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What couple doesn’t want a happy marriage? Surely every husband and wife get married hoping to have a healthy and ever-growing happy marriage, yet quickly find just how damaging sin, resentment, miscommunication, and the withholding forgiveness can be. With just SEVEN essential habits, guest Dr. Randy Schroeder gives a crash course in implementing and achieving a Christ-focused, God-oriented marriage that will almost certainly also lead to happiness and contentment. Find Simple Habits for Marital Happiness at cph.org. Bio: Dr. Randy Schroeder wrote the 2020 three-time national award-winning Christian marriage book, Simple Habits for Marital Happiness. The only marriage book that provides practical, specific words, actions, and essential knowledge in the seven major areas of a relationship to help every couple achieve a gratifying marriage. He has helped thousands of spouses achieve a consistently satisfying happy marriage with these simple, yet very effective habits.   His 2021 two-time national award-winning book, Simple Habits for Effective Parenting is the only parenting book that provides detailed guidance in the seven key aspects of parenting. Happy, confident children driven to reach their full potential with self-motivation, good decision-making skills, a positive attitude, and determination are raised by parents who use these simple successful habits.    Dr. Schroeder joined Jim Daly, President, and John Fuller, Vice President, on FOCUS ON THE FAMILY national broadcasts for six interviews: Simple Habits to Embrace in Your Marriage – January (BEST of 2022); Forming New Habits for Your Marriage I – September 2022; Forming New Habits for Your Marriage II – September 2022; Effective Habits to Embrace in Parenting – July (BEST of 2021); More Effective Habits to Embrace in Parenting I – November 2022; and More Effective Habits to Embrace in Parenting II – November 2022. These six FOCUS ON THE FAMILY interviews can be found on YouTube.    Dr. Schroeder was born and raised in Austin, Texas.  He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Concordia University Chicago and received a Master of Education in Administration from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan.  He also earned a Master of Divinity from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana and holds a Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy from The Chicago Theological Seminary.    The first eight years of his professional career were spent as a Lutheran high school teacher, assistant principal, athletic director, and head varsity basketball and football coach. In 1982, after eight years as an educator, he felt called to serve the Lord as an LCMS pastor and left the teaching ministry to prepare for the pastoral ministry.   After graduating from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1986, Dr. Schroeder became a Professor of Pastoral Counseling, Vice President of Student Personnel Services, and Dean of Students.  For nearly 25 years he taught pastoral counseling classes including Premarital Counseling, Marriage Counseling, Family Counseling, Crisis Counseling, Ministry to the Sick & Dying, and Pastor as Counselor. He also wrote a Family Counselor column for the Lutheran Witness magazine for 15 years.    In 2010, after being an educator for 36 years, he strongly desired to serve God and others as a full-time Christian counselor to help individuals, marriages, and families with the practical wisdom that makes a profound positive difference.  Dr. Schroeder is a Marriage and Family Counselor and has a successful practice at Cornerstone Lutheran Church in Carmel, Indiana.   For over four decades, Dr. Schroeder has spoken to and counseled thousands of individuals, spouses, and parents about the simple, yet effective habits that are essential for an enjoyable life, a happy marriage, and for effectively parenting a child. Dr. Schroeder believes a lack of valuable knowledge about specific practical words, actions, and skills, not a lack of desire, is what holds people back from accomplishing their individual, marriage, parenting, and relationship goals.    Randy and his wife, Ginny, have been married since 1975 and have two married sons and seven grandchildren. Learn more about Dr. Schroeder at his website, DrRandySchroeder.com and enjoy his educational videos at Dr. Randy Schroeder - YouTube Channel  Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org. Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

It can be hard enough to seek the counsel of a professional psychologist, let alone find one that can speak to your specific struggles with good and true theology. Grounded in Scripture, centered on Christ, distinguishing Law and Gospel, and living under a theology of the cross, Lutherans have a unique approach to Christian counseling. Guest Dr. Rick Marrs is a seminary professor and licensed psychologist who authored the book Making Christian Counseling More Christ Centered. In this episode, Dr. Marrs guides listeners through the initial hurdle of identifying a trusted Christian counselor and describes what makes counseling through the lens of Lutheran theology unique and particularly beneficial. Marrs also answers questions about the modern trend toward telehealth counseling and discusses the upsides and downfalls of this practice.    Bio: Dr. Richard “Rick” Marrs is professor of Practical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.  Marrs was called to the faculty in the fall of 2006. He previously served as the dean of faculty (2010–13), director of Continuing Education and Parish Services (2007–09) and director of the Master of Divinity (M.div.) and Residential Alternate Route (RAR) Programs (2013-21).  His areas of interest and expertise include pastoral care and counseling, Christian counseling and Christian reconciliation.  Before coming to the Seminary, he served at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Junction City, Kan. (2000–06), first as a vicar and then as a pastor. He was a professor of psychology and a counselor at St. John’s College in Winfield, Kan. (1983–86; admissions counselor 1982–83), and at Concordia University Chicago, River Forest, Ill. (1986–98). He also has done counseling, clinical and consulting work with Lutheran Child and Family Services; the Baldwin Center for Psychological Services; the Center for Applied Psychology and Forensic Studies; the Kansas State University counseling center; Rapha (a Christian inpatient psychiatric group); Concordia University, Ann Arbor, Mich.; Lutheran Special Education Ministries; and various districts of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS).  Marrs received certification for pastoral ministry through the Seminary’s RAR Program and earned his Master of Divinity (M.Div.) both from Concordia Seminary (2001, 2008). He also holds an Associate of Arts (A.A.) from St. John’s College (1978); a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from Concordia College, River Forest, Ill. (now Concordia University Chicago) (1980); a Master of Science (M.S.) in counseling from the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kan. (1985); and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in counseling psychology from Loyola University Chicago in Chicago, Ill. (1994). He has been licensed as a psychologist since 1996.  In 2019, Marrs published the book Making Christian Counseling More Christ Centered, which focuses on the relevance of Luther’s soul-care theology in Christian counseling (WestBow Press). He continues and expands that discussion in a blog series on Concordia Theology. He and Seminary Emeritus Professor Dr. Robert Kolb also are co-authoring an article about Lutheran contributions to the theology of Christian psychology.  Marrs contributed the new introduction to the reprint of Walter J. Koehler’s book Counseling and Confession: The Role of Confession and Absolution in Pastoral Counseling (Concordia Publishing House, 1982, 2011). He has authored numerous Bible studies, articles and training programs for the LCMS. He also co-authored The Lesson Organizer Routine, a special education learning strategy trainer for the University of Kansas’ Edge Enterprises, which has sold more than 20,000 copies.  Marrs is married to Laura, who operates her own professional organizing business. They have two adult daughters, two sons-in-law and four grandchildren. Marrs coached the Seminary’s varsity tennis team from 2007–16 and still enjoys playing tennis. He also competes nationally in stair-climb races.  Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org. Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

With 8 children at home and another on the way, Zach and Dawn Schnare have a lot on their plate! Even so, they find time to sit down with Steph to talk about the joys, the challenges, and the many blessings that come with having a large family and a full home. If you’ve ever wondered how families with lots of kids do it, then you won’t want to miss the Schnares share their experience with honesty and humor! Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org. Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Are there certain cases where abortion really is the best option? Should we allow for certain “exceptions,” even while maintaining our pro-life stance? What if rape or incest are involved, or both?   Guest Kristi Hofferber was conceived in rape and incest; yet despite the circumstances of her life’s beginnings, Kristi advocates for life without exception.   Bio: Kristi Hofferber, MSW, is CEO Beacon of Light Pregnancy Help Center.  Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org. Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Prepare to laugh as you join Steph, Tiffany, and our favorite fun-loving group of four women, known to many as the Lutheran Ladies’ Lounge! On this, our 50th episode (and Second Birthday), we’re celebrating all that is good, beautiful, and blessed about LIFE. This is as close to a favorite things episode as one could get! Find The Lutheran Ladies' Lounge podcast at kfuo.org/category/lutheran-ladies-lounge, connect with the Lutheran Ladies on social media in The Lutheran Ladies’ Lounge Facebook discussion group (facebook.com/groups/LutheranLadiesLounge) and on Instagram @lutheranladieslounge. Bio: The Lutheran Ladies' Lounge is a weekly podcast from KFUO Radio celebrating Lutheran life, faith, history, and culture from a woman's perspective. It is hosted by Sarah Gulseth, Erin Alter, Brianne Gerzevske, and Rachel Bomberger. In addition to hosting The Lutheran Ladies' Lounge, Sarah Gulseth serves as Digital Media Specialist for KFUO and cohost of its mid-morning broadcast talk show The Coffee Hour. Erin Alter is Director of Short-Term Missions Teams at the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, where she also hosts and produces the 5 Minutes with a Missionary podcast. Brianne Gerzevske works as account director at Meyer Partners, LLC and is married to a fourth-year seminarian. Rachel Bomberger is a homeschool mom, Navy chaplain's wife, and occasional contributor to The Lutheran Witness, where she was formerly managing editor. Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org. Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Join Tiffany and guest Rev. Dr. Matthew Durance as they discuss the rich theology of life within the Divine Service and how our Lutheran liturgy is overflowing with what is needful for forgiveness, life, and salvation.   Bio: Rev. Dr. Matthew Durance currently serves as Pastor at Zion Lutheran Church and School in Harbor Beach, MI. Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org. Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Pastor Tyler Arnold joins Steph to talk about the vital role that visitation plays in the life of the Christian community. Author of the recent release Pastoral Visitation: For the Care of Souls (available from Lexham Press), Pastor Arnold makes a compelling case for church members to pay visit to one another and for pastors to visit their people – to be with one another as the fellowship of believers is a good way to do life together. Learn about what Pastor Arnold describes as this “with” way in Episode 48! Bio: Tyler C. Arnold was born August 23, 1973 in Alton, Illinois. He graduated from Roxana High School in 1991 and Concordia University, River Forest in 1995 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. He attended Concordia Seminary in St. Louis and graduated in 1999 with a Master of Divinity degree. In 2019, Pastor Arnold received his Doctor of Ministry degree from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN in the area of Pastoral Care. Pastor Arnold has served as a parish pastor since 1999. He was the Assistant Pastor at Christ Lutheran, Platte Woods, MO. from 1999-2004. In 2004 he accepted a Divine Call to serve as Pastor of Trinity Lutheran in Millstadt, IL. He later returned to Christ Lutheran in Platte Woods in 2006 to serve as Sr. Pastor where he served until 2022. He is currently Pastor at Village Lutheran Church, Ladue, MO. Pastor Arnold has served on the Board of Congregational Support for the Southern Illinois District, as the Chairman for the Committee on Structure and Administration for the Missouri District as well as the District’s Structure and Administration Task Force (Rev. Dr. Kevin Golden was the Chairman of the Task Force). He has also served on the Board of Directors at Unity Lutheran School in East St. Louis, IL as well as Pastoral Advisor to the Executive Council of the Northland Lutheran School Association in the Kansas City Northland. He served for nine years as a Circuit Visitor and on various District program and conference committees. Currently, he serves as a member of the Board of Regents for Concordia Seminary, St. Louis and is a “Fellow” on the Collegium of Pastors for DOXOLOGY – The Lutheran Center for Spiritual Care and Counsel. Pastor Arnold is the author of the book, Pastoral Visitation: For the Care of Souls published by Lexham Press. He has written articles published in by the LCMS blog, The Lutheran Witness, SEELSORGER – A Journal for the Contemporary Cure of Souls, LOGIA and Christianity Today. He also wrote a Bible study called, Finding Balance and Perspective in Ministry published by the LCMS. He has been a speaker at District Pastors Conferences and various retreats on the topic of the care of souls. He was joined in Holy Matrimony to Andrea (nee Thur) in 1995 at Holy Cross Lutheran in Ste. Genevieve, MO where her father served as pastor at the time. They are blessed with two sons: Jacob, 25, a graduate of Missouri State University lives in Herculaneum, MO and works for Roeslein and Associates and Benjamin, 22, is a Lance Corporal in the United States Marine Corps. His Military Occupation Specialty (MOS) is signals intelligence. Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org. Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Pastor Caleb Weight joins Steph to bring comfort, hope, and honesty to the conversation of miscarriage and mourning from a father’s perspective. In this episode, he shares his own story of loss and his ongoing journey with both faith and grief. Bio: Rev. Caleb Weight serves as Associate Pastor at Peace in Christ Lutheran Church in Hermantown, Minnesota, where he is the steward of God’s gifts and stubbornly points people to Jesus. Rev. Weight is married to his wife Kara and has three children and three others who rest in the arms of Christ. He is a contributor at The Jagged Word where he often likes to write about suffering and the Christian life. In his free time he loves to cook, eat good food, drink good coffee, play board games, and hang out with his family.  Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org. Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

We talk about all sorts of life issues on Friends for Life. In this episode, we use this time to talk about taking these issues to our Lord in prayer. Prayer is a gift that we have been given as people united to Christ. Special guest Renee Gibbs joins the show to talk about the where, when, and how of praying for life issues as part of a Christian’s daily practice of prayer. Click here to download the PDF Pro-Life Prayer Calendar Resource. Bio: Renee Gibbs is speaker, teacher, and encourager who is waiting for Jesus’ return! She is the wife of Dr. Jeff Gibbs who taught for 28 years at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. Prior to this they lived in western Oregon for 10 years while Jeff served as a parish pastor. With advanced degrees in education and theology, Renee teaches numerous Bible studies and mentoring groups for Seminary wives and around the country at women’s retreats. She serves on various boards for Life-affirming (pro-life) ministries* and she took teens to the March for Life in DC 21 times. Renee has a heart for missions and has led sixteen Seminary mission trips to Guatemala. She loves God’s creation through camping and hiking...as well as from her 1999 Miata! Renee and Jeff have four grown children and fourteen grandchildren. Through it all, the Scripture--centered in Jesus--has been Renee’s source of joy, wisdom, and strength. Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org. Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Pastor Andrew Jones, author of Ten Questions to Ask Every Time You Read the Bible, joins Steph to talk about Epiphany – the season in the church year that asks and answers the most important question of all time. With co-mingling themes of light and life, Epiphany takes church-going Christians on a journey to discover how the Light of the World and The Way, The Truth, and The Life – Jesus – shines light and life into our own worlds and into the worlds of our fellow neighbor. Epiphany is no ordinary season, but it gives meaning to our every ordinary day. Bio: Andrew R. Jones lives in the Bay Area, where he enjoys writing, hiking, and adventures with his wife, Stephanie. He has served the church on three continents in varying roles including campus ministry, international mission work, professor of preaching, and parish pastor. His writings speak to the importance of spiritual disciplines in the midst of a hectic world. His debut book, Ten Questions to Ask Every Time You Read the Bible, is available at cph.org/10Questions. Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org. Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Concordia University Chicago student Nicole Chappell joins Tiffany and Steph to talk about the endless opportunities for college students to get involved with pro-life work both on and off campus. Find a Recognized Service Organization at lcms.org/rso, and learn about Y4Life at y4life.org. Bio: Nicole Chappell is a senior in the deaconess program at Concordia University Chicago, completing her internship with LCMS Life Ministry. She is from outside of Fort Wayne, IN, and has three siblings, three nephews, and two dogs that she misses dearly. Nicole is an avid coffee drinker, and lover of food and travel. In her free time enjoys reading books and watching all things British. 2023 marks her seventh year in active pro-life work and advocacy. Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org. Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

What does Christ’s Incarnation mean for us? How does Jesus Christ in human flesh hollow our own human flesh? How does a pre-born Christ in Mary’s womb change the way Christians are to view all unborn lives in their mother’s wombs? Join Steph and guest Rev. Sean Daenzer as they dive deep into the theology of the incarnation and what this means for Christians and life issues. Bio: The Rev. Sean Daenzer is Director of LCMS Worship and the chaplain at the Synod’s International Center. A trained church musician and pastor, he previously served seven years at a dual parish in rural North Dakota. He and his wife, Audrey, have four living children (Lucia, Monica, Renata and Christina) and two awaiting the resurrection (Perpetua and Matthias).  Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org. Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Recent statistics show that more than half of the U.S. population is concentrated in 52 of the largest metropolitan areas. Statistics also lean toward some of the largest cities being the least pro-life communities in the nation. So why are places that are bursting with so much human life less likely to be pro-life? Why are families moving out of urban areas in droves and flocking to communities that are more family friendly? Joining Steph is Rev. Dr. Leonard Payton, a pastor serving in Chicago. Pastor Payton shares the unique ways that cities are fertile ground for the Gospel, and why urban areas desperately need Christians to stand up for life in their midst.  Bio: Rev. Dr. Leonard Payton has served as pastor of St. John/Forest Park, IL, for the past 12 years. He is married to Lori, his wife of 43 years, and together they have four adult children and ten grandchildren. In addition to his M.Div., Leonard also has a PhD in music theory and composition.  Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org. Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Sister duo Rebekah and Rosie, co-authors of Ladylike, join Steph to talk about the vocation of wife. This episode includes the good (the blessings that flow from living biblically as a wife), the bad (how sin affects the relationship of husband and wife), and everything in between (like the importance of forgiveness... and how to get along with your in-laws). Learn what it’s like to be a lady, living biblically, as a wife to her husband. Find Ladylike: Living Biblically at cph.org. Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org. Bios: Rebekah Curtis is a housewife, church lady, and school mom. She has written for a variety of websites, magazines, and books. She and her husband have eight children and live in southern Illinois. Rosie Adle is a baptized child of God and a lifelong Lutheran. She thanks the Lord for the joys of being home with her dear family, helping at church, being outside, and caring for others in Christian love. She teaches online deaconess classes for Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne. Rosie lives in Imperial, Nebraska, just down the street from Zion Lutheran Church, where the Adle family is glad to spend much of their time. Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

In this episode, guest Dr. Kim Marxhausen talks about the special kinds of burden and stress that caregiving places on the caregiver and how the Church is best poised to meet the physical and spiritual needs of caretakers. With a special focus on caregiving for one’s spouse, Dr. Marxhausen discusses the shifting of roles, the emotional toll, and the physical exhaustion of it all, but also points out the blessings found within this vocation and the opportunity for caregivers to receive care from other members of the body of Christ. Bio: Kim Marxhausen enjoys a ministry of supporting Lutheran educators and families. She uses her doctorate in Educational Psychology to helping people to see their work and God's support in a new way. She presents at conferences all over the country, writes a parenting newsletter for LCMS School Ministry called Parent Pages and is the author of three books, including Weary Joy: The Caregiver's Journey. You are welcome to check out her parenting blog, devotional blog, and ministry resources at faithparent.marxhausen.net. Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org. Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

What does it mean to be a “theologian of the cross?” Martin Luther gave the Church this language to rightly confess the paradox of Christ’s revelation of Himself in suffering. As part of a lengthy disputation, he wrote that “we apprehend the things of God not in glory, but in the suffering and death of Jesus.” So what does this mean? How does this affect the way Lutherans approach life issues? And finally, what does this mean for our vocations? Join Steph, Tiffany, and special guest Pastor Robert Zagore for another episode of “The Floor is Yours” as they put legs on this rich aspect of our Lutheran theology. Bio: Rev. Robert Zagore received his Master of Divinity in 1990 from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind., and completed additional coursework toward a Master of Sacred Theology, also from the seminary. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Ind. Before becoming a pastor, Zagore worked as an accounting consultant for Cleveland Business Consulting Services. Zagore grew up in a blue-collar, immigrant Cleveland neighborhood and has served as a pastor for over 30 years in small, medium and large congregations, both urban and rural, and in the LCMS Office of National Mission. He and his wife, Gwen, have been married for 32 years and have four adult children. Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org. Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Seminary professor Dr. Joel Biermann provides a field guide for navigating culture, society, and politics as a Christian. Beginning with Luther’s theology of the Two Realms, Dr. Biermann discusses how Christians are called to simultaneously live, function, and serve neighbor as members of the Church and as civilians in the world. While Christians may be tempted to despair as they witness the world at odds with God’s will for human life and flourishing, we have a clear call to action from our Lord, and it includes involvement in government and faithfulness in one’s God-given vocations. Bio: A full-time member of the faculty at Concordia Seminary since 2002, Joel Biermann revels in teaching doctrinal theology to Concordia’s students – and to anyone else he can persuade to listen. He was ordained in 1987 and spent eleven years as a parish pastor serving congregations in Minnesota and Michigan before returning to the seminary for graduate work. He and his wife, Jeannalee, enjoy spending time pursuing a variety of activities afforded by the city, but most especially they cherish time with their three children and their spouses and their ten grandchildren all who live in the St. Louis area. Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org. Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Join Steph and Tiffany, along with father-daughter duo, Pastor Kevin Loughran and Penny Loughran, as they talk about what it means for the church to care for all people, regardless of their range of abilities. Penny was born 10 weeks premature and suffered a brain bleed in early infancy, which led to the development of cerebral palsy. In this episode, she candidly shares about her life, what brings her joy, and the ways she serves her church. Pastor Loughran offers his fatherly perspective, along with discussing how the church can embrace and better serve families and peoples with disabilities. Resources mentioned in this episode include: lcms.org/social-issues/disability, voiceofcare.org/index.html, and ablelight.org/events-and-resources/faith-resources. Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org. Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor. Bios: Penelope (Penny) Loughran was born and baptized into Christ at Memorial Hospital in Sheboygan, Wisconsin on August 11, 2001. She weighed in at 3 lbs., large actually for a 29 and a half week premie. She spent the next two months in a NICU in Milwaukee where she had the first of six brain surgeries due to a brain bleed immediately after her birth. The bleed caused moderate to severe cerebral palsy. Penny has never walked and was not supposed to talk. However, she was able to communicate and it soon became clear that she was extremely bright. Around the age of 4 she began to speak, in complete sentences. She graduated magna cum laude from an honors program at Hollins High School in 2020. The COVID pandemic has caused a disruption to her academic plans due to a compromised immune system. Her current plan is to become a child psychologist. She is an active member of Grace Lutheran Church and School, helping with VBS, serving as a greeter and in choir as she is able. Penelope loves sports particularly everything baseball, regularly attending Rays games with her Mom, Dad and friends as well as the Tampa Bay Lightning hockey team and of course, the Green Bay Packers. Rev. Kevin Loughran was born on October 7, 1956 in New Haven, Ct. and baptized into Christ on October 21, 1956 at St. Barnabas Catholic Church in North Haven. As a child Pastor Loughran loved music and sports and ultimately majored in trumpet for his undergrad. He worked in sales for ten years prior to going to seminary. During that time, he converted to Lutheranism being catechized in the faith at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Norwalk, CT. Rev. Loughran attended Concordia Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN, graduating in 1993. He was the Grad Assistant for the Pastoral Theology department in 93-94. While at Seminary Pastor Loughran sang in Kantorei, vicared at St. Luke’s in Oviedo, FL and served as the Sacristan at Kramer Chapel for an academic year. He has served parishes in Wolcottville, IN and Sheboygan, WI. He has served his current parish, Grace Lutheran Church and School since 2006. During his time as a Parish Pastor, he has served as an LWML zone counselor, on a working group for the LSB hymnal project and as the Spiritual Advisor to the Concordia Deaconess Conference. Pastor and Kersti Loughran (nee Hasler) were married in 1984 and have four children, Justine, Matthew, John and Penelope plus a number of former foster children who call them Mom and Dad. They have far too many grandchildren to number.

Dr. Deb Grime, an OB/GYN, joins Steph to talk about childbirth, baptism, and the theological connections between the two. How does such a physical experience like childbirth resemble the spiritual realities of holy baptism? Dr. Grime reflects on Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus in John 3 and her decades’ long experience with delivering babies in this special episode. Bio: Dr. Deb Grime was born in Evansville, IN and baptized at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Evansville. She grew up in the church as the 2nd daughter of 3 girls. Her father was a Lutheran school teacher/principal and she attended LCMS schools: Immanuel Palatine, IL, St. Paul’s West Allis, WI and Martin Luther HS in Greendale, WI. Childhood events that influenced her going into medicine were 1) her older sister had a heart defect (VSD) requiring her to have open heart surgery at the age of 7 (and I was 4). 2) Her family was a foster family to newborns prior to Roe vs Wade. One baby had to be hospitalized for tests. She was amazed at the equipment and all the problems these babies had in the neonatal unit. She wanted to be a doctor who could make a difference in a baby’s life. Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org. Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

It’s easy to think of life issues just in terms of our local, national level...but what about across our home’s borders - on an international level? Are life issues the same from country to country? Or do different countries have a greater or lesser concern for various “life issues?” To remind of us a need for a life ministry that expands across nations’ borders is special guest Jamielynn Tinkey Flores, a nurse and missionary in Latin America. She’ll talk about how the Christian Church at large must have a faithful and unified voice on life issues, but how the approach may be different from continent to continent. Jamielynn and her husband, Rafael Bio: Jamielynn Tinkey Flores, BSN, RN, is a wife, missionary, deaconess student, nurse and now a podcast guest! Jamielynn has been serving alongside the LCMS Office of International Mission for over five years, serving the Latin America and Caribbean Region, and lives in Santiago, Dominican Republic. Jamielynn currently serves the region’s missions and partner churches as the Regional Life Coordinator, advocating for the Lutheran Church’s voice for life throughout Latin America. Jamielynn and her husband, Rafael, will be moving this year to serve in the Confessional Lutheran Church of Chile, and are looking forward to how God will use them for His kingdom in this new place. Find out more about LCMS missionaries and how to support Jamielynn at lcms.org/tinkey. Listen to “5 Minutes with a Missionary” at kfuo.org/missionarypodcast. Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org. Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.