The Coffee Hour from KFUO Radio

Rev. Dr. Rick Serina, associate executive director of the Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR), who replaces the Rev. Dr. Larry Vogel who retired in January, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his journey to the CTCR, the important work the CTCR does, and why he enjoys and looks forward to continuing this work. Learn more about him at blogs.lcms.org/2020/serina-accepts-call-to-ctcr and find all CTCR documents at lcms.org/ctcr.

Bishop Risto Soramies of The Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland (ELMDF) and Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison, President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, join Andy and Sarah to talk about the history of The Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland, how altar and pulpit fellowship is declared among church partners, and what this fellowship now means for both the ELMDF and the LCMS. Read more on this declaration of fellowship at ilc-online.org/2020/11/25/finnish-lutherans-enter-into-fellowship-with-the-lcms.

Alex Lobo— Concordia Music and Art Conservatory in Jackson, Tennessee, affiliated with David’s Harp, and Rev. Nathan Sherrill— Executive Director of David’s Harp, join Andy and Sarah to talk about Alex's journey to a love of Lutheran music and liturgy, why music is important for congregations and communities, and how David's Harp helps congregations and organizations bring music education to communities. Learn more about David's Harp and how to start a music conservatory in your community at davidsharpmusic.org.

Erin Alter— Director of Short-Term Missions with the LCMS, and Amy Jo Vorwark— Volunteer for Conversation Partners, join Andy and Sarah to talk about Amy Jo's experience as a conversation partner, the wonderful benefits from participating in this program, the need for volunteers, and how to sign up to participate. Learn more and sign up at servenow.lcms.org.

Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about questions that build identity, how we consider who Jesus says we are, some deeper questions about building identity, and the importance of people in our lives who ask these questions and help us work through the answers. We were experiencing some technical difficulties with our live programming, so the full program is brought to you in this podcast!Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag "Mental Health Monday." View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.

Rev. Dr. Mark Seifrid, Professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the upcoming Lay Bible Institute on Galatians at Concordia Seminary, including what we know about the Galatians, the major themes in this letter, and what this letter means for us today. Learn more and register for this virtual event at csl.edu/resources/continuing-education/lay-bible-institute.Galatians: Hearing Paul's Gospel AfreshSaturday, Feb. 6, 202110:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. CTDue to concerns about the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, this event will be held online.Registration: $20Registration deadline: Jan. 24, 2021

Rev. Dr. David Lewis, Assistant Professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about The Faith and Film Festival in January 2021, including how this year's film festival will be different than last year's, the lineup for the films, and the exciting new things that participants will experience this year. Find details and register at csl.edu/resources/continuing-education/faith-and-film-festival.

Rev. Dr. Kevin Golden, pastor of Village Lutheran Church in Ladue, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his new book from Concordia Publishing HouseBlessed Be His Name, including what is so important about names, where we find God's name in scripture and what we learn about Him from those names, what God binds to Hs name, and how we use God's name both in our liturgy and in our daily lives. Find details and download a sample at cph.org/sacrednames. Preorder will be available in late December 2020.

Rev. Jon Smithley, Active Duty Air Force Chaplain, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his path to military chaplaincy, how KFUO Radio played an integral role in this journey, the importance of relationships among pastors and parishioners, and the role chaplains play in the armed forces. Learn more about chaplaincy and LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces at lcms.org/armedforces.

Scott M. Hyslop, DMA, Director of Parish Music at St. Lorenz Lutheran Church in Frankenmuth, Michigan, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the traditional Christmas concerts at St. Lorenz for the last 70 years, the virtual Christmas concert this year, and the exciting music they will be sharing. Learn more and watch the concert at stlorenz.org, facebook.com/MusicAtStLorenz, and facebook.com/StLorenzFrankenmuth.Virtual Music at St. LorenzSaturday, December 12, 6:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. CTSunday, December 13, 3:00 p.m. ET / 2:00 p.m. CT