February 2026 Update

Arvin Pirness  |  The Voice of Zion January 2026 - News & Notes --

As February begins, we enter the Easter period, a time when our thoughts turn toward Christ and His salvation work for us. The theme for the first Sunday, Unmerited Grace, calls us to reflect on the simplicity of faith.

Faith is a precious treasure, and with it comes the quiet joy of believing. This joy does not come from our own efforts, but from God’s gift to us. Martin Luther taught that grace is truly unmerited – freely given, not earned by works or understanding. If grace depended on us, it would no longer be grace.

As we approach this season, may this profound treasure, the message of unmerited grace comfort our hearts and lead us to rejoice in the simple joy of believing that our sins are forgiven through the atoning blood of the Lord Jesus.

Updates on LLC Activities

February holds a few events and activities as discussed in the following.

Pastoral

• The LLC Winter Services in Phoenix, Ariz., are scheduled for February 19–22, 2026. As we finalize the preparations for these services, we wish to share a few details here. Services will be held at the Phoenix Church. The theme for these services is “Repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name,” from Luke 24:47. We will have a Congregation evening presentation on Friday and a Youth Evening on Saturday. For both presentations, the topic “The Kingdom of God Is in Your Midst” will be presented. We wish to warmly welcome each of you to these services.

• Juha Alanko will travel from Oulu, Finland, to serve at the LLC Winter Services. Following those services, he and his wife Kaija-Leena will travel to member congregations in Minnesota, Saskatchewan and Toronto. They return to Finland on March 11.

• SRK employee Juha Luokkala and SRK board member Leo Paaso will visit in North America February 26–March 9. The purpose of this trip is to visit about Christian education and congregation life in our respective Zions. We look forward to this opportunity to visit about mutual work.

Publications

• A new music book, “Hymns Ascending” has been produced and is now available for sale. This is a collection of Songs and Hymns for classical guitar. 

• Sandra Pylvainen has served as Editor since 2020. She has now moved to a part-time position serving primarily as an editor for fiction manuscripts. 

• A Minnesota-wide choir will gather for four weekend rehearsals this winter and spring in Elk River, meeting in a day-camp setting as they prepare for a recording session planned for May. The selected songs center on themes of vigilance, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the almighty power of God. The choir will be accompanied by piano and organ, along with brass and wind ensembles.

LLC staff is grateful to all the volunteers who contribute in many ways to the continuing work in North American Zion. The number of volunteer hours is innumerable, and we wish to thank all of you for your continued support. 

As mentioned under the Pastoral section, LLC Winter Services will soon be here. During these services the broadcast studio will be set up and the services and additional programming will be available to those who are unable to attend in person. 

Please remember all of the work in North American Zion in prayer to God, our Heavenly Father.