October 2026 Update
Arvin Pirness | The Voice of Zion October 2026 - News and Notes --
The leaves are falling ev’rywhere, and now the larks and swallows that filled with song the summer air have left for warmer meadows. – Song 529, verse 1
October brings the songs and sounds and sights of fall. Leaves have changed color and are dropping to the ground, farmers among us are finishing the harvest, and seasonal work is winding down. This month some congregations host Fall Services or All Saints’ Day services, and our Canadian brothers and sisters celebrate Thanksgiving. Before long, our attention will turn toward Advent and Christmas and the many year-end gatherings and activities that come with them.
The LLC Board meets in October. The Board will hear reports from committees and continue its responsibility of overseeing the work and ensuring that it is carried out according to the operating plan approved at last year’s Annual Meeting.
Daniel Kumpula has ended his daily work at the LLC office. As we look ahead, the needs of the administrative, pastoral, and mission work areas are being assessed, including what roles may need to be filled. There is plenty of work to do, and we continue to fit and prioritize the work according to the needs of the coming days, trusting that God will provide and guide the work as He allows.
Updates on LLC Activities
Publications
Eeva Nikula has accepted the LLC Publications and Broadcast coordinator position. She began September 1, 2026. Her role adds broadcast coordinator responsibilities beyond the previous position. Service broadcasts for Winter and Summer Services require ongoing support and some relief will be provided to the volunteer committee with this expansion of the coordinator role.
The Toronto congregation will be recording a Christmas album with children’s voices. The recording is scheduled during a weekend in October.
Music album recording continues on a regular basis. The goal is to produce 4–5 music albums each year.
A publications release is being planned to coincide with the October Board of Directors meeting. If all goes well we hope to release the following items:
– Music Album Hear Us, Almighty, a collection of songs and hymns that align with the end of the Church calendar year
– A Time to Build recounts Laestadian Lutheran Church history from its founding in 1973–1999
– Resolute, a fictional book following the main character, Ellinor, through her experiences as a believing youth
– The Fall into Sin, an illustrated children’s book written with the young reader in mind.
Pastoral
Ministers and Wives camp was held at Kamp Kipa September 18–20. Over fifty couples from across North America attended.
Facilities and Events
As the camp season winds down, we thank the seasonal camp staff, caretakers, kitchen volunteers, directors, teachers, counselors, and many others whose service helped make this a successful camp year.
The annual Camp Board Members Workshop will be held October 9–10 at Prairie Shores Camp. Hosted by a different camp board each year, the workshop brings together camp board members and others involved in camp planning from across LLC congregations. This year’s focus will be on different regional models for organizing and operating camp work, clarifying the roles of LLC and regional camp boards, and identifying shared needs and opportunities for cooperation.
Planning for the 2027 LLC Summer Services in Toronto begins with a kickoff meeting on October 17. Heads have been selected for many of the work areas and will meet with LLC staff to review the planning structure, clarify responsibilities, and begin preparations for the services.