Search Results

Eric Jurmu | The Voice of Zion April 2021 - News and Notes -- Easter dawns, our day of vict’ry; mercy’s morn is shining bright! Now the chains of hell are broken; lonely captives rise to light; fears of night and wrath are vanished – ev’ry cloud our Sun has banished. Death, where is your stinging scepter? Where, O grave, your victory? Satan, you are proved a liar. Ended is your tyranny! In your kingdom Jesus found us. There He crushed the chains that bound us. O my soul, be overtaken! Praise the Son, your gracious friend. Haste, my harp, my tongue awaken, let the triumph-song ascend. Praise to God, and adoration. Sing Hosanna, all creation. (SHZ 106:1,2,6) I wish for each of you a blessed Easter, with this greatest hope, the hope of resurrection in the glory of heaven. ‍Updates on LLC Activities • 2021 LLC Winter Services were held again this year as an online event. Though we await the time when we can gather again in-person, God granted His abundant blessings to the services. • An extra day of meetings during Winter Services allowed the LLC Board and staff to discuss ongoing spiritual concerns and short- and long-term planning needs of the LLC. We are thankful for the mutual love and unity of spirit which was experienced there. – The board approved the development of an LLC publications app. Final details are being worked out, but plans for a nominal monthly fee will allow access to all LLC printed, digital and audio content, including music. – A first of its kind LLC logo was approved. The logo will be used broadly throughout LLC work and also as a design theme for the new LLC office in Monticello. Additional information about the logo will be communicated in a future issue of the Voice of Zion. – The board approved using donated funds from the estate of a departed sister for furnishings at the new LLC office. – The board heard and approved plans for the continent-wide meeting on May 7–8. The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss spiritual concerns affecting North American Zion. • Planning continues to host the 2021 online Summer Services and LLC Annual Meeting from the new LLC office in Monticello. We plan to have a fairly normal daily schedule of services along with additional programming which will be broadcast on both audio and video feeds. Details will be communicated on the LLC website and on social media as they develop. • The 2021 LLC Annual Meeting notice, agenda and delegate package will be sent to congregations in mid-April. In addition, the 2022 draft LLC Operating Plan will be sent for review. The theme of the plan is “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness” (Matt. 6:33). A video with highlights of the plan will be available for the congregations to view in preparing their delegates for the Annual Meeting. Currently, we are planning for an online meeting via Zoom similar to 2020. • It has been heartwarming to see the many volunteers who have worked tirelessly on the new LLC office in Monticello, Minn. At the end of March sheetrock and taping was complete, and painting was finished until the trim is ready and a final coat is needed at the end of the project. Concrete floor polishing was finished, and epoxy was applied to the bathroom and kitchen floors as well as in the storage and work areas. Cabinets are being built and planned for installation in early April. The drop-ceiling grid is installed. Final electrical and plumbing fixtures will be installed once the drop-ceiling is in place and tile work is finished in the bathrooms. Words seem inadequate, yet many thanks to all who have contributed both with time and energy and also with financial donations. We plan to move into the new office sometime in May. • The new songbook app for purchase is still planned to be released in June. It will contain songbooks from three organizations, Songs and Hymns of Zion (LLC), Siionin Laulut ja Virsikirja (SRK) and Sions sånger och psalmer (SFC). • The biennial LLC Ministers Camp will be held at Stony Lake Camp April 9–11. The main focus of the camp will be on timely topics and spiritual concerns experienced in North American Zion. • Plans are in place to keep the summer camps as scheduled. Necessary precautions will be taken as COVID-19 guidelines evolve throughout the summer. Online enrollment is open on the LLC website to register. • We have switched the broadcast format for the evening devotions that air on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evenings. The devotion for each evening will air for the first time at 8 pm EDT and on the hour at 8 pm in each of the North American time zones. Following the devotion, songs will be broadcast for the remainder of the hour. God has graced us with a time of work. May He guide and bless the efforts of His children.

Eric Jurmu | The Voice of Zion May 2021 - News and Notes -- In May, let us pause to remember the special occasion of Mother’s Day. It is the one day of the year which is set aside in honor of mothers. Too often, a mother’s work is overlooked and forgotten. May God richly repay for the unselfish care that you provide for your families. We wish God’s abundant and continued blessings! May He protect and keep you always as His own. Thank you, mother dear, so precious for the love which you have shown. We thy children are so grateful for this love that we have known. Give abundant gifts, dear Father, to our mother on the way. Guide her on the way to heaven unto rest with Thee one day. (SHZ 425:1,4) May also marks the beginning of graduations. Congratulations, 2021 graduates! It is a milestone you will always remember. May God grant life’s blessings for each of you. Updates on LLC Activities • God granted His abundant blessings for the LLC Ministers Camp which was held at SLC April 9–11. There, we experienced concretely the unity of faith and mutual love which joins God’s children together. In addition to many hours of open discussion the following presentations were kept over the weekend. – What is faith? – a translation of Ari Pelkonen’s presentation to the 2021 SRK ministers meeting – The Word of God is Quick and Powerful – Jon Bloomquist – Current Work and Conditions in North America – Jim Frantti These opportunities give younger and older ministers needed time to gather together to discuss the mutual work of serving and to be refreshed and encouraged in their walk of faith. • The final agenda and meeting details have been sent to LLC congregation boards, delegates and ministers for the LLC-wide meeting to be held in Monticello, May 7–8. • After considering many options it was decided to keep LLC Summer Services as an online only event again this year. We all wait for the day when the “birds of heaven” can gather again in-person. How wonderful that will be! • The LLC Annual Meeting will also originate from the LLC office and be an online event. Meeting and voting details will be communicated to LLC congregations in early June. • The new LLC office project is nearing completion with plans to move from the current office location by the end of May. For all of you who have generously supported the effort, may God richly repay your work and labor of love. • Travel for foreign mission trips remains on hold and will commence only when deemed safe to do so. In the meantime, online and recorded sermons are kept regularly for those gathered in faraway lands. • In preparation for the 2021 camp season, a COVID-19 preparedness plan will be in required at all LLC owned camp facilities. The plans will vary and will be tailored to local and state guidelines. It will require patience on everyone’s part to assure regulations are followed, which in turn will allow a full camp season for the benefit of all – especially our young.

Eric Jurmu | The Voice of Zion June/July 2021 - News and Notes -- I wish to offer congratulations to all 2021 high school, college and university graduates. You have achieved a milestone in life! May God grant life’s blessings for each of you. Each year in June we also celebrate Father’s Day. May the heavenly Father bless you dear fathers for the love and care that you have extended to your families and loved ones. The days we live are troubled and your children need clear, loving instructions. May God also bless those attending confirmation school this summer. It is an important time in the life of a young believer. Please remember that your parents and loved ones are sending you to camp with many prayers that you will make lasting friends, but mostly that your childlike faith will be strengthened. Updates on LLC Activities • At the end of May a new chapter of LLC history began when after fifteen years the office moved from Loretto, Minnesota into the new LLC office in Monticello, Minnesota. Many hours of volunteer labor allowed the project to be completed. While the old office served very well, we are thankful for God’s abundant blessings in granting us a new home. After the last projects are completed, plans are to have an open house and dedication service for all who would like to join. May God richly repay you who have lovingly supported the effort with your generosity and labor. • 2021 LLC Online Summer Services, July 1–4, will originate from the LLC office in Monticello, Minnesota. A few notes about services: – The service motto is, Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life (Rev. 2:10). – The service schedule can be found on the LLC website and essential service information will be available to download. – Sermons will be broadcast live on the LLC website, LLC YouTube channel – A part of our service broadcast will also air July 10–11 on the SRK Summer Service Radio (kesaseuraradio.fi). This gives you an opportunity to listen again or to hear parts of the broadcast you may have missed. – Facebook users can find service information at Laestadian Lutheran Church – Instagram users can find information @laestadianlutheran – At 2:00 p.m. each afternoon there will be a children’s service. – A congregation evening presentation will be broadcast Friday evening. – A youth presentation using the motto of the services will be broadcast Saturday evening. • The 2021 LLC Annual Meeting will be online and originate, Saturday July 3, from the LLC office in Monticello, Minnesota. The meeting agenda, 2022 draft operating plan and video have been sent to help congregations prepare their delegates for the meeting. Meeting and voting details will be communicated to LLC congregations in early June. • We continue to monitor if the COVID-19 pandemic will affect this summer’s camp activities. As of now, we will hold all scheduled summer camps following local and state guidelines. Any proposed changes will be communicated to students and families with ample time to make any necessary adjustments. • The pandemic has affected quite broadly in Ecuador and the believers there ask to be remembered. With travel restrictions in place, weekly online services continue for believers throughout Ecuador. May God continue to bless such opportunities as they are needed. • Foreign mission trips have been paused through the 3rd quarter of this year. It may be possible to begin scheduling a few trips for late this fall as COVID-19 restrictions are eased. • Over twenty applications for the 2022–23 opisto year were received in May. There are fourteen scholarships available, so the scholarship committee will meet in July to make selections and send word out soon thereafter.

Eric Jurmu | The Voice of Zion August 2021 - News and Notes -- The motto chosen for 2021 Summer services, “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life” (Rev. 2:10), promises that God will grant eternal life to those who remain believing. And although we were again unable to gather at Summer Services in Marquette, Michigan, God provided a way in which we could still be refreshed around His Word. I continue to marvel how God has given the necessary gifts and knowledge to host services as an online event. Coverage about services and those instrumental in making it happen appears in this month’s Voice of Zion. Many, many thanks to all involved in making the online services a possibility. 2022 LLC Summer Services, hosted by Longview and the neighboring congregations in the Northwest are scheduled for July 1–4. Welcome! LLC Board Meeting July 1 • Board members reviewed planning updates for the current Summer Services and future Winter and Summer services. The 2022 LLC Phoenix Winter Services will be held March 17–20, with the motto for services, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever” (Heb. 13:8). 2022 LLC Summer Services will be hosted by the Longview, Washington, congregation, and held at the Kelso High School on July 1–4, 2022, with the motto, “I will be glad and rejoice in thee” (Ps. 9:2). • The board gave final approval for the development of an LLC digital publications app. Subsequent to the meeting, the LLC entered into contract with the app developer with plans for a December 16 launch date. The board also approved making the current part-time Digital Administrative Assistant a permanent half-time position to support the work. • Professional teachers Wendy Agbowada and Jake Muhonen were added to the LLC Education Committee. LLC Annual Meeting July 3 • As in 2020, the 2021 LLC Annual Meeting was held as an online event. The meeting was held via Zoom with a chat feature that allowed discussion between delegates and the LLC board and staff gathered at the LLC office. A voting app was used to allow secure voting during the meeting. • LLC delegates reviewed and gave support for the proposed 2022 LLC Operating Plan, which included plans for no dues increase. • There was discussion to move the LLC Summer Services to the weekend after SRK’s Suviseurat. The LLC office will draft a communication explaining the potential date change, and delegates will bring the proposal back to member congregations for discussion and decision at a future LLC annual meeting. • Delegates re-elected George Koivukangas and Keith Waaraniemi (Midwestern Area), and Peter Kuopus (Eastern Area), to three-year terms on the LLC Board. Delegates also elected Randy Hillukka to replace Steve Haataja (Midwestern Area); and Marv Wittenberg and Lauri Nevala to replace retiring board members John Stewart and Ken Wuollet (Western Area). • Dates for 2022 LLC Winter and Summer Services have been set: – 2022 LLC Phoenix Winter Services: March 17–20 – 2022 LLC Summer Services Longview, Wash.: July 1–4, 2022 • Delegates will be prepared to give a detailed report to congregations when meeting minutes have been finalized. Updates on LLC Activities • Parents of 2021 confirmation students are to be thanked again for their patience as we worked through details in planning confirmation camps this summer. As you are aware due to the uncertainties of COVID-19, there were many starts and stops to planning. But in the end plans were made and we pray for God’s blessings as students are sent to camp for this important milestone in their lives. • Although there may be some small changes to camp activities due to the pandemic, all of the other LLC summer camps are being held as scheduled. • Peace Garden Youth Days will be held this year Sept. 4–5, 2021. Those who wish to attend, 18 years and older, can sign up online at llchurch.org by Aug. 27. • The Phoenix, Arizona, congregation asked Eric Mattila to serve as their full-time pastor. We wish Eric, his wife Katrina, and their entire family God’s abundant blessings with this calling. • Currently foreign mission trips are still on hold. There is hope that some foreign trips can resume later this Fall. Through the pandemic online services are kept regularly for those in many foreign countries, and this practice may continue. • As COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, the remaining 2020 LLC update tour to congregations will be finalized. We hope that as summer winds down all will have opportunities to spend time with family and friends before school and fall activities begin. And again, we thank you for the continued prayers and support for the work of God’s kingdom.

Eric Jurmu | The Voice of Zion September 2021 - News and Notes -- With summer vacations over we are returning to normal office activities. Reflecting on the summer months we see God’s continued protection and blessings. Even though we couldn’t gather in-person for Summer Services, God nonetheless blessed the online services in His abundance. We are thankful that we were able to keep a full camp season this summer, where so many of our young were able to experience camp life and the blessings which come from that. We pray that the Word which was sown there would bear fruit in God’s time. September also marks the beginning of the school year for many children. Many prayers rise to the heavenly Father as the little ones embark on their task of learning life’s skills. Updates on LLC Activities • With the summer camp season winding down we are again thankful for God’s guidance and blessing. All eight confirmation schools went well with over 250 students being confirmed. We remember them as they return to their families and congregations. • On August 10th we held an LLC office dedication and open house. During the dedication program we were reminded of God’s abundant blessing in providing the LLC with its first LLC-owned office space, and how generous our membership has been in support financially and with countless hours of labor in constructing the office space. • Only a few items remain for completion of the office, the biggest being the exterior painting. In August the office sign was installed at the front of the building to complete the construction phase of the project. • We see God’s continued blessings as Gary Hoikka was ordained on June 20, 2021, at a ceremony in the Cokato, Minn., church. The congregation expressed much joy with this calling, and the Holy Spirit clearly, and powerfully, guided the congregation with this decision. We wish Gary, his wife Jen and their family God’s abundant blessings in this call to serve. • Additionally, the Monticello, Minn., congregation blessed Daren Hendrickson into the office of the ministry on August 15, 2021. The congregation took time to speak words of encouragement and support for Daren, his wife Melissa and their family prior to the ordination. We also wish Daren and Melissa God’s abundant blessings and protection with this calling. • A third minister was called to serve in God’s kingdom. Antti Roiko was ordained in the Elk River, Minn., congregation on August 29, 2021. May God bless Antti, Anna-Kaisa and their family and keep them and all of us in living faith. • Though travel can be challenging due to the pandemic, sixteen North American students left for their year at opisto in Finland. The students will be required to quarantine before beginning their school year. We continue to recognize the importance of the opisto program and wish the students God’s abundant blessings. • It was agreed to hold Peace Gardens Youth Days September 4–5 even though the US-Canada border isn’t entirely open. Although many Canadian youth won’t be able to attend, there is excitement that youth have an opportunity to gather again. • Due to travel restrictions during the pandemic, there is a possibility that the joint SRK-LLC-SFC meetings scheduled for early November will be postponed. The decision to postpone will wait until the end of September. • Currently, foreign mission trips are still on hold. With the uptick in COVID-19 variant infections, it seems unlikely that any foreign mission trips will happen before 2022. Online services will continue for those mission fields affected. • The LLC has entered a contract agreement with app developer Matellio for the LLC publications app. The Digital Publications committee expresses confidence that the new app will be ready for release by the end of the year. The committee will be prepared with an update for the October board meeting. • The newest board book arrived at the LLC office in mid-August: Hear the Little Songbird Sing. I again marvel at the God-given gifts of His children. • The reading group for the 50-year LLC history book project will meet for the first time in September to review the first installment of writing. It is with great interest that we watch this project move forward. • There has been a delay in the release of the new songbook app due to summer schedules. The work is mostly complete with hopes for release soon. • Due to increases in printing and postage costs, the subscription rates for our periodicals Voice of Zion and Shepherd’s Voice will rise by about ten percent, effective January 2022. We hope this increase will allow us to continue to publish these periodicals as before. New subscriptions or renewals made before the end of this year are available at current rates. • Planning for 2022 LLC Summer Services now begins in earnest. Services will be held July 1–4, 2022 at Kelso High School; Kelso is Longview’s twin city. The facility is comparable in size to the Snohomish High School which was used for summer services in 2018. The school will also allow us to use a soccer field for RVs and dry camping. Look for more details on the LLC website in coming months. • The LLC board assigned a committee to review the current structure of the three LLC areas. In review the committee noted that the entire Eastern Area currently reports 276 members, so it appears likely that some reorganization will be necessary. A proposal for reorganization will be prepared for board review at its October meeting. • A note from the directors of the fall SLC Bible Course: Welcome to the SLC Bible Course October 8–10, 2021. Following an overview of the Jewish Festive Calendar, we will delve into three Old Testament feasts – Passover, Pentecost and the Feast of Tabernacles – their place in the gospel texts and the events that they point to in the New Testament. We thank you for the continued prayer and support of the work of God’s kingdom.

Eric Jurmu | The Voice of Zion October 2021 - News and Notes -- Shorter days and cooler temperatures remind us that fall is here again. It also reminds us of the cycle of life, when the flower of life fades and a human passes from this life to eternity. We remember you who have lost loved ones. May God give hope of reunion in the resurrection! This summer, camp life resumed. Little ones were fed around God’s Word and many young ones were confirmed at Confirmation schools. Our young are to be remembered; we pray for God’s increase to the seed sown in the hearts of His own. We can feel secure remembering how God blessed our online Summer Services and meetings, though we were unable to gather in person. At the LLC Annual Meeting, congregation delegates gave clear support to the work of the LLC board and staff. God has given us a day of work, for which we are thankful. Updates on LLC Activities Administration • Kelso High School in Kelso, Wash., is reserved for 2022 Summer Services. Please note that the 2022 services dates have changed to June 30–July 3. This change was necessary because the school will use Monday, July 4, to prepare for summer activities. • Due to travel restrictions, the SRK-LLC-SFC joint meeting will be postponed until February or March 2022. Finance • We are thankful for the contributions of labor, materials and financial donations for the LLC office project. With the generous contributions, current monthly outlay is less than the rent was at our previous location. • Camp season is wrapping up. This year again there were many donations of labor and travel expenses, which in turn allows lower camp fees. This makes it easier for families to send multiple children to camp. • Throughout the pandemic, many congregations were affected by changes to daily activities and regular services. This impact was also felt in LLC operations. With the return to a more normal schedule, LLC financial contributions have also returned to normal. For this we are thankful. • With plans to build a bathhouse at Silver Springs in time for 2023 Summer Services, we are starting to see donations for this phase of development. • Inventory reduction efforts continue. We are pleased that during the pandemic we were able to reduce old inventory as well as sell new products. Facilities • Approximately 350 youth traveled to Peace Gardens for the annual Youth Days. Many commented how thankful they were for the opportunity to again gather at these gardens in unity with the Canadians who were able to cross the border. • The annual Joint Camp Boards meeting was held September 11, 2021. This year’s camps were reviewed and plans for 2022 were discussed. In 2021, we experienced God’s blessings for those who attended camps. We pray God will bless efforts to come. • This year, approximately 3,000 camp participants signed up through the LLC camp registration system. Of this number, – 350 attended Hasscib Lake Camp – 840 attended Kamp Kipa – 1,600 attended Stony Lake Camp Of this overall number, 255 participants were confirmation school students who attended one of eight LLC Confirmation schools. Communications • Fourteen scholarship recipients were selected for the 2022–2023 Opisto year. The list of names will be published after all recipients have indicated whether they will accept the scholarship. • LLC Publication’s workshop was held at the Monticello office on September 17–18. Participants had the option to hone their writing skills or to discuss various aspects of publications work at LLC. One result of the workshop was the realization that there is a need for more fiction written by and for believers. • The LLC History Project reading group met mid-September to begin reviewing the work that Keith Waaraniemi has done. Support and encouragement was expressed for the continued writing of AALC/LLC’s nearly fifty years of history. • The new songbook app is in the testing phase and is nearing completion. The app is scheduled to be released October 24. • We continue work on our Publications app, which is named Hearken. This app will be released soon after the turn of the year. We will provide more information on this app and how to subscribe to it in the next two months. Mission • The Prescott Valley congregation blessed Ross Fredrickson into the office of the ministry on September 19, 2021. We wish Ross and Kayla and family God’s abundant blessings and protection with this calling. • Forty-five couples gathered at Kamp Kipa, September 24–26, 2021, for the annual Ministers and Wives Camp. Mikko Pasanen of Phoenix, Ariz., served as camp director. God abundantly blessed the weekend. Approximately ten couples attended this camp for the first time; they were remembered with love and encouragement in their new calling. • Foreign mission trips are still on hold due to travel restrictions. Online services continue for those mission fields affected. We thank you for your prayers and support for the work of God’s kingdom!

Eric Jurmu | The Voice of Zion November 2021 - News and Notes -- Cold winds of November are biting in the upper Midwest, and it reminds us that another year is ending. It also reminds us of the cycle of life when our earthly body withers like the grass of the field and the flower of life fades away. Yet, how thankful we can be for God’s protection and care through the power of the gospel, which strengthens a child of God to take another step towards heaven. November marks the end of the church calendar year, and the approach of Advent. Prior to that on November 1, All Saints’ Day, we lovingly remembered those who have gained the victory of heaven. They are remembered with longing and with the hope of reunion one day in the glory of heaven. As plans are made for Advent and the upcoming Christmas season, may we remember our heavenly Father’s many blessings. Updates on LLC Activities Administration • The Eastern Mission Area holds its annual fall area-wide meeting as an online meeting on Saturday, November 6. • The Midwest Mission Area (MBMAC) holds its annual fall meeting at the Rockford, Minn., church on Saturday, November 20. Facilities • The camp season is closing with only a few more scheduled activities. The camp season was a success, with around 3130 total participants. Hasscib Lake is now shut down for the year. Kamp Kipa and Stony Lake will be completely closed down for winter by mid-November. • The LLC Office is serving us very well. There is much more traffic and visitors stopping by than at the prior location in Loretto. Visitors are welcome! Budget-wise, the monthly outlay is similar to the prior building except that the current building is owned vs. leased. • The Facilities Committee along with the Silver Springs Development Committee are working on final details for bathhouse construction at Silver Springs next spring. Communications • New Publications, Coming Soon: We’re happy to let you know that there are a variety of new products available. – Songbird video collection: A group of artists have illustrated songs of Zion, and these illustrations have been made into videos. This past summer we recorded children singing these songs to provide music for the videos. The videos include a notation element to help children learn to sight-read. – Comfort & Joy: This is a men’s unison Christmas album that was recorded in August. Laurel Loukusa directed a group of song leaders from southern Minnesota congregations. This album is already available on digital platforms, and it will be available as a CD the first week in December. – To the Sea: Short Fiction for Young Adults: This is a book of short stories written by North American writers over the last twenty-five years. The primary audience, as the name indicates, are readers in the 12–18 age range, and our hope is that readers of all ages benefit from these stories. – Oh, Come, Little Children!: This is a Christmas coloring book that invites children of all ages to come see the place where baby Jesus lies. The illustrations in this book follow the narrative of the song of Zion by the same name. • Printing Costs Are Rising: Since our most recent subscription price adjustment two years ago, we have been faced with a number of cost increases in printing and postage. This makes it necessary for us to adjust our subscription pricing once again, effective January 1, 2022. As of that date, a one-year subscription to The Voice of Zion will cost $60 (North America) and $90 (overseas). Likewise, a one-year subscription to The Shepherd’s Voice will cost $35 (North America) and $55 (overseas). This represents an increase in price of about 10%, which correlates to the increases we’ve faced. We want to keep our products as affordable as possible, and we thank you for your understanding. One change that we plan to implement for new subscribers is to introduce a separate subscription for our two seasonal magazines, Easter Messenger and Christmas in Zion. We will charge $15 for a one-year subscription to these magazines, which means one issue of each. Those with current subscriptions will still receive these magazines in 2022 as part of their Voice of Zion subscription, and the change will be in effect the next time they renew. Mission •The annual ministers teleconference was held on November 5. The Zoom connection allowed ministers from across North America to participate. •God continues to call servants of the Word to serve His flock of children. You can read about recent ordinations on page 15. •In response to suggestions received from believing adults concerning their wish that they could attend confirmation school again, we have arranged a Confirmation School Refresher Course for adults. This series of lessons is based on the current LLC Confirmation School curriculum. The first lesson was held at the LLC office and online on October 26. We yet ask for your prayers that God would continue to guide and bless His work.

Eric Jurmu | The Voice of Zion December 2021 - News and Notes -- The angels once sang of the triumph of heaven on Christmas night. They sowed into mother earth’s sorrow a radiant star-filled night. That glorious hymn is resounding from each generation on. It causes the heart-frost to crumble, my forefather’s as my own. You hear it, O children, each Christmas, how one day our way doth lead from trials to Christmas eternal and heavenly Christmas peace. – SHZ 28 On behalf of the LLC office staff, I would like to wish each of you a joyous and peaceful Christmas season. Scriptures relate how many years ago the heavens opened and angels announced the birth of our Savior. The message brought relief and joy to tired travelers. Today, the same joyful message resounds. It brings comfort to the weary traveler and gives hope of an eternal Christmas in heaven. May this message of God’s gift to humankind be most important as we gather with family and loved ones this Christmas season. Updates on LLC Activities Administration • The LLC Board of Directors met on October 23 and took several actions, among them the following: – Approved 2022 Operating Plan and Budget – Approved amended 2021 budget – Noted that 2021 foreign trips remain cancelled and affirmed plans to resume them in early 2022 if possible – Noted that the new songbook app would be released on October 24 In addition, the LLC Board noted the following items for 2022: – The LLC app Hearken is to be released in early 2022 – Eight confirmation schools are planned for next summer, two at each camp center – Board members Jim Frantti and Pete Lever plan to retire when their terms expire in 2022 – Executive Director Eric Jurmu plans to retire from LLC work in 2022 • 2022 Winter Services will be held March 18–21 at the Phoenix church instead of the school, as previously planned. • 2022 Longview Summer Services will be held June 30–July 3 at the Kelso High School. Information regarding services can be found on the LLC website. • Representatives from the Eastern Region Congregation Boards met online, November 6. The spirit of unity prevailed, with the focus on continuation of work for the benefit of undying souls. • Midwestern Region Boards met in Rockford on November 20. Keith Moll presented the topic Parable of the Vine (John 15) as basis for the spiritual discussion. In addition, the meetings addressed terms for LLC Board members, camp board members, and region mission committee members. Financial • Again, this year we are thankful for the generous financial support for LLC work. It has allowed work to go forward in its many forms. May God richly repay your generosity. Facilities • Progress is being made on planning for construction of a bathhouse at Silver Springs in time for 2023 Summer Services. The plan is to apply for a construction permit by the end of the year 2021, with construction to be completed in 2022. Information regarding this project will be made periodically through the next year. • Watch for announcements regarding core staff openings for the 2022 camp season at all LLC owned facilities. Notice will be sent to congregations in the December–January timeframe Communications • The LLC Songbook app that was published in October is available in app stores. After you download the app, you can purchase content within the app. In addition to the songbook texts, you can also purchase the melody sound files and the music note images. • Our children’s magazine The Shepherd’s Voice will feature new content in 2022. You will see these new features beginning with the February/March issue next spring! • We are phasing out paper invoices for periodical renewal. We will communicate with our subscribers by email regarding subscription expiration and renewal. • On December 7, we held a writing seminar titled “Writing with Purpose,” led by Aaron Wuollet. If you are interested in learning and practicing writing techniques and would like to be informed of future seminar sessions, send Ruth an email at rdelacey@llchurch.org • We are collecting stories of life in the 1930s to 1960s. These can be Christmas memories or recollections of everyday life. We hope to compile these writings into a book inspired by Väinö Havas’ Joulusta jouluun, From Christmas to Christmas. If you have a story to tell, or if you know someone who does, please let us know! Email Ruth at rdelacey@llchurch.org Mission • Approximately eighty LLC ministers joined the annual ministers teleconference on November 5. LLC Board chairman Jim Frantti opened the teleconference by summarizing the current spiritual situation in North American Zion. Following the update, Eric Jurmu summarized an article written by Matti Taskila titled, “The Christian Congregation and the Kingdom of God.” The discussion which focused on the presented topic was united and one-minded. • A pre-signup for 2022 confirmation school camps will take place December 15–31. The pre-signup will give geographical preference for students; general signup will begin January 10. A letter outlining the arrangements will be sent to parents in early December. As the year comes to an end, may each of us pause and reflect on the blessings which God has showered on the work of His kingdom. I wish for you all God’s abundant blessings in the New Year.

Eric Jurmu | The Voice of Zion January 2022 - News and Notes -- As we begin this new year our prayers arise to thee; oh, may we walk before Thee in love and unity. How time so quickly flees! Oh, bind our hearts forever with bonds that none can sever to Thee, O prince of Peace. The Spirit’s wisdom grant us, that in the future days we travel on Thy pathway in living hope and grace. As beggars we abide rejoicing of salvation. In heavens celebration we shall be glorified (SHZ 58:4,5). Happy New Year! Administration 2022 LLC Winter Services are scheduled to be held at the Phoenix church March 17–20. Welcome! Organizers for the services have asked that service guests make plans to carpool to the church due to limited parking. 2022 LLC Summer Services will be held at the Kelso High School in Kelso, Washington, June 30–July 3. Planning is coming along nicely, and regular updates can be expected in coming months. Preparations are underway for biennial planning meetings with our sister organizations, SRK (Finland) and SFC (Sweden), to be held in Oulu, Finland, February 14–20. LLC brothers will also serve on short mission trips before returning home. Sarina Siljander will be leaving her position as LLC Digital Communication assistant in early 2022. Sarina has been instrumental in recording many LLC music projects, video production, and LLC website development. Sarina has also been an integral part in development of the LLC app which is scheduled to be released in early 2022. We wish Sarina God’s blessings as she moves on in her other areas of work. Preparation for the 2023 LLC Operating Plan has begun. The theme chosen is “Upon this rock I will build my church” (Matt. 16:18). The Operating Plan is an important tool for office staff as it gives clear direction to the work of the LLC. Financial God blessed LLC work in 2021 with finances and with willing hearts. There were many volunteer hours across all departments. Thanks to the members for such giving hearts, but most of all thanks be to God. We are working on our 2023 budgets in preparation for the 2022 annual meeting. With rising costs, we are working on ways to retain a balanced budget. That said, we continue to review and plan for expanding needs looking beyond 2023. Facilities & Camps General signup for 2022 Confirmation camps begins January 10. Pre-signup, which gave regional preference for applicants, took place in the month of December. Approximately two-thirds of next summer’s confirmation students took advantage of this opportunity. Being that we are between camp seasons, the operations aspect regarding facilities is quiet. Currently the focus is on ensuring that the 2022 season will operate effectively and smoothly. For 2022, we need the following staffing: Stony Lake – Kitchen head – Caretaker – Assistant to the caretaker – Core counselors – Office assistant Hasscib Lake – Kitchen head – Assistant to the caretaker – Core staff Kamp Kipa – Assistant to the caretaker Contact LLC Facility Manager Phil Jurmu (pjurmu@llchurch.org) for additional information. Please submit your application by completing the Camp Work Application online. Camp staff director and teacher workshops are planned and being held during these winter months. A workshop for confirmation and preconfirmation directors and teachers is scheduled for February 7. Education Sunday School Curriculum committee is meeting to review existing Sunday School Curriculum. Local teacher workshops are available for those congregations wanting additional support. Communications We continue to accept applications for Opisto Scholarships for the 2023–2024 year. You can find the application on our website. If interested, start applying now as it can take time to pull together all necessary information and documents. Voice of Zion subscribers in the U.S. will notice that the size of this issue is different than before. The paper we previously used is no longer regularly available. Seeking a more reliable paper option required a slightly different format. We hope this paper in these dimensions continues to serve our readership. In 2022, we will feature artwork by believing artists on the covers of Voice of Zion issues. New books will be released at Winter Services time! Watch for more information on those. The Hearken publications app project is near completion. We will be sending out information on this app including subscription directions in coming weeks. We are excited to share this new app with you! Mission The LLC is planning a new ministers workshop January 14–15. Last year this workshop was held online and was well-received. This year we will hold the workshop in person at the LLC office in Monticello. That will allow us to slightly expand the schedule and enhance the possibility for interaction. Communication has been sent to congregation chairmen for their awareness. Weekly online services for Ecuador will continue in 2022. Recorded devotions are being delivered in WhatsApp in both English and French for congregations in Africa and Pakistan. Evening devotions are planned to continue through 2022. God has given us a blessed time of work. May God continue to guide and bless our new year as only He can.

Eric Jurmu | The Voice of Zion February 2022 - News and Notes -- During this ongoing pandemic, we continue to make modifications to LLC work. I often remember believers in faraway lands, praying that God will continue to protect them as He protects also us. Our hope is that despite challenges, God’s Word will still reach those who long for comfort and encouragement on the way to heaven. And that those who are seeking a place of refuge would find it. We pray that God would reach all who seek forgiveness and peace and grant them grace to believe. The theme for the 2022 LLC Operating Plan is “Seek ye first the kingdom of God.” This theme is central in planning our camp season. Let us remember our children and youth in prayer, for they are in the forefront of the battle. Updates on LLC Activities Administration 2022 LLC Winter Services are scheduled to be held at the Phoenix church March 17–20. Welcome! Organizers ask that service guests plan to carpool to the church due to limited parking. The LLC Board meeting will be held March 18, 2022, at Black Mountain Baptist Church. The updated LLC website is fully operational. We thank you for your patience as we transitioned from old to new. SRK-LLC-SFC joint meetings are rescheduled for October 2022 due to continued impact of the pandemic. The LLC Board took the following actions at its January 22 meeting: – Granted Adeline Moll approval to work remotely in Ecuador for five months later this year. In addition to learning Spanish more fluently, this will allow Adeline an opportunity to learn practical aspects of her work as LLC Mission Assistant. – Approved moving the LLC Education area of work from the Communications Department to be overseen by Phil Jurmu. This will allow the Communications Department additional time to focus on digital publications as we prepare to release the LLC Hearken app. – Approved hiring a full-time Digital Communication Specialist to replace Sarina Siljander. This position has recently been advertised. Contact us for more information. – Approved hiring Doug Mattila as caretaker at Hasscib Lake Camp and Kevin DeLacey as caretaker at Stony Lake Camp for the 2022 camp season. Mission Foreign mission trips are paused through April. We monitor the pandemic situation with the goal of resuming trips when possible. A workshop for newly called ministers was held at the LLC office January 14–15. Eight ministers participated in the workshop. Topics of study included the role of a servant of the Word, how to study the Bible, Sacred Acts, and the LLC Conduct and Sexual Misconduct policy. Communications The LLC 50-year history project is progressing. In early March, the reading group for the history book will meet for the third time to review what’s been written so far. Also, local congregations have been active in compiling their own historical record. In the development of our Hearken publications app, we recently had a flurry of testing activity. There were over 100 people of all ages and technology backgrounds testing how the beta version of the app works. Everyone was able to log in easily. Many commented that they like the user interface, that they are able to find things easily and that the features seem to work as users expected. Thanks to all our testers for your input and feedback! We have not set a release date for Hearken yet. We will keep you posted on our progress. We’ve recently released Songbird, our collection of illustrated song videos. You can purchase access to them via the LLC website. We are pleased to note there continues to be great interest in attending the three Opistos in Finland! For the 2022–23 school year, there are nine students interested in paying their own way in addition to the 14 scholarship recipients. Applications for scholarships for the 2023–24 opisto year are currently being accepted. Contact us for more information, or look for the application on the LLC website. We remain thankful for God’s continued blessings and protection. He has given us a time to work, and He has blessed us with needed temporal and spiritual gifts. We pray for His continued care and direction!