New Hymnal Supplement Now Available: Songs 701–713 Added to the LLC Songbook App

The first supplement to Songs and Hymns of Zion (2008) is available digitally as of November 14, 2025. This release marks a significant milestone in the ongoing hymnal development work of the Laestadian Lutheran Church. It brings together familiar melodies, newly translated texts, and brand-new songs written by believers from across North America.

A Continuing Story of Song

When Songs and Hymns of Zion was published in 2008, it gathered more than six hundred hymns cherished by believers. In the years since, new hymns have continued to be written and translated. Rather than republishing the entire hymnal, the LLC Hymnal Committee plans to issue periodic supplements – compact collections that reflect the living faith and creative gifts of God’s children.

This first supplement, Supplement 1 (701–713), represents that effort’s first public expression. It includes thirteen hymns: two well-known English hymns, three translations from Finnish, one from 16th-century German, and seven original lyrics with eight original melodies written by believers from across North America.

“These hymns represent many moments in the life of faith,” the editors write in the introduction. “They may be used wherever believers gather, including in the service broadcast.”

Themes and Sounds of Faith

The new hymns span the seasons and experiences of Christian life – Christmas, Epiphany, Morning and Evening, Praise and Repentance, even poetic reflections on God’s providence. Some are light and familiar, while others are deeply contemplative and new.

Among them is “Christmas Peace (In the world of sin)” (701), which opens with the line:

“In the world of sin we seek peace within, peace to rid all hearts of hate and malice, calling souls to Christ and His forgiveness” (v.1).

The hymn continues with a prayer that “the Word of Christmas night spread on earth its peace and light.” This spirit of God-given, gospel-centered peace and renewal echoes through many of the new works.

Where to Find the New Hymns

All hymns in Supplement 1 are available digitally in the LLC Songbook app. To access them, open the app and look for hymns 701–713.

If you do not yet have the app, search for “LLC Songbook” in your device’s app store (look for the logo with three flying golden birds on a white background).

Purchase Songs and Hymns of Zion within the app to unlock all songs, including the new supplement.

The older SHZ Hymnal app will not receive new supplements due to outdated technology.

For Musicians and Congregations

The 2025 Hymnal Supplement Chorale Book, containing printable musical arrangements, is also available for digital download at llchurch.org/shop. These accompaniment arrangements may be used for choir, congregational, or instrumental purposes.

Some congregations may still be using an older version of the desktop hymnal to project song words for congregational singing. To be able to project songs from the new hymnal supplement, it may be necessary to purchase the new (launched in 2021) desktop version of the app. For more information, and to purchase the desktop app, visit laulukirja.srk.fi/en/

Feedback on lyrics, melodies, and harmonizations is warmly welcomed through the online form at llchurch.org/shz-feedback-form. Those who wish to submit new hymn texts or compositions for consideration in future supplements can do so at llchurch.org/submit-music.

Looking Ahead

Going forward, the Hymnal Committee plans to release new supplements annually each autumn, ensuring that the shared collection of songs of faith and our journey continues to grow and reflect the lived experiences of believers across generations.

In the words of the project team, “May God bless all who sing, play, and hear these hymns.”