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Arvin Pirness | The Voice of Zion June/July 2025 - News & Notes Article -- Many of our children are now or soon to be on summer vacation. I hope that in these days many would be able to experience a time at camp in the fellowship of brothers and sisters in faith. Some of you have now completed your grade studies and the next stage in becoming an adult is before you. May you with a prayerful heart approach the future with hope and aspirations and in whatever you do, do it unto God’s glory. Maybe you will find ways to contribute to the work of your home congregation! Summer services are at the beginning of July. Already now I wish to thank the many individuals who have served to prepare for the services and in advance, to you, the many who will serve during services. There will be many opportunities for service guests to sign up for a work shift.  I wish you a safe and blessed summer.    Updates on LLC Activities Pastoral  As we finalize the plans for the 2025 Summer Services in Outlook, Sask., we welcome Ilmari Korhonen and his wife Riitta from Finland along with Tero Lehtola and his wife Eija from Sweden. Ilmari and Tero have been sent by the SRK and SFC to serve at these services. Following Summer Services, the brothers will be traveling and serving in various congregations in North America. We will also be served by Jukka Palola and Olli Vänskä who will be traveling with the Language Camp group. Bob Haapala and his wife Shawna traveled to the Sweden Summer Services in late May. Kevin Ruonavaara and his wife Cindy travel to Finland to serve on a three-week trip which will include the SRK Summer Services. We wish to remember the servants of the Word and their families as they travel to serve. Mission Department Over the past months, there has been a need to reorganize the work in Kenya. Joseph Kuse from Ghana is currently in Kenya for approximately one month to assist with this. Plans are also being made for a similar trip in August. Remember this work and the brothers and sisters in Kenya in your prayers.  We experience that God still calls seeking ones to His kingdom. About two years ago, a man from Benin was able to personally believe through a WhatsApp connection with French-speaking brothers in Finland. He requested that services could be held in Benin. On the April trip to Togo, two days were spent in the neighboring country of Benin. Listeners who had heard the preaching of God’s kingdom for the first time were able to believe their own sins forgiven. Remember them in your prayers! Facilities  The Silver Springs Camp Board continues to work with a building committee on the plans and construction of a pavilion at Silver Springs. Prior to construction, a finalized plan with firm cost estimates will be presented to Minnesota congregations asking for support. The purpose of a pavilion at Silver Springs is to provide an area for food service during Summer Service events and as a service venue for regional services. Camps  Planning for camps began many months ago, and now camp season is well underway. Children especially look forward to youth camps. It remains our prayer that God will bless this camp season and grant refreshment to His children. The second annual health trials camp was held at the Elk River Church in early May. About 40 participants attended in person and approximately 15 attended online. Participants responded positively to the camp, expressing clear appreciation for this type of event. Plans are underway to continue it in 2026. Education  We often get requests for instructional material from individuals and congregations. We are starting a process to organize presentations, articles and lesson outlines and make them available in a standardized format and searchable online via the llchurch.org website. This work is expected to be completed by mid 2026. Communications Over the past two years, we’ve received much favorable feedback on the array of podcasts available on our Hearken  app. Podcast series begin and then eventually they end. New podcast series take their place. New podcasts include “Guided by Faith,” “Serve One Another,” and “Along Life’s Way.” These are available to all Hearken  subscribers. Today is a great day to start listening, if you haven’t already! We received approximately 30 applications for 14 opisto scholarships for the 2026–27 opisto year. These applications will be processed and selections made in the coming months. Applicants will be informed of the Opisto Scholarship Committee’s decisions at the end of summer. The Committee will also be sending out information to applicants and more broadly to member congregations to outline how the scholarship and the methods of supporting scholarship recipients is evolving. A couple of member congregations are making plans to arrange Content Creator Workshops in their local areas. Areas of focus at these workshops include writing, art and services broadcast work. These workshops will provide opportunities for those with interest or skills in these areas to see how their gifts can be used in the work in God’s kingdom. If your congregation would like to arrange a workshop, or would like to hear more about what this type of event might look like, please contact Ruth at rdelacey@llchurch.org We look forward to serving you at the Summer Services Bookstore. We will have several new items for sale, along with previously published items. Welcome to stop in, browse and purchase!

Aleksi Päkkilä | The Voice of Zion June/July 2025 - Round the Table Article -- Aleksi Päkkilä serves as a parish pastor in the Nivala congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, the national church of Finland. On Sunday, before services, a message pops into the friend group’s WhatsApp chat suggesting we go play something together or head straight to someone’s house for haps. Once again, the services would be skipped, which gives me pause. Deep inside, the thought stirs a conflict. Why is making choices so hard? How can a person know what is right or wrong in each situation? And what does it even matter? The Lasting Consequence of the First Choice In the beginning, things were different. In paradise, the first human pair didn’t need to wonder where the line between right and wrong lay—God had clearly expressed it. Still, in the form of a serpent, the enemy of souls cleverly cast doubt on God’s Word: “Did God really say?” (Gen. 3:1, NIV). The discussion that followed this question led to the fall into sin. With that fall came inherited, original sin, and along with it, the human understanding of right and wrong became permanently blurred. Yet God did not abandon the human race He had created. He gave them the promise that the power of the enemy of souls – the father of falsehoods and lies – would be defeated. Old Testament believers sometimes forgot this promise, and their lives began to drift away from God. So God had to remind His people of His will by writing the Ten Commandments with His own finger on two tablets of stone. Later, God sent His Son to fulfill the promise He had made in paradise. Although Jesus fulfilled the law on behalf of humankind, even those who believe in Him still bear the consequences of that first wrong choice. Because of corrupted human nature, it is not always easy for anyone to accept God’s will. That’s why we need the guidance of God’s Word in our decision-making. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16). Acceptance or Understanding? It’s natural for people to reflect on their own choices by comparing them with others’. Sometimes it may be hard to explain to yourself or to others why you chose a certain path, yet there may be a deep inner certainty that it is right – it may be that no further reasoning is needed. At other times, there may be great uncertainty, and that’s when it’s helpful to talk things over with fellow believers. But what if someone you thought believed just like you sees the matter differently? That’s when open conversation becomes even more important. We can trust that alongside God’s Word, the Holy Spirit also guides us when believers seek answers together. Respecting others and understanding their differing life circumstances is never wrong – but we shouldn’t support views that go against God’s Word, since God’s will does not change. For this reason, it’s one thing to seek God’s will in temporal or modern matters that weren’t known at the time of the Bible’s writing. It’s another thing to question a clear teaching of God’s Word—such as lifelong marriage, a sober way of life, or the kinds of words one should use. Grace or Christian freedom does not mean that anything goes or that everything must be accepted. In the end, each person is responsible for their own choices. Because of original sin, all people stand on equal footing, equally in need of God’s help – His grace. A spiritual and a human self, two totally different parts, wage a continual inner battle over right and wrong. We must recognize this and pray for strength to choose rightly. “This I say then, walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (Gal. 5:16). Two Roads To the question of why it matters to ponder right and wrong, we can turn to Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount about the broad and narrow ways, or roads (Matt. 7:13,14). The idea that adjusting God’s will to suit oneself makes the road easier and may sound tempting, but according to God’s Word, that path does not lead to happiness. The broad road ultimately leads away from God. To stay on the narrow road, one must navigate not only the temptations of sin but also the danger of drifting into self-made spirituality. The phenomena of our time indeed seeks to supply kindling to both: on the one hand by questioning traditional values, and on the other by promoting a self-centered approach to faith matters. Still, seeking and following God’s will brings blessings in both this life and the next. “Then Peter said, ‘Lo, we have left all, and followed thee.’ And he said unto them, ‘Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God’s sake, who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting’” (Luke 18:28–30).   Translation: M. Keranen

The Voice of Zion June/July 2025 - Home & Family Article -- Disrespect shows up in many forms—careless words, closed hearts, quick tempers, or hurtful silence. These writings by believers from the Flathead Valley, Mont., congregation invite us to reflect on how we experience, respond to, and teach about respect in daily life. Drawing from both real-life parenting and biblical instruction, the articles explore how we can model a better way: one shaped by humility, forgiveness, and the love of Christ. In a world where disrespect can feel constant, we are reminded that the tone we set at home, in school, and in our conversations can reflect the light of God’s kingdom.   Modeling Respect in Our Daily Lives Conor and Heather Davison We see examples of disrespect everywhere around us every day. When we are in a hurry, we tend to be short or rude to those around us. We might not notice a person coming behind us through the door, letting it close in their face. Maybe we cut someone off when we’re driving. Or we get impatient at the cheerful but slow cashier at the grocery store. Often the action is not meant to hurt, but it was done with insensitivity. Whether meant or not, a recipient may feel disrespected and hurt. If your careless actions resulted in hurt for another, it is right to acknowledge the hurt and ask forgiveness. Respect at Home Parents find it easy to lash out at children, especially when under stress. Sometimes hurtful words come. Parents can also feel disrespected when their children disobey or disregard the house rules.   Humbling to ask for a hug and forgiveness can be hard at times, yet it is important to stop and do so. There is a saying along the lines of “more is caught than taught.” Children learn first and best by imitating those around them. The best way to teach our children respect is to model it in our daily lives.  The parent who finds the good in others will not be shocked to find their children building up others any more than the family who makes going to church the priority in life finds those children continue to go when they leave the home.  God’s Word has clear instruction on how children ought to treat their parents. The Fourth Commandment says that children are to “Honor their father and mother” and in Colossians 3:20 “Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.” Parents have a special duty to ensure that children follow these instructions and are taught these values. Just as the children answer to their parents in this matter, parents answer to the heavenly Father in this duty. Respect at School Children can feel disrespected when they don’t feel like they’re being heard by their parents, siblings, or their peers. To teach children how to be respectful, they need to know how it feels to be respected. School-age kids may be mocked for things such as what they wear, what kind of house they live in, or how many siblings one has been blessed with. It is not always easy to do the right thing when one feels disrespected. When disrespected, we may lash out in anger, and we often find it difficult to forgive and show love to that neighbor. Jesus said to “turn the other cheek” (Matt. 5:39). We all hope that our children are making good choices when they are away from home. We had a scenario where a teacher informed us that our child was being disrespectful to another student. He was asked to write a note of apology. He drew a picture of two boys hugging, and wrote a word bubble with the words, “I’m sorry. Will you forgive me?” Once again, we see how a child is an example of a child of God. We all sin against one another, yet a child has no shame in asking for forgiveness. We can never speak too much about this topic of disrespect, as we seem to need constant reminders. May God grant us patience to show our children how we are to live as God’s children. About Gossip Gossip, always a timely topic, can be another form of disrespect. We know that some forms of gossip are harmless and even can be a source of useful information, caution and social guard-railing. Yet, we all know the pain caused when the line is crossed into an area of harm. Respect for one another as fellow believers and as neighbors in a community starts with the Eighth Commandment, where we are instructed to think the best of our neighbors. Luther’s explanation to this commandment says, “We should so fear and love God as not to falsely belie, betray, slander, nor raise injurious reports against our neighbor.” This clearly forbids harmful gossip. We can think closely about the words in Luther’s list. Betrayal may be deeply hurtful to the friend who would want to keep a matter private. It may be best to let each person share their own health or relationship issues when the situation is shared privately. Sometimes what we see as harmless news can be deeply painful to those involved. John states that “Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer” (1 John 3:15). In the same way, our thoughts with evil intent towards our neighbor breaks the 8th Commandment. Can we say we respect our neighbor if we think any manner of evil of him in our hearts? We are also instructed to come to our neighbor’s defense if any man comes to us with accusation against him; as Luther says, “apologize for him, think and speak well of him and put the best construction on all he does.” Therefore, if we feel offended or disrespected, we are instructed to assume our offender meant well, building on these charitable thoughts by acting on this belief. This is the basis of respect in God’s kingdom.   Responding to Disrespect with Love, Not Anger Dan Grangroth Dinner has been cleaned up and homework is complete. Mother and father sit in the living room, talking with the children before bedtime. A child cries out from the bedroom. A special token, hidden away, is broken in the corner of the bedroom. Mother and father comfort the child, even as they fight the anger building inside. Another disrespectful situation. Why break a sibling’s belongings? This is a familiar experience in our home. The response varies between children and has become predictable. Some show anger, some sadness—each with different levels of noise or silence. The same is true for adults; we each respond to disrespect in different ways. Parental Responsibility to Teach Dealing with disrespect can be challenging. An authoritarian approach is dictatorial and may lead to obedience rooted in fear rather than honor and respect—a true change of heart. Leniency, on the other hand, can become permissiveness of sin and lead to more misbehavior. Luther writes, “Do not coddle children. The first destroyers of their own children are those who neglect them and knowingly permit them to grow up without the training and admonition of the Lord. Even if they do not harm them by a bad example, they still destroy them by yielding to them. These parents will, therefore, bear the sins of their children because they make these sins their own.” God has given parents a responsibility that is to be taken seriously. A balance must be found – one that establishes boundaries and helps children develop self-control. Luther encourages us to use evangelical discipline: to correct with great measures of forgiveness. The Bible teaches us to be respectful. We also carry certain expectations of how others should show respect. When those expectations are unmet, we can become angry – and that, too, is not right. The Old Testament outlines legal consequences for disrespectful – even criminal – offenses. Today, governments carry out the consequences of such actions. In this way, we are freed from the burden of wrath, handing that burden to those God has ordained. Consider Joseph When we feel disrespected, we can think of Joseph, as told in Genesis 37–45. Joseph told his brothers a dream that, when taken literally, seemed disrespectful. Yet, through eyes of faith, it was truth – not meant to offend. Resentful, his brothers sold him into slavery. Instead of anger, Joseph chose to serve his masters and soon found favor in their eyes. Later, falsely accused by his master’s wife, he was imprisoned. This was another moment that might have justified anger, yet Joseph continued to serve with love. In time, he was raised to leadership. A famine later brought his brothers to him, seeking food. When offense occurs, whether from the world or from within God’s kingdom, can we lay down our anger? Or does it only grow? Joseph, by God’s grace, forgave those who disrespected him. His heart of forgiveness led to healing and restored love in his family. Saul’s Offenses Were Forgiven Saul of Tarsus and his men did not respect the Word of God or Stephen. When stones rained down on Stephen, “He kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge” (Acts 7:50). Stephen’s companions might understandably have feared and hated Saul. Yet, as children of God, we want to put such anger behind us. When Ananias was called to care for Saul, he desired to be obedient. Love is stronger than fear or contempt. “And Ananias, putting his hands on him, said, Brother Saul, the Lord hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost” (Acts 9:17). A phenomenon today is the tendency to speak negatively of those with differing stances or opinions. Like-minded friends discussing temporal matters can easily fall into this pattern. I’ve noticed that once this type of conversation begins, it tends to grow in boldness and intensity. Ephesians 4:29, 31 instructs us: “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice.” If you’ve found yourself in such a situation, it may help to speak with others about the matter. Through conversation, you may be encouraged to view it through a forgiving lens rather than one that feeds wrath. We also look to Jesus. The world showed Him great disrespect. That led to the shedding of His blood on the cross, and to the most precious gift we have. We can approach the throne of grace, even in matters of disrespect and anger, and believe all sins forgiven in Jesus’ name and blood. We can make new promises and look to the goal of heaven, where there will be only peace and love – and perfect unity.   Thoughts on Disrespect Ethan Ojala Throughout life there are ups and downs, lefts and rights, good decisions and bad. The way we keep a healthy relationship with peers and the rest of the world is through personal actions.  Whether out running errands or having fellowship with others in God’s kingdom, everyone is responsible for their own actions. Like adults, a youth in God’s Zion wants to shine light onto this world. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father which is in heaven” (Matt. 5,16).  Being an example is a big responsibility. In church, younger kids in the congregation look up to older kids, watch them and copy their actions. If an older youth shows disrespect, for example does not follow rules, bullies or speaks rudely, younger kids can take it the wrong way and think that doing any of those actions are “cool.” They might do disrespectful actions themselves.  Shining a light onto this world does not only mean being a good and respectful citizen, it also means not casting a bad light onto this world. Youth and adults in God’s Zion all want to set good examples in the congregation, in school, with elders and with families. Disrespectful behavior would cast a bad light on God’s kingdom. Being disrespectful can ruin reputations, friendships and your own self-respect.   Alexa Grangroth, age 17 The best way I’ve been rebuked by a parent or elder was with calmness rather than anger. Instead of yelling or punishing right away, they’d calmly tell me I was being disrespectful and that they expected better from me.  One example that comes to mind happened a few years ago. I was arguing with my mother, and she gently told me that the way I was talking back to her was not respectful and that I needed to think about my choice of words. This really caught me off guard. In the heat of the moment, I was just trying to get my point across and wasn’t thinking about how my words might affect her. When she rebuked me in this way it wasn’t shaming me, it was holding me to a higher standard. After I stopped and thought about how I was treating Mom, I felt bad. After I received my sins forgiven, I wanted to act more respectful, because I didn’t want to harm my conscience or let her down again.   Natalie Grangroth, age 16 The way that I identify a disrespectful situation is when someone says or does something that does not feel right. A personal example would be when I am with a group of people, and I say rude things about others. When I am being disrespectful in this way, I don’t usually think of it as disrespectful until afterwards. It isn’t right to disrespect others, and when I do, I feel bad about it.  Not only can we disrespect people, but we can also disrespect objects or property. If I am playing an instrument or a game, I would want to use them with respect. If I don’t, then they could break, even if that’s not what I intended. We want to always respect people and property. When we see someone else in a disrespectful situation, we want to approach them with respect and tell them that what they are doing isn’t right.   Juliana Grangroth, age 14 When a peer is being disrespectful to me, it is often easiest to ignore them or give disrespect back. However, the right thing to do would be to rebuke them. Say for instance, someone is talking behind my back and I hear about it from other people. I should go to that person without anger and talk through that issue. My first thought would be to call or text them, but I know that talking about it in person would be the best way to handle the situation.   Children’s Perspectives on Disrespect Meg Davison, age 16 When have you seen an example of disrespect? One example of disrespect I see at home is disregard for my property. My personal things go missing, get broken or taken. This can be very frustrating when my items are not respected. How have you felt when you have been disrespected? It is very frustrating to be disrespected, and my normal reaction has been to get upset or angry about the situation. It can be hard for me to remember that as a child of God, I should react with love instead of anger. What can you say to someone who is being disrespectful to you or to a friend? I think the best way to talk to someone who is being disrespectful is with love in your heart. You can ask them if something is bothering them and offer help. There may be something troubling them that is causing them to act with disrespect. Everett Muhonen, age 8 When have you seen an example of disrespect? I’ve seen disrespect at school when my classmates bring things to school that aren’t allowed, or when they don’t follow the rules or participate in class. How have you felt when you have been disrespected? I have felt really mad and upset that someone has treated me in an unkind way. I don’t like that feeling. What can you say to someone who is being disrespectful to someone’s property or belongings? I would say to them, “Touching other people’s things isn’t right.” Anya Jurvakainen, age 9 When have you seen an example of disrespect? I have seen disrespect when a boy in my class yelled at a teacher. How have you felt when you were disrespected? My feelings were hurt. What could you say to someone who is being disrespectful to one of your family members? I could help solve the problem and say that they shouldn’t be rude to others. Sidney Grangroth, age 13 When have you seen an example of disrespect? At church and school when people make fun of other people about their clothes and hair. How have you felt when you have been disrespected? It makes me feel sad and hurt. I ask them to stop, and I try to ignore them. What can you say to someone who is being disrespectful to you or to a friend? I can ask them if they would like it if others treated them that way.   Discussion Questions: How do you feel when an adult or authority figure speaks harshly or condemns someone? What might this teach children about respect or disrespect? How is it possible to be unintentionally disrespectful? How can we correct someone who has been disrespectful in a way that reflects grace and love? How can respect in our daily lives shine the light of God’s kingdom? How should we respond when we see or experience disrespect—especially when we feel angry or hurt? How can we teach children about respect and disrespect? What should we do if we hear someone speaking harmfully about another person—especially when it feels awkward to speak up?

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! JESUS ANSWERED, MY KINGDOM IS NOT OF THIS WORLD. JOHN 18:36 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 2025 LLC Summer Services Outlook, Saskatchewan July 3–6 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. 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. Hearken – Our Publications App Read Disrespect The Voice of Zion June/July 2025 - Home & Family Article -- Disrespect shows up in many forms—careless words, closed hearts, quick... Home & Family Jun 1 God Gives a Time of Growth Mission Work in Ghana, April 2025 Keith Waaraniemi and Sakari Yrjänä | The Voice of Zion June/July 2025 - Mission Work Field Notes... Voice of Zion Featured Articles Jun 1 Do Broader Steps Bring Happiness? Aleksi Päkkilä | The Voice of Zion June/July 2025 - Round the Table Article -- Aleksi Päkkilä serves as a parish pastor in the Nivala... Voice of Zion Featured Articles Jun 1 June/July 2025 Update Arvin Pirness | The Voice of Zion June/July 2025 - News & Notes Article -- Many of our children are now or soon to be on summer vacation.... News & Notes Jun 1 Asking or Questioning: What’s the Difference? Laurel Hill interviewing her dad, Peter | The Voice of Zion June/July 2025 - Round the Table Article -- Laurel: Is there a difference... Voice of Zion Featured Articles Jun 1 1 2 3 4 5 Shop Quick View Wait Upon the Lord: Annual Anthology 2024 Quick View CD # 79 Shield Me Forever Quick View In the Shelter of the Hill Quick View CD # 78 Songs of the Journey Quick View God Is So Good - Book and CD Combo Quick View Joyous Wedding Bells Follow us on Instagram @laestadianlutheran Load More On YouTube Play Video Play Video 01:09:45 2025 Winter Services Broadcast Sunday 1 Play Video Play Video 49:29 2025 Winter Services Saturday 4 pm Play Video Play Video 23:08 2025 Winter Services Publication Saturday 5 pm Play Video Play Video 01:14:26 2025 Winter Services Broadcast Saturday 4 Play Video Play Video 01:26:55 2025 Winter Services - Saturday 1:30 pm Play Video Play Video 01:02:12 2025 Winter Services Broadcast - Saturday 3 Play Video Play Video 54:56 2025 Winter Services Broadcast - Saturday 1 Play Video Play Video 06:13:00 2025 LLC Phoenix Winter Services - Sunday 3/16 Welcome to the 2025 Laestadian Lutheran Church Annual Winter Services in Phoenix, Arizona! Service Motto: "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness. (Matt. 6:33)" The services will begin Thursday, March 13 and end Sunday, March 16. https://www.llchurch.org/winter-services

2025 LLC Summer Services Outlook, Saskatchewan July 3–6 Jim Kook Recreation Complex Listen Purchase Meal Tickets Watch Work Shift Sign Up Donate Service Brochure Welcome to 2025 LLC Summer Services! Welcome to 2025 Summer Services, which will be held in Outlook, Saskatchewan, July 3–6. The services will be held at Jim Kook Recreation Complex in Outlook. The Outlook, Dunblane and Saskatoon congregations will serve as hosts. Our motto is “Jesus answered, my kingdom is not of this world” from John 18:36. The service site will accommodate campers (dry camping only). There will be space for tenting and showers available in the facility. There are several motels in Outlook to accommodate guests, as well as local campgrounds offering fully serviced sites. Additionally, Outlook is located 90 km south of the city of Saskatoon, where more lodging options are available. Additional details and locations for lodging are listed below. The food service committees has finalized menu options – see information below. Many other areas of planning are ongoing with major rentals and audio-visual contracts being secured, and much more. As the work progresses, additional information will be shared in The Voice of Zion and on the LLC website. As planning continues, we pray that God will bless these efforts and that many will be able to join us for these festive services. Our planning also includes the online broadcast component for those who will join online from afar. On behalf of the Summer Service Planning Committee, I extend a warm welcome to all! Levi Haapala LLC Board of Directors Meeting Service Opening Ceremony Song Services & Evening Service LLC Annual Meeting Service Children's Service Song Services Service Congregation Evening (Presentation) Evening Service Service Children's Service Song Services Communion Service Song Services Service Youth Evening (Presentation) Sunday School Service Closing Service Service Schedule Thursday, July 3 9:00 3:00 6:00 9:30 Friday, July 4 9:00 10:30 2:00 4:00 4:30 7:00 10:00 Saturday, July 5 9:00 10:30 1:30 2:00 5:30 6:00 8:30 Sunday, July 6 9:30 10:30 2:00 2025 LLC Summer Services Meals Meal tickets are now available for purchase online – see link above. If you are planning to purchase meal tickets, please consider purchasing your tickets online to help with food planning. Meal tickets will be available for sale online until June 29th. Meal tickets that are purchased online will be available for pick-up at the Ticket Sales tent on the service site. Menu Thursday, July 3 (4–6 pm) Pizza / Salad / Burger Friday, July 4 (11 am–1 pm) Pizza / Salad / Burger / Bag Lunch Friday, July 4 (4–6 pm) Pizza / Salad / Burger / Pork Chop & Pasta Salad Saturday, July 5 (11 am–1 pm) Pizza / Salad / Burger / Bag Lunch Saturday, July 5 (4–6 pm) Pizza / Salad / Burger / Taco Salad Sunday, July 6 (11 am–1 pm) Salad / Burger / Smokie in a Bun *Allergies – there is a separate food line for gluten and dairy free options. Lodging Information Below there is a list of lodging options. Space may be limited at some facilities, but it always pays to check and put your name on the waiting list if there are cancelations. This lodging information was compiled by Anita Ylioja. Please contact Anita with general lodging inquiries: 306-241-1370, anitayli75@hotmail.com RV parking and dry camping and tenting will be available on the service site. Further information will be available at a later date. Local Motels, Campgrounds, Other Irrigation Motel (306) 867-8633 1.2 km from service site LCBI Dorm Rooms Registration deadline: May 31 Contact Veronica Warwaruk for information: 306-361-6634, mikkolaveronica@gmail.com 2.7 km from service site Aaron’s Campground 24 RV Sites with full hook-up $35 CAN/night Booking starts June 10, 2025 Contact: Joanne 306-867-8333 5 km from service site Triple S Industries 4 RV Sites with full hook-up Contact: Paul Simonson 306-867-7167 1.5 km from service site Highland Outfitters Lodge Cabin and lodge Contact: highlandoutfitters.com; Joanne 306-501-1070 12 km from service site Outlook District Regional Park Campsite bookings started third week of January Contact: outlook.letscamp.ca outlookregpark@sasktel.net 2.1 km from service site Hotels in Saskatoon Saskatoon is approximately 100 km from the service site; the south side of the city is a bit closer. Search online to find information on these facilities, including availability and contact information: Home Inn & Suites – Saskatoon South Hampton Inn – Saskatoon South Four Points by Sheraton (Stonebridge) Towne Place Suites (Stonebridge) Sandman Signature – Saskatoon South BACK TO TOP

Events Member Congregations Camps & Courses The LLC sponsors annual national worship service events, the largest being Winter Services and Summer Services. Annual Summer Services Summer Services are held annually around the United States 4th of July holiday. The weekend events also include LLC Board Meetings, a Ministers and Board Members meeting, a Youth Presentation, and the LLC Annual Meeting. The services are held in different geographic areas each year. The schedule for future year’s Summer Services is as follows: 2025: July 3–6 || Northwest (Saskatchewan) 2026: July 2–5 || East-Central (Menahga at Silver Springs) 2027: July 1–4 || East-Central (Toronto) 2028: June 29–July 2 || East-Central (Elk River at Silver Springs) 2029: July 5–8 || Northwest (TBD) 2030: July 4–7 || East-Central (Cokato at Silver Springs) Annual Winter Services Winter Services are hosted annually by the Phoenix Laestadian Lutheran Church, with assistance from the other area congregations. 2026: February 19–22