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Elida Holmstrom | The Voice of Zion April 2025 - Home & Family Article -- In this article, members of small families from Saskatchewan congregations share their experiences—how family size shaped their upbringing, their sense of belonging in the congregation, and the blessings and challenges they encountered. Each family, regardless of size, comes to be as God wills. Good and gracious Lord, thank You for our home, for our family, and our loved ones, for the life which Thou hast given, all those dear to me, precious gifts from Thee. – SHZ 431:1 A family is a precious gift. Many believers in God’s kingdom grow up in and later raise large families. Many assume they will have a large family. However, what if God has other plans? What if you have no children or one child? Many questions may arise as we ponder small and large families. Tell about your family, childhood or current. Caroline Ylioja:  There are four in our family. We farmed and were part of the Dunblane congregation for many years. Our parents retired a few years ago and moved to Outlook. Although John and I have lived elsewhere since finishing high school, the flexibility of remote work has allowed us both to recently move to the Outlook area. We are lucky to be close enough to spend time together as a family. Twila Simonson:  Both Henry and I grew up in large families. We assumed when we first were married that we would be blessed with many children. After seven years of marriage God blessed us with one daughter. We felt great joy when she was born! We will celebrate our thirtieth wedding anniversary, and twenty-three years of having our precious Samantha in our lives. We live on a cattle farm outside Outlook. Leslie and Audrey Holmstrom:  There is a five year age gap between our first two children, and three years between our second and third children. This age difference fragmented the closeness during their childhood. Forgiveness is what drew us closer together as a family. If there wasn’t forgiveness, the fragmented relationship would still exist. Elida Holmstrom:  Growing up as the oldest daughter, I was the one who looked out for my brothers, since they were much younger. As we grew older the closeness grew, and now that we are adults the bond is great! David Holmstrom:  I grew up in a small family with two siblings. I was the second oldest. Now I am married with thirteen, soon to be fourteen, children. I can say I have experienced both small and large family life. How is your family different from other families in your congregation? Edward and Maria Ylioja:  Activities are different. In a large family, duties are spread out among many. In our family, Caroline helped with outside chores, and John helped inside due to his blindness. In smaller families, jobs may be more consistent. In our family, Maria tended to do more as help didn’t come as readily. John Ylioja:  There are less people around for activities. We have visited our neighbors through the years and had many visits with relatives. Friendships and bonds from childhood are strong, so visiting is easier. Caroline:  I guess ours is a small family, but, it seems that today believers belong to families and homes of all kinds. Some have many children with large extended families, some have a single parent, some have no children, or few children like ours. Some homes consist of one person. No matter what kind of home we come from, each of us has unique experiences, challenges and perspectives on life. Henry and Twila Simonson:  Being such a small family, we have been able to take many family vacations and spend a lot of time together. Samantha Simonson:  You could say that we are different from many believing families because I am an only child. However, we aren’t different in the ways that matter. I was raised in a believing home, where the gospel was the most important aspect in our family. Leslie and Audrey:  In a small family you don’t learn how to defend yourself among your peers. Elida:  In a larger family, it seems the children always have someone to visit and play with. They learn to compromise by working out differences between them. David:  All my close friends came from large families. At the time, I didn’t think too much about it being a barrier. I felt similar to others because I had extended family members, and we were so close. Jonathan Holmstrom:  It was different due to the age gap and not having as many siblings. In order to hang out and have fun with kids close to our age, we had to get permission to go to a friend’s house instead of playing at home with siblings. How has family size difference made you feel? Maria:  Large families seem to have companions at all times. All the relations in our area tend to visit each other more and exclusion happens. As families and extended families grow, so can the exclusion. People from smaller families can be forgotten. John:  I felt a little excluded at times, due to my disability, rather than left out otherwise. I never felt excluded at church and Sunday school, just more so because we lived in an isolated area in the country. Caroline:  When I was younger, it was easier to see the things we didn’t have, like enough siblings to play board games. I wanted younger siblings, but at the same time I was glad I didn’t have siblings wrecking my things. I enjoyed listening to adult conversations and not being told to “go play” and “be noisy elsewhere.” I think I learned at an early age to appreciate visiting with people of all ages. Samantha:  There have been times throughout my life when I have wished for siblings. For the most part, though, I feel like it hasn’t affected me much. God has blessed me with many, many cousins and close friends. I never felt very lonely growing up and I didn’t miss out on anything. I also have a close relationship with my parents, which is a huge blessing. I consider my parents to be my closest friends and my biggest support in my life of faith. Elida:  I tended to feel a bit excluded and defenseless in dealing and visiting with my peers. The assumption was sometimes made that we got everything we wanted, we were spoiled and wealthy. This couldn’t have been further from the truth. Our family had its struggles temporally and financially. David:  I didn’t feel as if we were missing anything. Looking back now, I would say we were very blessed. No chaos in the house, my own bedroom, quiet time whenever I wanted. When I needed a more lively atmosphere, over to my friends’ places I would go. Jonathan:  Sometimes I felt like an outcast, due to the larger families having their inside jokes. On the other hand, it was fun to hang out with different people and different personalities more often. I had to spread my visits, so one family wouldn’t get sick of me. What would you like other people to be aware of? Maria:  Be aware of those around you and check to see how they are doing. John:  Inclusion goes both ways. It would be good if members of larger families would be aware of those from a small family to include and welcome them to join their activities. In the same way, members from a small family should feel free to reach out to be included. Maria and John:  Believers with disabilities are a blessing. They are people like everyone else and we don’t have to be afraid of them. Also, not all disabilities are visible. Including everyone makes even those with hidden disabilities feel included. It also breeds tolerance and acceptance. We don’t want to make fun or ridicule them. Caroline:  The more we get to know each other as individuals, the more we can understand when and how others might need support on their journey of faith. We can receive this support from others as well. Sometimes a person who is not related to you but is a sister or brother in faith can be just as much or more of a support to you than biological family members. Making an effort to spend time with believers outside one’s biological family is rewarding and enriching and likely means a lot to those who don’t have a lot of family around. Samantha:  Include people who don’t have siblings or not many siblings and welcome them into your family, if you have the chance. I got to feel what it is like to have siblings as I was welcomed so warmly to share in my cousins’ lives. Elida:  It is important to be aware and try to include everyone. Don’t be quick to assume or judge. David:  Remember to include friends that are in smaller families and bring them in close. Jonathan:  Families need to remember to be inclusive and not shun the advances of others, regardless of family size, as you don’t know the struggles they are going through. How have you felt the congregation’s support and care? Maria:  When our kids were young, they were included in their peer groups at Sunday school, day circle and church. The availability of camps has given the opportunity to learn much, to share experiences, and to be uplifted and strengthened in faith. Our home congregation becomes our extended family, and we care for each other. Caroline:  People visited back and forth a lot when I was growing up. We would visit other families and families would come over for an afternoon or evening visit. Getting to know other families, both adults and children, made it feel more that I belonged at church too. Henry and Twila:  We have had support from friends and family in so many ways. Being included and remembered during special holidays and other times throughout the year has been a great blessing. We feel that when we don’t have a big family, it has been easier to help out others when they have been going through trials. Blessings and trials go with small families and large ones. Although there were times that we questioned why God didn’t give us even a few more children, we always come back to “Thy will be done!” Samantha:  I was included. I haven’t felt any different than someone in a large family, even though they may not relate to my personal situation. Elida:  Going to camp was always nice because there were many more people to visit with. Discussions reminded and encouraged me in faith. No matter our differences, we all have the Holy Spirit and the gospel belongs to all. David:  Dunblane congregation was small, very close, and loaded with relatives. With that environment, it didn’t seem that there were ever any gaps. I can see if you were a small family and members of a large congregation, how you might fall through the cracks more easily. Jonathan:  For the most part I felt welcome everywhere, in homes and at church. It was always a nice feeling, the warmth of the Holy Spirit wherever I went, knowing we are on the same journey, and I could turn to anyone for help in any way. As parents of a small family in God’s kingdom, what are some of the questions and concerns you may have had when raising your children? Edward and Maria:  As parents you don’t always know what you need or how to reach out and ask for help. We don’t always feel that we should or can ask for help. Henry and Twila:  As parents of a small family in God’s kingdom our greatest concern was that Samantha would have believing friends. She has cousins that have included her and loved her. She has almost a sibling bond with some. Leslie and Audrey:  The worry always was that they might deny faith. We hoped and prayed they would have close friends to confide in. Conclusion Families of all sizes experience seasons of trial and sorrow and seasons of joy and fulfilment. Everyone experiences times when support is needed and other times when they can offer support to others. Friendliness and awareness are very key things to remember in one’s own family and between families of all sizes. There are so many ways to reach out to others. No matter the size of our families, each one is known and cherished by God. He sees the joys and challenges of every home, whether bustling with many voices or quiet with only a few. In His eyes, no family is too small, no heart is overlooked, and no life is without purpose. His love surrounds us all. As His children, we can trust that He has placed us exactly where we belong, blessing us with what we need for our journey. In every home, the most precious gift we own is faith. Bless and shield us all, each and ev’ry home. Grant us escorts in Thy kingdom. Lord, we ask for guiding wisdom; may we always be in Thy unity. – SHZ 431:4   Discussion Questions: 1. How does family size impact the way responsibilities, chores, and relationships are structured within the home? 2. What challenges might individuals from small families face in congregational life, and how can congregations ensure that all feel included? 3. How does one’s family structure shape their experience of friendships and social connections? 4. What role does personal faith play in shaping your perspective on family size and in finding contentment in the blessings God has given? 5. How can individuals in any size family be more intentional about reaching out to those who may feel isolated or excluded?

Rick Nevala | The Voice of Zion April 2025 - Round the Table Article -- I sometimes see a fellow traveler of the way sitting alone at services and my heart goes out to them. I wonder what brought them there to sit alone. I seldom find strength to go talk to them. Imagine arriving at services and no one notices you; no one speaks to you. I admit that as a pastor in a large congregation I have sometimes felt loneliness. My circle of immediate relatives and close friends is small. Sunday morning after services I hear people openly say, “I am going here,” or “I am doing this.” Large social circles provide them with many opportunities to attend festive occasions and events. Most times, exclusion is unintentional. Social structures facilitate our needs. Large family trees connect people from birth. There is no need to join a group – it is automatic. Family social structures help meet needs that arise in celebrating life events, and for some it’s easy to fill a house through family ties. I find that I have to wait for an invitation, or make an effort to include myself.  In congregation life, we can review organizational structure and policies to discover who is included and who is excluded. We can compare lists of duties with the member list. A pastor can list all the elders and then visit them. What about when new members join the congregation? How are they noticed? Do they know how to become a member? How do we welcome them? Some may be overlooked if they don’t have a helpful relative to usher them in. What does the Bible say about this? Hebrews 10:24,25 encourages us to support one another in love and to gather together regularly. Scripture does not encourage us to believe on our own, but to gather to protect our mutual faith in the fellowship of believers. To an individual, exclusion may feel intentional. One’s nature may be such that it is hard for them to approach others without a clear reason. Some may be timid by nature and may require support to find the bravery to connect and join groups. Those who already belong to the group can authentically include others by coming to where the newcomer is, greeting them and treating them like they belong. Authenticity is about being real; there is no single perfect way to reach out and include another. We can do away with exclusion when we, as Paul exhorts, “outdo one another in showing honor [to the other]” (Rom. 12:10, ESV). In some cases, exclusion is intentional. This can dramatically affect those who are excluded. If we walk by without acknowledging another, it emphasizes to the ignored one that they are alone. Jesus explains how the good Samaritan stopped to help. The pastor, the learned, the connected person who knew everyone passed by. It feels good to include others. Paul encouraged the Galatian believers, “Let us not grow weary of doing good” (Gal. 6:9, ESV). He reminded them that in well-doing there is a blessing. Both the giver and receiver benefit. God’s kingdom benefits when all are included in the work and all walk in unity of Spirit and love. We can all take a part in this.   Discussion Questions: Tell about a time you joined a new group. How did you feel? What helped?  How can we make others feel included at church or in school? Who are the people that are marginalized today, in our lives and in society at large? What can we learn from God’s Word, such as the parable of the Good Samaritan, about noticing and including others?

Arvin Pirness | The Voice of Zion April 2025 - News & Notes Article --  Jesus said, “It is finished.” Then He bowed His head, and temporal life ended (John 19:30). In that moment a promise was fulfilled and atonement for sin was completely paid. Today, by faith, the child of God rejoices in the eternal hope promised to one who is believing on the work finished by the Lord Jesus. As we gather in services and with family this Easter season, marvel at this matter, that our hope rests on eternal matters and the rest awaiting in heaven one day. Update on LLC Activities  Pastoral A new ministers’ workshop, held at the LLC office in February, welcomed 15 attendees. We experienced the blessing of gathering to discuss the responsibilities and duties that have been entrusted by the congregations with this calling.  Minister’s camp is held at Stony Lake Camp in early April. This annual event is a camp where servants of the Word gather to visit around timely topics, receive encouragement and enjoy fellowship with one another. The scheduling of 2026 services and events continues. The LLC core event scheduling is completed and we are currently in a phase of scheduling congregation special services, rotation services, and services in locations where believers live but do not have a formal congregation. Education The first education-focused video was distributed to congregational Sunday School contacts at the beginning of March. The topic of the video is “Introduction to the Bible.” Those who’ve viewed the video have provided helpful and positive feedback and support production of additional teaching videos. Facilities The Stony Lake Camp Board has completed west dorm renovations. The renovations included updated bunks, replaced old flooring and cleaning and sealing interior wall surfaces. Planning is ongoing for a pavilion concept at Silver Springs. The purpose of a pavilion is to support summer services, regional service events, workshops, seminars and other day-use events.  Mission Work The April mission trip to Togo and Benin will be the first time services have been arranged in Benin. In previous years, there have been believers from Benin who have traveled to Togo for services.  Communications The broadcast studio at the recent Phoenix Winter Services was full of activity all weekend. Many hours of pre-recorded programs combined with in-studio live interviews complemented the focus of the broadcast, the services of God’s children. We appreciate the many local believers who worked in the studio in a variety of roles and supported this area of work.  Pre-recorded content that was broadcast at services will soon be available on Hearken,  our publications app, so you can listen in to what you may have missed during the services weekend. We will hold an online Content Creators Workshop on April 26. Contact us for more information if the details on this workshop have not reached you otherwise. It is time for young people who are interested in studying at an opisto in Finland to apply for an LLC opisto scholarship! Applications can be found on the LLC website and are due May 15. We are currently accepting applications for the 2026–27 opisto year. The season of graduations and summer weddings is soon upon us once again. Consider gift subscriptions to LLC periodicals or our Hearken  app as you select gifts to give in honor of these milestones.

< Back Confirmation Day 6: Caring For Faith Within the Congregation Day 6, Lesson 5: Music, "Sing, O People of the Lord" Objective Music is a gift from God, and a tool of the enemy of souls; Wholesome music helps to fight against temptation and sin Learning Outcome Give examples of music that please God and strengthen my faith. Confirmation Exercise Questions None Reference Material SCRIPTURE Gen. 4:21; Exod. 15:1,20,21; Jdg. 5:1; 1 Sam. 16:16-23; 1 Ch. 6:31,32; 15:16,22,27,28; 16:7,41,42; 23:5,27,30; 25:1,7,8 ; 2 Chr. 5:8,12,13; 7:6; 20:19-28; 29:25-28; Ps. 137:1-5; Ps. 147:7; 150:1-6; Ezra 3:10,11; Neh. 12:27-29; Amos 6:5; Mark 14:26; Ps. 33:1-3; 89:1; 92:1-3; Isa. 5:12; Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16; Gal. 6: 7,8; 1 John 2:15-17 CURRICULUM Lessons 8.1, 8.2 ADDITIONAL LESSON POINTS Songs and hymns are important in the lives of God's children. Role of music in the worship service. Some music is unsuitable and other music suitable for a Christian. Student will recognize the power and effect of both the words and the music on the listener. Student will understand the benefits and proper use of music RESOURCES VZ: Music Matters*–The Role of Zion’s Music in Our Lives, B. Strand, Oct. 2001, Page 6 The Therapeutic Aspects of Music, B. Huhta, Nov. 2001, page 2 Planning Your Wedding Music, C. Simonson, June 2006, page 5 Several articles about Music, June 2008, Pages 8, 9 Opisto Students Thankful for Music Offerings at Jämsä, June 2009, page 8,9 LLC Website: Music: A Gift from God and a Tool of the Enemy, K. Waaraniemi, Summer Services Youth Presentation, 2009. NOTE: There is a series of “Music Matters” articles in all issues of 2001 VZ’s Additional Reference Material SCRIPTURE Gen. 4:21; Exod. 15:1,20,21; Jdg. 5:1; 1 Sam. 16:16-23; 1 Ch. 6:31,32; 15:16,22,27,28; 16:7,41,42; 23:5,27,30; 25:1,7,8 ; 2 Chr. 5:8,12,13; 7:6; 20:19-28; 29:25-28; Ps. 137:1-5; Ps. 147:7; 150:1-6; Ezra 3:10,11; Neh. 12:27-29; Amos 6:5; Mark 14:26; Ps. 33:1-3; 89:1; 92:1-3; Isa. 5:12; Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16; Gal. 6: 7,8; 1 John 2:15-17 CURRICULUM Lessons 8.1, 8.2 ADDITIONAL LESSON POINTS Songs and hymns are important in the lives of God's children. Role of music in the worship service. Some music is unsuitable and other music suitable for a Christian. Student will recognize the power and effect of both the words and the music on the listener. Student will understand the benefits and proper use of music RESOURCES VZ: Music Matters*–The Role of Zion’s Music in Our Lives, B. Strand, Oct. 2001, Page 6 The Therapeutic Aspects of Music, B. Huhta, Nov. 2001, page 2 Planning Your Wedding Music, C. Simonson, June 2006, page 5 Several articles about Music, June 2008, Pages 8, 9 Opisto Students Thankful for Music Offerings at Jämsä, June 2009, page 8,9 LLC Website: Music: A Gift from God and a Tool of the Enemy, K. Waaraniemi, Summer Services Youth Presentation, 2009. NOTE: There is a series of “Music Matters” articles in all issues of 2001 VZ’s Previous Next

Confirmation Refresher Course We are happy to announce a Confirmation School Refresher Course for Adults. This course will as noted below at the LLC office in Monticello, Minn., with online access also available to all who are interested. This course will cover Confirmation School lessons in the current curriculum. The lessons and discussions will be led by experienced Confirmation School teachers. The aim of this course is to provide an opportunity for adults to gather and be refreshed in these important lessons of life and faith. It is an opportunity for adults to learn about what the current Confirmation School curriculum contains. Lessons will last approximately 1.5 hours, and coffee will be available for those gathered at the LLC office. There is a suggested course fee of $5.00 per lesson. The proceeds will cover costs of this and other work in God’s Kingdom. All lessons will be held at 1:00 p.m. Central Time. Zoom Link Schedule Past lessons are linked to the presentation upon completion. Oct. 26, 2021 Lesson 1: The Most Precious Matter In Our Lives Nov. 23, 2021 Lesson 2: God, Our Heavenly Father Jan. 25, 2022 Lesson 3: Faith, a Gift from God Jan. 24, 2023 Lesson 4: The Bible, God's Written Word Apr. 26, 2022 Lesson 5: The Sabbath Day, Keep It Holy May 24, 2022 Lesson 6: Jesus, the Word Made Flesh Sep. 27, 2022 Lesson 7: Jesus, Our Savior Oct. 25, 2022 Lesson 8: Temptation and Sin Nov. 22, 2022 Lesson 9: The Gospel, the Message of Victory Feb. 28, 2023 Lesson 10: Courtship and Marriage. He Made Them Male and Female Apr. 25, 2023 Lesson 11: The Holy Spirit, the Sanctifier May 23, 2023 Lesson 12: God's Kingdom, Our Mother Sep. 26, 2023 Lesson 13: Conscience, God's Voice In Us Oct. 24, 2023 Lesson 14: Death and Resurrection Jan. 23, 2024 Lesson 15: Heaven, Our Goal Feb. 27, 2024 Lesson 16: Grace, Unmerited Love Apr. 23, 2024 Lesson 17: Repentance, a Change of Heart May 28, 2024 Lesson 18: Prayer, Thy Will Be Done Sep. 24, 2024 Lesson 19: Baptism, a Covenant of a Good Conscience Oct. 22, 2024 Lesson 20: Confession, a Grace Privileg e Nov. 19, 2024 Lesson 21: Communion, a Meal of Remembrance Jan. 28, 2025 Lesson 22: Caring for One Another Feb. 25, 2025 Lesson 23: Music, "Sing, O People of the Lord" Apr. 22, 2025 Lesson 24: In the World, Not of the World May 27, 2025 Lesson 25: Luther and the Reformation Sep. 23, 2025 Lesson 26: Laestadian Lutheran Church Oct. 28, 2025 Lesson 27: Mission Work, Spreading the Gospel

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! HE IS NOT HERE, BUT IS RISEN. LUKE 24:6 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 LLC Content Creators Online Workshop 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 April 2025 Update Arvin Pirness | The Voice of Zion April 2025 - News & Notes Article -- Jesus said, “It is finished.” Then He bowed His head, and... News & Notes Apr 1 Sharing the Hope of Salvation Aaron Anderson | The Voice of Zion April 2025 - The Sabbath Word 2 Article -- Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I... Voice of Zion Featured Articles Apr 1 Authentically Include Others Rick Nevala | The Voice of Zion April 2025 - Round the Table Article -- I sometimes see a fellow traveler of the way sitting alone at... Voice of Zion Featured Articles Apr 1 Understanding How Believers Use LLC Publications Last year, the LLC Periodicals Survey was conducted to better understand how believers in North America use LLC periodicals and... Voice of Zion Featured Articles Apr 1 Small Families in God’s Congregation Elida Holmstrom | The Voice of Zion April 2025 - Home & Family Article -- In this article, members of small families from Saskatchewan... Home & Family Apr 1 1 2 3 4 5 Shop Quick View CD # 79 Shield Me Forever Quick View Easter Messenger 2025 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 01:09:45 2025 Winter Services Broadcast Sunday 1 Play Video Play Video 49:29 2025 Winter Services Saturday 4 pm Play Video Play Video 23:08 2025 Winter Services Publication Saturday 5 pm Play Video Play Video 01:14:26 2025 Winter Services Broadcast Saturday 4 Play Video Play Video 01:26:55 2025 Winter Services - Saturday 1:30 pm Play Video Play Video 01:02:12 2025 Winter Services Broadcast - Saturday 3 Play Video Play Video 54:56 2025 Winter Services Broadcast - Saturday 1 Play Video Play Video 06:13:00 2025 LLC Phoenix Winter Services - Sunday 3/16 Welcome to the 2025 Laestadian Lutheran Church Annual Winter Services in Phoenix, Arizona! Service Motto: "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness. (Matt. 6:33)" The services will begin Thursday, March 13 and end Sunday, March 16. https://www.llchurch.org/winter-services