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Kathy Waaraniemi | The Voice of Zion August 2025 - LLC Summer Services Article -- Opening Service It had been many years since my husband Keith and I had driven to Saskatchewan from our home in Minnesota. It was lovely to see God’s creation work on the prairies once again: the green fields as far as the eye could see, the brilliant yellow canola crops, the rolling hills, and the endless sky. But even more beautiful than the nature surrounding us was to once again see the believers from Canada and all the friends in faith who had come to the services from across the North American continent and the globe.  Jim Jurmu, LLC Board Chairman, Monticello, Minnesota Jurmu opened the services with prayer and thanksgiving, asking that God’s Word would go forth wherever listeners are gathered. He read from Luke 12:31–32, reminding us that our Father knows our needs and calls us to seek His kingdom. Life brings distractions and fears, but God turns our thoughts to eternity. Like Peter, we too can cry, “Lord, save me.” Jesus comforts: “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Jari Warwaruk, Pastor of the Saskatchewan Congregations Warwaruk welcomed attendees on behalf of the Saskatoon, Outlook, and Dunblane congregations. He reflected on the motto: “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36), reminding us that Jesus didn’t come to settle earthly matters, but to do His Father’s work in love. We’ve come for rest from the turmoil of the world, he said. Here we can turn off the noise and be reminded of the peace in God’s kingdom. “What a beautiful place we’ve come to.” Adrian Pirness, LLC Mission Work Director, Elk River, Minnesota Pirness shared greetings from believers in Ghana, Togo, Ecuador, Pakistan, and other mission areas. “Many around the world are thankful for these services,” he said, reflecting on the messages he received through global WhatsApp groups. “With all the happenings in the world, it is good to be close to the Good Shepherd.” Tero Lehtola, from the Dalarna, Sweden, Congregation Tero Lehtola brought greetings from the SFC and believers in Sweden and Norway, speaking from Psalm 48:10. He reminded us that spreading God’s Word is not just for preachers—ordinary believers have led others to repentance by simply confessing faith. We don’t need beautiful words, for the power is in the gospel, he said. “Services strengthen faith and call to those outside the kingdom—Jesus died for your sins.” Ilmari Korhonen from the Ylöjärvi, Finland, Congregation Ilmari Korhonen shared greetings from the SRK and believers in Finland, reading from Psalm 30:12. All our temporal good is from God, but to carry His peace is a heavenly gift, he said. Seeing our heavenly inheritance gives us reason for thanksgiving. He warmly called to children of believing homes who have left: “You are called here. The Father is ready to run to you.” He closed with comfort about the heaven God has prepared for those who love Him.

Derek Mattila | The Voice of Zion August 2025 - The Sabbath Word 2 Article -- The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying, Arise, and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. Then I went down to the potter’s house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying, O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the Lord. Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel. At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy it; If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them. And at what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it; If it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them. – Jeremiah 18:1–10 Jeremiah the prophet lived a time of great upheaval and uncertainty in the southern kingdom of Judah. After the death of King Josiah, there were apostate kings installed who rejected God and the prophets. Nebuchadnezzar eventually destroyed Jerusalem, and many from the land of Judah were taken into captivity. God approached Jeremiah at a young age with these words, “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations” (Jer. 1:5). Often, we feel our own weakness and timidity when we are asked to serve in God’s kingdom; Jeremiah was no different. He said, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak: for I am but a child.” God reminded Jeremiah that He was with him, He would deliver Jeremiah and Jeremiah would go where the Lord sent him, and the Lord would put words in the mouth of His servant. In Jeremiah 18, Jeremiah is led by the Lord to the house of the potter. The potter in the house was working and had a clay vessel on the wheel. We can assume that this potter brought his wares to the market to sell to his customers and had standards for goods that he produced. He saw that this vessel he was making was not one that he was happy with, so he reworked it into another vessel. This is what Jeremiah was watching when God came to him again with these words, “O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? As the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in mine hand O house of Israel.” We see, as Jeremiah did at this potter’s house, a picture of God’s omnipotence. Just as the potter has full control over the clay, so does God shape all individuals and nations according to His will. He blesses obedience and despises sin and disobedience. His promises are sure for those who live of faith in Him. This text about the potter’s clay applies to each one of us in our places of watching. As the letter writer to the Hebrews states in 12:6, “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.” Just as the children of Israel in these times endured trials that were often heavy, so can we today suffer afflictions of health, death of a loved one, and other trials of life. During trials it is easy for our minds to question God and wonder Why me? or Why us? Why would God allow me to be this way or why would He allow certain things to happen? Apostle Paul writes in the ninth chapter of Romans, “What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.” “Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will? Nay but O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?” (14,19–21). Through faith we have comfort even when experiencing heavy trials and difficulties. Our family lived this very personally when our daughter was taken from this life at a young age. Without faith it would seem impossible to bear the grief that comes with the death of a child. Although questions still come to our minds, at the same time we can see how God did not forget us. The beauty of His kingdom shone brightly when times were the most difficult.

The Voice of Zion August 2025 - Editorial -- The world of work and opportunity has changed. Some industries have shifted dramatically, and individuals – even highly trained ones – have had to rethink their path or start over entirely. But alongside these changes, there are doors opening. Help-wanted signs are posted, and new kinds of work are emerging. For a young person stepping into this landscape, the challenge may not be the absence of options, but the weight of choosing among them. Uncertainty is not new. Scripture is full of people who walked forward without knowing what came next: Abraham setting out from his home, Ruth leaving Moab, the exiled Israelites wondering if they would ever return. God’s people have always lived with unknowns. But they have also always lived with a promise. One of the most reassuring promises was given to young exiles in Babylon. They longed for home and clarity, and to them God said: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jer. 29:11). It wasn’t a promise of ease. It was a promise of remembrance, purpose, and divine direction. That same promise stands today. Though the future may seem uncertain, it is not unknown. God holds it – and us – in His hands. We were created with a mind to think and energy to work. These abilities are given in different ways and measures, but they are gifts from the heavenly Father. Whatever our daily work may be – studying and learning, helping at home, raising children, building businesses, caring for others, solving problems – we want to honor these gifts. Our gifts may lead us to academic study or to hone practical skills through apprenticeships, learning a trade or developing hands-on talents. Scripture tells us, “Whatever you do, do it with all your heart, as unto the Lord” (Col. 3:23). Doing something wholeheartedly requires trust. Trust that God will bless the effort. Trust that He is near, even if we don’t know where the road leads. That trust shows itself in prayer, learning, persistence – and faith. Gifts often begin as small interests. A mind pulled toward music, machines, people, or design may be sensing the spark of a calling. But even interests need to be uncovered and nurtured. God allows us space to discover, to grow, and to delight in learning. Our motivation is shaped not only by what is in us, but also by what surrounds us. Within this time and space, we may be surprised by what takes root and grows. Even Martin Luther, living in a time of upheaval, urged young people to prepare diligently – not to control their future, but to be ready to serve wherever God placed them. “God does not need your good works,” he said, “but your neighbor does.” For Luther, education and skill were ways to love others and serve faithfully in whatever role God provided. What if we fail? We will, sometimes. Not all efforts end in achievement. Dreams shift. Start-ups falter. Some lose motivation entirely. But failure isn’t the end. It teaches, refines, and reorients. It reminds us that our lives are not self-made, but God-led. He does not measure us by success, but by faithfulness. His plans remain – even when ours fall apart. “Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established” (Prov. 16:3). So we go forward in gladness. Our path is toward heaven, but it runs through this world – with its learning curves, heartbreaks, and joys. God walks with us. Our gifts and interests can point our way through this life. The future may unfold differently than we expect, but the One who holds it never changes.

The Laestadian Lutheran Church (LLC) is the central organization of Laestadian Lutheran churches in North America. The website provides information about our faith, mission, organization, and activities. Welcome to our website and welcome to our services! AGAIN, THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS LIKE UNTO TREASURE HID IN A FIELD. MATTHEW 13:44 LAESTADIAN LUTHERAN CHURCH The Laestadian Lutheran Church (LLC) is the central organization of Laestadian Lutheran churches in North America. The website provides information about our faith, mission, organization, and activities. Here you will find an overview of our publications and links to member congregations. Welcome to our website and welcome to our services! Donate Welcome to Hasscib Lake Regional Services August 15–17, 2025 Listen Site Map Schedule Work Shift Sign Up For onsite R.V. and tent reservations, contact Megan Kuopus at 763-310-5520. Attention Hearken Users! Some users have occasionally reported usability issues with Hearken, especially on Android devices. We have created a form to help us collect information on these issues, so they can continue to be looked into and solved. If you have experienced issues while using the Hearken app, please take a moment to fill out the form at this link: https://forms.gle/Ht7x5phU2w9C1ptA6 Thank you! We value your feedback. International Mission Work Website Every month, tens of thousands of people search the internet for how sins can be forgiven, where the kingdom of God is and what repentance means. To help searching ones find God’s kingdom, and as a means of performing mission work in a digital space, the SRK, SFC and LLC have now launched a new website: kingdomofpeace.net Read more about this new website here. Hearken – Our Publications App Read Jesus’ Kingdom Is Not of This World Kathy Waaraniemi | The Voice of Zion August 2025 - LLC Summer Services Article -- Opening Service It had been many years since my husband... Voice of Zion Featured Articles Aug 1 In the Potter’s Hand Derek Mattila | The Voice of Zion August 2025 - The Sabbath Word 2 Article -- The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying,... Voice of Zion Featured Articles Aug 1 A Future Already Known The Voice of Zion August 2025 - Editorial -- The world of work and opportunity has changed. Some industries have shifted dramatically,... Voice of Zion Featured Articles Aug 1 Caring for My Mother Karen Young | The Voice of Zion August 2025 - Home & Family Article -- Like boughs that bear abundance when firmly on the tree, as people... Home & Family Aug 1 August 2025 Update Arvin Pirness | The Voice of Zion August 2025 - News & Notes Article -- We experienced God’s blessings at Summer Services in Outlook,... News & Notes Jul 31 1 2 3 4 5 Shop Quick View Wait Upon the Lord: Annual Anthology 2024 Quick View CD # 79 Shield Me Forever Quick View In the Shelter of the Hill Quick View CD # 78 Songs of the Journey Quick View God Is So Good - Book and CD Combo Quick View Joyous Wedding Bells Follow us on Instagram @laestadianlutheran Load More On YouTube Play Video Play Video 07:25:42 LLC Summer Services 2025 - Sunday 7/6 Welcome to the 2025 Laestadian Lutheran Church Annual Summer Services! The 2025 Laestadian Lutheran Church Annual Summer Services will be held at Jim Kook Recreation Complex in Outlook, SK, Canada. The Service motto: “Jesus answered, my kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36) The services will begin Thursday, July 3 and end Sunday, July 6. Welcome! https://www.llchurch.org/2025-summer-services Play Video Play Video 01:33:30 2025 LLC Summer Services - Sunday 2:00 PM Pre-Service Song 147 Virsi 357 Sermon: Tero Lehtola (translation Tommi Kinnunen) SHZ 405a Concluding Announcements Closing Services: Roger Plough SHZ 353 SHZ 220a Play Video Play Video 01:52:11 2025 LLC Summer Services - Sunday 11:55 AM (studio) Approx. 11:55 am: Radio for Kids – Joy is a Fruit of the Spirit Live Interview – LLC Greetings Hear My Prayer – The Benediction Joyful Voices – Grandfather and Grandson Share Reasons for Joy Youth – Big Brothers and Big Sisters Hear My Prayer – Contentment Play Video Play Video 01:28:25 2025 LLC Summer Services - Sunday 10:30 AM Pre-Service Song 164 Virsi 618 Sermon: Ilmari Korhonen (translation Andrew Hotari) SHZ 484 Sermon / Prayers of Intercession: Art Harju SHZ 377 Play Video Play Video 13:31 2025 LLC Summer Services - Sunday 9:50 AM (studio) Interview with Radio for Kids’ Young Workers and Moms (Pre-Recorded) Play Video Play Video 45:15 2025 LLC Summer Services - Sunday 9:30 AM Sunday School: Brian Johnson Play Video Play Video 01:02:10 2025 LLC Summer Services - Sunday 8:30 AM (studio) How We Believe – Sober Living is Part of Christian Morality Hold My Hand – Living Far Away from Believers Hear My Prayer – Trials 5th Year Anniversary of LLC Broadcast – Tammi Hendrickson Play Video Play Video 11:55:01 LLC Summer Services 2025 - Saturday 7/5 Welcome to the 2025 Laestadian Lutheran Church Annual Summer Services! The 2025 Laestadian Lutheran Church Annual Summer Services will be held at Jim Kook Recreation Complex in Outlook, SK, Canada. The Service motto: “Jesus answered, my kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36) The services will begin Thursday, July 3 and end Sunday, July 6. Welcome! https://www.llchurch.org/2025-summer-services

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LLC Lectionary LLC Lectionary based on the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Church Calendar themes and texts. 2024 LLC Lectionary 2025 LLC Lectionary