Search Results

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!

Eric Jurmu | The Voice of Zion March 2022 - News and Notes -- With long winter nights behind us, March brings longer days and the hope of spring. March is also when LLC camp planning begins in earnest for the events of summer. March marks the Lenten season, which leads us to the celebration of Easter and reminds us of the hope in resurrection. 2022 LLC Summer Services were scheduled to be held in Longview, Washington. However, due to uncertainty surrounding organizing large events in Washington during the ongoing pandemic, the Longview congregation and Summer Services Event Planning Committee (EPC) have deferred hosting LLC Summer Services until 2024. As a result, the LLC Board has approved moving the 2022 Summer Services to the LLC-owned property at Silver Springs in Monticello, Minnesota. We have communicated closely with the Longview congregation throughout the planning phase, and we realize this is a disappointment for the hosting congregations. We apologize for plans that may be disrupted by this. Yet we are thankful to be able to continue to work toward hosting in-person services, albeit in an alternate location. Plans for this summer’s services will be communicated as they become available. Please see below for some initial information. We ask for your prayers that our heavenly Father would bless and guide the planning work, according to His will. Updates on LLC Activities Winter Services We extend a heartfelt invitation to 2022 LLC Winter Services which begin Thursday, March 17, and continue through Sunday afternoon, March 20. The motto for services is Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever (Heb. 13:8). Services will also be held Wednesday, March 16, in Prescott Valley. Visit the LLC website for more details. The online service broadcast begins at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 17 and continues through the weekend. The schedule is as follows. Note that the starting times are firm, whereas ending times are approximate, depending on when each day’s program ends. – Thursday 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. – Friday 1:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. – Saturday 10:30 a.m.-9:00 p.m. – Sunday 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Mission The LLC Ministers camp will be held at Stony Lake Camp April 1–3. The focus of the camp will be on timely topics and spiritual concerns experienced in North American Zion. Ministers have been sent event information and we encourage as many ministers as possible to attend. Sign-up is available on the LLC website. The Monticello church will be the venue for the biennial Board Members workshop April 30, 2022. As has been in previous years, the hope is that congregations will support their board members and ministers in attending. The focus of the workshop will be on timely topics and spiritual concerns that we are experiencing in North American Zion. Camps & Workshops Online camp kitchen sign-up is available on the LLC website under Events > Camps & Courses > Work at Camp. The annual camp staff workshop will be held on March 10 to support those asked to serve at 2022 LLC camp events. Finance We have been reviewing the changing and expanding needs in each department along with the financial impact of growth. Reports of future needs will be included in the 2023 Operating Plan as well as presented at the 2022 Annual Meeting. Communications We hope to hire a Digital Communications Specialist in March. This person will work in support of the soon-to-be-released Hearken publications app and assist in other areas of digital communications and publications as well. We are getting close to the time when we will be able to release Hearken. We look forward to sharing this work with you. Hearken is an app where for a monthly subscription fee you will have unlimited access to a wide variety of LLC publications, music, audio and video. We will publish three new books this spring and early summer along with a music album of congregational singing. Watch for these in your church bookstore or in our online store at llchurch.org May God continue to bless His work as only He can. Welcome to 2022 LLC Summer Services in Monticello, Minn. 2022 LLC Summer Services will be arranged by the LLC Office staff with support of southern Minnesota congregations. The services will be held at Silver Springs in Monticello, Minn., June 30–July 1, 2022. Tent and RV camping will be permitted on site. There are 120 RV sites with electrical hookups, of which most are currently reserved. Non-electric RV sites are available in addition to the 120 electric sites. Recommended hotel lodging in Monticello includes Best Western Plus Chelsea Hotel (763-271-8880) AmericInn Motel (855-266-0452) Recommended hotel lodging in Big Lake, Minn., Americas Best Value Inn (763-262-7666) You can find additional information on services at llchurch.org Please contact us with inquiries via email SummerServicesInfo@llchurch.org or phone 763-479-2422.

Eric Jurmu | The Voice of Zion April 2022 - News and Notes -- For many living in the northern lands, the month of April brings a renewed hope of spring and warmer days ahead. This year April also marks the celebration of Easter. The songwriter has written,” Let us go up to Jerusalem and gather in still reflection to ponder the path of our Savior’s pain, His suff’ring and crucifixion.” I wish for each of you a blessed Easter with this greatest hope: that of resurrection in the glory of heaven. Updates on LLC Activities 2022 Phoenix Winter Services The service motto “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever,” greeted service guests after two years of LLC Winter Services being held online. It was a special joy to again gather with many fellow travelers in Zion. With the warmth of services a recent memory, we can now look forward to our summer services with the prayer that God will bless them according to His will. At Winter Services, Hearken, the LLC publications app was released. This app for mobile devices contains a wide variety of publications, from ebooks to audio content to LLC music and videos. You can subscribe for a small monthly fee to gain access to all content. We will continue to publish our publications in familiar formats – Hearken is an additional platform that allows users to carry this content wherever they go, on their mobile device. To create an account, go to hearken.llchurch.org. Board Meeting The board had a long and united discussion on the current spiritual situation in North American Zion. The board will be sending communication to congregations regarding the outcome from that discussion. The board reviewed plans for the 2022 LLC Annual Meeting and discussion on LLC Area realignment and bylaw changes. Realignment is necessary due to the western movement of members. These plans will be sent for review along with the LLC Annual Meeting packet. The Annual Meeting will be held at the Rockford church on July 2. The board approved Arvin Pirness to replace Eric Jurmu as LLC Executive Director. The board approved hiring Shanna Pirness as fulltime LLC Digital Communications Specialist, replacing Sarina Siljander. The board made plans for the 2022 LLC Annual Meeting to be held at the Rockford Laestadian Lutheran Church. We are thankful for the mutual love and unity of spirit which was experienced at the LLC Board meeting. 2022 Summer Services in Monticello, Minn. Planning continues in preparation for 2022 Summer Services to be held at Silver Springs in Monticello, Minn. The dates for services are from 3 p.m. on Thursday, June 30, through Sunday afternoon, July 3. Look for additional information on the LLC website llchurch.org The 2022 LLC Annual Meeting notice, agenda and delegate package will be sent to congregations in mid-April. In addition, the 2023 Draft LLC Operating Plan will be sent for review. The theme of the plan is “Upon this rock I will build my church” (Matt. 16:18). A video with highlights of the plan will be available for the congregations to view in preparing their delegates for the Annual Meeting. The 2022 LLC Annual Meeting will be held at the Rockford church Saturday, July 2. Ministers Camp An LLC Ministers Camp will be held at Stony Lake Camp April 1–3. The primary focus of the camp will be on timely topics and spiritual concerns experienced in North American Zion. It is good to remember this gathering in prayer. Board Members Workshop The LLC Congregation Board Member workshop will be held April 30 at the Monticello church. The focus of this workshop will also be the spiritual concerns felt in North American Zion and give an LLC office update on current and planned work. It would be beneficial for congregations to encourage and support their board members’ attendance. LLC 50-year Celebration Planning Work is already in progress to plan for LLC 50-year festivities in connection with 2023 Summer Services. In February, the LLC Music Committee issued a call for melodies for a hymn, written by Rick Nevala, that will be sung at those festivities. Twenty melodies were submitted, and in a blind review one was selected to be used for the hymn in question. The selected melody was composed by Ashley Niemela of Buffalo, Minn. God blesses His children with many gifts, and we thank Him for all the ways these gifts serve the work in His kingdom. Indeed God has graced us with a time of work. May He continue to guide and bless the efforts of His children.

Eric Jurmu | The Voice of Zion May 2022 - News and Notes -- In May, let us remember the special occasion of Mother’s Day. It is the day of the year which is set aside in honor of our mothers. Do we remember to notice all our mother does and thank her for it? And do we also remember to be thankful to God for the parents we were given? May God richly repay you mothers for the devotion you provide for your families. We wish you 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 that 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 graduation celebrations. Congratulations, 2022 graduates! 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 1–3. Approximately 100 ministers experienced very 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: – The Duty of the Servant of the Word in this time, a translation of Samuli Korteniemi’s presentation to the 2022 SRK ministers meeting. – Current Work and Conditions in North America: Adrian Pirness – Faithfulness to the Chosen Text: Jouko Haapsaari These opportunities give younger and older ministers needed time to gather to discuss the mutual work of serving and to be refreshed and encouraged in their walk of faith. The agenda and meeting details have been sent to LLC congregation boards, delegates, and ministers for the Board Members Workshop to be held in Monticello, April 30. 2022 Summer Services The service schedule can be found on the LLC website. The services motto, Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness (Matt. 6:33), will be the topic for the congregation presentation on Friday evening. A children’s service will be held in the tent on Friday and Saturday afternoons. A Sunday school lesson will be held in the tent on Sunday morning. Youth activities will be hosted at the service site. Over 150 RV sites have been reserved. Camping areas for families, adults and youth 18 years and older will be available during the service weekend. Please see the LLC website for additional details. There, you will also find an online signup for those wishing to volunteer in support of services. In conjunction with 2022 LLC Summer Services, the LLC Annual Meeting will be held at the Rockford church on July 2. In preparation for the meeting, a video with highlights of the 2023 Draft LLC Operating Plan was sent to congregations in mid-April. There are two discussion items in addition to the normal business – LLC Area Realignment, which will also require a revision to LLC bylaws, and the question of moving LLC Summer Services to the weekend following SRK Suviseurat. Construction of the new bathhouse at Silver Springs is under way. Excavation work started in early April with completion of the bathhouse scheduled for mid-summer. Mission Work Travel for foreign LLC mission trips is scheduled to resume in the 3rd quarter of 2022. Communications We feel very fortunate that the LLC Publications App Hearken has been well received. Within a month of its release, we already had over 700 subscribers. This number exceeded our expectations! We continue to welcome your input and feedback on what kind of content you’d like to see on the app. Email us at hearken@llchurch.org We recently released a Sunday school video lesson on Joseph. This was our fourth and final video for this school year. Look for more instructional videos next fall! We are busy preparing for Summer Services broadcast content. Once again we will provide broadcast content between service blocks. These will include children’s programming, interviews and discussions on timely topics as well as biblical content. We are holding a spring music sale! Look for information on that in this issue of The Voice of Zion! Applications for opisto scholarships for the 2023–2024 opisto year are being accepted through May 15. Send in your application soon! God has graced us a time of work. May He continue to guide and bless the efforts of His children.

Eric Jurmu | The Voice of Zion June/July 2022 - News and Notes -- Sober reflection fills me as I write my last installment of News and Notes. Seven years, where did it go? As it is in all facets of life, we have no idea what tomorrow might bring, yet, looking back I only see God’s goodness and blessings. It reminds me of what God inspired Solomon to write: “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven” (Eccl. 3:1). I wish to offer congratulations to all 2022 high school, college and university graduates. You have achieved a milestone in life! May God grant life’s blessings to each of you. In June we celebrate Father’s Day. May the heavenly Father bless you dear fathers for the love and care that you extend to your families and loved ones. May He also bless you childless men who serve as role models and father figures in the lives of loved ones. The days we live are troubled and children need clear, loving instructions. May God 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 Carey Simonson was able to attend the 2022 Summer Services in Sweden on behalf of the LLC. This year the SFC observed their 50-year anniversary. We are thankful for the mutual work and trust which God has blessed between the LLC and SFC over many years. As we have now passed the one-year mark at the new LLC office, we continue to marvel at God’s blessings. The office continues to serve us in ways beyond any envisioned. With the pandemic mostly behind us we are planning for normal summer camp activities. If you haven’t already, sign up for camps on the LLC website. 285 students have signed up for eight sessions of confirmation school. The LLC Education Committee is working to have the 3rd grade curriculum updated in time for the 2022–23 Sunday School year. The update will focus on assistance and teaching materials for teachers. Restroom construction is well underway at Silver Springs. Although significant progress has been made, it is unlikely that it will be completed in time for 2022 Summer Services. Foreign Mission trips are now being planned for the third quarter of this year. One of the biggest hurdles is uncertainty regarding COVID-19 testing requirements at the time the trips begin. Currently there is a wide variation of testing practices for travelers depending on the country. The deadline for scholarship applications for the 2023–24 Opisto year has been extended to June 15. Currently there is still room to apply for one of the 14 scholarships. The LLC has published a number of books and a music album this spring. A brief slideshow has been sent to congregations as a way to share news of these new publications. Look for more new publications at Summer Services! I want to thank each of you for your continuing generosity in support of LLC work. May our rich heavenly Father repay you as only He can. Welcome to the 2022 LLC Summer Services! June 30–July 3 at Silver Springs, Monticello, Minn. But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. – Matthew 6:33 The 2022 LLC Summer Services Planning Committee warmly welcomes you with these words: God called to Adam and Eve, “Where are you?” after they had fallen into sin in the garden of Eden. God still calls sinners by asking each of us that very same question today. Jesus instructs us that our most important pursuit in life is to seek God’s kingdom. There we can find His righteousness. The caller meets the seeker only in His kingdom here on earth. Jesus promises that all good things will be added unto one who finds it. Peace with God can be found by believing the message of the forgiveness of sins as it is preached by God’s children. May God yet find His own at our services, uplift us through His Word and renew the hope of heaven. “For the scripture saith, whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed” (Rom. 10:11). A few notes about services: The service schedule can be found on the LLC website, and essential service information will be available to download. Sermons will be live broadcast on the LLC website, LLC YouTube channel, and SRK Summer Service Radio. Facebook users can find service information at “Laestadian Lutheran Church” Instagram users can find information @laestadianlutheran On Friday and Saturday there will be a children’s service at 2:00 p.m. On Friday evening, a congregation presentation will be held based on the services theme. On Saturday evening, a youth presentation is scheduled, titled “I give you future and hope.” The 2022 LLC Annual Meeting will take place Saturday, July 2, at the Rockford church. The meeting agenda and 2023 draft LLC Operating Plan and video have been sent to help congregations prepare their delegates for the meeting. Please see the LLC website at www.llchurch.org/summer-services for services details. Welcome!

Arvin Pirness | The Voice of Zion August 2022 - News and Notes -- Seek ye first the kingdom of God (Matt. 6:33) was the motto for our 2022 LLC Summer Services. The joy of the believers being able to gather to the hearing of God’s Word was most evident. Paramount was the call for one to seek, find and then, by faith, dwell in the kingdom of God, endeavoring to heaven’s home. Once the service site was cleaned up, all that was left behind were the walking paths from the weekend, giving a picture of our endeavor on the old well-worn path. We thank the many volunteers who worked tirelessly to prepare and maintain the site for Silver Springs Summer Services. LLC Board Meeting – June 30, 2022 LLC Board members reviewed planning updates for the current summer services and future winter and summer services. The 2023 LLC Phoenix Winter Services will be held March 17–20 with this service motto: Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you (John 14:27). 2023 LLC Summer Services will be hosted by the Monticello congregation at the LLC Silver Springs site July 6–9, 2023, with the motto Upon this rock I will build my church (Matt. 16:18). The Board approved the application from the Laestadian Lutheran Church of Utah Valley to join as a member congregation of the LLC. We wish God’s blessing for the believers who are now living in southern Utah. The Board heard committee reports. Becca Edwards of the Rockford, Minn., congregation was added to the Humanitarian Aid Committee. LLC Annual Meeting – July 2, 2022 The 2022 LLC Annual Meeting was held at the Rockford Laestadian Lutheran Church. LLC delegates reviewed and gave support for the proposed 2023 LLC Operating Plan, which included a plan to keep dues at current levels. There was a motion to move LLC Summer Services to the weekend after SRK’s Suviseurat for 2023 and then to re-visit the matter in 2026. The proposed Bylaws revisions and realignment of Mission Areas were approved. This requires a realignment of Area Mission Committees and the LLC Board position vacated by Jim Frantti retiring to shift to the Southwest Area. Delegates re-elected Petri Hotari, James Jurmu and Michael Kumpula to three-year terms on the LLC Board. Delegates also elected Roger Plough to replace retiring board member Peter Lever, who represents the Northwest Area. The annual meeting delegates and meeting attendees had a long discussion that was free, open and heartfelt regarding the spiritual division in the North American Zion. Many speeches by delegates expressed a loving call to repentance to restore unity. The loving call to repentance went unheeded, moving delegates to approve the motion to formally remove Wolf Lake and Minneapolis as member congregations in the Laestadian Lutheran Church. While we sorrow for those who have battled against the North American Zion, we live in hope and prayer that they would yet find a place of repentance. Delegates will be prepared to give a detailed report to congregations when meeting minutes have been finalized. We kindly ask you to remember to pray on our behalf and on behalf of all the work done in God’s kingdom. Updates on LLC Activities June, July and August are summer months and that means camp season is in full swing. June at Kamp Kipa was busy with youth camps, family camp and pre-confirmation camp held there. We are thankful that the Crooks Fire was contained and extinguished prior to camp season. We especially remember to thank God for His protection. During the month of July, there are eight confirmation schools with 285 students registered. 2022 has also seen the return of the Language Camp and the addition of the inaugural International Choir Camp. We have remembered to pray that God would bless the camp season so participants could experience the prayer of the Apostle Paul to the Ephesians, “That He would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God” (Eph. 3:16–19). The minister exchange with SRK has resumed. We thank God for sending Finnish ministers Aimo Koskelo and Timo Valli to serve in North America. In exchange, Jim Jurmu from Monticello will serve Finland for the summer mission trip from July 18 to August 10, 2022. Resumption of foreign mission trips is planned for Fall 2022. God willing, Adrian Pirness will travel to The Gambia and Senegal and Jon Bloomquist will travel to Ghana and Togo in August. The LLC Board Facilities Committee and the Silver Springs Development Committee (SSDC) met on June 29 and will be meeting quarterly to develop a draft plan for long-term development of Silver Springs. Planning begins immediately to implement lessons learned for the 2023 Summer Services. Many people have asked about reservations for RV sites for 2023 Summer Services. LLC staff will make decisions about additional spaces and locations based on feedback from the meetings held between SSDC and LLC Board Facilities Committee. It is now five months since we released the LLC Hearken app. We note that many of you have found this app to be a useful resource in your life and faith. We continue to develop the app to ensure it works as seamlessly as possible, and we also continue to add new content each week. We welcome your feedback on this and all publications projects and products. In September, our Communications Department will host a Content Creators Workshop at Stony Lake Camp. At this workshop, staff and volunteer workers will meet to discuss content creation needs and goals across all our publication platforms: music, print, digital, video and audio. An overarching goal of ours is to produce content that comforts and supports believers in their faith. The best content for believers is created by believers.

Arvin Pirness | The Voice of Zion September 2022 - News and Notes -- September brings changing weather and the start of fall. It also marks the beginning of the school year, and the end of a busy camp season. We pray for God’s protection and blessing as our young return to study. May they experience the intrigue of learning, be diligent in their study and have the desire and strength to be a light unto the world in word and deed. We pray that lessons from camp would help them speak of faith and hope of heaven. Updates on LLC Activities Communications Mid-September we will gather at Stony Lake Camp with staff and volunteer contributors for our Content Creator Workshop. We will discuss content creation needs and goals across publication platforms. We will especially focus on writing needs, services broadcast content, and content for Hearken, our publications app. We are thankful for all the time and gifts that our volunteers contribute on a regular basis. We plan to release a new Christmas album this fall. The music for this album was recorded in Elk River, Minn., in April. Now we are finalizing the editing and mastering of the tracks. The theme of this choral album is the Christ Child. Work continues on the LLC History Project. A first volume of LLC history will be released at 2023 LLC Summer Services next July. Watch for more information in coming months on how we plan to observe our organization’s 50-year anniversary. Camp Work and Facilities Another summer of camp blessings is ending. Hasscib and Kamp Kipa seasons will be complete by the end of September and Stony Lake season wraps up at the end of October. Many believers were able to experience the joy of camp this year. Six LLC pre-confirmation camps were held in 2022 with an updated curriculum that answers the need to augment Confirmation curriculum. Preliminary evaluation shows that those changes received broad support from assigned staff and will help further prepare our young for confirmation school. Silver Springs restroom construction continues. The expected completion date for rough-in plumbing, electrical and heating work is mid-September. Insulation and drywall installation is expected to be completed by the end of September. Work continues with Wright County, Monticello Township and the City of Monticello to amend existing ordinance language regarding our use of the Silver Springs property. Based on recent meetings, we expect that final amendments will be approved in mid-September. The balance of Silver Springs electric RV campsites are being sold for the 6-year balance of the original 10-year sites. Consideration is being given to expanding electrical sites to the west. More information will follow in coming months. Significant work continues to extend the lifespan of buildings at our camp centers. Recently, an independent analysis of structural components of the Stony Lake lodge revealed internal log decay in some locations. A recommended mitigation method will stop the decay and reinforce decayed areas. If the work is completed soon, further decay will be halted, extending the serviceable life for many years. All projects identified are prioritized and addressed as funding allows. Cooperation with Sister Organizations Joint meetings between the SRK, SFC and LLC are planned for the week of September 19–23. The board has asked LLC Board Chair Jim Jurmu, LLC Board Secretary Sam Roiko, LLC Board member Petri Hotari, LLC Executive Director Arvin Pirness and LLC Mission Director Adrian Pirness to attend. These biennial meetings serve to plan our joint work in mission and publications while fostering unity of faith and understanding. Mission Work LLC foreign mission trips to Africa have resumed with MW3 trips to The Gambia, Sierra Leone and Togo. Adrian Pirness and Miika Kopperoinen traveled to The Gambia and Sierra Leone, keeping a confirmation school and confirmation exercise in the former. Veli-Matti Heikkinen traveled to Togo. The second 2022 Ministers Webinar was held on August 25th. John Stewart gave an overview of the Letter to the Hebrews as well as an overview of Keijo Nissilä’s commentary on the Letter to the Hebrews, Let Us Look unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith. The 2022 LLC Ministers and Wives Camp will be held at Hasscib Lake Camp September 24–26th. The SRK fall mission trip has been tentatively planned for September 30th–October 24th. Markku Seppänen and his wife Liisa will make the trip on the SRK’s behalf. Our next Bible course will be held at Stony Lake Camp October 7–9th. We encourage you to sign up today!