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Denise Nevala | The Voice of Zion February 2025 - Column --  I never thought I was a writer. When I thought of writing, I imagined “those types of people,” those who are inspired to be authors someday. I think back to my high school years, many years ago. I remember one teacher that inspired me about writing in my senior English class. We had to keep a journal and write on certain topics either from a chosen list or we could create our own topics weekly. I surprised myself and found that journaling was a task that I enjoyed and excelled at. It peeled a new layer from my inner thoughts. Over my single years, I kept a journal by my bed. I documented my thoughts when I was in college, my daily life, or when I was traveling. After I got married, my journal was again at my bedside. I poured out my heart of all my joys, sorrows and trials. It was by journaling that I talked through pen and drawings. As the children came, the stories were captured in my journal.  When I read through these journals today, I marvel at some of the children’s stories. I would not remember them today had I not written them down. I also read through my accounts of some of my trials, and I wonder why I was upset about silly things. Clearly, I was growing through life’s experiences. Shedding and regrowing myself as I experienced life. As the children moved away from home, I turned my focus on hobbies and other things to fill my evenings. We lived in Minnesota at this time, and a friend encouraged me to come to a gathering where people who wrote for the LLC developed their interests and skills. “No strings attached!” she said. “No commitment to write anything for the LLC publications.”   It was a nice way to meet new people and it was fun. We did some writing exercises to get thoughts and ink flowing. One particular exercise was to write for one-minute whatever thoughts came to mind. I was really hesitant to share. These were some experienced writers in the room. I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and shared. I thought for sure they would all laugh at my elementary writing. And they did laugh, not at me, but at what I wrote. All I had written about was pens scritch-scratching away and the people around the table who held the pens. The point of the exercise was to get your pen warmed up and your inspiration kicked in. Over the years, the writing group met monthly in homes, coffee shops, online Zoom, or the LLC office. Sometimes employees from the communications department would join us and feed us some of their thoughts. What if you took that story and flipped the ending to the beginning? What about if you turned that thought into a poem? Have you ever written a memoir? The writing exercises continued, inspiring many forms of writing: poetry, short fiction, articles, blogs, podcasts, novels and children’s books. In addition to this wonderful world of self-expression, the writing group provided me with so many new friends from many congregations. There are many blessings in serving God’s kingdom. Serving in publications has really touched my heart. I have been served in so many ways when I am asked to do an assignment, or I have raised my hand to say I can help. And yet, the doubts come, and I wonder what have I just done? I have interviewed believers for articles or podcasts, and I don’t feel like the work is mine. God’s guiding hand leads me to hear this person’s story. Another type of assignment, say a challenging art assignment around a biblical theme or passage also brings blessings. This type of assignment has led me to read, research, and visit with other believers about how they understand it. I continue to learn and be served. Do not be afraid to put your gifts on the exchange table. We don’t see our own gifts, but other believers see gifts. I encourage you – yes, you – to try joining or forming your own writing or art group. Explore and learn from each other. God will bless as He always does.

The Voice of Zion February 2025 - Home and Family Articles --  Baptism is more than just a ritual—it is a promise of a clean conscience before humans and God. It symbolizes the washing away of sin and constitutes a person’s entry into a covenant relationship with God. Whether for a baby or an adult, baptism reminds us of God’s grace for all who repent and believe the Gospel. Godparents play an important role in the baptized believer’s journey of faith. They help guide and support the person in their life of faith that reflects their covenant of a good conscience made in baptism. Choosing godparents is an important decision as they will be there to nurture and encourage the child of God for years to come. Baptism is both a gift of grace and a lifelong promise rooted in living faith and supported by our godparents, the Holy Spirit, and the mother congregation. It is a sacred covenant—like a contract—that represents the forgiveness of sins and a promise to live with a clean conscience in Christ. In this way, baptism serves as a seal of our covenant with God, and when our journey ends with the testimony of a conscience kept clean by the blood of the Lamb, we are assured that God will keep His covenant promise and bring us home to dwell with Him forever in heaven. Tyler Anderson God gave us two sacraments to support our faith: the sacrament of the altar and the sacrament of baptism. An important part of a Christian’s faith, baptism is both a symbol and a sacred act that marks a believer’s covenant relationship with God. Baptism represents the washing away of sins and the start of a life in the care of the Holy Spirit and mother congregation. Baptism is rooted in a long history starting in the Old Testament and finds its full meaning in the baptism of Jesus and His command to baptize people throughout the world (Matt. 28:19-20). History of Baptism The word “baptism” comes from the Greek word baptisma,  which means to wash, dip, or immerse. This idea of immersion in water is important because it goes back to Old Testament practices of washing to become clean (e.g., Exod. 29:4 and Lev. 8:6). In Jewish traditions, water was used to cleanse a person of impurities. However, the true power of baptism is not in the water itself but in the Word of God that is present with the water and received through faith. Baptism signifies regeneration and a new beginning, as Luther explains, by daily drowning the old Adam within us through sorrow and repentance and allowing the new being to rise each day to live before God in righteousness and purity forever. In essence, baptism is a covenant of a good conscience in Christ (1 Pet. 3:21). John the Baptist called people unto repentance and baptized them as a sign of their repentance (Matt. 3:11). Jesus Himself was baptized, not because He needed forgiveness, but to begin His work according to God’s plan (Matt. 3:15-17). The practice of baptism not only has roots in the Old Testament and extends into the New Testament, but its significance also carries forth to Christians today. Luther tells us in his Small Catechism that baptism is “the water comprehended in God’s command and connected with God’s Word.” For Christians today, baptism shows they are entering into a covenant relationship with God, in the same way circumcision once showed a covenant relationship in the Old Testament (Rom. 4:11). Essentially, baptism is the spiritual counterpart of circumcision (Col. 2:6, 11-12). Through baptism, a believer’s faith is connected to Jesus’ death and resurrection, showing that they are leaving sin behind and committing to live a life in Christ (Rom. 6:4). Infant Baptism Most often we baptize children, who have the greatest faith in the kingdom of God (Matt. 18:1-6, Mark 10:14). Baptism is not just an act of faith but also a sacrament—an outward sign enjoined by Christ that conveys God’s spiritual blessings through faith. Thus, such a child is welcomed into the Church of believers (1 Cor. 12:13, Eph. 4:5). For infants, baptism demonstrates God’s grace and the hope that as they grow, they will confirm their faith when they reach an age of understanding. Aaron Niemela of New River, Ariz., shares a heartfelt example of how baptism has been a special event in his family’s life: “Something that has been really special to Jackie and me is we asked Kenny Wuollet to baptize many of our kids. It was a nice opportunity to have Kenny and Maureen over for a Sunday afternoon of visiting and listening to stories. During these baptisms there was always a direct message and reminder of the important role of the parents, godparents, grandparents, friends, and family in this child’s life.” In the New Testament, whole families, including children, were baptized (Acts 16:33). This shows that baptism is for everyone no matter the age. Hebrew baby boys were circumcised as a sign of their covenant with God (Gen. 17:10-14); Christian infants are baptized to show they belong to the new covenant of grace in Jesus Christ (Gal. 3:27). Role of Godparents An important aspect of baptism is the role of godparents, or sponsors, which has evolved over time. In early Christianity, they acted as witnesses, vouching for the spiritual character of the adult baptized. Later, their role expanded to guiding the baptized in their journey of faith. Today, godparents focus on helping to raise baptized children in the Christian faith. Joanne Anderson of Phoenix, Ariz., reflects on the joy and responsibility of this sacred role: “I was baptized in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1948 by an elderly believing man, who was a snowbird from Sweden, named Dr. Dickenson. Since we were the only believing family in Phoenix at the time, there were only my parents and grandma and grandpa Henry and Anne Koistinen attending my baptism. Later in life, I became a godparent myself. I feel blessed to have many special godchildren. I feel like I haven’t been a good godmother to these dear ones, but as I have gotten older, I truly value the friendships I have established with many of them. We receive good instruction especially for godparents when we attend baptisms. It’s an important role and the blessings are abundant when we can keep in contact with dear godchildren.” Godparents promise to help guide the child in faith, teach them the ABCs of Living Faith, pray for them, and encourage them to endeavor as a believer. Godparents can be an important influence in the faith life of a child of God. When choosing godparents, parents should ask those who will be good examples for the child, those with a sincere testimony of living faith, (1 Cor. 4:2). Godparents are not just ceremonial figures but are entrusted with a serious responsibility to guide and support the godchild’s journey of faith. It is important that godparents are baptized believers who have been confirmed in their faith; in other words, persons confirmation-age or older. Parents should think carefully about who will be able to provide ongoing spiritual support, prayer, and mentorship for the child in their life of faith. Baptism and Repentance Some people may wonder, “Are our sins forgiven in baptism, or do we need to be a believer first?” Scriptures tells us that repentance and faith should occur before the sacrament of baptism. In the New Testament, people were baptized after they became believers in Jesus (Acts 2:38). Baptism is an outward sign of an inner peace of conscience. Logan Nickerson of the Phoenix Congregation shares how baptism has strengthened his faith: “Baptism has been a very important and impactful part of my life, especially in my life of faith. I think of all the many siblings, God’s children, and children of my own that God has blessed into my life. This has given opportunity many times to gather around God’s Word, hearing that unchanging Word, and witnessing the sacrament of baptism has given me great comfort. I feel each time that it’s strengthened my own faith. Through this, we can see once again how God cares for us and keeps us as His own.” As Josephus and Dead Sea Scroll sources dated to the time of Jesus indicate, baptism is a sacred act performed after a soul is righteous. In some instances, such as in Acts 8 with the Samaritans, there appears to be a delay between baptism and the reception of the Holy Spirit. This may suggest that their hearts were pricked but not yet fully prepared at the time of their baptism, and it wasn’t until later when they received their sins forgiven through the Apostles Peter and John that they received the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:14-17). This also happened in Ephesus, where new Christian converts did not know of the Holy Spirit until after their baptism when Apostle Paul preached the gospel unto them (Acts 19:1-7). In these cases, it wasn’t necessary for these Christians to be baptized again, even though they were in the latter case. Similarly, today when a worldly Christian repents and receives forgiveness by believing the gospel of the kingdom from a believer (Matt. 24:14, Mark 16:16), we do not hold that they must be baptized once again. This reminds us that the grace given in baptism is sufficient and always in effect on God’s part but is not fully realized until there is the presence of the Holy Spirit found in the heart.   Sources: Barry, J. D., et al. (2012). Faithlife Study Bible  [Mobile app]. Lexham Press. Blue Letter Bible. (2024). Interlinear Bible  [Mobile app]. Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org Dead Sea Scroll 1QS. (n.d.). The Rule of the Community. Josephus. Antiquities of the Jews.  18.116-119. Luther, M. (n.d.). Luther’s Small Catechism.  Concordia Publishing House. Plass, E. M. (1994). What Luther Says.  Concordia Publishing House. The Holy Bible: King James Version. (n.d.). Uljas, J. (2003). The Treasure Hidden in a Field. Laestadian Lutheran Church. We Can Sing of Baptism Mary Hillukka Our songs and hymns of Zion speak beautifully of the sacrament of baptism. It is a blessing to sing these songs and learn from them. The Small Catechism is also familiar to us. It explains to young children and all ages what baptizing signifies. “We also should walk in newness of life,” as written in Romans 6:4. Forgiveness for my sins I own through Jesus’ merit work alone; His blood has cleansed my heart from stain, and I was baptized in His name; through faith alone, which works by love, I am a joyful child of God. SHZ 197:2 W: Sebaldus Heyden, 1545 Heav’nly Father, You have raised me early to Your kind embrace, and in my baptismal covenant You have promised me Your grace. Blessings ev’ry day You send – You are my Eternal Friend. SHZ 458:1 W: Jakob Thimoteus Jacobsson, 1875 Sing to the Lord! Hopeful, in prayer – His promise is sure, now and fore’er! Family and friends, godparents too, brothers and sisters who love you, Dear one, for you we pray, stay in His grace each day, always secure in the family of God. SHZ 226:3 W: Anna-Mari Kaskinen, 2002 Discussion Questions 1. What does baptism mean to you? 2. In what ways does baptism serve as a covenant of grace that symbolizes the following things: a. absolution b. a new beginning c. ties to Old Testament washing practices? 3. What important things should parents consider when selecting godparents? 4. How can those godparents support the child’s life of faith? How have your godparents helped you along life’s way? 5. How are the sacrament of baptism, the baptism mentioned in Christ’s Mission Command (Matt. 28:19), and the receiving of the Holy Spirit related (Acts 11:14-16)?

Jim Frantti | The Voice of Zion February 2025 - The Sabbath Word 2 Article --  Therefore, O thou son of man, speak unto the house of Israel; Thus ye speak, saying, If our transgressions and our sins be upon us, and we pine away in them, how should we then live? Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? Therefore, thou son of man, say unto the children of thy people, The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression: as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness; neither shall the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in the day that he sinneth. When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it. Again, when I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; if he turn from his sin, and do that which is lawful and right; If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die. None of his sins that he hath committed shall be mentioned unto him: he hath done that which is lawful and right; he shall surely live. – Ezekiel 33:10-16 Prophet Ezekiel was among the Jews in exile in Babylon in the 5th century BC. The Jews had been brought in captivity away from their homeland. They longed to return and especially clung to the memory of Jerusalem. They received the news that Jerusalem had been destroyed, and now they asked, “If our transgressions and our sins be upon us, and we pine away in them, how should we then live?” They saw, in the destruction of Jerusalem, God’s punishment for their sins and felt that hope was now gone. In some way, the people looked to their own righteousness as being needed to please God. He was not pleased with their goodness and merit, and now they had lost hope. It is a human way to look to a person’s goodness or evil to explain things that happen in one’s life or to measure who is acceptable to God. However, God’s ways are above our ways. Once when Jesus and His disciples encountered a blind man, the disciples asked, “Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?” (John 9:2). Jesus explained that his blindness was not a result of his sins nor the sins of his parents. Sometimes when God’s children confess that there is only one kingdom of God and one fellowship of believers on earth, they are accused of thinking that they are better than others in this world. God’s children, on the other hand, acknowledge that we are great sinners and no better than others. What is in question is human righteousness versus God’s righteousness. When we compare human righteousness, we see that there are many good people in this world. However, when we compare to God’s righteousness and the demands of His holy law, we find that all have sinned and come short of God’s glory (Rom. 3:23). Righteousness of Faith Ezekiel had the duty to bring the message to the people of God’s righteousness, which is owned by faith and not by one’s own merits. The righteousness that is acceptable to God is joined to faith. The writer to the Hebrews expressed it this way, that without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb. 11:6). Jesus encouraged all people to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matt. 6:33). The righteousness of faith is often described as a day-old righteousness. When one is believing today, he or she owns this righteousness. Yesterday’s faith cannot save nor make righteous. Ezekiel clearly explains this in saying that if a person trusts to his own righteousness, and commits iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered (v. 13). On the other hand, he said that if a wicked person repents and turns from his ways none of his sins that he hath committed shall be mentioned unto him (v. 16). What matters to God is the condition of a person’s heart today. Thus, we believe for one day at a time and own this day-old righteousness of Jesus Christ. A Word of Promise The message of the prophet contains a word of promise that applies as well today as it did for the exiles in Babylon. A person cannot rely on his or her own goodness, merits, or righteousness. Often at a funeral or in the memorial obituary for a person who has passed away their good deeds or accomplishments are remembered. However, the message of the prophet is that the most important testimony is that one endeavored day by day in faith. The message of the prophet is one that encourages watchfulness in faith and that teaches of God’s great love. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). God still calls those who are in the darkness of unbelief unto repentance. To those traveling in faith, as Martin Luther once wrote, God daily and richly forgives all sins. When one is believing today, it is sufficient. Today we can live of the gospel, and we can place the cares of tomorrow in God’s hands.

Music Resources Do Not Webcast Song List When choosing songs, song leaders and organists should make sure they are not choosing songs that are in Do Not Webcast list for times when the broadcast is live. Often times the pre-service song and the closing songs are not webcast, so the placement of the song may allow you to sing the listed songs. Coordinate with your service director and webcaster as needed. Do Not Webcast List Copyright Information Copyright Information (PDF) Submit Music Submit Music Form SHZ Feedback Form Other Resources 2024 Lectionary Ideas for Song Services Songs to Sing at Communion SHZ Introductions Cross Reference Song Leader & Organist Guide Hymnal VK & SL 2016 Cross Reference Wedding Guide Wedding Music Ideas for Processionals and Recessionals Hymnal Metrical Index Song Leading Workshop September 2021 This video shows part of an actual lesson kept this fall for Elk River congregation song leaders. In this 15-minute excerpt, workshop leader Ben Huhta talks about e.g. pronunciation, breathing, preparing for higher notes and singing through long notes. Have your songbook handy when you follow along. Song Leaders & Organist Workshop - June 30, 2020 Introduction to Organ Hymn Introductions Hymn Playing Music in Congregation Life Music Committee Members Login This is intended for music committee members. If you should have access to this folder and don't, contact lkeranen@llchurch.org Choir Director Login This is intended for local choir directors. If you have an LLC choir and don't have access to this folder, contact lkeranen@llchurch.org

< Back Confirmation Day 5: I Need the Word Of Grace Each Day Day 5, Lesson 2: Repentance, a Change of Heart Objective Repentance is remorse over sin, believing the gospel, and the forsaking of sin; Repentance is entirely the work of God Learning Outcome Describe how an unbeliever’s life changes through repentance. Confirmation Exercise Questions #15. To whom does the Law belong according to the Bible? To the unbelieving. #19.What is true repentance or conversion? True repentance is remorse and distress over sin, believing in the proclamation of the forgiveness of sins in Jesus Christ. This is followed by a change of heart and battle against sin. Reference Material Booklet Song: This world of pain and loneliness / Brought only desolation. / Now I have hope and happiness, / True peace and consolation. / No more I roam, / But with His own, / I travel home, in Zion’s battling throng. (SHZ 321 v.6) Booklet Text: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son.(John 3:16) Additional Reference Material SCRIPTURE John 13:34,35; 17:11,21,22; Acts 2:42,44-47; Eph. 4:3-6; 1 John 5:1; 2 Kings 5; Luke 15:10-24; John 3:1-8; 10:9; Matt. 16:19; Acts 8:26-38; 9:1-18; 10:23-48; Rom. 10:13-17; John 3:16; Rom. 6:20-23; Eph. 2:8; Gal. 5:16-26; Tit. 3:1-8; James 2:17,18,20 CURRICULUM Lesson 3.8 ADDITIONAL LESSON POINTS There are three parts of conversion identified in the Augsburg Confession. Through the means of repentance narratives in the Bible and real-life experiences, the student will understand that God has established a single means of entering the fellowship of His grace which we call conversion. Conversion happens in only one way; it is not a process of evolving, but is a particular event which happens in the twinkling of an eye. RESOURCES By Faith 19a , By Faith 24 ; Christian Doctrine 71; Augsburg Confession Article XII The Treasure Hidden in the Field,J, Uljas, pages 41-48 VZ: Bible Concepts: Repentance, S. Särkiniemi, Feb. 1994, page 12 ;Repentance, J. Uljas, June 1998, page 5. Previous Next

Laestadian Lutheran Church of Illinois Contacts Chairman & Pastor Tim Niskanen 7430 Korbel Gurnee, IL 60031 Phone: 847-548-6884 Email: windycitynine@aol.com Service Schedule June–August Sunday Service 10:00 a.m. Communion Service first Sunday of month Bible Class last Sunday of month September–May Sunday School 10:00 a.m. Sunday Service 10:45 a.m. Communion Services first Sunday of month Bible Class last Sunday of month