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Adeline Moll | The Voice of Zion May 2026 - Camp Matters Article -- The 2026 Camp Theme follows the LLC Operating Theme for the year and comes from Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, do it with all your heart, as unto God.” This was the focus of the 2026 Camp Work presentation shared with congregations. In that presentation, we are reminded why we have camps and how we serve one another with the gifts God has given. Service Belongs to Everyone When we think of serving at camp, certain roles naturally come to mind – counselors, teachers, directors, and kitchen workers. Yet the presentation also reminds us that camp participants serve as well. Sometimes this service is tangible: playing the piano, helping with cleaning, or assisting in practical ways. Participants also serve by being friendly, by including others, and by showing kindness to fellow campers. Many of us can remember arriving at a camp feeling uncertain – perhaps not knowing many people or wondering how the days would unfold. A simple invitation to join a game, a conversation, or even a warm smile can ease that uncertainty. These small acts matter. Creating a welcoming atmosphere is not just the responsibility of staff; it belongs especially to each participant. As you send your children to youth camps this summer, remind them that they are serving their fellow believers by including those who are alone, welcoming others, respecting the staff, and participating in lessons. Willing participation and kindness help create a fulfilling camp experience for everyone. A Willing Heart to Serve God calls us to willing service. In Isaiah the Lord asked, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” Isaiah responded, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isa. 6:8). We, too, have that heart. We often look forward to going to camp to serve. When we prepare to serve at camp, it is good to ask ourselves: What are my intentions? A counselor may sign up alongside friends, anticipating a fun time together at camp. Yet it is worth pausing to consider whether we are going primarily to serve the students or simply to enjoy time with friends. Our first desire should be to serve. In doing so, we often find that we ourselves are uplifted. Even with willing hearts, we may feel our lackings. We might hesitate to agree to go to camp as a counselor, teacher, or director because we feel we lack the gifts we see in others. Scripture reminds us, through Peter, that each of us should use whatever gifts we have received to serve others (1 Pet. 4:10). God has given the necessary gifts to His congregation. We don’t need to compare ourselves to others. We can use the gifts God has given us and trust that others will fill where we lack. When we go to camp, we can trust that God has provided all the gifts that are needed – among both staff and participants. Gifts Given, Strength Supplied It may appear in some tasks, like working in the kitchen, that there aren’t many special gifts required. It’s true that most people can follow a recipe, wipe the tables, and wash the dishes. Yet someone still needs to do it. It is a gift to have a willing heart that steps in where help is needed and does the work joyfully. Temporal food is necessary at camp, and campers notice when they go through the food line and are met with a happy smile. In the end, we remember that none of our gifts come from ourselves. They come from God. We do not serve in our own strength but in the strength He provides. At camp – and in all of life – we care for our brothers and sisters in faith, and they in turn care for us. Through that mutual care, we receive encouragement to continue endeavoring in faith. Many of us who have served at camp have experienced meaningful friendships, shared laughter, and time spent with fellow believers. Most importantly, we have received strength and encouragement for our faith – support that carries us forward long after camp ends and often brings us back again. God does not require great service; He requires faithful service. As we go to camp – and as we serve in other ways in God’s kingdom – we do so with willing hearts, remembering the words of Colossians: “Whatever you do, do it with all your heart, as unto God.” This article was written in conjunction with a Camp Work presentation kept by Keith Kariniemi.

Arvin Pirness | The Voice of Zion May 2026 - News & Notes -- In May we observe Mother’s Day, a special occasion to serve and remember our mothers. We wish all mothers God’s rich and bountiful blessings. May also marks the beginning of graduation season. Congratulations to all 2026 graduates. May you serve God and your neighbor with the gifts and abilities He has given you to use in your life’s calling. Camp activities increase in May. Consider serving your brothers and sisters in faith by signing up for a camp shift or kitchen work at: llchurch.org > Events > Camps & Courses. There you will find these links: Campwork Application and Kitchen Volunteers. The notice and agenda for the 2026 LLC Annual Meeting, to be held at the Rockford Laestadian Lutheran Church, have been sent to all member congregations. The packet includes the 2027 LLC Operating Plan, titled “Ye are the light of the world” (Matt. 5:14), presented both in print and as a PDF. We encourage congregations to schedule time to review the agenda and Operating Plan. This will help prepare delegates to serve their congregation and the Zion in North America at the annual meeting. May God bless these preparations. Updates on LLC Activities Publications In collaboration with the Learning Materials and Education Team (LMET), the LLC has published a new Bible lessons book, Friend of Children: Illustrated Bible Lessons. While it was developed to support global mission work, many have shared that it will also serve well in local congregations. The aforementioned book, Friend of Children, Volume I is now available as a digital download through the LLC online store (www.llchurch.org/shop). Printing specifications are included with the purchase. Work is ongoing on Volumes II and III. LLC Music continues a busy season of album production. During LLC Winter Services, the album Lift Up Your Eyes was released. A recording of 2025 SHZ Supplement songs will soon be available under the title A New Hymn. Additional albums, Hear Us, Almighty, recorded in Minnesota, and In Zion’s Midst, recorded in Longview, will also be available soon. Two new Easter songs have been added to Hearken: “At Dawn on Easter Morning,” written by Aaron Wuollet, and “Look Upon Me with Eyes of Compassion,” with lyrics by Janelle Huhta and music by Ben Huhta. Improvements to Hearken are ongoing. App analytics have now been developed, and office staff are monitoring which content is accessed most often. These insights help guide content planning and support reliability. During March, a number of new Songbird videos were added to Hearken – be sure to check them out. Are you moving? Submit change-of-address requests by mid-month to ensure uninterrupted delivery to your new address. You can find a link to a Change of Address form on our website, under Resources. Pastoral The 2026 Ministers Camp was held at Stony Lake Camp April 10–12. We thank our heavenly Father for the opportunity to gather and discuss this mutual calling. Many of this year’s camp discussion topics centered around support and materials for the continual study of God’s Word, “So that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:17, NIV). David and Beth Ojala will travel and serve at the 2026 SFC (Sweden) Summer Services, which will be held May 15–17. Each year, the LLC sends a North American minister to serve at these services. We wish to remember them as they travel to serve the believers in Sweden at this festive service occasion. The Sexuality Materials Workgroup arranged by the LLC Home & Family committee has continued to actively work on this project. The group has openly discussed this request, recognizing the sensitivity around these topics; and have felt the Spirit has continued to guide in the work. An article about this work will be included in the June/July Voice of Zion. Global Mission Work The Learning Materials & Education Team considers materials that support Christian Education in the global mission work. An example of this work is the recently published Friend of Children: Illustrated Bible Lessons. The team’s work also includes materials to support workshops for those who are asked to serve in teaching roles in their home countries and congregations. They are currently working on reviewing the Confirmation school curriculum and program for Global Mission Work. This year, Confirmation schools are planned for Guinea-Bisseau, Togo, Sierra Leone and Kenya. Facilities and Events Camp facilities are opening for the 2026 camp season. Stony Lake Camp opened in April, with several camps already completed. Hasscib Lake will have an opening work weekend May 15–17, and Kamp Kipa will have an opening work week beginning May 11. If you’re interested in helping, contact the camp caretakers. This year, the LLC Language Camp will be held at Kamp Kipa July 7–13. Youth ages 15 and older are invited to attend. Participants will spend a week at camp with believing youth from Finland while learning some Finnish and building friendships. Sign up on the LLC website.

Art Harju | The Voice of Zion May 2026 - The Sabbath Word 4 -- Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the Lord: But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. – Jeremiah 31:31–34 During the time of the prophet Jeremiah, the children of Israel were captives in a foreign land. Due to their sin and disobedience, God had allowed the king of Babylon to overthrow and destroy Jerusalem, taking the Israelites captive. They were living in a strange and foreign land, and they longed for home. God comforted them, promising that in coming days He would make a new covenant with them. This covenant would not be the same as the one God had made with their forefathers when he brought them out of Egypt. There God had promised to lead the people to the Promised Land if they would follow Him. He gave them the Ten Commandments, but the people were not always obedient to them. They worshiped false gods, they complained about the manna that God fed them with, and they broke the commandments. They were a stiff-necked people (Exod. 33:5), breaking the covenant that God had made with them. The new covenant did not mean that God had changed His thoughts about sin; God still hates and condemns sin, but He loves the sinner. This new covenant would be made in His Son, Jesus. Jesus fulfilled the Law, meaning the Ten Commandments, on behalf of all sinners, including you and me. He took all our sins upon Himself, and He paid for them by shedding His blood and giving His life on the cross. In rising from the dead on Easter morning, Jesus was victorious over sin and death. Jesus then ascended into heaven to prepare a place for His followers, those who believe in Him. Before He went, He promised His disciples that His Father would send them the Comforter. This Comforter is the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth. The Holy Spirit reminds us of the work that Jesus did on our behalf (John 14:16,17,26). God has placed the Holy Spirit in His congregation, into the hearts of His children. Its voice speaks to us through the mouths of the believers, comforting us in our walk of faith. Through sermons, discussions, and visits with fellow travelers, the Holy Spirit leads and guides us on this narrow way to heaven. He also instructs and enlightens us in times of battle and heresy: “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches” (Rev. 2:7). The Holy Spirit also calls to us through our conscience when we have fallen into sin, and He encourages us to put sin away. Through the mouth of another believer, the Holy Spirit proclaims our sins forgiven in the name and blood of Jesus. The Holy Spirit is the One through whom this new covenant is written into our hearts. Through the Spirit, God writes His law and promises within us, as He has said. He encourages the poor and tired travelers with the message of the Gospel, that Jesus has paid for our sins, strengthening and uplifting us on this journey. Dear brothers and sisters in faith: If we endeavor to be obedient to God’s Word and place our trust in Him, He has promised, “I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more” (Jer. 31:34). It pays to believe, day by day, putting sin away. One day we will reach the promised land, our eternal home in heaven.

Change of Address If you have a change of address, telephone number, email address, or other contact information for LLC subscriptions, communications, or the LLC Telephone and Address Directory, please use the form below. Fill out all applicable fields. All changes and updates made by March 31 will be made in this year's LLC Directory. If no changes are made, your information will stay the same. Last Name* First Name (Person 1/Husband)* FIrst Name (Person 2/Wife) Cell Phone (Person 1) Cell Phone (Person 2) Email (Person 1) Email (Person 2) Home Phone (if applicable) Member Congregation* HOME ADDRESS Home Address City State / Province Zip Code / Postal MAILING ADDRESS (if different than home address) Mailing Address City (Mailing) State / Province (Mailing) Zip Code / Postal (Mailing) Have your recently moved to a new congregation? Does your listing in the directory need to be removed from your previous congregation? If so, please select your previous congregation below. Previous Congregation Other Notes Submit

Songs and Hymns of Zion Feedback Form Use this form to submit feedback on lyrics, music or arrangements of Songs and Hymns of Zion. First name Last name Email SHZ Number Feedback Submit

The Laestadian Lutheran Church (LLC) is the central organization of Laestadian Lutheran churches in North America. The website provides information about our faith, mission, organization, and activities. Welcome to our website and welcome to our services! AGAIN, THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS LIKE UNTO TREASURE HID IN A FIELD. MATTHEW 13:44 LAESTADIAN LUTHERAN CHURCH The Laestadian Lutheran Church (LLC) is the central organization of Laestadian Lutheran churches in North America. The website provides information about our faith, mission, organization, and activities. Here you will find an overview of our publications and links to member congregations. Welcome to our website and welcome to our services! Donate Follow us on Instagram @laestadianlutheran Load More New Hymnal Supplement Now Available 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. Read more about this supplement here. Read April 2026 Update Arvin Pirness | The Voice of Zion April 2026 - News & Notes -- It is a great blessing when one can believe that their sins are forgiven through the shed blood of Christ and journey toward heaven under the gracious care of the gospel. We hope many of you were able to attend Easter services, either in person or online. The 2026 LLC Annual Meeting notice, agenda, and delegate packet will be sent to congregations by early May. Congregations are also asked to have their delegate News & Notes Apr 1 What Is Your Vocation? The Voice of Zion April 2026 - Round the Table -- Youth from the Cokato, Minn., congregation contributed these reflections and questions. In the life of a believer, the word calling or vocation can sometimes sound large or distant, as if it refers only to life’s biggest decisions – career, family, or positions of responsibility. Yet the Christian understanding of calling is both simpler and deeper. Before anything else, God calls us to be His own: to believe the gospel, to Voice of Zion Featured Articles Apr 1 Creation The Voice of Zion April 2026 - The Book of Books -- The Bible begins with the simple yet profound words, “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” With His Word, God called all things into being. Light pierced the darkness, waters were separated, land appeared, and living creatures filled the earth. The refrain “And God said…and it was so” shows the power of His Word to create order and beauty out of nothing. Creation was declared “very good.” Humanity was gi Voice of Zion Featured Articles Apr 1 Our Gifts and Calling The Voice of Zion April 2026 - Home and Family Articles -- Everyone has a gift and calling. Some are more evident than others: one person has a beautiful singing voice; another quickly reads a written text and understands it right away. One person can lead a group through a lesson and teaches Bible class; another gently shines the light of a child of God in the workplace through a positive attitude and work ethic. One person creates a home for a family; another explores other Home & Family Apr 1 The Lord Shall Yet Comfort Zion Brian Johnson | The Voice of Zion April 2026 - The Sabbath Word 2 -- Thus saith the Lord of hosts; If it be marvellous in the eyes of the remnant of this people in these days, should it also be marvellous in mine eyes? saith the Lord of hosts. Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Behold, I will save my people from the east country, and from the west country; And I will bring them, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God Voice of Zion Featured Articles Apr 1 1 2 3 4 5 International Mission Work Website Every month, tens of thousands of people search the internet for how sins can be forgiven, where the kingdom of God is and what repentance means. To help searching ones find God’s kingdom, and as a means of performing mission work in a digital space, the SRK, SFC and LLC have now launched a new website: kingdomofpeace.net Read more about this new website here. Shop Quick View CD # 83 Lift Up Your Eyes Quick View Hymns Ascending Quick View Time for Words Quick View CD # 81 A Morn of Song Quick View Wait Upon the Lord: Annual Anthology 2024 Quick View In the Shelter of the Hill Hearken – Our Publications App Attention Hearken Users! Some users have occasionally reported usability issues with Hearken, especially on Android devices. We have created a form to help us collect information on these issues, so they can continue to be looked into and solved. If you have experienced issues while using the Hearken app, please take a moment to fill out the form at this link: https://forms.gle/Ht7x5phU2w9C1ptA6 Thank you! We value your feedback. On YouTube Play Video Play Video 02:49:00 2026 LLC Phoenix Winter Services - Thurs Feb 19th Welcome to the 2026 Laestadian Lutheran Church Annual Phoenix Winter Services! The 2026 Laestadian Lutheran Church Annual Phoenix Winter Services will be held at Phoenix Laestadian Lutheran Church in Phoenix Arizona. The Service motto: “Repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name” (Luke 24:47) The services will begin Thursday, February 19th and end Sunday, February 22nd. Welcome! https://www.llchurch.org/winter-services Play Video Play Video 05:56:21 2026 LLC Phoenix Winter Services - Sunday Feb 22nd Welcome to the 2026 Laestadian Lutheran Church Annual Phoenix Winter Services! The 2026 Laestadian Lutheran Church Annual Phoenix Winter Services will be held at Phoenix Laestadian Lutheran Church in Phoenix Arizona. The Service motto: “Repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name” (Luke 24:47) The services will begin Thursday, February 19th and end Sunday, February 22nd. Welcome! https://www.llchurch.org/winter-services Play Video Play Video 37:21 Winter Services 2026: Marv Wittenberg Welcome to the 2026 Laestadian Lutheran Church Annual Phoenix Winter Services! The 2026 Laestadian Lutheran Church Annual Phoenix Winter Services will be held at Phoenix Laestadian Lutheran Church in Phoenix Arizona. The Service motto: “Repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name” (Luke 24:47) The services will begin Thursday, February 19th and end Sunday, February 22nd. Welcome! https://www.llchurch.org/winter-services Play Video Play Video 35:45 Winter Services 2026: Rick Nevala Welcome to the 2026 Laestadian Lutheran Church Annual Phoenix Winter Services! The 2026 Laestadian Lutheran Church Annual Phoenix Winter Services will be held at Phoenix Laestadian Lutheran Church in Phoenix Arizona. The Service motto: “Repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name” (Luke 24:47) The services will begin Thursday, February 19th and end Sunday, February 22nd. Welcome! https://www.llchurch.org/winter-services Play Video Play Video 56:15 Winter Services 2026: Adrian Pirness Welcome to the 2026 Laestadian Lutheran Church Annual Phoenix Winter Services! The 2026 Laestadian Lutheran Church Annual Phoenix Winter Services will be held at Phoenix Laestadian Lutheran Church in Phoenix Arizona. The Service motto: “Repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name” (Luke 24:47) The services will begin Thursday, February 19th and end Sunday, February 22nd. Welcome! https://www.llchurch.org/winter-services Play Video Play Video 38:55 Winter Services 2026: Juha Alanko Welcome to the 2026 Laestadian Lutheran Church Annual Phoenix Winter Services! The 2026 Laestadian Lutheran Church Annual Phoenix Winter Services will be held at Phoenix Laestadian Lutheran Church in Phoenix Arizona. The Service motto: “Repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name” (Luke 24:47) The services will begin Thursday, February 19th and end Sunday, February 22nd. Welcome! https://www.llchurch.org/winter-services Play Video Play Video 11:55:01 2026 LLC Phoenix Winter Services - Saturday Feb 21st Welcome to the 2026 Laestadian Lutheran Church Annual Phoenix Winter Services! The 2026 Laestadian Lutheran Church Annual Phoenix Winter Services will be held at Phoenix Laestadian Lutheran Church in Phoenix Arizona. The Service motto: “Repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name” (Luke 24:47) The services will begin Thursday, February 19th and end Sunday, February 22nd. Welcome! https://www.llchurch.org/winter-services Play Video Play Video 36:45 Winter Services 2026: Swen Sorvala Welcome to the 2026 Laestadian Lutheran Church Annual Phoenix Winter Services! The 2026 Laestadian Lutheran Church Annual Phoenix Winter Services will be held at Phoenix Laestadian Lutheran Church in Phoenix Arizona. The Service motto: “Repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name” (Luke 24:47) The services will begin Thursday, February 19th and end Sunday, February 22nd. Welcome! https://www.llchurch.org/winter-services