The Voice of Zion October 2026 - Home and Family articles -- God’s perfect plan for our lives unfurls around us. From the finely tuned stages of growth to the motion of the cosmos, we see His handiwork. His dexterity is also evident in the shape of the human lifecycle. Nearly every creature on earth bears young from the moment they mature to the moment they die. Some produce the next generation one time as their final act, such as the mayfly and the octopus. But God made humans different in at least two fundamental ways: He made us a living soul, and He limited our season for bearing and rearing young to a few decades in the middle of the “threescore and ten years” the psalmist gives as the expected human lifespan. However, the job of bringing up the next generation does not stop when child-bearing years have ended. Grandparents play a vital role in the lives of their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They support the family in material ways even when they need support themselves. They are a bright spot in childhood memories and serve as a sounding board for parents who are muddling their way through raising teenagers. They provide stability and a long-term perspective, and bring patience and wisdom born of hard-won experience. Parents usually do the heavy lifting of childrearing. This means that grandparents often fill the role of being the fun ones and their presence often brings a break from the usual family rhythms. Their stories, jokes, games and banter help lighten the mood and add sparkle to the atmosphere. Such light relief is crucial for maintaining the health of a family and home. In other situations, grandparents may be called forward to fill the role of a parent for their grandchildren when parents are unable to do so. As they age, grandparents grow to need additional support themselves. Family dynamics shift as new challenges and frustrations emerge. As everyone adjusts to a new reality, fresh stresses appear, tempers wear thin and sparks may fly. But even when a grandparent is physically or mentally incapacitated, God’s commandment to honor them still stands. The need for respect, empathy, love and the gospel never diminishes. Above all, believing grandparents can share the gospel with their children, grandchildren and others in the home. They set a powerful example for how to be a believer in the world, in the congregation, and in the home. They demonstrate how to age as a believer, showing that the thirst for forgiveness of sins does not fade as years go by. Many a childhood involves memories of grandparents carrying forward family traditions, such as reading the Christmas gospel, singing songs and hymns of Zion, preaching the gospel and discussing the way and journey of faith. Here, believers from Toronto share thoughts, experiences and memories of grandparenthood and living in multi-generational homes. Four Changing Generations, One Unchanging Word Courtney Mikkola This summer, we were able to visit family and stand with four living generations all together; not once, but twice over the span of only a few days. We began in Bradford, Ontario, where we spent time with my husband’s parents and grandfather, who is 95 years old. There, we gathered our four children around their great-grandfather for a photo: four generations of our family standing together in one place. A few days later, we found ourselves in Ishpeming, Michigan, visiting my parents and grandfather, who is 91. There, we took another four-generation photo. Visiting with grandparents and great-grandparents is a special blessing. We talked about the joys and struggles of believing and heard many stories about the old days. The kids were able to experience how life 80–90 years ago was so different to today. They marveled that Great-Grandpa Dan’s house was built by their great-great-grandfather! But most importantly, we could preach the gospel to each other. Our grandparents have lived a long life and have been through lots of changes over the years. But they remind us God’s Word is unchanging: “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away” (Matt. 24:35). It is comforting to hear this from men who have lived over nine decades through the same struggles of believing and life as we do today. And still today they turn to the same source of comfort as they did years ago: the living Word of God and the forgiveness of sins. From Each Generation On Multigeneration Family Life Enriches, Encourages and Edifies Elisa Laikola This past summer, I found the book of poems, Aina uutena nouseva päivä (Always a New Day Rising), that Kaino Pentikainen, my Finnish grandmother, wrote after she retired. One poem especially evokes uplifting thoughts: Olemme kukin aikanamme renkaana sukupolvien ketjussa. Arjen keskellä ihmisinä, mutta taivastoivoa rinnassamme kantaen. Each of us exists in our own moment, as a link in the chain of generations, living everyday life as an everyday person, but holding the hope of heaven in our hearts.* The “circle of life” and the different stages we experience in our lifetime are frequent topics of conversation in our family. A few months ago, my youngest sibling got married, which made my parents empty nesters for the first time. They have twenty grandchildren, and a granddaughter gave birth this past spring to their first great-grandchild. We’ve talked about how important it is to stay connected and communicate online or in-person with our loved ones of different ages. It’s good to share support and guidance while exchanging thoughts and ideas about the present day and reminiscing about the past. This allows us to learn from the generation before as well as the generation to come, and helps us learn to honor, love, respect and value our family and friends. I have admired how my parents diligently helped out Lidia-mummi (my Grandma), especially after Kosti-ukki (my Grandpa) reached heaven’s glory in 1979. Dad was Lidia-mummi’s handyman while Mom showed compassion through the most challenging and busy times with patient, steadfast devotion to her care. Mom took Lidia-mummi to her doctor and dentist appointments and hospital visits and helped her with paperwork. She also taught Lidia-mummi how to drive a car. She was an honored guest in my childhood home. We experienced life in a multigenerational household when I was a year old. My grandparents cared for me each week at their home in Marmora, Ontario, while Mom worked full-time as a teacher. Kosti-ukki passed away when I was five years old, but I still remember sitting in his lap as he talked and sang songs to me, and how his eyes twinkled when he made me laugh. Lidia-mummi was blessed with 95 years of life. Many of her family and friends enjoyed her company as well as her cooking, baking and sewing. We would talk, sit and sing for hours, either in-person or on the phone. When I lived in Finland for eleven years, I would call her regularly and mail surprise packages. She made several pairs of hand-knit mittens and socks for me, which I keep in a “treasure box” and only use on special occasions. It was fascinating to hear stories about Lidia-mummi’s childhood in Estonia, as well as about her love story with Kosti-ukki. Everything happened in less than a year. Kosti was living in Finland and traveled to Estonia for a wedding. There, he met Lidia. After the wedding He returned home but wanted to go back to visit Lidia as soon as he could. On his second visit, they got engaged. On his third visit to Estonia, they got married, in 1938. The newlyweds traveled by ship back to Finland to make their new home. I have golden memories of my other set of grandparents as well. Dad’s parents, Veikko and Kaino, made at least ten trips from Helsinki to Toronto to visit us at my childhood home in Bailieboro, Ontario. They usually stayed for a month or two each time. We spoke Finnish in our home, and I’m grateful that we were able to communicate in a common language with all our grandparents. Veikko-pappa was a minister, and I have many fond memories of listening to his sermons in our childhood church building, as well as going with them to visit the homes of other believers after services. Veikko often spoke about the Bible and taught us a Finnish chant about the minor prophets. It sounded like a galloping horse as he tapped his knee in time to the chant. Even today, I can almost hear his voice floating over the fields of my childhood home at the crack of dawn as he sings his favorite Finnish songs of Zion. My children, Joel and Janika, are fortunate to have spent lots of quality time with their grandparents. Memories of Maret-mummi and Hannu-pappa are vivid in their minds: Hannu-pappa’s “orange boat” rides at the cottage, trips to the Peterborough Zoo, Thanksgiving weekends, Christmas vacations at mummi and pappa’s home, as well as long road trips together. Maret-mummi was born near Joensuu, Finland. In 1957, when she was seven years old, her family moved to Toronto. She talks about her early years in Finland, and the big moving day when they flew over the ocean to Canada, their new homeland. She remembers looking out the train window and waving, teary eyed, as the train left the Joensuu station where many members of the Joensuu congregation had gathered to bid them farewell, singing songs of Zion. Maret also shares fond memories of the Toronto congregation’s early years after it was founded in the late 1950s: the first home services that were held in Toronto, picnics at High Park, and playing hockey or skating outdoors on weekends. Kaija-mummi and Jarmo-pappa, Joel and Janika’s other grandparents, have always lived in faraway Finland. But they still feel close, Kaija-mummi especially. She has visited Canada many times, even staying with us for four months when my husband, Janne, reported for basic training in Nova Scotia and I went back to work full-time. Janne’s military duties have taken him across the world: seven months in the Canadian Arctic, an autumn in Europe, and four months in Africa. In a long-term multigenerational living arrangement, many wonderful memories are formed. My children will cherish forever the hiking excursions, as well as the road trips to Ottawa, Niagara Falls and Florida. Kaija-mummi reads to them in Finnish. She plays board games and helps them carve pumpkins after a trip to the pumpkin patch. Last summer, Joel flew to Finland without us for the first time. Kaija-mummi & Jarmo-pappa took him around the Finnish cities of Tampere and Turku, and Jarmo-pappa took him into the forest to pick blueberries for the first time. A dear friend wrote a poem that nicely captures how each generation helps the next: We are walking along a road, a long road. A road of life. The road is narrow, it bends, it goes over rough places, it goes over hills and through valleys. Sometimes the sun shines and sometimes it hides behind the clouds. Sometimes there are big storms on our journey, on this long road. This road we walk along brings us to many places. To some of us, it brings over the great seas. We build bridges along this road, and we share memories that last a lifetime. We are travelers, traveling as believers on this journey of faith. Hold tight onto your faith, for through faith, we have the assurance that one day, we will meet on heaven’s shore.** May we continue to stay connected with our dear loved ones, grandparents included, sharing precious moments that ripen into golden memories. May we tell the stories of those that have walked before us, keeping their legacy alive in our families. May we always treasure the gift of faith as we journey to our eternal home in heaven. *Pentikäinen, Kaino (1995). Poem excerpt from Aina uutena nouseva päivä. Helsinki, Finland: Gummerus. Translated from the Finnish. **Poem by Sheena Simonson. Printed by permission. Discussion Questions: How can we show care and respect to elders? What can we do to develop close bonds with our grandparents? What hobbies or skills can grandparents teach the younger generation? How can elders be escorts to young people in their walk of faith? How can young people be escorts to elders? Should we try to keep the legacy of prior generations alive? Why? What can we learn from our parents and grandparents and their life experience?

Adrian Pirness | The Voice of Zion October 2026 - Mission Work Field Notes -- The first mission trips to Togo in Africa and Ecuador took place in 2000. God has blessed and guided the work throughout the years. In 2022 and 2023, discussions were held about how to organize the growing work, and a new organizational model began functioning in 2024. Kimmo Puolitaival, chair of the organization’s Steering Group, reflects on the work today: “We have experienced God’s great blessing in the work. God has bestowed many gifts for this work, which is carried out primarily by volunteers. More than 300 brothers and sisters participate in various roles. Most importantly, we have experienced how God’s Holy Spirit works: He calls people into His kingdom, opens His Word, unites God’s children in mutual faith, and comforts and advises us. We are sowers; God gives the growth. The future of the work is in God’s hands. Our prayer is that His will may happen.” Steering Group The Steering Group is responsible for overall coordination of the Global Mission Work of the LLC, SRK and SFC. Its members include board members from each organization and LLC and SRK staff members responsible for mission work. The group prepares an annual action plan and budget for approval by the boards of each participating organization and coordinates the Teams that support the various facets of Global Mission Work. Did you know? The Steering Group also arranges international seminars and workshops. The second Ministers Camp for servants of God’s Word in Africa will be held in The Gambia November 28–December 2, 2026. The camp will also include sessions for congregation board secretaries. African Reference Group The African Reference Group is made up of brothers from Africa who meet to discuss doctrinal and spiritual topics that arise in mission work. They also provide important cultural context and guidance regarding organizational and practical matters in their countries. Operational Team The Operational Team supports the mission trips that take place each year. This includes supporting traveling ministers and communicating with mission countries about trip plans and budgets. Together with the Local Activity Support Teams, it also plans meetings, seminars and discussions held during each trip. Did you know? Thirty mission trips are planned for 2026, each about eleven days long. About 55 ministers from North America, Finland and Sweden will participate, along with 5–10 ministers from Africa who will travel to another African country to serve. Local Activity Support Team – Africa The Local Activity Support Team supports activities arranged locally in each country. It works with local committees and boards that arrange services, Bible Class and Sunday school. Global Mission Work funds also support these activities, and the Team helps monitor and implement each country’s budget. Did you know? The Local Activity Support Team for Africa assists with local operations in Benin, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, Senegal and Togo. Local Activity Support Team – Asia The Local Activity Support Team for Asia supports local work in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Nepal. Individuals in this region have experienced the call into God’s kingdom and have personally believed their sins forgiven. This newly established Team supports the growing work in the region. Did you know? Much of the work supporting believers in this region is done remotely. Sermons are recorded weekly and shared through various WhatsApp groups, where individuals and groups gather to listen. In one region of Pakistan, live WhatsApp sermons are also arranged each day to support believers and call sinners unto repentance and faith. Facility Team The Facility Team handles requests for facilities that support the activities of believers, including shelters, canopies and church buildings. A designated foreign facilities fund allows individuals to donate specifically to this area of work. Did you know? Recent projects include the church in Accra, Ghana, completed in 2024, and the nearly completed church in Atimé, Togo. The LLC Humanitarian Aid Team also coordinated an individual donation that funded a community well on the Atimé church property. Pastoral Work Team The Pastoral Work Team supports ministers serving in Africa. Remote seminars and discussions are held four times each year. The Team also provides materials to support congregation life, Sacred Acts, weddings and funerals and is developing a series of short writings on doctrinal topics. Did you know? Currently 23 brothers have been called to serve as ministers of God’s Word in African countries. Learning Materials & Education Team The Learning Materials and Education Team develops learning materials for use in mission countries and plans training for teachers who have been asked to serve. Teacher workshops are held in conjunction with mission trips. The Team is currently working on a three-volume series of Bible story lessons titled Friend of Children: Illustrated Bible Lessons. Did you know? There were nearly 400 confirmation students in Africa this year. Four Confirmation Camps were arranged for adults – in Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, Kenya and Togo – and three for youth, in Sierra Leone, Kenya and Togo. The Team is developing a standardized curriculum for Confirmation Schools in Africa. Kingdom of Peace – Technical Team The Kingdom of Peace – Technical Team supports the kingdomofpeace.net website and associated Facebook and Instagram platforms. Some website content is now available in French and Spanish. Work is also underway to refine internal AI tools that assist with translation. Did you know? The Kingdom of Peace Facebook page was launched in February 2024. Its content has now been viewed 1.2 billion times, and the page has more than 1 million followers. Kingdom of Peace – Doctrinal Team The Kingdom of Peace – Doctrinal Team responds to contacts and inquiries received through the website and monitors social media comments. Through these communications, individuals have found God’s kingdom and believed their sins forgiven. The Team has also coordinated remote meetings, especially with a group of pastors in India and Nepal who have found God’s kingdom. Did you know? When individuals wish to believe their sins forgiven, they are invited to a WhatsApp group with others who have recently repented. Recorded sermons are shared with the group each week. It currently has about 50 members. Humanitarian Aid Teams The SRK and LLC Humanitarian Aid Teams provide financial assistance to those in dire need. Aid supports health-related expenses, education, funerals and emergency subsistence needs. Most countries have a local Humanitarian Aid Committee that receives requests and distributes funds. Did you know? Humanitarian Aid is funded and operated separately from mission work. This provides a necessary separation between gospel work and individual financial assistance. Donations to support Humanitarian Aid work are welcomed. Communications Team The Communications Team coordinates the sharing of information and news among the Teams supporting Global Mission Work. It publishes an internal newsletter five times each year and contributes to news articles for Voice of Zion, Päivämies, social media and Summer Services radio broadcasts. Did you know? The Communications Team has helped the overall organization in exploring a name that could be used more broadly for Global Mission Work. The goal is a simple, meaningful name that reflects the spiritual purpose of the work, works well across languages and cultures, and can help give the shared work a recognizable identity in communications and publications. Translation & Interpretation Team The Translation & Interpretation Team is preparing a manual for African interpreters, coordinating interpreter and translator training, arranging workshops and communication training for ministers, and supporting language-specific groups. Did you know? Members of the Spanish language group are planning to join the June 2027 mission trip to Ecuador. Plans include a weekend of large services for the Ecuadorian believers.

Kris Ylioja | The Voice of Zion October 2026 - The Sabbath Word 4 -- Therefore thus saith the Lord, If thou return, then will I bring thee again, and thou shalt stand before me: and if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth: let them return unto thee; but return not thou unto them. And I will make thee unto this people a fenced brasen wall: and they shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail against thee: for I am with thee to save thee and to deliver thee, saith the Lord. And I will deliver thee out of the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem thee out of the hand of the terrible. – Jeremiah 15:19–21 Our text speaks of repentance, following God’s instructions and allowing His will to be done, and that faith should be the most important matter in this life. God’s promise to help a repentant sinner is sure and everlasting, even in the midst of our earthly trials and temptations. Jeremiah was called by God to preach repentance to the people of Judah, who had fallen into many sinful ways. The book of Jeremiah relates how Jeremiah did not immediately agree to this duty, but God spoke with him to strengthen him. Jeremiah then obediently went and performed that which he was instructed to do. In Jeremiah 15, Jeremiah states that he has done everything that God has commanded him, and yet asks, “Why is my pain unending and my wound grievous and incurable? You are to me like a deceptive brook, like a spring that fails” (v. 18). He accuses God of not helping him as was promised, nor as he expected. Doesn’t this sound familiar to us? God Calls Us to Repent When we have accused God as Jeremiah did, the devil has gained a strong hold on our soul. We may feel that we are alone, like Jeremiah. Maybe we think, “If only God would do this for me, I would be much happier.” God urges Jeremiah to repent of this way of thinking: “If thou return, then will I bring thee again, and thou shalt stand before me” (v. 19). With the yet-flickering lamp of faith in our hearts, we can pray to God for His help. We can pray that we would accept into our hearts messages of rebuke. We can visit with other children of God about matters that trouble us, using that grace gift of confession. When we wash our sins and doubts away with the cleansing water of the gospel, then we are able to serve God and His kingdom in the way He intended, free from the weight of sin and doubts. Serve with Humility Have you been asked to do duties in your home congregation? When asked, we may feel our weakness and nervousness, as Jeremiah did. We may even try to make excuses why we should not do these duties. But once we begin serving and become more comfortable in the work, the enemy may tempt us in another way, whispering in our ear, “You are doing a great job.” Let us remember that all things come from God, and all is done to serve Him and His kingdom, not ourselves. God will help us in the duties asked of us, reminding us, as He reminded Jeremiah: to speak words that edify, to stay away from the temptations of this world and to care for those in need. Strength for the Journey God promises that He will be with us in all our battles and that He will deliver us from them: “I will deliver thee out of the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem thee out of the hand of the terrible” (v. 21). God will provide us the strength of an impenetrable brass wall, which no effort of the world may breach. With this strength from God, our faith cannot be taken from us. All we need is to have childlike faith in His plan for each one of us. Martin Luther’s hymn, based on Psalm 46, begins with the words, “A mighty Fortress is our God, a trusty Shield and Weapon; He helps us in our ev’ry need” (SHZ 181:1). This powerful hymn reminds us that our heavenly Father is almighty, all-knowing, and cares for each one of us in our journey of faith. Psalm 46:10 reminds us, “Be still, and know that I am God.” As God’s children, we are never alone. We have God watching over us through His Spirit in the congregation of believers here on earth. In the letter to the Hebrews, we are reminded of how God blesses us with travel friends to care for our faith. We are also reminded to follow the example that Jesus set as we journey toward our heavenly home. “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb. 12:1,2). This is the solid and sure foundation on which to keep our faith. Dear child of God, keep the instructions from God’s kingdom close to your heart, especially that instruction to put sin away as it attaches in Jesus’ name and blood. We can live in comfort, knowing that the Word of God is sure and everlasting: “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Heb. 13:8).

Everyone Makes Mistakes Evan Maki, Carter Dean, Sten Keplinger, Blake Dean, Ian Simonson, Jake Wittenberg | The Voice of Zion October 2026 - Round the Table article -- Everyone makes mistakes and fails. Sometimes our failures can leave us feeling ashamed, humiliated and full of doubt. Shame makes us want to hide our faults and failings. It causes us to feel too embarrassed to seek the comfort of the gospel, and to cover up our sins. But God’s forgiveness gives us hope when we fail. Proverbs 11:2 says, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom” (NIV). Pride is not always a bad thing. It’s okay to have confidence and to feel satisfaction when something is done well. But pride becomes a problem when we start to think more highly of ourselves than we should. One way pride leads us to sin is how it causes us to focus on ourselves above all else. Pride can elevate us above those around us, and even above God. It can cause us to ignore wise advice, to give in to temptation, and to make decisions without considering the consequences. It can close our ears to needed correction from others and place us above others in our own minds. On the other hand, humility helps us listen, learn, and grow. Having humility doesn’t mean we place ourselves below others. Rather, it means we open ourselves up to others. It causes us to be willing to hear what others have to say, and to consider their thoughts and viewpoint on an equal footing to our own. Humility acknowledges that none of us is perfect, nor does any one of us have all the answers. It enables us to learn, improve and mature. In short, humility cultivates wisdom. God’s Word teaches that when we have a penitent heart, no sin is too much for God’s grace to forgive. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we are freed from the weight of sin. The Gospel assures us that all our sins are forgiven in Jesus’ name and blood. Throughout time, God reminds His children to be comforted because their sins have been forgiven (Isaiah 40:1,2, 1 John 1:9). God hates sin, but He loves sinners. Through another believer we can bring our failures to God and receive His mercy. Forgiveness allows us to honestly reflect on our decisions, learn from them, and move forward. It doesn’t mean pretending our mistakes never happened. Instead of remaining trapped in guilt and shame, we can believe in God’s forgiveness and trust in His promises, and we can start over again. “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12, NIV). As believers, our salvation is not in personal perfection. Our salvation is in Jesus Christ, who forgives us, restores us, and gives us a new beginning. No matter what mistakes we’ve made in the past, we can believe our sins forgiven and trust in God’s mercy and move forward with renewed hope. No matter where we’ve been or what we’ve done, in God’s kingdom we can always find forgiveness, comfort, and the opportunity to start again.

Arvin Pirness | The Voice of Zion October 2026 - News and Notes -- The leaves are falling ev’rywhere, and now the larks and swallows that filled with song the summer air have left for warmer meadows. – Song 529, verse 1 October brings the songs and sounds and sights of fall. Leaves have changed color and are dropping to the ground, farmers among us are finishing the harvest, and seasonal work is winding down. This month some congregations host Fall Services or All Saints’ Day services, and our Canadian brothers and sisters celebrate Thanksgiving. Before long, our attention will turn toward Advent and Christmas and the many year-end gatherings and activities that come with them. The LLC Board meets in October. The Board will hear reports from committees and continue its responsibility of overseeing the work and ensuring that it is carried out according to the operating plan approved at last year’s Annual Meeting. Daniel Kumpula has ended his daily work at the LLC office. As we look ahead, the needs of the administrative, pastoral, and mission work areas are being assessed, including what roles may need to be filled. There is plenty of work to do, and we continue to fit and prioritize the work according to the needs of the coming days, trusting that God will provide and guide the work as He allows. Updates on LLC Activities Publications Eeva Nikula has accepted the LLC Publications and Broadcast coordinator position. She began September 1, 2026. Her role adds broadcast coordinator responsibilities beyond the previous position. Service broadcasts for Winter and Summer Services require ongoing support and some relief will be provided to the volunteer committee with this expansion of the coordinator role. The Toronto congregation will be recording a Christmas album with children’s voices. The recording is scheduled during a weekend in October. Music album recording continues on a regular basis. The goal is to produce 4–5 music albums each year. A publications release is being planned to coincide with the October Board of Directors meeting. If all goes well we hope to release the following items: – Music Album Hear Us, Almighty, a collection of songs and hymns that align with the end of the Church calendar year – A Time to Build recounts Laestadian Lutheran Church history from its founding in 1973–1999 – Resolute, a fictional book following the main character, Ellinor, through her experiences as a believing youth – The Fall into Sin, an illustrated children’s book written with the young reader in mind. Pastoral Ministers and Wives camp was held at Kamp Kipa September 18–20. Over fifty couples from across North America attended. Facilities and Events As the camp season winds down, we thank the seasonal camp staff, caretakers, kitchen volunteers, directors, teachers, counselors, and many others whose service helped make this a successful camp year. The annual Camp Board Members Workshop will be held October 9–10 at Prairie Shores Camp. Hosted by a different camp board each year, the workshop brings together camp board members and others involved in camp planning from across LLC congregations. This year’s focus will be on different regional models for organizing and operating camp work, clarifying the roles of LLC and regional camp boards, and identifying shared needs and opportunities for cooperation. Planning for the 2027 LLC Summer Services in Toronto begins with a kickoff meeting on October 17. Heads have been selected for many of the work areas and will meet with LLC staff to review the planning structure, clarify responsibilities, and begin preparations for the services.

Gary Hoikka | The Voice of Zion September 2026 - The Sabbath Word 4 -- Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body: not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh. – Colossians 2:16–23 This Bible portion, from Paul’s letter to the Colossians, explains to us the gift of a Christian’s freedom, which is the theme for the fourth Sunday in September, the Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost in the church lectionary. We can ask ourselves, what is Christian freedom, and how can we preserve this freedom? In the temporal sense, freedom can be defined as being free from debt or obligation to someone else. There are many examples of this that are familiar to each of us, no matter our age. When we are young, we are given chores to do at home, and we are obligated to be obedient to our parents and do these chores. When we become adults, we may purchase a car or a home, and we often have a loan or a mortgage to enable this type of purchase. We are then obligated to earn a wage so that we can pay this debt we owe. Freedom comes when the chore is completed or the loan is fully paid. Through reason, we can clearly understand this. We can complete work to release us from debt or obligation and thereby earn freedom. The Christian freedom that is spoken of in our text is not a freedom that can be earned or achieved by works. This freedom is a gift from our heavenly Father through the merit work of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Jesus earned this freedom for us by coming to earth and being victorious over temptation, sin, the world, and Satan. He also achieved victory over death through His resurrection. It is only through believing our sins forgiven in the gospel message and trusting God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit to be our only Lord that we can own this Christian freedom. Owning this freedom is not a burden; it is a grace gift and the only true freedom found on earth. Because we are flesh and blood, our mind desires reason to guide our understanding. Through reason, we can be tempted to try to earn righteousness through works. This is exactly what Paul warns about, “Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink” (v. 16). As humans, we can be tempted by the praise of our fellow humans. Perhaps we desire the compliments of others that we have been eating healthy and taking good care of our bodies. This is very prevalent in social media today, and it is an area of watchfulness for a child of God. God has created each one of us, and He has created us just as He wants us to be. God provides for our daily needs and has richly blessed us with the necessities of life. We do not want to measure one another based on outward things, such as diet or appearance, for this is contrary to God’s Word. Paul’s letter continues: “Let no man therefore judge you…in respect of a holy day, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days” (v. 16). Here God’s Word instructs that our actions in, or even our attendance of, religious services are not works that will earn salvation. Nor should we attend church services or serve in God’s kingdom to earn the praise of others. We can simply attend church services and perform our given duties with joy in our heart that God has called us to be one of His own. Although we are imperfect people, we can do these tasks or actions with the gifts that God has given us and with the knowledge that Jesus has fully paid the price of our sins on the cross. We can believe in this to experience true Christian freedom. In the final verses of this Bible portion, Paul writes, “(Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed a show of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honor to the satisfying of the flesh” (v. 21–23). Paul is reminding the believers of his time, and also us today, that even though our mind may interpret actions of humility, open worship, and temporal righteousness to be seen as positive and good in the eyes of others, these actions, if done for the purpose of showing or elevating ourselves, will have no benefit to our soul’s eternal salvation. If done for show and praise, these actions will only puff up our own mind and cause self-righteousness to work in us. This does not mean we should not do good deeds or respect the laws of our land and the leaders God has placed in power. Indeed, God’s Word instructs us to love our neighbors and to be helpful to them, and that we need to be obedient to our leaders. God’s Word also instructs us and encourages us to attend services and to be with the believers for the benefit of our faith. As it is recorded in Hebrews, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Heb. 10:25). We do not do these actions to gain righteousness or salvation, but rather we do these things because the Holy Spirit within us guides us to do that which is right. We can preserve the gift of living faith and the Holy Spirit in our hearts by believing the gospel message. The gospel removes all the sins, doubts, and shortcomings that we experience on this journey, strengthening our faith to take yet another step on this narrow way to heaven. We experience true Christian freedom when we believe that precious gospel message: Dear son or daughter, your sins are forgiven in Jesus’ name and blood. When we endeavor in this freedom here on earth, we will then experience the freedom and peace that no words can describe when God calls us home to heaven one day.

Taryn Laulainen | The Voice of Zion September 2026 - Round the Table articles -- Youth from the Utah Valley congregation share reflections about using social media with a believing heart. I’ve been an active social media user for the past ten or so years, and during this time, social media has changed many times over. In the early days of being online, it was much easier to manage our social media feeds. Now, with the never-ending scroll, we are never more than a tap or scroll away from more and more content. In recent years, social media has moved to algorithm-based feeds that are designed to maximize the amount of time spent online. With these developments, I’ve found it much more common to see things from people, companies or influencers I don’t actively follow. I’ve had to exercise much caution so I don’t end up scrolling for hours. There is always more to see, and seeing just one more post never seems to bring satisfaction. As I get older, I find social media to be an escape in more of a negative context. I’m an introvert by nature, so I’ve made an effort to avoid scrolling at church, haps, when playing card or board games or during meals. Having space in my life that is free from social media allows for better conversation and connections with others. When I started using social media, I spent a lot of time thinking about it. What should I post? What captions should go with each post? What should I comment on my friend’s post? But as time passes, I find I’ve gained confidence in myself as a person. I’ve become more secure in my faith and my opinions, which makes it easier to post authentically and allows me to present myself online in a way that is true to my personality. As I have gotten older, I’ve used social media and posted less frequently, especially as I have seen how a comment or post may go much further than intended. As widely as our circles can reach online, I find face-to-face connections to be more genuine. An online smile, though, is still good every once in a while. Social Media Swirl Abby Tolkkinen, Lillie Plough and Jessica Erickson Comparison When we look at other people’s pictures on social media, it can feel like we’re falling behind. We may think, “Wow, my life seems so boring and unfulfilling compared to theirs,” and try to copy them. For instance, we might go on a beach trip with friends and post fun pictures just because that’s what others are doing, and not because it’s something we truly wanted to do. Sometimes it’s less stressful just to avoid social media altogether, just to get away from the constant comparison and the social pressure. Negative feelings usually have less to do with the technology or platform itself, and more to do with how social media exposes our own insecurities. Ultimately, it all comes down to how we use it. Doomscrolling It’s easy to doomscroll for hours. The longer we do it, the more we stray into dangerous areas, and we can find ourselves watching videos that harm us. When we finally put the phone down, we feel dumb for wasting so much time. Even when doing other activities, such as reading, it’s easy to pick up the phone and start scrolling. Doomscrolling is mentally draining. It eats up our time and distracts us from going outside or doing other activities. Authenticity People are different on social media than they are in real life. But it’s still possible to be authentic on social media. As a viewer, it’s easy to think that someone else is having a perfect life when we only see their highlight reels. But we don’t always need to share our hard days either. It’s fun to see the exciting things friends and family get to do, even if they only are posting the good things that happen. What is doomscrolling? Dictionaries and mental health experts define doomscrolling as the habit of compulsively scrolling through negative or distressing news, videos, or social media posts, even when doing so leaves us feeling anxious, discouraged, angry, or emotionally drained. Unlike ordinary mindless scrolling, doomscrolling centers on upsetting content. As we continue scrolling, social media algorithms often show us more of the same, creating a cycle in which anxious feelings lead to more scrolling, and more scrolling increases anxiety and stress.

Todd and Connie Erickson | The Voice of Zion September 2026 - Home and Family articles -- Listen to your father, who gave you life and do not despise your mother when she is old. – Proverbs 23:22, NIV We’ve spent the past 30 years raising our children to adulthood. As we move toward retirement and reflect on life, questions and thoughts swirl: How will our children remember their childhood home? I hope our children haven’t picked up our bad habits. I hope they have more patience than me. I hope they don’t remember a sharp response or harsh words when things don’t go smoothly. I hope they are quicker to forgive. Will our weaknesses and shortcomings as parents stand out? A parent’s lot is never to feel confident in our ability to raise children. Believing parents want their children to grow up in an environment that supports faith: going to services, Bible class, Sunday school and camps. We pray for guidance, and that our children would learn to love God and His kingdom despite our frailties and failings as parents. When parents and children freely share the gospel, worries and sorrows fade. Children remember the love and warmth of their believing childhood home. Even ones who later lose the gift of living faith are often thankful for their Christian upbringing. Now as our older children move away and the house gradually empties, we have more time for ourselves, as a couple. This is a nice blessing. But it’s important to remember not to move on too quickly and neglect the care and guidance that our children at home still need. The words of the hymn Good and Gracious Lord are especially fitting: “Good and gracious Lord, Thank You for our home, for our family and our loved ones, for the life which you have given, all those dear to me, precious gifts from Thee” (SHZ 431:1). Adolescents Need Parental Involvement in Their Lives Gail Korpi Adolescence can be a difficult time for a young person’s parents. Parents might find themselves withdrawing from their adolescent child. Sometimes parents withdraw because they are frustrated or confused by the situation and wish to avoid conflict. Perhaps a busy and stressful schedule deprives them of the energy and patience needed to effectively communicate with their child. Or they may even be so wrapped up in their own matters that they can’t bring themselves to care – a fruit of cold, selfish indifference. Parents might even fear that they will lose their child’s love and respect if they are seen to be interfering in his or her life. But when parents withdraw from an adolescent child, they desert him or her when parental support and guidance is needed most. A wide variety of cultural, political and religious beliefs surround us in our multicultural society, and many of these values are at odds with the teaching of God’s Word and kingdom. When confronted by trends, values and beliefs that challenge or belittle the values and beliefs they learned at home, adolescents may feel confused or overwhelmed. It is important for young people to test and evaluate their beliefs. But they also crave parental respect and support and need boundaries for their own safety and security. Outwardly, adolescents seem to resent their parents at times. But inwardly, most admire and esteem their parents. They respect their parents’ judgment and advice. Nevertheless, conflicts may arise when the parents and the adolescent both feel a need to assert their own will. Conflicts arise when an adolescent tests the boundaries to see whether the stated limits are the same as the actual limits. Sometimes an adolescent, perhaps unknowingly, feels a need to test the strength of a parent’s convictions to see whether they are the sincere values of the heart or merely the hollow assertions of the mouth. Believing youth and parents are not immune to the difficulties and conflicts of adolescence. Believing parents may be tempted to withdraw from their children’s lives during this time. If believing adolescents feel that their parents are uninterested in them, they are unlikely to approach their parents when meaningful concerns arise. Balancing the adolescent need for independence with their need for boundaries and security requires a delicate mixture of firmness, empathy and patience. Sincere questions about a child’s whereabouts, company and activities – as well as making reasonable rules and curfews – all convey the parents’ concern for their children and give a sense of security. In the heat of the moment, adolescents may express resentment at what they perceive to be a lack of trust or unnecessary interference. But later in life they often come to recognize the security it provided. In certain localities there are many believing young people who form a cohesive group. It is a great blessing to have believing peers. But even in groups, believing young people are susceptible to temptation. Young people who are experiencing spiritual struggles often form their own splinter groups, where they more freely engage in unwholesome activities. Parents should not assume that adolescents are fully equipped with all the skills they need to properly support one another. It is not healthy for adolescents to spend their free time only with other youth. Believing adolescents need the stabilizing influence and role models that are found in the company of believing adults. Believing adults are real-life examples who have tested the beliefs and values that they learned in childhood and found them to be reliable and true. This in no way diminishes the fact that adolescents still need the support and guidance of their parents. Parents must work hard to keep the lines of communication open throughout their child’s life. When communication is open and free, it is possible for parents and adolescents to discuss matters, particularly matters that weigh heavily or are confusing. Together, they can search God’s Word for answers on the questions of salvation, and for the sure foundation to build their lives on. The gospel is the healing medicine for the wounds and offenses that often occur between parents and children. But adolescence is not all conflict and difficulty. It is also a rich and rewarding time. This is especially true where God’s Spirit and love operate. This is an excerpt from the book Fortifying the Foundation: Keeping a Christian Household (LLC 2016, pp. 152–154). When My Child Starts Looking Kyösti Heikkilä When I was young, I remember thinking how the adult world seems to offer so many captivating things: independence, freedom, opportunity and more. I impatiently waited for adulthood. It felt like time was creeping along too slowly. But since I’ve become an adult, things have felt just the opposite. In adulthood, time runs away, and we quickly fly through different phases in life. I’ve experienced how the children I seemingly just carried in my arms have grown up and are beginning to find their own spouses. As a weak father, I offer advice and encouragement to you, a young person, and to myself as well. God gives us various stages in life: childhood, youth, adulthood, and old age. The time of youth is spent preparing for the responsibilities of adulthood. Marriage and family are wonderful gifts, but they also come with duties, obligations and much work. They require maturity. For this reason, I hope you do not begin courting too young. Prepare yourself for it. Remember that believers do not casually date one another just for fun; rather, we court with marriage in mind. If someone is not ready for marriage – physically, psychologically, emotionally or spiritually – then he or she is not ready to start courting. Believing young people want their lifelong companion also to be in living faith. It’s impossible to build a complete life together – where everything, including the Holy Spirit, is shared – with someone who is outside of God’s kingdom. We don’t want to play with serious matters, such as courtship with someone who isn’t believing. Remember, you can approach your heavenly father in prayer, asking Him to reveal a companion and to give a spouse. Even after you begin courting, you can pray together that God would give you to each other in marriage. The times of courtship and engagement are intended for getting to know each other. But during these times, you do not belong to each other yet. For this reason, it is important to remember the Holy Spirit’s advice, as Paul writes, “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Tim. 2:22). Nowadays, many young people freely share that they have decided to start courting, and their courtship begins openly. This is a beautiful way of doing things. Courting couples who do this are not looking to hide in the corners or shadows where many dangers lurk. It makes me happy to see my child’s companion freely coming into our house and feeling at home with our family. But it’s important to remember that the time of courtship certainly includes much more than courtship itself. Study, work, home, and the other believers all continue to be a part of life, and courtship should not push them aside. As a parent, I also want to remind myself about a few important matters concerning my child’s courtship. My children have their own lives, which include establishing their own households and families. Courtship and the selection of a spouse are early parts of this process. They will find their spouses on their own and as God allows. I want to pray for my child and ask God to give my child a suitable spouse. Fatherhood obligates me to talk with my children about the responsibilities and duties of marriage, and to remind them how important a pure courtship is. Oh, how I wish to do this lovingly – as an escort and friend! My own personal experience prompts me to share these thoughts, and I believe that many fathers and mothers also share them. You, our young people, are the children of many prayers! Remember that the grace altar is found in God’s kingdom, and that someone who is weak and faulty has permission to approach it. The blood of our Lord Jesus cleanses penitent ones from the faults of life’s journey. When you thus endeavor to keep faith, God will bless your life. This is an excerpt from the book Fortifying the Foundation: Keeping a Christian Household (LLC 2016, pp. 89–91). A Psalm for Parents Your precious gems from heaven – the young blessed to our care – Lord, give us strength to raise them. Your Gospel help us share, to teach of Jesus’ mercy, of His abundant grace, until at home in glory we see His loving face. Alone we cannot do this, we need God’s kingdom here. As Mother, She directs us and quells our every fear. Our children, She protects them within Her warm embrace. Oh, may they always hearken and heed Her call to faith. We pray, on life’s endeavor in faith they would remain, that they forsake it never, and heaven’s shore attain. And when the battle’s ended, their travel staff set down, Lord, take them home to heaven as jewels for Your crown. Ed Tolkkinen, 2024, rev. 2026 Instructions from Scripture How shall the young secure their hearts and guard their time of youth? God’s Word the counsel best imparts to live in love and truth. Your Word, O God, is heav’nly light that guides us all the day, and through the dangers of the night a lamp to lead our way. Among the children in Your fold Your Word is preached and known. They travel on the paths of old where living faith is sown. Your teachings give direction wise to walk the narrow road. Oh, quash vain thoughts in me that rise. Oh, help me love Your Word. Your Word is everlasting truth; how pure is every page! Your Holy Book shall guide our youth, and well support our age. Isaac Watts 1719; alt. Aaron Wuollet 2026 Discussion questions When is a parent’s job done? How do relationships between parents and children change as children grow older and begin to move out of the home? What are some things parents and their young adult children can do to establish and maintain a positive and mutually beneficial relationship? In what ways can parents continue to support, mentor and encourage their children who have left the nest? The fourth commandment instructs us to honor our parents, and God’s Word gives no expiration date for it. How do young adult children continue to honor and esteem their parents? Who is responsible for putting more effort into building a positive relationship – parents or their adult children? Why?

Arvin Pirness | The Voice of Zion September 2026 -News and NoteS -- As another summer draws to a close, the familiar rhythms of autumn begin once again. Children return to school and to Sunday school, congregational activities resume after busy summer months, and fields in many places are beginning to yield their harvest. These changing seasons remind us of God’s continued care, both for our daily needs and for our souls. We give thanks for the many blessings of the summer – services, camps, weddings, visits, and opportunities for Christian fellowship that strengthened and encouraged believers. Now, as many return to their daily routines, we remember that God continues to gather and preserve His congregation through His living Word. We remember those who have begun a new year of study at the opistos in Finland, praying that God would bless and keep them as they learn and study. May He grant His blessing also to children returning to Sunday school, to teachers and workers serving in His kingdom, and to each of us as we continue our journey together toward our heavenly home. Following this summer’s Annual Meeting, some matters have been returned to the congregations for further discussion. As delegates seek input from those they represent, we encourage members to participate thoughtfully in these conversations. May God grant wisdom and unity as we seek His guidance together. Updates on LLC Activities Publications It was refreshing to see the many visits to the Summer Services bookstore, July 2–5, 2026. Items that sold out at Summer Services are now back in stock. For example, Hymns Ascending: Songs and Hymns of Zion for Classical Guitar is once again available through the LLC Office and online bookstore. Progress continues on books planned for release by the end of 2026: – They Call Her Blessed is a collection of writings to support mothers of all ages, especially in our current times, when life is busy, large families are less appreciated, self is often emphasized and the world continues to move further away from God. –The Fall into Sin, a children’s Bible story book, is in its final layout and is planned for release later this fall. –Fiction novels are a relatively new form of publication in North American Zion. The first, Time for Words, tells the story of young people navigating the common struggles of the teen years. It remains our hope and prayer that two or three additional novels will be completed this year. Pastoral The 2026 Ministers and Wives Camp will be held at Kamp Kipa on September 18–20. We encourage ministers and their wives to attend if they are able. Kyösti Pieviläinen of Joensuu, Finland, will arrive for the SRK Fall Speaking Trip on October 2 and depart on October 26. We welcome the Pieviläinens and look forward to their visits with many North American congregations.

Adeline Moll | The Voice of Zion September 2026 - Camp Matters article -- The LLC Language Camp was held at Kamp Kipa in Arizona July 7–13. The camp welcomed a group of 53 youth and leaders from Finland, along with North American participants, directors, teachers, and counselors, for a total attendance of 73. The Finnish group was accompanied by Mauno and Heli Soronen and Hannu and Kaisa Kinnunen as group leaders. Following participation in LLC Summer Services in Minnesota, Language Camp formed one part of the group’s month-long visit, which also included visiting several North American congregations. This was the first time the camp was held at Kamp Kipa, allowing the group to experience the well-loved camp setting in the Arizona mountains while building friendships, strengthening language skills, and, above all, gathering around God’s Word. Camp days included language lessons, presentations, devotions, and fellowship. Campers hiked to the fire tower overlooking the surrounding mountains, where one evening ended with singing and a devotion. The group also traveled to Sedona and the Grand Canyon, giving many participants their first opportunity to experience some of Arizona’s remarkable landscapes. Language lessons and small-group activities gave participants daily opportunities to practice one another’s languages, with Finnish participants learning English and North American participants learning Finnish, while building friendships across cultures. Liina Heilimo of Oulu, Finland, had long hoped to attend Summer Services in North America and saw Language Camp as the perfect opportunity. She looked forward to making new believing friends, being strengthened in faith, and experiencing places she had heard so much about. Visiting the Grand Canyon was “like living in a dream!” she said, but some of her favorite memories came through conversations with new friends. “I’ve had such nice discussions with Americans, and those have been one of the best things here.” She encouraged other young people to attend if given the opportunity. “It’s so lovely to get to know people around the world. Here you can learn about both Finnish and American culture, and it was wonderful to come here and meet people who have the same faith as we have.” Those same friendships left a lasting impression on participants from North America as well. For Allie Johnson of the Alaska Congregation, the camp was an opportunity to prepare for a future year at Opisto while meeting Finnish believers. “The biggest impression is how faith surpasses language differences and different continents,” she shared. “Even when we didn’t speak the same language, there was still that connection we all shared.” She encouraged others not to let language differences discourage them. “Be prepared for the language barrier, but it doesn’t always matter if you’re not fluent in each other’s languages. Fellowship with believers doesn’t always look the same, and you’re often still able to connect in different ways.” Watching those friendships develop was especially meaningful for the Finnish group leaders Mauno and Heli Soronen. Mauno, who serves as rector of the Haapavesi parish and is a member of the board of the Reisjärvi Opisto, has participated in previous Language Camp trips. Reflecting on the purpose of the camp, Mauno said, “The purpose of this trip has been to grow stronger in our shared faith, in love, and in language. These goals have been achieved exceptionally well.” He was especially encouraged by how naturally the young people connected. “Perhaps the biggest impression has been the warm welcome we have received and how quickly believing young people from different countries connected with one another. Despite their different cultures, they found unity through their shared faith and values.” Soronen also shared the experience of one young person who had hesitated before making the trip because of the cost and uncertainty about making friends. Looking back, that participant now speaks of the friendships formed and the blessing of spending a month with believers in North America. Soronen’s advice to future participants is simple: “Come with an open mind, without prejudices. The trip is a great adventure, and the perspective of faith is a valuable part of it.” Above all, he encouraged young people to pray that God would grant them the opportunity to participate with a believing heart. As Language Camp came to a close, participants left with greater confidence in using another language, new friendships, and memories of Arizona’s mountains and canyons. Yet, as many reflected throughout the week, the greatest blessing was experiencing how the fellowship of faith reaches across languages, cultures, and continents.