December 2025 Update

Arvin Pirness  |  The Voice of Zion December 2025 - News & Notes -- 

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” – Luke 2:14 

The peace of Christmas is not found in earthly calm, but in the heavenly gift of faith. The child of God rejoices in the peace that comes when hearts rest in Christ, not in the things of this world. I pray that this peace can bring you comfort and joy this Christmas time. 

Updates on LLC Activities

Global Mission Work 

• The work to support mission trips and other facets of global mission work is done on a daily basis between the mission department staff and respective colleagues at the SRK office, The opportunity for Adrian Pirness to spend a week at the SRK office in early November was beneficial to discuss the day-today work and a broader look at the global mission work. 

• Brothers and sisters in faith in the countries we travel to pause as we do during the Christmas season. They have shared their greeting with you in this issue of the Voice of Zion. 

• We have begun the initial planning for mission trips that will happen in 2027. Plans for 2026 include about 30 mission trips including a ministers’ camp in Gambia. Various countries will also host conformation schools in 2026. 

Pastoral 

• A ministers’ webinar was held on November 6 and included a presentation titled “Difficult Conversations in Our Homes and Families.” This was also the topic presented at the September Home and Family webinar. It is good to gather and visit about these timely topics, not only as servants of the Word or as committee members but also in our home congregations. 

• The 2026 Lectionary is available to view or download on the LLC Website. llchurch.org/lectionary 

Publications 

• Three new LLC publications were introduced at the October board meeting:

 – Time for Words – a YA novel by Heli Jurmu, edited by Sandra Pylvainen; this marks the first long-form work of fiction published by LLC.

 – Hymnal Supplement – 13 newly released hymns added to the Songbook app, including translations from Finnish and German and several original lyrics and melodies by North American believers.

 – A Morn of Song – a youth congregational-singing album recorded at the Elk River, Minn., church, featuring 16 well-loved songs accompanied by volunteer musicians.

• Content Creator Workshops have been held this fall at Stony Lake Camp and the Phoenix Laestadian Lutheran Church. Winter and Summer Services broadcasts have become a fixture of service events and many depend on these broadcasts to participate in the event. As this work grows, it becomes increasingly important to incorporate the workflows into the Publication Department’s regular work. The Broadcast subcommittee is developing a formal structure for this added development. 

Facilities 

• As this year ends, we are looking forward to the 2026 camp season. Youth in the Southwest can look forward to joining the Finnish Language Camp group for Language Camp at Kipa, July 7–13. Nine confirmation camps are being planned for 2026 – including the first to be held in Colorado. An International Music Camp will be held in 2026 at Hasscib Lake Camp. 

• We will be looking to fill core staff positions at all our camps for the 2026 season. Watch for postings in the new year. 

• Camp enrollment will begin in January and take place in four stages: 

 – January 12–16: Confirmation enrollment open for geographical areas

 – January 19: Confirmation enrollment opens for all participants 

 – January 26: Pre-Confirmation enrollment opens 

 – February 2: Enrollment opens for all remaining camps 

• To enroll, visit llchurch.org/camps and select “Enroll in Camp.” 

• Even as we prepare for 2026, planning for the 2027 camp season is already underway. Work on next year’s schedules and staffing will begin in the first months of the year. 

LLC Home and Family Committee 

• A work group has been assembled by the LLC Home and Family Committee to develop materials to support teaching on sexuality and associated topics for our homes. The work thus far has been to define the scope and goals of this work. The primary goal is to have age- appropriate printable materials, drawing upon secular resources, and discussing these matters in the light of God’s Word. Daren Hendrickson is chairing this work group (darenhendrickson@gmail.com).

In Closing 

As this year draws to a close, we pause with gratitude for the many ways God has blessed His kingdom’s work. Thank you for your prayers, participation, contributions, and support – each has been a needed gift.  

We look ahead to the coming year trusting that, whatever it brings, God will continue to guide and provide. May His peace rest in our hearts and homes. We wish you God’s rich blessings in the new year!