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Varina Petaisto | The Voice of Zion September 2024 - Home & Family Article -- Like boughs that bear abundance when firmly on the tree, as people we’re created to with each other be. – SHZ 420 We recently made a cross-country move to Colorado. Before settling here, we spent five months traveling the east coast of the United States. After that time on our own, we felt welcomed and a sense of joy to belong in a congregation again. We have felt the blessings in attending the planned activities of the congregation. We have also experienced much joy in visiting with our believing escorts of all ages; whether in their homes, or ours.  There have often been opportunities to enjoy nature with others, camping, mountain biking, skiing or some other activity. In these ways we have developed friendships and connections with our brothers and sisters in faith in this congregation.  To experience this connectedness, we found it is important to reach out to others, and to respond when others reach out to us whether it be to visit or to help in some way. Through visiting at various functions, we can get to know fellow believers from the heart. We share life’s experiences, questions, joys, sorrows, and most importantly, we can be uplifted on our journey of faith. We have found when others have shared their life’s experiences, and we gain insight and strength for our own endeavor. Hearing others share has also given us the strength to visit about our own trials and experiences. When we feel connected to our journey friends, we are then able to reach out in times of trial to lean on our travel escorts, and we feel the freedom to help others who are experiencing times of trial. Apostle Paul writes, “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2). Connect with Those Far Away We also connect with our dear ones who live far away. We use messaging platforms to share photos with family and friends, as well as video chats to feel even closer when we can’t visit in person. We need to find a balance between catching up virtually and enjoying the present moment with those who are physically around us. One way we have used technology to connect is through story hour, where our kids meet with their cousins on a Zoom meeting hosted by aunt Natasha. This has been such a fun way to connect with cousins, and to enjoy a story read by a dear aunt who now lives far from us. In this time of digital connectedness, it has been a blessing to be able to stay connected with our family and friends who live far away. We have also felt the importance of forming friendships with those in our home congregation who share our everyday life and experiences. Most importantly, we share the gift of the Holy Spirit, which unifies us in faith.  Staying Connected in God’s Kingdom John Waaraniemi When I was asked to write an article on how I stay connected in God’s kingdom, I first wanted to say no. But after thinking about it, I realized that other than at church and living at my cousin’s place, I find myself not doing much with other believers. Maybe that’s the reason I was asked.  In my congregation there are no other single guys my age – all my friends are married with children. Generally, I stay home or go and do my own thing. It seems that the older I get, the timider I am to reach out to others for visits, most always waiting for invitations from others.  Quite often I get in the mindset that nobody wants an older single person like me over. Sometimes, feeling alone in crowds, I find myself skipping out on other church activities like graduation parties and weddings. I am fortunate to work for a company where most of the employees are believers and during the week I’m not completely away from believers.  I find it important to get to services and have fellowship there as well as connecting with family and friends back home in Minnesota. Although I’m not as socially active as others, I enjoy smaller group activities and value my believing escorts.  Contacts on My Pathway Paula Petaisto I am in the kitchen preparing a meal for friends who want to participate in a fundraiser for the Colorado congregation. At the same time, I am connected to the Oulu Cathedral by a virtual connection, listening to an evening of singing for the upcoming 2024 Suviseurat  in Pudasjärvi, Finland. The cathedral is packed to full capacity. Not everyone who wanted to attend was able to get inside. A beloved brother in faith is describing the event. The motto of Pudasjärvi services causes one to pause and ponder. It asks, “Do you love me?” It is Jesus’ question, and it touches each one of us. It is a timely question. What is my answer? We moved to Colorado about three years ago so that we could be closer to our grandchildren. A child does not doubt that Jesus loves her or him. Even this very day, as we were eating breakfast, the little two-year-old blurted out: “Let’s sing ‘Jesus Loves Me.’” A child is an example of faith to us. She trusts that mother, or even grandma, will take care of her. Eyes sparkling, she meaningfully sings: “Yes, Jesus loves me.” Jesus loves every one of us. But do I want to accept His love? Do I regard my sisters and brothers in faith as being important in my life? According to the Bible the fruits of the Holy Spirit are, among other things, love, joy and peace. By faith I understand that I need escorts on my pathway. Even though we are different, here on the narrow path of striving onward we have the same goal. We want to follow Jesus, to listen to and hearken to His Shepherd voice in the kingdom of God. We are not alone. We need one another so that only heaven would be visible. During my life, I have dwelled in many localities and in congregations of varying sizes, alone and together. When we lived at the lonely watchman’s outpost in California during the latter part of the 1990s, I thought then that it would be good for every believer to experience this situation in life where dear journey friends and escorts are far away. By this I mean how connection to other friends living in remote outposts became so important. What precious moments we experienced when after a three-hour drive we were able to gather with friends in their home for home services! The proximity of friends in faith is not to be taken for granted. I am grateful that God has preserved me as His child and led me by the hand unto this very day. This connection with friends in faith is best when, during our conversations, we can sense that we share the same understanding of faith and the unity of the Spirit. This is an incomprehensible gift, regardless of whether we are near or distant from each other.   Encouraged among Brethren Elle Wittenberg I remember the dark, heavy air of that night. The suffocating weight of loss. She stood before me, but I knew that she was gone. The connection that had bound us together so tightly was severed, as though slashed in two. I held her almost as desperately as I wished to let her go. How could someone I loved so completely be so lost? For a long while the ground beneath me felt as though it were made of sand. My vision blurred as I waited to receive communion. I shook from the effort to stand, to continue along the line. A wave of sorrow loomed, threatening to engulf me. And then he was there, unwavering, reaching for my drowning soul. My brother’s arms wrapped around my form and the words flowed over me, “You can believe all your sins forgiven in Jesus’ name and precious blood.” All was still. Now I see that God allowed for certain connections to change or be lost altogether, yet I can see what truly matters. It can be difficult to lose a friend to the world, and to forget the beauty and surety found in the Holy Spirit, the Spirit that also teaches us to keep hope and love for those lost ones. Though we feel pain and loss, it is important to remember to turn to God’s Word found in His kingdom. Remarkably, even without speaking, we may feel the bond unlike anything this world has to offer. I am comforted as I remember Romans 1:12, “You will be encouraged amongst brethren.” As we continue to haltingly reach out a hand to our escorts in faith, that distant, glowing heaven draws us ever closer.   Discussion Questions How do you balance all the connections in your life, both with those around you and those farther away? Tell about a time in your life when you have especially needed connections with other believers. How does the ease of forming new connections shift through the ages and stages of life? What changes when one you’ve connected with loses their faith? How can we support those that are new to our area or who appear to be alone or lonely at services? Ponder the words of song of Zion 433, verse 4. What do they say about a believer’s longing for connection?

Keith Moll | The Voice of Zion September 2024 - What Does the Bible Say Article -- “Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God.” – Matthew 5:9 In our world today we witness talk of peace amidst the backdrop of wars and rumors of wars. Ideologies clash, and humanity grapples with the repercussions of its discord. Jesus spoke of the last days, “For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in diverse places” (Matt. 24:7). Although peaceful resolution to conflict is the desired outcome, Scripture reminds us that wars are a sign of the end time. Temporal world peace will not be achieved when the enemy of souls works together with humans’ corrupt portion to create chaos and turmoil throughout the world. We can pray for peace and stability in the world and ask for God’s blessings in our homelands. What causes distress and restlessness? Personal peace is quite different than world peace. Sin and disobedience cause personal distress and sorrow. The Ten Commandments, which God gave to Moses, reveal His will for humankind. These commandments can awaken one to sin. Apostle Paul writes in his letter to the Roman believers, “As it is written, there is none righteous, no, not one” (Rom. 3:10). When God awakens people to the knowledge of their own sin and the consequences of it, they are left only to seek God’s grace and mercy. Paul also wrote, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom. 6:23). God in His Word promises a remorseful, penitent seeker that they will find. “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened” (Matt. 7:7,8). True heavenly peace is found in God’s kingdom here on earth. Where does peace abide? Where does a sin-distressed person find peace? Peace is found where one hears and believes as God’s Word teaches. Jesus explained, “He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life” (John 5:24). Our sin debt has been paid for by Jesus’ own blood. Peace is found where the blood of Jesus washes sin away. It is found where God’s children are. The core message of God’s Word is the gospel message of the forgiveness of sins. Through hearing and believing this message, faith is received, and true peace of God is found. This is God’s message, preached through the Holy Spirit, that we can personally hear and believe. How does God answer? Even as the world clamors for peace, only God can give a peace which endures through trial and tribulation. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). When sins are all forgiven, God answers with peace. The weight and burden of sin is lifted. When one receives this blessing, and believes, they become a child of God and living fruits of this faith shine into this world. This person desires to put sin away as it attaches to preserve this God-given treasure.  What peace do God’s children own? As recipients of God’s grace, we own a peace that surpasses all understanding. This peace encompasses not only the peace of conscience but also the unity of spirit among believers. We are encouraged to keep this peace and love through forgiveness, one to another. Christ’s sacrificial love to us, also kindles a love within us to serve others. Paul to the Ephesians exhorts, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (4:3). We desire to care for each other in both love and truth, reminding each other of sin and its consequences. This is the work of the Holy Spirit. “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification” (Rom. 14:19). God’s children bring the message of peace through the forgiveness of sins. They sow the seeds of God’s Word which brings true peace. They shall be called the children of God.   Discussion Questions: What is the difference between earthly peace and personal peace? How would you describe to another what it feels like when there is peace in your conscience? According to this writing, what makes world peace unattainable? How is the peace that God’s children have different from worldly peace? How can believers contribute to peace within our communities? Read Isaiah 52:7 as you consider this. Why are peacemakers blessed?

Arvin Pirness  | The Voice of Zion September 2024 - News & Notes Article -- My summer concluded with the first Pre-confirmation camp at Prairie Shores in Saskatchewan and the return of the Peace Garden Youth Days. This fellowship and time spent in the study and hearing of God’s word reenforced to me one key matter of the joy of believing. The peace of God that surpasses all human understanding is so calming for God’s children whose endeavor to heaven is in this world but not of it. The future of God’s kingdom is bright, not because of any inherent glow on our part, but because the faith of even the youngest, inexperienced, tempted and tried child of God radiates a powerful contrast to the darkness of this world. To the child of God, no greater matter, no greater joy can be known than to experience peace of conscience and hope of heaven. To you young, who traditionally return to school this time of year, be ready and willing to share of that hope of heaven you experience through faith. May God bless you as you progress along your path of education. Update on LLC Activities Education Volunteers are an integral part of Christian education, whether by teaching at camps or in local congregations. Volunteers also support Education in development and improvement of educational curriculum. As an example, the LLC is managing a project to provide Sunday School teachers with additional teaching aids. Volunteer committees in local congregations continue to work on making these updates.  All camp centers have enjoyed a very active camp season. Of special interest, perhaps, this year is the first year that Youth Camps were hosted at Silver Springs, in Monticello, Minn. A total of 110 youth participated in 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th grade Youth Camps.  Staff and participant camp evaluations are an important part of camp work. The information gathered from these evaluations assist in developing additional programs, addressing needs in food service and lodging and determining what benefits participants and staff realize from their camp experience.  285 Confirmation students attended eight Confirmation Schools this summer. As the numbers of participants grow, we continue to explore additional ways to serve our youth. In 2025 there are plans to hold four Confirmation Schools at Stony Lake, one each in the Pacific Northwest, Prairie Shores and Hasscib and two at Kamp Kipa.  Preconfirmation school curriculum focuses on Luther’s Small Catechism. Staff evaluations from these camps prompt us to find ways to limit the size of these camps to less than 40 students with 30 seeming to be an ideal number.  A camp board workshop is scheduled for October 4–5, 2024. All North American Camp Board members are invited to attend.  Mission Work After the summer hiatus, mission trips resume in the fall. Trips to Sierra Leone, Ghana and Togo have recently happened, and a confirmation school was held in Kenya. The introduction “Be Sober, Be Vigilant” which was presented at the Minister and Board Members meeting during 2024 Summer Services was the discussion topic for LLC Ministers Webinar 3 on August 29. The 2024 LLC Ministers and Wives Camp will be held in Longview, Wash., September 20–22. The theme for the event is “Blessed are they that dwell in thy house” from Psalm 84:4. Communications The LLC Opisto Scholarship Committee recently met to select opisto scholarship recipients for the 2025–26 opisto year. These scholarships are awarded to applicants based on selection criteria reviewed and approved by the LLC Board. Those awarded scholarships are asked to confirm whether they will accept the scholarship and commit to a year at opisto. Once all recipients have confirmed their acceptance of these scholarships, the list of recipients will be published. Each year there are some students who are interested in paying their own way to opisto. The availability of self-pay spots is dependent on the opistos, and this is not determined by LLC. When we hear from the opistos whether they will accept self-pay students, we will inform those applicants who have indicated their interest to us. We will hold our annual Content Creators Workshop September 13–15 at Stony Lake Camp in Minnesota. We are sometimes asked what a Content Creator is, or who is a content creator? To us in the Communications department, a content creator is anyone who contributes written material, art, digital media or music content. A content creator is anyone who contributes to any of our projects in any way. We need the contributions from many people in order to sustain our current level of product and periodical production. We extend a warm thank-you to all who write, take photographs, create art, edit digital media such as audio or video, and otherwise contribute to anything we produce. We invite you to the workshop to meet other contributors—content creators—and to hear interesting discussions on how this work can support believers in their walk of faith. At this year’s Content Creator Workshop, we are joined by two guests from SRK. Hanna Aho will discuss aspects of believer fiction, and Katri Isopahkala will discuss planning and producing content for believers’ periodicals.  In March, LLC announced a fiction writing contest. This is open to writers of all ages. We hope to receive manuscripts of novels aimed at teenagers and young adults. We further hope that the manuscripts submitted to the writing contest depict the lives of believing characters and are supportive of faith. The contest is open through the end of November, so you still have time to send in your submission! For more information, see the notice on our website.

< Back Confirmation Day 5: I Need the Word Of Grace Each Day Day 5, Lesson 1: Grace, Unmerited Love Objective Grace is the undeserved and unearned love and mercy of God towards sinners; Grace is the teacher and source of strength for the child of God Learning Outcome Give an example of how grace is unmerited love and mercy. Confirmation Exercise Questions None Reference Material Booklet Song: Here grace will teach you, you will find / That Jesus takes Your burdens; / His house is called the House of Bread, / He feeds the hungry pilgrims, / And in this kingdom on the earth, / God’s joyful children travel / To heaven’s home eternal. (SHZ 287 v.9) ​ Booklet Text: “For by Grace are ye saved through faith.” (Eph. 2:8) Additional Reference Material SCRIPTURE Tit. 2:11-13; Eph. 2:8; John 1:14–17; Rom. 3:21-26; Rom. 4:16; 1 Cor. 1:3; 15:10; Eph. 2:5-7; Eph. 3:8; 2 Tim. 1:9; Tit. 2:11, 12; Tit. 3:1-8; Gal. 2:21; Col. 3:16; 4:6; Heb. 4:16; 2 Pet. 3:18; ​ CURRICULUM None ​ ADDITIONAL LESSON POINTS Grace cannot be earned Grace is the love of God The grace of God is also the power in the endeavor of faith RESOURCES​ VZ: Bible Concepts: Grace, The Love of God, A. Hirvonen, Nov. 1993, p 12; Time of Visitation, Time of Grace, Time of Death, K. Paavo, Aug. 1987, page 4; The Effect of God’s Grace, E.Lepisto, Nov. 1981, Page 174; By Grace Alone, A. Paananen, Apr. 2016, page 2; Previous Next

EXPANSION Camps were held for believers of all ages, beginning with youth camps and confirmation school. The opisto scholarship program was created. Spiritual caretaking meetings were necessary, and throughout God led and gave the increase. Listen to a sermon from the past. 19740507_PeterNevala_SummerServicesMpls .mp3 Download MP3 • 4.71MB LLC History 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s LLC Music History More

The Kingdom of Heaven ​TREASURE HIDDEN IN A FIELD "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth,and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field." Matt. 13:44 ​ ​THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN There is no subject which was more prevalent in Jesus' preaching than the kingdom of heaven, that is, the kingdom of God. It was the most common subject of His parables and was the theme of His preaching.(1) In fact, Jesus said that the first thing that a man should search for in life is God's kingdom and His righteousness.(2) ​ It is important to find God's righteousness, for He has declared man's righteousness, or our very best deeds, impure and unacceptable in His sight.(3)The righteousness which is acceptable before God is found in His kingdom. ​ Jesus was once asked to explain when the kingdom of God would come. In His reply, He reveals two essential points: first, the kingdom of God is not visible to the human eye, and, second, it is present in the midst of men.(4) ​ ​A HIDDEN KINGDOM It might seem impossible to find a kingdom that cannot be seen, but with God's help it can be found. Jesus said, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you" (Matt. 7:7). In the parable at the top of the page, Jesus shows us that while the kingdom is hidden, it can indeed be found. ​ The parable illustrates why the kingdom of God cannot be seen. It is like treasure buried in the dust and dirt of a field, hidden from man's sight. It is certainly an apt picture. In this world God's kingdom is hidden beneath the flaws and faults of believing people, people whom God has made from the dust of the earth.(5) ​ ​A GREAT TREASURE The parable also illustrates what happens when a man finds God's kingdom. He hides its treasure, sells all that he has, and buys it. Simply said, God's kingdom becomes the most important matter in his life. He wants, above all else, to protect and preserve his new-found treasure and follow the people of God and the Lord Jesus.(6) ​ Like the man in the parable, we have found the kingdom of God and obtained its treasure. We now carry this treasure in our sin-corrupt bodies. We wish to share it with you. ​ ​YOU CAN HAVE THIS TREASURE What we can offer you is God's forgiveness in Jesus Christ. This forgiveness is the very essence of the gospel and the essence of God's kingdom. Martin Luther said: "Forgiveness of sins is nothing more than two words in which the whole kingdom of Christ consists...This word of consolation shall not cease among Christians until the last day: 'Thy sins are forgiven, be of good cheer.' Such language a Christian always uses and openly declares the forgiveness of sins."(7) ​ Luther was right. This word of consolation has not ceased. God's children live of it and use it constantly. We declare it to any sinner who longs for God's forgiveness. ​ We can give you this treasure because Jesus has given us the power to forgive men their sins. He said that what we forgive on earth is also forgiven in heaven, that is, it is forgiven before God.(8) Belief in this gospel of forgiveness obtains what it promises, namely, God's forgiveness and the righteousness of Jesus Christ, the righteousness that is acceptable to God. You can have it too. ​ ​END NOTES 1 "Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel." (Mark 1:14­15) "And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people." (Matt. 9:35) ​ "Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick." (Luk 9:1, 2) ​ 2 "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matt. 6:33 ) ​ 3 "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away." (Isa. 64:6) ​ "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one." (Rom. 3:10­12) ​ 4 "And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 17:20, 21) ​ 5 "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." (2 Cor. 4:7 ) 6 "And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost." (1 Thess. 1:6) ​ 7 Luther, Martin, "Sermon for the 19th Sunday after Trinity" in Luther's Church Postil, Vol.V, trans. John Nicholas Lenker (Minneapolis: Lutherans In All Lands Co. : 1905) 201, 202, 209 ​ 8 "Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained." (John 20:21­23) ​ "Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." (Matt. 18:18) ​ "And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." (2 Cor. 5:18­20)