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The Voice of Zion  November 2025 - Editorial -- We live in a time when harsh words are never far away. We hear them in conversations, read them in headlines, and see them on our screens: voices urging us to despise those who think differently, to regard those who hold another view as enemies. These voices can confuse us. Our old nature is quick to echo the world’s anger, and repaying hatred with hatred can feel natural.  Yet amid these, there is another voice – sometimes faint, sometimes drowned out by the clamor. It is the voice of Christ, calling His disciples: “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you” (Matt. 5:44).  This love is not weakness. It is not shallow tolerance or approval of evil. Rather, it reflects the mercy of the Father, “for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good” (Matt. 5:45). Luther taught that the Fifth Commandment forbids not only violence but also “anger, hatred, and envy.” More than that, it calls us to help and befriend our neighbor, even when that neighbor seems an enemy. To entrust judgment to God and respond with kindness rather than revenge – these are not signs of weakness; they are fruits of faith that reflect Christ’s love.  But how can we hear Christ’s voice above the world’s noise? We can visit with other believers and find encouragement in fellowship. We can ask for forgiveness of our sins and vain thoughts, and believe again the gospel of grace. We can gather at services, tune into daily devotions, listen to hymns on Hearken , or pause for prayer. Even a fast from social media may quiet the world’s shouting so that Christ’s gentle call comes through more clearly.  In the online world, keeping faith and good conscience can be especially trying; choosing who we follow calls for discernment. The old adage reminds us, “You become like the company you keep.” In our time, this includes the voices we hear on our screens. Our nature is to become mirrors, reflecting the energy – positive or negative – of those who influence us. Do we pause often enough to ask what kind of light we are reflecting? Does it align with Christ’s teaching, or does it carry elements foreign to living faith – elements that, if allowed to grow, may keep us from loving our neighbor? Jesus’ great commandment calls us to love God and love one another. What do we gain if we cling to an ideology that suits us, but lose the freedom to be vessels of Christ’s love to all fellow humans, even causing others to hesitate to approach us to discuss matters of faith?  Feeling inclined to hate is not new. Paul wrote: “Recompense to no man evil for evil… If it be possible, live peaceably with all men” (Rom. 12:17,18). He urged believers not to avenge themselves, but to trust God as judge: “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord” (Rom. 12:19). Instead, he reminded them: “If thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink” (Prov. 25:21). The conclusion is clear: “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12:21).  In the Lord’s Prayer, we pray “lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil”; we want to love our neighbor – not hate or detest them. Luther echoed this truth: “If you are God’s child, then show yourself to be one by doing good even to those who would hurt you.” He also reminded us that such love cannot arise from human strength: “No one can do this out of natural powers. It must come from a heart made new by faith through the Holy Ghost.” Left to ourselves, we are vengeful. But when we remember that we would ourselves be God’s enemies were we not forgiven for Christ’s sake, then a new heart is given, capable of mercy.  When we hear voices urging hatred, let us answer instead the loving call of Christ. Let us turn often to the places where that call grows stronger, until it shapes our thoughts, our words, and our deeds. Christ alone is the Truth and the Way, through whom we have the hope of heaven (John 14:6).

Keith Kariniemi | The Voice of Zion  November 2025 - Bible Class Lesson -- Synopsis: When Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem for the last time, he took a longer route through Galilee and Samaria. When passing through a village, ten men who were sick with leprosy cried out for mercy, standing at a distance because of their disease. Jesus told them to go show themselves to the priest, and as they went, they were miraculously healed. Only one, a Samaritan, returned to give thanks, falling at Jesus’ feet to praise Him. Jesus asked him where the others were and then told this Samaritan that his faith had made him whole.  Bible text:  Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him – and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” – Luke 17:11–19 Key Words: Leprosy  – A terrible skin disease that caused sores and damage to the body. People with leprosy were forced to live apart from others. It was thought to be very contagious and had no cure during Jesus’ time.  Samaritan  – A person from Samaria, a region north of Judea. Jewish people often looked down on Samaritans and did not consider them equals, but Jesus showed that God’s mercy and love extended to them too.  Priests  – In Jesus’ time, priests were responsible not only for temple worship but also for declaring whether someone was clean or unclean (see Leviticus 14). That’s why Jesus told the lepers to go show themselves to the priests.  Introduction: Jesus performed many miracles during His public ministry. These signs helped people believe that He truly was the Son of God and pointed them to the gospel message of the forgiveness of sins. In this account, Jesus healed ten men from their physical disease, but He also brought spiritual healing to the one who returned in faith to give thanks. This miracle reminds us of the importance of thanking God for all that He does for us. Most of all, we want to thank Him for the gift of living faith and His grace that saves us. Main Points: Be Thankful to God for Everything.  Only one of the ten healed lepers returned to thank Jesus. His gratitude showed the living faith in his heart. Jesus said his faith – not just his words – made him truly well and acceptable to God.  No One Is Too Low for God’s Grace. The one who returned was a Samaritan, a group despised by the Jews. Yet God’s grace reached him, showing that no one is beyond God’s mercy. He was the only one who showed fruits of faith, returning to thank and praise God for the miracle of his healing.  Faith Comes First, Fruits Follow. It was the Samaritan’s faith that made him whole; his praise and thanksgiving flowed naturally from that faith of the heart as its fruit.  Turn to God When You Need Help. All ten cried out to Jesus and were healed. God hears when we call to Him in our need, even with problems that seem incurable.  Many Hear God’s Word, but Few Believe.  The nine lepers received healing but did not return to Jesus. They are like the rocky soil in the parable of the sower – receiving God’s help for a moment but quickly forgetting Him. The Samaritan, however, showed the “good soil,” where faith took root and bore fruit in thankfulness and worship.  Conclusion: This miracle of the healing of the ten lepers teaches us many things, but most important is that the man was saved by faith. It is also important to be thankful to God for all that He does for us, His children. He bestows His grace upon us, blessing us in innumerable ways; first and foremost by forgiving us our sins. We do not want to go our own way in our blessings, departing from God, rather we must always remember where everything comes from. It is a precious matter that we have thankful hearts and that we bring our hearts to God in praise and thanksgiving. This thankfulness is a fruit of faith, and one that comes from keeping faith and good conscience.   Discussion: How can we thank and praise God in our everyday lives? What are some ways to show thankfulness?  When should we thank and praise God? Is it only when something good happens in our lives, or also at other times?  What does this story show us about who is good enough to merit God’s grace? Are there people who are ever too lowly to become heaven-acceptable?

Aaron Anderson | The Voice of Zion  November 2025 - The Sabbath Word 4 Article -- I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened. I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed. – Daniel 7:9,10,13,14  Daniel was a believing man who lived in Babylon during the Jewish exile, more than five centuries before the coming of Christ. God gave Daniel gifts to be used for both temporal and spiritual purposes. He served the highest in the land in the king’s court and there was given the strength to confess his faith.  One result of his confession landed him in the lion’s den where God delivered him from certain death. In this foreign land of Babylon Daniel and the other believers were surrounded by those who did not serve the living God. In this environment, God gave Daniel visions to strengthen his and other believers’ faith with the certainty that the Lord of heaven and earth still rules. Babylon, like every kingdom of this world, was a temporal kingdom and its kings would fade. The true King was not Nebuchadnezzar. Not Cyrus. Not any ruler of men. The true King was the Son of Man who would come to rule forever.  Jesus used this title often: “Son of Man.” He came humbly, not with clouds of heaven, but with a mother’s embrace among manger’s straw. He walked among us, bore our griefs, and carried our sorrows. He was despised, rejected, and then crucified. But the Father raised Him and gave Him all authority in heaven and on earth. The vision is fulfilled: Christ reigns.  Then, as now, we do not always see it. Nations boast. Wars rage. The strong trample the weak. Violence abounds. Self-righteous men proclaim loudly of their devotion to Christ. In this environment the believer often fears, and doubts press close. Sin burdens the conscience. It can seem that Christ’s kingdom is small, fragile, hidden. But Daniel’s vision reminds us what is true: the Son of Man has everlasting dominion. His kingdom is not destroyed. His reign is sure.  Where is His throne? It is here, in His kingdom. In his congregation on earth. His kingdom is revealed in a way so different from the kingdoms of humans. Not with might or weapons, but with the gentle power of the gospel: the still, small voice of the spirit. When a believer through the Holy Spirit proclaims sins forgiven in Jesus’ name and blood, His kingdom draws nigh. The restless heart is quietened. The conscience answers with peace. No earthly king’s decree can do the same.  Daniel saw how God himself was seated in majesty on the last day, judgment day, and the books were opened. His throne was fiery with countless hosts standing before Him. Our flesh can even tremble to read the words and think about Judgement Day. He saw the Son of Man, approaching with the clouds of heaven. Dominion, glory, and a kingdom were given to Him – an everlasting kingdom that will never pass away.  Earthly powers pass away. The Word incarnate remains. His forgiveness is sure: we live in that everlasting kingdom here and now when we believe our sins forgiven in Jesus’ name and blood! The Ancient of Days reigns, the books are open, and the Son of Man is given everlasting dominion. Even now, His peace is ours.  “Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end.”  (Isa. 9:7)

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 LLC Annual Meeting LLC Board Meetings LLC Sister Organization Relations MARIA FREDRICKSON Receptionist, Administrative Assistant mfredrickson@llchurch.org Foreign Mission Work Administrative Support Camp enrollment Bookstore inventory, orders and shipping Congregation communication ELIZABETH JUNTUNEN Finance Manager ejuntunen@llchurch.org Finance & Budgeting ADELINE MOLL Facilities & Events Manager adeline.moll@llchurch.org Scheduling Camp staff support Facilities maintenance & operations Facility use & rental Summer & Winter Services Mission Department ADRIAN PIRNESS Global Mission Programs Manager adrian.pirness@llchurch.org Foreign mission work Office technology & equipment support LLC liaison to Humanitarian Aid Committee DANIEL KUMPULA Pastoral & Mission Program Manager daniel.kumpula@llchurch.org Pastoral work Home & Family committee Education - Sunday School, Confirmation school, Bible Class Area Mission Committee support Summer & Winter Services PHIL JURMU Publications Director pjurmu@llchurch.org Planning and production of LLC publications MATTHEW KERANEN Publications Editor & Content Curator mkeranen@llchurch.org Periodical Editor LLC Service Broadcast Content Support Social Media Coordinator LLC Content Creator Workshops & Content Creator Support LLC Liaison to Opisto and Language Camp programs SANDRA PYLVAINEN (part-time) Project Editor spylvainen@llchurch.org Book Project Editor Book writer coaching and support RUTH DeLACEY Publications Coordinator rdelacey@llchurch.org Content coordinator for periodicals and Hearken Publications volunteer coordinator Bookstore contact LLC Services Bookstore Liaison Subscriptions management – payments, change of address contact 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 Publications layout support LIISA KERANEN Music Coordinator lkeranen@llchurch.org Church music Music copyright Music production Music training Publications Department

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 The Everlasting Kingdom Aaron Anderson | The Voice of Zion November 2025 - The Sabbath Word 4 Article -- I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and th Voice of Zion Featured Articles 6 days ago Jesus Cleanses the Ten Lepers Keith Kariniemi | The Voice of Zion November 2025 - Bible Class Lesson -- Synopsis: When Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem for the last time, he took a longer route through Galilee and Samaria. When passing through a village, ten men who were sick with leprosy cried out for mercy, standing at a distance because of their disease. Jesus told them to go show themselves to the priest, and as they went, they were miraculously healed. Only one, a Samaritan, returned to give thanks Voice of Zion Featured Articles 6 days ago Love Your Enemies The Voice of Zion November 2025 - Editorial -- We live in a time when harsh words are never far away. We hear them in conversations, read them in headlines, and see them on our screens: voices urging us to despise those who think differently, to regard those who hold another view as enemies. These voices can confuse us. Our old nature is quick to echo the world’s anger, and repaying hatred with hatred can feel natural. Yet amid these, there is another voice – sometimes fain Voice of Zion Featured Articles 6 days ago Confessing Our Faith in the World The Voice of Zion November 2025 - Home & Family Articles -- Luther wrote, “Faith is a living, daring confidence in God’s grace, so sure and certain that a man could stake his life on it a thousand times.” Such faith cannot remain hidden – it naturally confesses, whether by word, deed, or quiet steadfastness in everyday life. In a world that often misunderstands or rejects faith, believers may feel hesitant to speak openly about what they believe. Yet Jesus promises, “Whosoe Home & Family 6 days ago November 2025 Update Arvin Pirness | The Voice of Zion November 2025 - News & Notes Article -- As families across the United States gather for Thanksgiving, we do so mindful of the season that soon follows – Advent and Christmas. These weeks invite us first to thank God for the priceless gift of faith, and then for the daily provisions which He provides us. In this gratitude, the the hearts of God’s children are prepared for the celebration of our Savior’s birth. It is my hope and prayer that o News & Notes 6 days ago 1 2 3 4 5 Shop Quick View Time for Words Quick View CD # 81 A Morn of Song 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 God Is So Good - Book and CD Combo 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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