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Arvin Pirness | The Voice of Zion  October 2025 - News & Notes Article -- In October, the focus at the LLC office turns to planning. We begin looking more closely at how to carry out the 2026 Operating Plan and prepare for the upcoming LLC Board Meeting. Several board committees will also gather during the month. In addition, we’ll connect with camp boards following the recent LLC Camp Board Workshop as we look ahead to planning for 2026 and early 2027. October also brings time to reflect on the Stony Lake Content Creators Workshop and other recent projects.  We are excited to announce that Adeline Moll has been hired to work as the LLC Facilities and Events Planning Manager. We are happy to welcome Adeline and wish her God’s richest blessings in the work.  October is when a number of congregations hold Fall Services. We wish to remember these gatherings around God’s Word in prayer. May God bless these moments for the strengthening of faith and to bring comfort from the fellowship of believing escorts. To our Canadian readers, Happy Thanksgiving!  Updates on LLC Activities  Pastoral  The 2025 Minister and Wives Camp was held at Prairie Shores Camp September 19–21. There were approximately 65 ministers and their wives that were able to attend this event. We were able to hear presentations and visit around the topics titled “The Gospel Begins at Home,” “Music in Zion” and “Supporting Those Experiencing Mental Illness.” God blessed our time together.  Arto Tölli and his wife Helena are serving many congregations in North America through the month of October. Arto will also attend the October LLC Board meeting.  The 2026 Service and Events calendar has been shared with congregations and those that have been asked to serve. There are over 350 events that are scheduled as camps, congregation special services and LLC trips.  Global Mission Work  In the fall, the Local Operations Team works with each country to plan in-country activities and related expenses. This collaboration is part of the budget planning process for the global mission work and more broadly LLC budgeting for 2027. Trips and plans for 2026 are also adjusted during the Fall to ensure that mission work continues to serve believers in their own communities and areas.  Facilities  The addition of additional LLC staff, approved at the LLC Annual meeting in July, has caused us to consider the existing office spaces and how they can be adjusted to better serve the needs. Plans are underway to add three office spaces at the LLC Office. Pending final approval, we expect completion around December 1, 2025.   The Silver Springs Camp Board continues to work through the considerations of constructing a new structure to support service events at Silver Springs. A building committee has been formed to assist in the planning of this structure.   Publications  At the LLC Annual Meeting on July 2, 2025, in Outlook, Sask., delegates approved adding one full-time equivalent position to the Publications Department. During September and October, following a review of changing and expanding needs, a decision will be made regarding the specific roles to be filled.  The LLC Communications Department has been reorganized into the Publications Department. Phil Jurmu has been appointed Publications Director, and Matt Keranen has assumed the role of Editor and Content Curator. In the coming months, Sandra Pylvainen will transition to a part-time position, with her responsibilities refocused on supporting fiction writers.  This fall, we will publish a digital hymnal supplement, approximately a dozen new songs, on the Songbook app. Note that we are able to publish these only on the LLC Songbook  app, and not on the older SHZ Hymnal app. Chorale arrangements will be available digitally as well. More information on this update will be sent to congregations in the coming month.  We will publish The Voice of Zion  in an updated format beginning January 2026. The content will remain the same, but the issue that arrives in your mailbox will look more like a magazine than a newspaper. This aim of this new format is to increase readability and also to provide more flexibility in how much content is published each issue.  The Voice of Zion  subscription will change slightly as well: Easter Messenger  will become the March issue of The Voice of Zion , and Christmas in Zion  will serve as the December issue of The Voice of Zion . These seasonal magazines will remain the same as before. In other words, the subscription will now comprise eleven items per year instead of the previous thirteen.  Our annual Content Creators Workshop, held September 12–14 at Stony Lake Camp, was well attended. There were three tracks: music composition, services broadcast, and writing. Harri Vähäjylkkä, SRK’s Communications Director, attended the workshop and kept several presentations, including one on current and future trends in communications and publications in God’s kingdom.

The Voice of Zion  October 2025 - Editorial -- On the wilderness journey, God’s people had daily reminders of His care: manna in the morning, water from the rock, a guiding pillar of cloud and fire. Yet they often murmured, doubting whether God’s way was good. Their fear and lack of trust took many forms: distrust of Moses’ leadership, longing for Egypt, or rash attempts to secure victory by their own strength. However different the expression, the root was the same: a lack of faith that leaned on human understanding instead of God’s promises.  We are not so different. In every age, believers are tempted to murmur in their own ways. Sometimes we are drawn to anxious speculations about the world around us, stories that promise hidden knowledge or expose perceived dangers. At other times, we may rely too much on our wealth, health, or strength. Still others place confidence in human wisdom or clever arguments. These forms may differ, but the danger is alike: the restless desire to be in control rather than to trust the Father’s care.  Scripture urges us to turn from such self-reliance: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Prov. 3:5,6). Christ Himself quiets our fears: “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32).  Martin Luther, too, spoke against anxious striving. “God is not served by our anxious thoughts, but by our faith” (WA 10/3, 252). In his Small Catechism he taught: “We should fear, love, and trust in God above all things.” He knew how easily the human heart tries to “help” God by adding its own plans, or by resting in perceived knowledge. Yet the true service God desires is simple trust in His promises.  We can also be tempted to a sense of a special duty – as if seeing dangers others do not gives us a spiritual task, or as if guarding the kingdom rests on our watchfulness. But the apostle reminds us that “the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient” (2 Tim. 2:24). Christ has not called us to live in suspicion, but to live as children who rest secure in His victory.  When we encounter one another in fear or doubt, we needn’t argue. Rather, we can encourage faith. Like a parent calming a child who fears the monster under the bed, we remind one another: “Your Father is here. He keeps watch. You are safe.” Sometimes the most powerful witness is quiet confidence in God’s rule.  The armor God gives us is not suspicion, but gifts we receive in the gospel: the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit (Eph. 6). With these we are not called to delve into every rumor, but to stand fast in Christ’s triumph.  Israel was told to remember: the Red Sea, the manna, the covenant. We also remember: Christ crucified, risen, and reigning. The world’s shadows and troubles are real, but Christ’s victory is more real still. In Him, our restless fears are exchanged for peace. “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” (Matt. 28:20).

Tommi Kinnunen | The Voice of Zion  October 2025 - Round the Table Article -- Struggling with mental health – such as depression – can cloud how we hear God’s Word and weigh heavily on our faith. Though Scripture promises God is near, hearts can feel distant. Words that once comforted may seem empty, prayers vanish into silence, and congregation life – once joyful – can feel exhausting. At times even entering church feels impossible. Depression can numb the spirit and raise questions: is my faith weaker than others? Yet Scripture speaks into these moments: “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:3). God’s mercy is not dependent on our strength or feelings. We need not hide our struggles or fix our ailments before coming to Him – He already knows our trials.  When Joy, Trust, and Thankfulness Feel out of Reach  Sermons often speak of joy, trust, and thankfulness. These are good gifts, yet under mental struggle they can sound like commands we fail to keep. “Rejoice always” (1 Thess. 5:16) may feel like rebuke. “Be anxious for nothing” (Phil. 4:6) seems impossible when worry surrounds us. “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Neh. 8:10) rings hollow when strength is gone. Even encouragement, heard through depression’s fog, can isolate, leaving one to ask: What is wrong with me? Why can’t I feel joy and trust as before? Still, the psalmist assures us: “My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart” (Ps. 73:26). Learning about one’s illness and hearing others’ stories can be a lifeline, offering glimmers of understanding and hope.  Do I Have Less Faith?  For one burdened by depression, this question can lead to silent self-judgment: Because I feel this way, I must have less faith – or none at all. One may assume others don’t struggle as deeply. Yet none of us can boast of strong faith. God sees the heart, and even a quiet plea – Lord, help me – is heard. The desire to believe, even when the mind resists, is itself faith. Others often see fruits of faith we cannot. Our minds may complicate the Gospel, demanding certain feelings before trusting forgiveness, but God’s grace is not earned by clarity or strength – it is His free gift. “For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things” (1 John 3:20).  Well-meaning believers may try to help without understanding depression as a real illness. They might say, “If you care for your sins, your depression will go away,” or “God won’t give you more than you can handle.” Such words, though kindly meant, can make one feel more broken – thinking, If my faith were stronger, I’d feel better. A believer shouldn’t be depressed. This can deepen doubt, shame, and silence. Yet God answers: “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9).  God’s Love and Grace  Hearing and believing the gospel does not erase mental illness, but it assures us of God’s unchanging love. Even in the heaviest times – often unnoticed by the sufferer – grace is present. We don’t need a perfectly healthy mind to believe; faith is God’s gift. He does not withdraw His grace when life overwhelms. As the psalmist writes, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me” (Ps. 23:4). We can rest in the promise: “Nothing can separate us from the love of God” (Rom. 8:38,39), when we desire to believe even amid mental health struggles.

Contact Office Location and Mailing Address: 212 West 3rd Street Monticello, MN 55362 763-479-2422 info@llchurch.org General Inquiries First Name Last Name Email Message Thank you for submitting! Send Change of Address Form Question Box Birth Announcement Engagement Announcement Wedding Announcement Death Announcement Voice of Zion Ad Opisto Scholarship Program Administrative Department ARVIN PIRNESS Executive Director arvin.pirness@llchurch.org MARIA FREDRICKSON Receptionist, Administrative Assistant mfredrickson@llchurch.org Bookstore orders and shipping Camp enrollment Congregation communication Foreign Mission Work admin ELIZABETH JUNTUNEN Finance Manager ejuntunen@llchurch.org Finance & Budgeting KEITH WAARANIEMI History Book Project kwaaraniemi@llchurch.org ADELINE MOLL Facilities & Events Manager adeline.moll@llchurch.org Camp scheduling Christian education & support Facility use & rental LLC facilities maintenance & operations Silver Springs development Mission Department ADRIAN PIRNESS Mission & Technology Director adrian.pirness@llchurch.org Bible class Confirmation school Domestic mission work Foreign mission work & facilities Home & family Support & training for congregation pastors DANIEL KUMPULA Pastoral & Mission Program Manager daniel.kumpula@llchurch.org Mission work scheduling Pastoral work communication Service & event scheduling Summer & Winter Services planning coordinator Support & training for congregation pastors Publications Department PHIL JURMU Publications Director pjurmu@llchurch.org MATTHEW KERANEN Publications Editor mkeranen@llchurch.org Digital publications Opisto program Print publications Social media coordinator SANDRA PYLVAINEN Project Editor spylvainen@llchurch.org Books Print & digital publications editing Shepherd's Voice Voice of Zion RUTH DeLACEY Publications Coordinator rdelacey@llchurch.org Bookstore contact Change of address contact Content coordinator for periodicals LIISA KERANEN Music Coordinator lkeranen@llchurch.org Church music Music copyright Music production Music training ANNETTE JOHNSON Layout Artist ajohnson@llchurch.org Overall graphic design Print publications layout Services logo & designs support Voice of Zion announcements Voice of Zion layout Website oversight SHANNA PIRNESS Digital Media Specialist spirness@llchurch.org Digital publications creation & coordination Hearken app management Services programming support Shepherd's Voice layout

Music Resources Do Not Webcast Song List When choosing songs, song leaders and organists should make sure they are not choosing songs that are in Do Not Webcast list for times when the broadcast is live. Often times the pre-service song and the closing songs are not webcast, so the placement of the song may allow you to sing the listed songs. Coordinate with your service director and webcaster as needed. Do Not Webcast List Copyright Information Copyright Information (PDF) Submit Music Submit Music Form SHZ Feedback Form Other Resources 2025 Lectionary 2026 Lectionary Ideas for Song Services Songs to Sing at Communion SHZ Introductions Cross Reference Song Leader & Organist Guide Hymnal VK & SL 2016 Cross Reference Wedding Guide Wedding Music Ideas for Processionals and Recessionals Hymnal Metrical Index Song Leading Workshop September 2021 This video shows part of an actual lesson kept this fall for Elk River congregation song leaders. In this 15-minute excerpt, workshop leader Ben Huhta talks about e.g. pronunciation, breathing, preparing for higher notes and singing through long notes. Have your songbook handy when you follow along. Song Leaders & Organist Workshop - June 30, 2020 Introduction to Organ Hymn Introductions Hymn Playing Music in Congregation Life Music Committee Members Login This is intended for music committee members. If you should have access to this folder and don't, contact lkeranen@llchurch.org Choir Director Login This is intended for local choir directors. If you have an LLC choir and don't have access to this folder, contact lkeranen@llchurch.org

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! YOUR FATHER IN HEAVEN GIVES GOOD THINGS TO THEM THAT ASK HIM. MATTHEW 7:11 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 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 October 2025 Update Arvin Pirness | The Voice of Zion October 2025 - News & Notes Article -- In October, the focus at the LLC office turns to planning. We... News & Notes Oct 1 God’s Love and Grace: A Steady Help in Mental Struggles Tommi Kinnunen | The Voice of Zion October 2025 - Round the Table Article -- Struggling with mental health – such as depression – can... Voice of Zion Featured Articles Oct 1 Suspicion and Trust The Voice of Zion October 2025 - Editorial -- On the wilderness journey, God’s people had daily reminders of His care: manna in the... Voice of Zion Featured Articles Oct 1 Your Social Media Presence Matters The Voice of Zion October 2025 - Home & Family Articles -- We live in a world where social media has become part of daily life. Like... Home & Family Oct 1 Confirmation Camp in Ghana Celebrated the Gift of Faith Pekka Kainua | The Voice of Zion October 2025 - Mission Work Field Notes Article -- A confirmation camp was held in Accra, Ghana, August... Voice of Zion Featured Articles Oct 1 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