages.Europa League football certainly isn't a bad thing, is it?What's next for Unai Emery's Aston Vila?STAY CONNECTED:Email: holtecast@gmail.comX: @HoltecastPodThreads: HoltecastBluesky: @holtecastpod.bsky.socialCole Pettem: @TalkAstonVillaAndy Bates: @VillaLampEPISODE NOTES:Thank you to our charity partner, Acorns Children's Hopsice.Donate today to support a fantastic charity: https://www.acorns.org.uk/get-involved/donate/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bring Back the Bulldogs! The Rev. Dr. Gerard Bolling (Lead Pastor, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, St Louis, MO) and the Rev. Chris Kneppe (Pastor of Community Engagement, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, St. Louis, MO) join Andy and Sarah to talk about the revitalization of Bethlehem Lutheran School in St. Louis, including Bethlehem's long history, the community where Bethlehem Lutheran is and serves today, how a Lutheran school is in a unique position to serve this community, what individualized learning looks like in Bethlehem's setting, how they have seen children grow and thrive through their micro school, and the outlook for the 2025-2026 school year. Learn more about Bethlehem and how you can support the school at bethlehemstlouis.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 leisure part of being human? The Rev. Dr. Joel Biermann, Waldemar A. and June Schuette Professor of Systematic Theology and author of Day 7: For Work, Rest, or Play from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah for a series on what Sabbath means for us. In this episode on chapter 4, they discuss how we normally consider "leisure" and how Josef Pieper gives us a deeper explanation. They also consider several questions: Does it matter if we have time to think deep thoughts about the world? How does our Western culture make true leisure difficult? How are leisure and worship connected? What is acedia, and what about it is dangerous? Shouldn't leisure be equated with laziness?  Find Day 7: For Work, Rest, or Play at cph.org/day-7-for-work-rest-or-play. 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 it like to serve overseas as a Regional Business Manager with the LCMS Office of International Mission? Regional Business Managers Joyce Erber (Africa Region), Stan Stigdon (Latin America and the Caribbean Region), and Sam Borgwardt (Asia Region), along with Rev. Dr. Mark Rabe, Director of Missionary Recruitment for the LCMS Office of International Mission, join Andy to talk about their roles as Regional Business Managers in the field, including how they serve on the field and some of the duties they have, who they get to work with, how their work supports those they serve alongside in their regions, what they've come to appreciate about the cultures in which they serve, and what makes a great candidate for service as a Regional Business Manager in the LCMS Office of International Mission. Find opportunities to serve at servenow.lcms.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 do we equip youth with the tools to weather life's ups and downs? Dr. Belinda Karge (professor in the School of Education at Concordia University Irvine), Dr. Kara Bratton (assistant professor in the School of Education at Concordia University Irvine), and Dr. Jeremiah Stokes (licensed psychotherapist, owner and clinical director of Stokes Counseling and Consulting in Maitland, Florida, and adjunct professor at Rollins College in Winter Park, FL) join Andy and Sarah to talk about the Resilient Minds Curriculum for Middle School and High School from Concordia Publishing House. They discuss the state of mental health among youth in the U.S. today; where the idea for this curriculum came from; and how each of them became connected to the project. They also explain how the curriculum equips students to face life's challenges, how teachers are supported in helping students manage mental health in healthy ways, and what makes the Christ-centered approach of Resilient Minds unique. Learn more and find the curriculum at teachthefaith.cph.org/resilient-minds. 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 Jesus use parables to teach the Truth of God? The Rev. Dr. James Fickenscher, assistant professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St Louis, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the upcoming Lay Bible Institute "And He Spoke Many Things to Them in Parables" happening August 2 at Concordia Seminary, including what a parable is, what is unique about the parables of Jesus, faithful approaches to interpreting parables, how Jesus uses parables to teach the Truth of God, and what attendees will learn at the Lay Bible Institute. Learn more and register  at csl.edu/resources/continuing-education/lay-bible-institute. 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.

Are work and Sabbath polar opposites? The Rev. Dr. Joel Biermann, Waldemar A. and June Schuette Professor of Systematic Theology and author of Day 7: For Work, Rest, or Play from Concordia Publishing House joins Andy and Sarah for a series on what Sabbath means for us. In this episode on chapter 3, they discuss how the “Protestant Work Ethic” affects how we consider work, our culture's “therapeutic” mindset, how the concept of being “made to work” is affected by the fall, the ways in which work and Sabbath are related, how we define and categorize work, whether work is part of what it means to be human, and what we learn about vocation from Luther's teaching. Find Day 7: For Work, Rest, or Play at cph.org/day-7-for-work-rest-or-play. 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 it like to graduate from a Concordia University? The Rev. Dr. Jamison Hardy (President, Concordia University System) and the Rev. Dr. Douglas Spittel (Vice President, Concordia University System) join Andy to talk about Graduation 2025, including what happens at graduation ceremonies around the Concordia University System, other activities surrounding graduation, and the outlook for future church workers and others heading towards careers and the workforce. Learn more about the Concordia University System 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.

Where do we see traces of Puritanism in today's American religious landscape? Rev. Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for our nine-episode series, “Pilgrims, Puritans, and the Founding of New England.” In episode 9, we come to the end of this series to learn about the relationship of the Quakers to the Puritans, the founding of Harvard and Yale Universities, and where we see traces of Puritanism in today's American religious landscape. Resources in this episode: All episodes in The Puritan Movement series Find more from Dr. MacKenzie here Recommended reading from Dr. MacKenzie includes: Worldly Saints by Leland Ryken, English Puritanism by John Spurr,  Reformation in England  by Peter Marshall,  Puritan Christianity in America: Religion and Life in 17th Century Massachusetts  by  John Carden, and  Pilgrim's Progress  by John Bunyan. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

It's a graduation celebration! Sarah Gulseth (Digital Media Manager, co-host of The Coffee Hour and The Lutheran Ladies' Lounge Podcast) join Andy and guest co-host Jordan Harms to talk about her journey to getting a master's degree in Organizational Leadership from Concordia University Irvine's Townsend Institute, including how her career path has changed over the years, why she decided to go back to school, why she chose Concordia Irvine and this program in particular, what she's learned through her coursework, and how this knowledge has benefitted her and the entire KFUO team. Listen to Sarah's study notes from her graduate courses on the "Sarah Goes to School" episodes of The Lutheran Ladies' Lounge podcast at kfuo.org/tag/sarah-goes-to-school and find more information on CUI's Organizational Leadership programs at the Townsend Institute at cui.edu/townsend/programs/masters/organizational-leadership. 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 Jesus say and show us about the true significance of the Sabbath? The Rev. Dr. Joel Biermann, Waldemar A. and June Schuette Professor of Systematic Theology and author of Day 7: For Work, Rest, or Play from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah for a series on what Sabbath means for us. In this episode on chapter 2, they discuss why God chose to rest on Day 7 of creation, whether rest equals inactivity, what we learn about rest from God delighting in His creation, how the Third Commandment includes both our vertical relationship with God and our  horizontal relationship with creatures, how Jesus is the Sabbath Incarnate, and the Sabbath rest to come. Find Day 7: For Work, Rest, or Play at cph.org/day-7-for-work-rest-or-play. 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.

Who were Increase and Cotton Mather, and what happened with the Salem Witch Trials? Rev. Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for our nine-episode series, “Pilgrims, Puritans, and the Founding of New England.” In episode 8, we learn about the influence of both Increase and Cotton Mather (including how they got their names), the religious context in Salem, and what happened during the Salem Witch Trials. Resources in this episode: All episodes in The Puritan Movement series Find more from Dr. MacKenzie here Recommended reading from Dr. MacKenzie includes: Worldly Saints by Leland Ryken, English Puritanism by John Spurr,  Reformation in England  by Peter Marshall,  Puritan Christianity in America: Religion and Life in 17th Century Massachusetts  by  John Carden, and  Pilgrim's Progress  by John Bunyan. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

What does Scripture tell us about Law & Gospel? 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 Law and Gospel that are addressed in this month's readings. Why is Law and the Gospel an article in the Formula? What isn't the Gospel? What is Gospel Reductionism? What are some take aways to keep in mind when reading Law & Gospel this month? Why is proper understanding of Law and Gospel important in “soul care”? 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. May | Law & Gospel Week 1: Ep V 1 (p.484) SA III, Article 2 (p.271-272) Week 2: Ep V 2-10 (p.484-485) SA III, article 4 (p.278) Week 3: SD V (p.552-557) Week 4: Ep V 11 (p.485) Links mentioned in this episode: Confessional Subscription: What is Quia?  Confessional Subscription: Why is a Quia Subscription Still Vital for the Church Today?  Confessional Subscription in the ELCA: Past & Present Confessional Subscription in the AFLC  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 Sabbath teach us about who we are—and what we're made for? The Rev. Dr. Joel Biermann, Waldemar A. and June Schuette Professor of Systematic Theology and author of Day 7: For Work, Rest, or Play from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah for a series on what Sabbath means for us. In this episode, covering the introduction and chapter 1, they discuss why Dr. Biermann chose to write this book, why it matters that we understand what “Sabbath” means, the relationship between person and purpose (telos), Luther's context for writing the explanation to the Third Commandment, the fundamental principle for understanding both the commandment and the Sabbath, and how the Sabbath was built into the very rhythm of creation. Find Day 7: For Work, Rest, or Play at cph.org/day-7-for-work-rest-or-play. 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 a prelude, and why does it happen (or not happen) before a church service? Dr. Mark Bender (retired Minister of Music from St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Des Peres, MO), Phillip Magness (Cantor at Village Lutheran Church in Ladue, MO) and Cheryl Magness (Managing Editor of Reporter with LCMS Communications and International Center chapel musician) join Andy and Sarah to talk about what a prelude is and why we have it, how a person in the pew can make good use of the prelude, the thought and preparation that goes into picking and playing the prelude, whether there are times when it is more suitable to not have a prelude, and helpful ways to appreciate this musical offering. 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 did the fracturing of Christianity in Old England affect how churches were founded in New England? Rev. Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for our nine-episode series, “Pilgrims, Puritans, and the Founding of New England.” In episode 7, we learn about changes occuring in Old England affecting New England's religious landscape, the fracturing of Christianity in Old England, the secret Roman Catholic King of England and resulting secret partnership with France, Increase and Cotton Mather in New England, and the Church in Massachusetts. Resources in this episode: All episodes in The Puritan Movement series Find more from Dr. MacKenzie here Recommended reading from Dr. MacKenzie includes: Worldly Saints by Leland Ryken, English Puritanism by John Spurr,  Reformation in England  by Peter Marshall,  Puritan Christianity in America: Religion and Life in 17th Century Massachusetts  by  John Carden, and  Pilgrim's Progress  by John Bunyan. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

What is unique about Concordia University Wisconsin's approach to engineering education? Subha Kumpaty, D.Min., Ph.D. (Engineering Program Chair for Concordia University Wisconsin) and Lucas Kearny (Concordia University Wisconsin Industrial Engineering Student) join Andy and Sarah to talk about the increase of interest in careers in engineering, how CUW is meeting the need for engineering education, the newest program in Mechanical Engineering, how students gain hands-on practical experience and real-world preparation in this program, and what Lucas has experienced so far in his program. Learn more about CUW Engineering programs, specifically the new Mechanical Engineering degree, at cuw.edu/academics/programs/mechanical-engineering-bachelors/index.html. 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 international students brought into community with Lutherans around the world? Sue Hasselbring (Ministry Catalyst for International Student Ministry, Inc.) and Ken Bickel (Board President for International Student Ministry, Inc.) join Andy and Sarah to talk about why International Student Ministry exists and how they serve students, how each of them got involved, what occurs through each ISM site, and information about two upcoming events: In Depth Bible seminar and Equipping Conference. Learn more about International Student Ministry, Inc., and how to get involved at isminc.org or by contacting sue@isminc.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.

Deaconess Sandra Rhein, Sacred Music Educator in Asia for the LCMS Office of International Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about Easter hymns! Learn about Lutheran Service Book 458 "Christ Jesus Lay in Death's Strong Bands," Lutheran Service Book 476 "Who Are You Who Walk in Sorrow," and Lutheran Service Book 466 "Christ is Arisen, Alleluia." Read Deaconess Rhein's story and how to support her work at lcms.org/rhein. This episode originally aired on April 6, 2021. 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 the church in New England grows and the Halfway Covenant is established? Rev. Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins Andy and Sarah for our nine-episode series, “Pilgrims, Puritans, and the Founding of New England.” In episode 6, we learn about Roger Williams and Rhode Island, declension of the church, issues that start to arise in New England, and how the Halfway Covenant was established. Resources in this episode: All episodes in The Puritan Movement series Find more from Dr. MacKenzie here Recommended reading from Dr. MacKenzie includes: Worldly Saints by Leland Ryken, English Puritanism by John Spurr,  Reformation in England  by Peter Marshall,  Puritan Christianity in America: Religion and Life in 17th Century Massachusetts  by  John Carden, and  Pilgrim's Progress  by John Bunyan. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

Rev. Sean Daenzer, Director of Worship for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and International Center Chaplain, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the services of the Triduum during Holy Week, the origins of these services, what makes Tenebrae a unique service among the others, and the beautiful Responsories used in the Medieval church during these Tenebrae services. Listen to the Responsories by Carlo Gesualdo on YouTube. This episode originally aired on April 5, 2023.  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.