On this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, Edward Riojas joins us as our guest to discuss his new book A Complete Guide to Christian Symbols. Edward dives into the importance and history behind sacred symbols and how they can deepen our faith.

Get a copy of his book at cph.org/christiansymbols.


Show Notes

Listen now as author and artist Edward Riojas dives into the world of Christian symbols.

Edward joins host Elizabeth Pittman to talk about his new volume of more than 600 historic Christian symbols. The pair explore how in today’s church, we now use these same symbols throughout the sanctuary and in worship materials that Jesus Himself used in his teachings. Edward emphasizes the importance of symbols and art in understanding Scripture and why church leaders should carefully treat each symbol they use during worship. He also talks about how this volume came to be, some of his favorite symbols to investigate, what young artists should know, and more.

Edward’s website
Edward’s Facebook Page

Questions

- Tell us about your life as an artist in the Christian and secular space.

- Talk about the impact that art in general and symbols have on our faith and understanding of Scripture.

- Where do you see symbols being used well in the church today?

- How have you seen some denominations embrace or shy away from using symbols?

- How long ago did you start this project? Tell us a little bit about how this book started.

- Who else is this book for besides pastors and worship leaders? How will history buffs benefit from reading this?

- Did anything surprise you while working on the book?

- Do you have a favorite symbol from the book? Or three that you gravitate towards?

- Why is it important for us as Christians to understand these symbols rather than just passing by them?

About the Guest

Edward Riojas graduated summa cum laude from Aquinas College, Grand Rapids, Michigan, with a BFA degree. He has worked professionally for more than forty years, including thirty-one years in the newspaper industry. Riojas has returned to his fine-art roots, creating sacred art for commissions and collaborations with various Lutheran entities. His work can be found in sanctuaries, institutions, private collections, and markets throughout the United States and across the globe.

Easter Hymns | Part 2 | Peter Reske

In this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, Peter Reske, senior editor of Music/Worship at Concordia Publishing House, returns to share his insight into some of his favorite hymns during the Easter season. Peter highlights three hymns and discusses the themes found in each piece.

Shop all the different editions of the Lutheran Service Book by visiting cph.org.

Show Notes

Guest Peter Reske and host Elizabeth Pittman dive into three Easter hymns from the Lutheran Service Book in the newest episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast. Peter’s selections may surprise you but will certainly enrich your understanding of how music is used throughout the Easter season. Peter goes into the history behind each of his selected hymns, explains the themes throughout each hymn’s text, and even mentions the way he is commemorating the 500th anniversary of Lutheran hymnals in 2024. Listen to the full episode now to hear what Peter has to say about these favorite Easter hymns.

Learn more about the Europe Music Tour that Peter is leading with Christian Travel Planners on their website at christiantravelplanners.com/tours/best-music-tour-072024.

About the Guest

Peter C. Reske, senior editor of music/worship at Concordia Publishing House, holds degrees in English literature and historical musicology from Marquette University and Pennsylvania State University. He was the editor of the Lutheran Service Book and its attendant resources.

On this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, Rev. Dr. Gregory Walton and Rev. Thomas Eggebrecht join as guests to discuss the importance of caring for the health and well-being of our church workers. Greg is the vice president of Grace Place Wellness Ministries, a part of the Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF), and Tom is the senior vice president for ministry solutions at LCEF.

Learn more about Grace Place Wellness at lcef.org/grace-place-wellness.

Show Notes

Listen to the full episode as Greg and Tom provide an overview of the mission of Grace Place Wellness and the history behind this organization that has led to its work today. The pair also provide insight into how we the laity can help care for our church workers and leaders, give advice for ministry leaders, talk about some of the most common concerns they see in church workers’ wellness, and preview what their goals are for the Grace Place Wellness Podcast.

Learn more about Grace Place Wellness Ministries at lcef.org/grace-place-wellness.
Listen to the Grace Place Wellness Podcast wherever you listen podcasts or at lcef.org/gpw-podcast.

Questions

· Tell our listeners about Grace Place Wellness.

· What is the Lutheran Wellness Wheel?

· As you work with church workers, what are the most common concerns you hear?

· How can church workers find a balance between ministry and their personal lives?

· Conflict happens—even in the church. What advice do you have for ministry leaders who are experiencing conflict in their church or school?

· What are your goals for the Grace Place Wellness Podcast?

· How can the laity help care for our church workers?

About the Guests

Rev. Dr. Gregory Walton is the vice president of Grace Place Wellness Ministries, which is a part of Ministry Solutions at LCEF.

Rev. Thoms Eggebrecht is the senior vice president of ministry solutions at LCEF.