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Arvin Pirness | The Voice of Zion May 2024 - News & Notes Article -- Mother’s Day is May 12. Motherhood is a heavenly calling. When reflecting on her mother and her role as a mother, Verna Jacobson wrote in the May 2006 Voice of Zion “Our role as a mother is to instruct, create a loving atmosphere at home, teach morals, manners, and respect for each other, and above all to teach the importance of the forgiveness of sins. Forgiveness is the manna of Heaven that feeds our souls.” This reflection remains ever new and sound. The notice and agenda for the 2024 LLC Annual Meeting, to be held in Kelso, Washington, has been sent to all LLC member congregations. Included in the packet is the 2025 LLC Operating Plan titled, “My help cometh from the Lord.” The Operating Plan is presented in video form like last year and as an electronic PDF file. We encourage congregations to schedule an event to discuss the agenda and the 2025 Operating plan. This will help prepare your delegates to serve your congregation and the Zion in North America at the annual meeting. May God bless the preparations for this meeting. Update on LLC Activities Camps The 2024 Camp Season has begun with Ministers Camp at Stony Lake. Camp work weeks will be held at Hasscib Lake and Kamp Kipa in May. Please consider volunteering your time and effort by contacting local camp board members for details. Each Camp Board has taken a more focused role in managing their respective camp centers, in alignment with strategic plans established by the LLC Board and subcommittees. May 15 is the deadline to register for Peace Gardens. This long-standing event was canceled last year due to not meeting a minimum registration. This year we are facing a similar situation. This event has been a great blessing for many years for the participants. Please encourage your friends and acquaintances to register by May 15. Education “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” (Matt. 28:19,20). The LLC Education Committee has chosen this portion of Scripture as the foundation for its planning and guidance in this all-important work. Mission Department The annual Ministers Camp was held on April 5–7. Approximately 100 ministers gathered at Stony Lake Camp, including brothers from Sweden and Finland who had traveled for the biennial joint meetings of the SFC, SRK and LLC. We experienced love, unity and joy amongst participants during presentations, discussions and smaller visits. We are arranging a webinar for the Area Mission Committees as they begin their planning and event scheduling for 2025 service and events. The believers in Ecuador are anticipating the group trip at the end of May through the first week of June. The group will accompany ministers Keith Moll and Adrian Pirness on a mission trip. Communications Minnesota youth spent a Friday evening in April and an early-May Saturday evening at Elk River, Minn., church singing songs together. These joyous evenings of song were recorded, and these recordings will be made into an album to be released at a later date. LLC Communications department hosted an online Content Creators Workshop. This online-only event included workshop sessions for writers, artists and those involved in services broadcast content creation. One highlight of the workshop was a guest lecture by Harri Vähäjylkkä of SRK, who spoke on the topic of believer fiction. Another highlight was discussion among both writers and artists around a plan to create illustrated children’s books of Bible stories. At this time of year, we are finalizing our content for the Summer Services online broadcast. Many, many hours of work have gone into creating, producing and editing the programs. We are thankful to the dozens of believers from across the continent who have contributed to this work in greater and smaller ways. The Päivämies, SRK’s weekly newspaper, is interested in finding correspondents. Any North American believer who would be interested in contributing writings and photographs to Päivämies is welcome to contact us. There are no particular language requirements; the staff there will translate any writings into Finnish. They are interested in writings on the joys, everyday lives and even sorrows that North American believers encounter in their life and faith on this continent. There’s still time to apply for opisto scholarships for the 2025–2026 opisto year! The deadline is May 15. Find the application on the LLC website.

Jeff and Lindsey Kumpula  |  The Shepherd’s Voice April/May 2024 - Home and Family Article – “Jesus taught them, saying, blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” This passage is the opening of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. In this special sermon He teaches His disciples many things about God’s kingdom of heaven. What does it mean to be poor in spirit? Martin Luther tells us that within the flock of believers, there are no learned, no rich, and no mighty ones in spirit. Such people cannot accept the gospel. Jesus speaks later in this sermon that we cannot serve two masters: for either we will hate the one and love the other; or else we will be devoted to one, and despise the other (Matt. 6:24). God’s children are poor servants who wish to serve and hear the gospel. Poor in spirit describes how weak and faulty we are. We often come up short when we endeavor to please God and must continually turn to the gospel message. We can trust in this message. We desire to be at the gatherings of the believers, where we can hear that our sins are forgiven. Jesus knows His people and reminds us that the kingdom of heaven is a good place. Here we can lay aside all our sins, doubts and fears and travel freely in God’s grace. When we humble ourselves and accept God’s will, we can be encouraged that God will keep us in His care and that a heavenly treasure awaits us. Things to visit about: What does it mean to be poor in spirit? Who is rich in spirit? Why do believers want to serve each other? What are some ways that you can serve other believers?

Arvin Pirness | The Voice of Zion April 2024 - News & Notes Article -- The LLC Annual Meeting notice, agenda, and delegate packet will be sent to congregations in mid-April. In addition, the 2024 Draft Operating Plan will be sent for review. The Plan’s theme, “My help cometh from the Lord” (Psa. 121:2), reminds that God is all-knowing and a gracious God. Meanwhile, around us we see signs of nature awakening from winter sleep. In this season of rebirth, may we find comfort in knowing that our help comes from the Creator of all things. Let us trust in God’s constant presence and love, assured that He guides us through every season of life. Update on LLC Activities Administration The Northwest and Southwest Area Mission Boards met in late February. Phil Jurmu attended the Southwest Area meeting and Arvin Pirness attended the Northwest Area meeting. The meetings were filled with discussion, including on current issues. The meetings were well attended and several participated online. From the Northwest area, Marv Wittenberg will be nominated to serve another 3-year term on the LLC Board, and Nate Maki of Alaska and Steve Laiho of Williston, N.D., will be nominated to fill open positions. Joint meetings between the LLC, SRK and SFC take place at the LLC office April 3–10. These meetings are held every other year, with hosting turns rotating among the three organizations. Six brothers from Finland and three from Sweden will join the LLC to discuss areas of mutual work. We have received positive and constructive feedback on the LLC update being presented in LLC congregations in 2024. This update is requested by LLC congregations and is scheduled every three years. Mission Department The annual ministers camp is held at Stony Lake Camp April 5–7. One brother from Sweden and six from Finland will attend the camp because of the joint LLC-SRK-SFC meetings ongoing at the same time. Adrian Pirness and Juha Airas traveled to Malawi February 29–March 7. Services were held in ten locations. This is the second mission trip to Malawi. We pray that God continues to open hearts to believe in this country where we have begun arranging trips. An LLC Home and Family Workshop was held at the Monticello Church on February 24. There were about 30 participants at the church and 20 online participants. The workshops are arranged to support congregation Home and Family contacts and committees. Communication Department At LLC Winter Services, we released two new music albums, Walk with Me, Lord, which features men’s unison singing, and Conduce Él Mis Pasos, an album of unison singing in Spanish. You can purchase these albums on the LLC website or at your church bookstore. They are also available on Hearken, our digital publications app. It’s time to apply for opisto scholarships for the 2025–2026 opisto year! You can find the application on our website. LLC recently 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. For more information, see the notice on our website. LLC Staff Changes March 6 was Adeline Moll’s last day of work at the LLC office. Adeline served as Mission Department assistant since the beginning of 2021. Adeline says working at the LLC has given her numerous opportunities and experiences. “I’ve had the opportunity to get to know many people whom I might not have known so well otherwise—office coworkers, SRK and SFC colleagues, believers in Ecuador, and volunteers involved in summer and winter services, camps, and foreign mission trips. I’m leaving this job thankful for the blessings of these past three years,” Adeline says. A major portion of Adeline’s work was providing support for foreign mission trips: scheduling, travel documents and communication. Her technological expertise helped LLC improve operational components, such as an online scheduling tool and an information web page for foreign mission speakers. Arvin Pirness, LLC’s Executive Director shares, “We at the office wish Adeline God’s richest blessings as she leaves her position. We are confident her future employer will experience in her a dedicated and resourceful worker like we have here at LLC.” Maria Fredrickson’s position has changed from part-time to full-time. Along with her receptionist duties, Maria will provide administrative support for the Mission area of work. Meanwhile, LLC administration will evaluate current and future needs in the work as they consider how and when to fill the vacated position.

Robby and Maddy Riutta | The Voice of Zion April 2024 - Home & Family Article -- Robby and Maddy Riutta discuss how they view serving in God’s kingdom. Maddy: In my mind, serving in God’s kingdom can either be an opportunity or an obligation, depending on your mindset. It definitely is more positive and perhaps even exciting to perceive tasks presented to us as opportunities instead of obligations even if the opportunity is simply to learn that you aren’t suited for the task. Regardless of your perspective prior to serving, a common sentiment I’ve heard and felt is that blessings, often surprising, come with serving. One surprise is that having a listening ear and forgiving heart can be the simplest form of service. Robby: For me, serving provides fellowship with other believers and a feeling of belonging to God’s kingdom. Tasks like serving in the kitchen are often full of conversation with other believers, and I always leave feeling uplifted and happy. With our busy lives, it can be hard to make time for visiting with other believers, and being called to serve can be a great way to spend time with others who we otherwise wouldn’t have visited with. Individual tasks such as announcements, organizing events, etc. are also important for my faith life. It helps me to keep connected with God’s kingdom and provides a feeling of belonging with the other believers and the congregation. Even when being called to serve has felt like a burden initially, I’ve always felt like I finished with a joyful heart and felt uplifted in faith. Maddy: I think there are blessings in serving in even the most basic ways such as kitchen and janitorial duties. Although these tasks can be mundane, they often provide opportunities for friendship with other believers, which is one of the greatest gifts. It’s also rewarding to be a part of an effort larger than yourself, with the common goal of hearing God’s Word. Maybe one of the best ways to encourage others to be involved is just by showing up. I always feel inspired to help out when I see other believers serving willingly despite their busy lives. It’s easy to feel like you aren’t well suited for a task but hey, if they can do it, maybe I can too. Living further from a large congregation has magnified the importance of serving in God’s kingdom. We now recognize all of the effort required to organize services, especially in a congregation that doesn’t have a church building. We can reflect on the vast magnitude of service done by believers, in ways we may not have noticed before. Some of these tasks include ensuring a good sound system, choosing service songs, paying church bills and handling important documents. We miss the camaraderie and fellowship of serving on committees with friends and realize what a blessing it is to serve. The Importance of Serving God’s Kingdom Joe Anderson There are many ways to serve in God’s kingdom, from janitorial and grounds care to meal and coffee preparation, to Sunday school and Bible class teaching, to organist and song leading, to technical audio broadcast support. It might not seem like it to you but your “know how” and skill can be used in God’s kingdom. Consider that even just one congregation service could be heard around the world, perhaps even by an individual in a part of the world where people may fear discovery of their Christian beliefs. The work needed to get that service audio broadcast online is done by individuals serving God’s kingdom. All service work is important work, and we as individuals cannot fully understand this importance. It seems every time I have been asked to serve in God’s kingdom, I felt the gifts God has given me have been mistakenly evaluated. But really, it is more likely the person asking understood and trusted that God provides the needed talents. It is not of ourselves that we do the work. Serving God’s kingdom is not a one-way street, as the giving is only a small portion of service. I have heard committee members say, “I feel like I contribute so little, but the blessings I get back are many times greater. I feel I have been served.” This received service often causes the servant to feel personally blessed and fortunate to be involved in the work, even in what may seem like unimportant tasks. The person serving can feel included in the activities and congregation – it is important that members feel it is their congregation. They can get to know others and others get to know them, especially if they are “the door keeper.” While serving one often hears others share experiences, trials and blessings they have received, which helps one reflect on blessings received. Talents and blessings God has given are shared with others for the benefit of all. It seems that God blesses us with a talent or skill that appears small to us. But when we look at others’ skills that we ourselves don’t have, the skill appears great. It may be a blessing that God has caused us to look at our gifts as being less so that we can share them. If we felt our gifts were extremely valuable, maybe we would want to hoard the gifts. Instead, those who come to serve do so with their lowly talent and God grants the increase as He sees best. Serve with what you have, no matter how insignificant you feel it is, and you will experience the blessings of serving in God’s kingdom. Saved to Serve Paul Honkala Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began (2 Tim. 1:9). When one owns living faith, a gift from God, one feels the need to serve all people. The Holy Spirit opens this matter to a believing heart. When sins are forgiven, one knows the love of the heavenly Father and realizes all things come from God. This understanding produces a serving mind towards humankind. In serving one another, the server gets as much joy as the one who’s being served. The believing heart prays for the mind of Christ towards all people; in that way we desire to serve. This love of neighbor is a fruit of faith, the faith that hears the gospel and believes one’s own sins forgiven in Jesus’ name and blood. How Can We Encourage Children to Serve? Noella Herrala Adults can encourage: Speak positively about serving Try to be an example and joyfully serve Get children involved when they are young Work together with your children Try to align skills, interests and gifts with the tasks to be done Reward or acknowledge them when they help and do a good job Speak about the blessings of serving God’s kingdom and your neighbor Points to visit about with your children: As you serve, you will learn about faith and other temporal things Sometimes, serving is an opportunity to travel When you serve others, they will serve you As you serve, you may get to know friends better and meet new ones Those you work with may become close escorts on the journey Encouraging Youth to Serve Bill and Chris Josephson Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity (1 Tim. 4:11–14). In our time our youth have so many opportunities to volunteer, such as singing in youth choirs, helping with fundraisings, working at camps or working with family cleaning crews. The joy of working with other youth and God’s children strengthens faith as we journey together to reach our heavenly home. Jesus, I receive from You days of honest labors, that my gifts might all be used serving all my neighbors. Bless my work, and bless my rest; bless my times of study. Give me peace, contentedness in each task and duty. SHZ 471:4 H & F Questions for Discussion: Of all who have lived, who was the greatest servant and taught service through instruction and modeling? Serving is how we live our lives of faith. Discuss and list the many ways a believer can serve God and neighbor. How does the smallest child - a baby - serve God’s kingdom? How might a person with disabilities or someone who lives in a remote area away from a congregation serve others? Look up the word serve in a dictionary. One meaning is “to be of use.” What is the best use for a person who has had their sins forgiven? Why do we serve with happiness?

Marv Wittenberg | The Voice of Zion April 2024 - Mission Work Field Notes Article -- Have you ever wondered what the mission work of our Laestadian Lutheran Church (LLC) is about and who performs this work? On our church website, you can see the mission of our church is as follows: To preach the gospel of repentance and remission of sins to the people of our communities, our nations, and throughout the world so that they might become partakers with us of the grace that God offers sin-fallen man in His Son Jesus Christ. To nurture and strengthen the faith of the believing and root our children in Christian faith in God’s kingdom. To awaken and inspire Christian values and ethics, soberness of mind, love of homeland, and responsible citizenship among the people of our nations. This mission touches both the unbelieving world and the children of God’s kingdom. It is the work of the heavenly Father which He performs through each member in His kingdom here on earth through the power of the Holy Spirit. The instruction from His dear Son our Lord Jesus Christ is found in the Gospel of Matthew and is known as the mission command: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matt. 28: 19,20). The command which Jesus gave while with His disciples is still with His own today. The work of God’s kingdom in North American Zion goes forth to nations throughout the world and within our home countries of the United States and Canada. As part of our LLC central organization, members of the mission work department, mission committee and staff work to support our church mission by organizing mission trips to other countries and providing services over the internet. Ministers are sent to many countries and serve also with online services to preach God’s Word. In addition to the services shared online, approximately 30 mission trips are arranged to countries in Africa and Ecuador each year. Nearly 60 speakers are asked to serve in this way with ministers from African countries, Canada, Finland, Sweden, and the United States traveling on these trips to serve God’s children in their home countries and share the message of the gospel. As service requests continue to come from new countries, God has guided and directed His living Word to reach those places according to His will and at His appointed time. This gospel work is mutually supported by our sister organizations of the SFC in Sweden, the SRK in Finland, and God’s children throughout the world, a cooperative network beyond human comprehension. The mission work in North America also includes coordinating LLC Summer and Winter Service programs including planned congregation discussions, recorded services, online services, and evening devotions. These all help to nurture and strengthen the faith of the believers in North America and share the message of God’s kingdom to all who may hear. Through His children, God calls to the unbelieving world according to His will: “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it” (Isa. 55:11). God’s children give thanks to the heavenly Father for opportunities to gather at services in the hearing of His Holy Word, to be uplifted in faith and have fellowship with one another. “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 8:17). Mission work performed by LLC is part of the mission work done by God’s mutual congregation on earth; each member serves in this work. God’s children endeavor to live as they believe, not of their own power or strength but through the power of the Holy Spirit. God’s Word says that fruits of living faith are seen by those outside of God’s kingdom: “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid… Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven” (Matt. 5:14, 16). It is our prayer as believers that among the people of our nations, there could be Christian values and ethics, soberness of mind, love of homeland, responsible citizenship, and a holy fear of God. “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance” (Psa. 33:12).

Mike Kuopus | The Voice of Zion April 2024 - The Sabbath Word 2 Article -- The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. – Psalm 23 This psalm is a very familiar writing, a poetic and beautiful psalm. It is believed that David wrote it later in life. He faced many situations and struggles. Here we see he found security in trusting in the Good Shepherd. We, as children of God today, also trust in the same Shepherd. Lord Jesus is our security, comfort and guidance in our life today. We can trust He will be with us until the end of our time. The Lord is my shepherd Most of us have seen a picture of a shepherd watching over a flock of sheep. The shepherd takes responsibility for the flock, bringing them to food and water and protecting them from predators. Jesus referred to His followers as sheep. We need a shepherd, a spiritual shepherd. We are prone to stray into temptations outside of God’s kingdom. The enemy tries to whisper that there are greener pastures in the world. If we stray too far, we can be devoured by the enemy. We must be watchful of the many enemies in our life in faith. The world is sinful and attractive. Let us take comfort in the kingdom of God! Let us trust in the same Good Shepherd in which David placed his trust. Jeremiah wrote of shepherds that God would set over His own that will feed and shield them. “Neither shall they be lacking, saith the Lord” (Jer. 23:4). I shall not want In our temporal journey, we have needs and wants. What does it mean when David writes, “I shall not want?” David puts full trust in the care of the Shepherd, and we can also place our wants and needs there. He carries us through difficult times and feeds us temporarily and spiritually. We remain in His care, and we lack nothing. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters A green pasture is one that provides healthy nutrition for a flock that grazes. In David’s place of dwelling, pastures were often dry and brown. The shepherd would lead the sheep from one green place to another. Our shepherd, the Lord Jesus, also leads His own to green pastures. There we can receive His abundant mercy and care. We become full of these gifts and lie down each night to rest in His care, protected from the dangers of the world. He restoreth my Soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his names sake We are sinful people and need spiritual care in addition to the temporal things we need for daily life. We find ourselves in need of comfort and forgiveness, we fall and we doubt. Through the gospel message, Jesus cares for us, comforts us and uplifts us so we can remain on the narrow path of righteousness that one day leads to heaven. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me Sheep are naturally wary of shaded areas because predators may lie there. The shepherd, however, guides them along and keeps them safe. In the world through which we travel, Satan lies awaiting the weak one. But we can be comforted that our Shepherd has a rod and a staff to guide us on our journey. He leads us through whatever lies ahead. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever The final verses of the psalm speak of the happiness of David’s heart, the hope that a believer owns. Shepherds in the field often carried a flask of salve, or oil, to use when sheep became injured. The oil David mentioned is the oil of the Holy Spirit. It offers protection from the enemy, and it cares and heals when we are wounded by sin. When we are thus cleansed and comforted, our cup runs over with much joy! Hasn’t it been so for you too, dear brother and sister? When we are weighed down by life’s struggles and doubts, is it not a joy when we can turn to another believer and hear the precious message that our sins and doubts can be washed away in the name and blood of Jesus? We wish to dwell in this joy and comfort in God’s house forever. One day we, as David has, will leave this life of sorrow and sin and go to rest there in the bosom of Abraham. There we will await the coming of the Good Shepherd, who will gather His sheep and carry them home. When we see Him coming, we will turn our gaze upward and say, “Come, Lord Jesus! We await Thy coming!” Then He will carry us to eternal rest in the glory of heaven.

The Voice of Zion April 2024 - Editorial -- At times it seems that our society is becoming more polarized. Articles discuss how this issue affects nations here and abroad, and these discussions are supported by polls. Elected officials berate one another, view the other party as an enemy force and even ridicule those in their own party who cross the aisle to create some bipartisan legislation or speak kindly of another. Like our fellow citizens, we are each impacted by this environment. Political division may cause people to forget the biblical teaching to remain meek in spirit. Because of this division, some believers wish to avoid mentioning any topic deemed “political.” The question then becomes what is political and what is not. When factions – even among believers – become polarized, it seems that more and more topics are viewed as political. The political viewpoint overshadows deeper discussion. As a result, those complex issues are ultimately reduced to simplified slogans or buzzwords. One faction can feel threatened by the other’s speech. Silence follows, but silence does not resolve the breach. Instead, the gulf between people can grow to the point that it can no longer be bridged. They find nothing in common to converse about. Each of us has sometime judged people based on appearance or other perceptions, such as age, size or clothing. Believers may begin to see each other also through the lens of politics rather than as dear brothers and sisters in faith. Even discussions of faith may become fewer and difficult. If this happens, believers no longer put the best construction on what others say. And if continued, even the congregation may become a body divided into political camps. The Bible is clear about remaining likeminded and esteeming others (Phil. 2:2–4, et al.). The greatest commandment is to love God, and to love thy neighbor as thyself (Matt. 22:37–40). If believers begin to view each other through the lens of ideological stances rather than through the eyes of faith, the beauty of God’s kingdom can be lost. Love, the marker of God’s kingdom is diminished. The enemy has divided the believers and has been able to break the bond of love between them. Polarization aids the enemy, and the greatest harm the adversary can cause is to obscure the vision of shared faith and its goal, which can result in the loss of personal faith. In essence, we can view this polarization as a lack of communication. Silence makes us feel like we are no longer one group, one nation. It’s hard to align shared values without any discussion. When we don’t listen to others, we can only assume what they think and feel. These phenomena can affect God’s congregation, leading to distrust and weakening of bonds, which can severely wound the body of Christ. God’s Word teaches that spiritual unity is a gift of the Holy Spirit. We can pray for humility and grace so that the one-mindedness of the congregation would be preserved. A spirit of meekness is one that desires to listen, one that will tolerate and forbear another’s viewpoint. Meekness allows other people to state their thinking and explain how they came to a conclusion. Sometimes, in meekness, the believer finds it difficult to understand another’s viewpoint, but they ask questions and seek first to understand then to be understood. In meekness also people approach situations in which topics with a political aspect need to be discussed in God’s kingdom. This is the humility in which the believer prays for the leaders of their country and prays for continued governance and policy that supports preaching and hearing of God’s Word. Our mutual goal of everlasting life is much greater than any earthly issues over which we may be divided. No temporal matters are worth more than the crown of life. In heaven, there is only accord. There, in unison, we will join voices in eternal praise.

Rod Nikula  | The Shepherd’s Voice February/March 2024 - Home and Family Article – God wants us to make it to heaven. He gives gifts of faith, hope and love to help us on our journey. Believing family and friends help us keep faith, hope, and love in our life every day. Faith is our connection to God. Faith is what we believe. We believe in God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. God loved us first and chose us to be His children. God gives us love for everyone. He doesn’t love sin, but He loves the sinner. Unforgiven sin can break the connection to God, and faith can be lost. When faith is lost, the living hope of heaven is also lost. One who loses faith no longer has the correct love for God or other people. Everyone needs forgiveness to keep faith, hope, and love in their life. Forgiveness of sins in Jesus’ name and blood “is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Rom. 1:16, ESV). Salvation means making it to heaven. Believers desire to preach forgiveness to everyone. “So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love” (1 Cor. 13:13, ESV). When a believer dies, they go to heaven. Faith and hope are no longer needed. Love remains! Things to visit about: What do believers hope for? How can we keep the love between us and other believers? What might break that love? Why do you think the Bible tells us that of faith, hope and love, love is the greatest?

LLC Music Committee | The Voice of Zion March 2024 - Music Notes Article -- Rick Nevala (Chairman), Ross Byman, David Edwards, Mandy Frantti, Ian Hendrickson, Liisa Keranen, Matthew Keranen, Andrea Lahti, Ingrid Ojala, Sarina Siljander, John Stewart, Lea Waaraniemi, Janna Ylioja and Jessica Ylioja. “Next to the Word of God, music deserves the highest praise. The gift of language combined with the gift of song was given to man that he should proclaim the Word of God through Music.” These words are attributed to our forefather in faith, Martin Luther. Found in his 1538 preface to George Rhau’s Symphoniaie iucunde, the sentiment expressed reflects his views on the role of music in praising God and in the proclamation of God’s Word. We might ponder: what kind of music is such that can be thought of as second only to God’s Word? What kind of music deserves this comparison? Music is an integral part of our worship life. Furthermore, music is part of many believers’ personal life as well. It pays to think about the music we hear in worship services and other events where believers gather, and it pays to pay attention to what music we choose to listen to when we’re on our own. In our worship services, we open services with a song. Sometimes a pre-service song serves as a call to gather. We sing after we hear a sermon. We sing together before we scatter. Why do we sing in these contexts? And what do we sing in these contexts? The songs and hymns of believers open our hearts to focus on where we are and why. They let us leave our earthly worries at the door. They open our ears to hear the Word of God. After a sermon, they can serve to gather the thoughts expressed in the sermon. And in a closing song of praise, we together pour out our thanks for how God again served us. At festive, seasonal programs and in sacred acts that are viewed as family events such as baptisms, weddings and funerals, we may additionally hear music that is suitable for church events and services. Sometimes this music is sung or other times it is instrumental music. In our personal life, we also partake of music produced by and for believers. This can serve to bring joy into daily moments, or perhaps it comforts and uplifts in a time of trial or sorrow. Some play these familiar melodies on instruments at home or sing the well-known words of Zion’s songs as they go about daily chores. This music fits into our everyday life in numerous ways. Other kinds of music – art music, children’s songs, patriotic selections – are also familiar music choices to many believers. In one’s own life, it is up to the individual to select music that leaves the listener uplifted in thought and emotion. Such music aligns with our values. We could say it feeds the human soul whether the music is religious in nature or not. After all, most would not purposely select music that makes them distraught or distressed after they’ve listened to it. Whatever you choose to listen to, you can certainly feel in yourself what the music does to you, how it affects you. Does the music we engage in lead us to temptation? Is it at odds with that which God’s kingdom teaches? Or does it draw us closer to God and keep us close to our values? If we’re honest with ourselves, the answer to this question is clear. Musical elements, such as melody, rhythm and the composition or structure of the music can have effects on our mood and on our body. Music can make us relaxed, tense, edgy or emotional, and it can have many other kinds of effects as well. In selecting music and engaging in music in any way, the Holy Spirit guides. What we do, what we’re drawn to, what we read and listen to shapes and adjusts our habits and values and priorities (Gal. 6:7,8). Over time that which may have once sounded foreign to a child of God can become dear and desired. Along with our habits, a change may also occur in our attitudes toward what God’s kingdom teaches. Ultimately we may begin to wonder whether God really intended matters to be as they are taught in God’s kingdom. In real time and in the wealth of music choices we have readily available we may encounter selections that raise questions. In such situations, it is secure to ask other believers for opinions and advice. If someone cautions against something, listen to them. Pray for a mind of acceptance, even if understanding isn’t immediately forthcoming. In questions of what music we invite into our personal life and congregational life, we wish to listen to what our conscience says – to what the congregation and the Spirit teaches. Remaining obedient in these questions protects our consciences from harm and danger. Listening to these teachings can keep us from being led to other pastures, away from God’s kingdom. It can feel like our personal life and our worship life in the form of church services are separate things, and it can feel clear which types of music belong to which area of life. However, what if there are events in which both elements are present? In events such as weddings, it can feel like these are personal and family events – places of personal expression – but in actuality these are sacred acts – church services. There may be more of a tendency to exert personal wishes and views than is necessary or advisable in worship services. Perhaps a wedding reception is a place that better accommodates personal touches and choices. It is important to remember that in the case of a wedding, the two believers who are joining in marriage have chosen to come together to sanctify their marriage with God’s Word and prayer. The couple, with God’s congregation, ask God for His blessing and guidance. It is therefore good that we in such contexts show reverence and humility before God’s holy face in every aspect of the service, music included. Holiness separates that which is sacred from the everyday aspects of life, and so the music selections we make for such church services should reflect the appropriate level of holy reverence as well. “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.” (1 Peter 5:6). In all areas of our life, let us engage in that which keeps us in the fellowship of God and draws us closer to heaven, one day at a time. Things to visit about: What kind of music do you want to place in a position that is second only to God’s Word? Where does music lead your thoughts and your heart? What is the mission and purpose of music for a believer? What music is appropriate for a believer’s life? What music is appropriate for believers’ functions? How do we explain what church music is, i.e. what music belongs in a church? Who decides what is appropriate? How do we spread awareness about these matters?

Arvin Pirness | The Voice of Zion March 2024 - News & Notes Article -- We live a time of Lent, and spring is coming. At the end of the month, we celebrate Easter. Before that comes Mary’s Day, marking the time when the angel of the Lord announced to Mary that she would bear the Son of God. She questioned, “How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?” (Luke 1:34). Hearing the angel’s answer, Mary left a beautiful example of living faith, replying, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word” (v. 38). On behalf of the LLC Board and staff, I wish to extend a heartfelt message of thanks for all the messages and prayers expressed on our behalf as we navigated the legal action brought against the LLC. This legal matter has been dismissed. May God protect and preserve us as children in His kingdom. Plans are well underway for joint SRK-SFC-LLC meetings in early April. The brothers coming will also join North American ministers at LLC Ministers Camp. We look forward to Winter Services as well as Easter festivities in our congregation with special services. These services remind us of the comfort we experience when we are able to gather around God’s Word in unity of faith and understanding. Update on LLC Activities Facilities Camp season is set to begin. All camp centers will be up and operational. The new season brings a lot of work both in preparation for the season and requests for volunteers to serve at the camps in directing, teaching, support as staff counselors and kitchen workers. Speaking directly to kitchen workers, we strongly encourage men of all ages to sign up for shifts. Great joy is often experienced while serving at camp. Education Sunday School curriculum review continues to additional grades. Currently, 3rd grade is complete and 8th grade is nearing completion. Groups in congregations around North America continue to accept the request to update additional grades. The goal is to have three additional grades completed for the 2024–25 Sunday School year. In prior years, March has been designated as camp work–youth work month. With the thought of the 2024 Operating Plan theme, “They that wait up the Lord shall renew their strength,” youth and camp committees are encouraged to make known the need for workers and volunteers for this camp season, for in so doing, more people can feel the joy of serving God in this way. Pastoral and Education A catechism review committee has been formed and is meeting weekly to modernize language in Luther’s Small Catechism. The goal is to have this update complete prior to the need for the next printing, 2025–2026 Sunday School year. Print Publications Work continues on the book detailing LLC history during the years 1973–1999. The book will be published this year. Note the advertisement elsewhere in this issue of The Voice of Zion that shows details on our LLC Publications Easter Sale. Place your order today! As part of our Easter Sale and to otherwise observe Easter, we are hosting an Easter Open House at the office the week leading up to Easter. More details will be shared with congregations and on social media. Our special Easter magazine, Easter Messenger, is on its way to subscribers’ mailboxes. It will also soon be posted on Hearken! We will host an online Content Creators Workshop April 19–20. More details to follow. Sometimes we receive feedback on our publications without asking for feedback, but other times we ask for specific input and feedback. Such was the case when we published our LLC Periodicals Survey in January. The survey was open for one month, and we received over 350 responses. We are very thankful to all who took time to respond. We will publish results from this survey after we’ve taken time to analyze the data. In the feedback we receive, one question that is occasionally asked concerns the aims or goals of The Voice of Zion. Why do we publish this newspaper? One answer to this is found in our Voice of Zion Charter, which was approved by the LLC Board of Directors in October 2022: The Voice of Zion is the flagship periodical of the Laestadian Lutheran Church (LLC). It serves to inform, encourage and enlighten with the good news of personal salvation to people across the globe. The content in The Voice of Zion serves to advance the LLC Mission Statement. It supports and reports on all areas of work done in God’s Kingdom, under the auspices of LLC, its member congregations and sister organizations. The paper presents the believers’ life experience and point of view on our mutual endeavor, such as it is in the time and place in which we live. Throughout, The Voice of Zion espouses the belief that God’s Word is the ultimate authority in faith and life. Digital Communications Our publications app Hearken is turning two this month. We are very grateful that this service has answered a need. At this time we have 1800 unique subscriptions, and since some of those are family subscriptions, we have over 2500 individual users. We continue to work to improve usability of the app. If you are ever experiencing difficulties with it, please let us know. Also, it pays to make sure you have the latest version for either Android or Apple devices. Newer versions have fixes for bugs or glitches that older versions may continue to exhibit. On Hearken, we have two new podcasts. Look for them monthly. One is titled Ye That Labor. In this podcast, believers discuss their career and their working life and how that career is for a believer. The other new podcast is titled Gospel of Peace, and in this podcast ministers visit about mission trips they have recently been on. We welcome your feedback on this and all Hearken content. International Exchanges Nearly 40 musicians from North America will travel to Finland this summer for the International Choir Camp, to be held at Reisjärvi Opisto at the beginning of August. Following a week-long camp, the group of singers from four countries will record a choral album in Espoo. The theme of the album and camp is Songs of the Journey. Planning for 2024 Language Camp is underway. The group from Finland, to be led by Pekka and Heidi Tuomikoski and Jukka and Sirpa Kolmonen, will begin their journey at LLC Summer Services in Longview, Wash. From there they will travel to Hasscib Lake Camp in Michigan for the camp portion of their trip. Following the camp, the group will travel through Southern Minnesota congregations, on to Colorado and then Prescott Valley. Over twenty young people plan to attend opistos in Finland this coming fall. Fourteen of them have received LLC Opisto Scholarships, and some have opted to pay their own way. Now is the time these applicants are navigating applying for residence visas. The requirements for this visa have recently changed, which has created challenges for some. We wish all the applicants God’s blessings now already during this time of preparation and on into their opisto year! You can support the opisto program by donating to the Opisto Fund. Go to llchurch.org/donate to make your gift. Any donations made before the end of April will benefit this coming year’s scholarship recipients. Now is also the time to apply for scholarships for the 2025–2026 opisto year! We are now accepting applications, for which the due date is May 15, 2024. You can find the application at llchurch.org/opisto-scholarship-program