Search Results

Arvin Pirness | The Voice of Zion August 2026 - News & Notes -- Publications We extend a special thank-you to Ruth Delacey, who served as Publications Coordinator for the past five years. Her work in the Publications Department and the Opisto program allowed her to develop warm connections with many believers across North America. We are grateful for her service of love and wish her God’s blessings in the future. Helen Hillukka is serving temporarily as Publications Coordinator through the month of August. An announcement for this full-time position has been sent to congregations, and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. It was heartwarming to see so many people visit the bookstore during the 2026 LLC Summer Services. We pray that God will continue to bless us with publications that encourage and enrich the endeavor of faith. As always, the work of the Publications Department is supported by many volunteers through written, illustrated, and photographic contributions. Producers, editors, reviewers, and local congregation coordinators also play important roles. We are thankful for all who contribute their time and gifts to this work. Facilities & Events We again experienced the blessings of gathering for Summer Services at Silver Springs. We thank the Menahga and Brainerd congregations for their diligent planning and the hundreds of volunteers whose efforts made it possible for service guests to enjoy a blessed weekend gathered around God’s Word. During the services weekend, attendees were invited to provide feedback regarding the Silver Springs site. All feedback will be reviewed by the Silver Springs Board as it considers improvements and long-term development of the property. In June and July, eight confirmation schools were held across North America, attended by 294 young people. Many pre-confirmation camps, youth camps, and other camps will continue to be held through August. We are thankful that God continues to bless this important work among our young. Global Mission Work After a break in July, mission trips resume in August. Especially noteworthy are the confirmation schools in Kenya, including one for adults and one for youth. A youth confirmation school is also planned in Togo. One of the Global Mission Work teams is the Learning Materials and Education Team, which has developed Friend of Children: Illustrated Bible Lessons. The resource has been well received by teachers in Africa. A subcommittee is also developing a standardized curriculum and agenda for confirmation schools in Africa. Pastoral SRK and LLC summer speaker exchange trips have concluded. We rejoice in the unity of faith and the blessings we have experienced through serving one another at services, camps and in homes. LLC Annual Meeting The 2026 LLC Annual Meeting was held at the Rockford Laestadian Lutheran Church, where delegates reviewed and expressed support for the proposed 2027 LLC Operating Plan. – Delegates heard encouraging reports from congregations that incorporate the Apostles’ Creed into the Communion liturgy, noting the edifying experiences shared by some delegates. – An update was provided on the work of the Catechism Review Committee. Following many years of study and careful consideration, a draft revision has been reviewed by the LLC Board and shared with LLC ministers. During the coming months, presentations will be held in congregations to introduce the draft and provide an opportunity for review and discussion. – Delegates discussed the future of Hasscib Lake Camp, with additional conversations planned for the fall meeting of the Minnesota congregation boards and the East-Central Mission Area meetings in January. – Following remarks from the Coastal California Laestadian Lutheran Church delegate and the presentation of several motions that did not receive a second, Annual Meeting delegates adopted a motion encouraging the LLC Board and staff to proceed with the steps necessary regarding Coastal California Laestadian Lutheran Church’s membership in LLC and to engage legal counsel as needed.

Tommi Kinnunen | The Voice of Zion August 2026 - Round the Table article -- From the youngest children in Sunday school to elders in quieter stations of life, all of us are called to serve one another using the gifts God has given us. Service involves showing care and reflecting God’s love, particularly in our interactions with others. Every gathering is an opportunity to make others feel welcome, especially newcomers, and to remind one another that each of us is valued and loved as a child of the same Father. In God’s kingdom, each of us has a place to be, and a place to serve. People are naturally social creatures. From a young age, children try to find their place in a group as they learn to connect and interact with others. Sunday school or services might be a child’s first experience navigating how to fit into a larger group outside their own family. Exploring social dynamics within the comfort and care of God’s kingdom is a wonderful way for children to learn how to interact with peers and fit into a group. Social development follows a natural course as they grow. But even in God’s congregation our fallen nature can cloud the God-given desire to belong. For example, we may try to elevate ourselves by putting someone else down, or by excluding others. Such treatment and exclusion aren’t always overtly cruel. Often, especially among older children and adults, they can take the form of silence and ignoring a person, sometimes simply with a lack of smiles, being unwelcoming or withholding kindness. Most young people naturally (and fortunately) form a tight bond with their peers, their fellow believers. They explore the outside world together, hanging out around town and engaging in group activities. Together, they may be tempted to tease, insult or otherwise mistreat others who are not part of their group. They may even be tempted to respond or take revenge as a group when someone else mistreats one of them. But no matter how justified we may feel our actions to be, mistreating another person is never acceptable. Whether we call it bullying or something else, the effect is the same: someone is hurt. Apostle Paul writes, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12:17–21, NIV). God’s Word calls us to recognize and care for those who may be overlooked. Following the Fifth Commandment, we are to help and comfort our neighbor in every way. Jesus is our example: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart” (Matt. 11:29, NIV). He sought out those who were most ignored: Zacchaeus, little children, lepers and others who were considered unclean or undesirable. Jesus approached them with love and kindness, offering God’s grace to them. Jesus teaches us that Christian love is active, not passive; it is to notice those who are often unnoticed, to speak words of kindness and care, and to extend hands of welcome. From time to time, each of us can feel excluded, sometimes even in our home congregation. We may find ourselves sitting alone at a gathering, or we may feel uneasy or misplaced in a Sunday school class, or we may wonder if we truly belong. Among the larger group, inner circles form naturally, often without cruelty. This usually happens through patterns of seating, impromptu invitations or shared interests. In this area, adults have an opportunity to set a good example. If adults exclude or favor others based on social norms, family or interest, children learn to do the same. On the other hand, if children see adults noticing those who are often overlooked and extending kindness and inviting others into their circles, children see the love of Christ at work and learn by that example as well. Our words carry weight. Proverbs tell us that gracious words are like honey – sweet to the soul and healing to the body. In contrast, cruel words or even silence can hurt deeply. The childhood rhyme, “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me,” is not always true. Sometimes words cut deeply and leave lasting scars. Thus, we are called to speak kindly, to be “kindly affectionate” in our speech, even when it’s difficult, or when someone has caused us personal pain (Rom. 12:10). But what does “kindly affectionate” mean? As people embedded in social networks, we routinely show courtesy and respect to others as a matter of routine, or out of duty or politeness. But believers are taught to go even further, and to approach others with the mind of Christ in humility, patience and forgiveness. The “kindly affection” God’s Word speaks of is the care, kindness and goodwill that springs from Christian love. Such affection is a fruit of living faith. In the Old Testament, Joseph was sold into slavery in Egypt by his brothers. God remembered Joseph and blessed him, and he rose from slavery to be a powerful ruler in Egypt. When a famine swept through the region, Joseph’s brothers went to Egypt seeking help and food. Our human reasoning would justify Joseph being angry and harboring thoughts of bitterness and revenge toward his brothers, even turning his back on his brothers and sending them away empty handed. Instead, he forgave and helped his brothers. This example points to the nature of Christ, who taught us to turn the other cheek and break cycles of hurt and wrong. This is not easy. Nevertheless, it is central to a life rooted in faith. It reflects God’s character. Our actions express our love and care. We are called to notice those in need – those with the least strength or status – and offer help with a generous and kind heart. For example, when a small child asks about a homeless person, we can teach compassion rather than judgment. Faith is not only words; it is also deeds. God’s Word reminds us that faith without works is dead (James 2:17). This does not mean that we can earn our soul’s salvation in any way through our own works, but rather that the fruits of faith are made visible to others through our words and deeds. Good works are gifts from God, and not of ourselves. Each act of kindness, each invitation we extend, each word spoken with love, regardless of if it is toward a believer or toward those outside of God’s Kingdom, shows the mind of Christ. A message we can give anyone – child or adult – is simple: everyone matters. Everyone can belong. God made each one of us. God loves each one of us. Each believer has a place in the family of God. Our shared sense of belonging will always require our attention and care. May the Holy Spirit guide our hearts so that our speech and actions reflect the love of Christ and that we see, welcome and value each person we encounter, especially those of the household of faith.

Tanner Collette | The Voice of Zion August 2026 -The Sabbath Word 2 -- Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein. Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken. Therefore hear, ye nations, and know, O congregation, what is among them. Hear, O earth: behold, I will bring evil upon this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not hearkened unto my words, nor to my law, but rejected it. – Jeremiah 6:16–19 Jeremiah was an Old Testament prophet to whom God gave a difficult task. He was instructed to preach to those who had forsaken God’s teaching and had lost their fear of God. The Lord called them a backsliding people for so boldly disobeying Him. Their hearts were hardened by sin, and they refused to repent. Jeremiah bluntly rebuked them, “Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the Lord thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord God of hosts” (Jer. 2:19). God wanted to forgive His people. He instructed Jeremiah to remind them that He remembered the kindness of their youth, and still loved them, yet His patience would not last forever. Their time of visitation would someday come to an end. God has not changed. He still loves His people and has mercy for us, even when we fall into sin. This message is still timely for us today. When sin burdens the conscience, we can turn to a travel escort and receive the Gospel message, restoring that heavenly peace in our hearts. The Old Testament travelers of Jeremiah’s time had found pleasure for their flesh in the sinful ways of the world. Their hearts had been consumed to the point that they no longer feared God and even attempted to justify their worldly lifestyles. They listened to false prophets that proclaimed, “Peace, peace; when there is no peace” (Jer. 6:14). Today, there is a loud message from this increasingly turbulent world that tells us there is an easier path, one that pleases our flesh and allows all manner of sin. There are false prophets all around us, luring us with a deceitful message that if we simply ignore our conscience, sin will no longer be a burden. Our text illustrates that this is an age-old lie of the enemy of souls. God’s Word has not changed: “Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and today, and forever” (Heb. 13:8). The Holy Spirit continues to guide God’s children, and it is important that we heed the trumpet that sounds so clearly in God’s congregation. We know that God’s Word is a two-edged sword: it either heals or it offends. To the people of Jeremiah’s time, it was an offense. Sometimes it may be that the message of God’s Word we hear in the congregation has a bit of a sting to it. This is a good sign that we should care for matters. It would be dangerous to be as those to whom Jeremiah preached and begin to defend ourselves and our actions against God’s instruction. If ever the beauty of God’s kingdom loses its appeal, pray that repentance and a humble heart could lead you back to the middle of the flock and to fellowship with the believers. Jesus explained to His disciples that those who hated Him, hated Him because He had exposed their sin. “If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their sin” (John 15:22). It is important that we put sin away. Trying to forget about or hide our sin is simply the cloak that Jesus speaks about here. If we allow sin to build, our conscience will become hardened, and eventually we will lose faith. God is loving and merciful, but, as is recorded for us in Scripture, He will not tolerate sin and disobedience forever. If we choose the wrong path in this life, there is no promise of another time of visitation. Continue to ask for the old paths, and here in God’s precious kingdom, you will find rest for your soul.

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! THIS IS THE DAY WHICH THE LORD HATH MADE; WE WILL REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT. PSALM 118:24 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 2026 Hasscib Lake Camp Regional Services Champion, Michigan August 14 –16 Lodging contact for rv's and tents: Jaana Bratt – 602-918-0547 Schedule Listen Work Shift Sign Up Site Map 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 Ask for the Old Paths Tanner Collette | The Voice of Zion August 2026 -The Sabbath Word 2 -- Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein. Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken. Therefore hear, ye nations, and know, O congregation, what is among them. Hear, O earth: behold, Voice of Zion Featured Articles Aug 1 Everyone Has a Place Tommi Kinnunen | The Voice of Zion August 2026 - Round the Table article -- From the youngest children in Sunday school to elders in quieter stations of life, all of us are called to serve one another using the gifts God has given us. Service involves showing care and reflecting God’s love, particularly in our interactions with others. Every gathering is an opportunity to make others feel welcome, especially newcomers, and to remind one another that each of us is valued and Voice of Zion Featured Articles Aug 1 Helping Carry The Voice of Zion August 2026 - Editorial -- As children, many of us spend years simply receiving. We come to church and services, sit beside our families, attend camps and gatherings, and receive care and teaching from those around us. Others prepare lessons, organize events, care for practical needs, and carry responsibilities we may hardly notice. There is nothing wrong with this. Children are meant to receive. Jesus Himself said of little children, “Of such is the kingdom Voice of Zion Featured Articles Aug 1 Amid the Busyness of Life The Voice of Zion August 2026 - Home and Family Articles -- Amidst our busy family life, the believing home can be a place of contentment and peace, a refuge from the world, a setting where God’s perfect plan for our lives unfolds day by day. Family life often involves many moving parts and much noise. The shape of family busyness differs from one household to another, as well as from one season of life to another. Each household and season carries its own joys and sorrows, a Home & Family Aug 1 August 2026 Update Arvin Pirness | The Voice of Zion August 2026 - News & Notes -- Publications We extend a special thank-you to Ruth Delacey, who served as Publications Coordinator for the past five years. Her work in the Publications Department and the Opisto program allowed her to develop warm connections with many believers across North America. We are grateful for her service of love and wish her God’s blessings in the future. Helen Hillukka is serving temporarily as Publications Coordin News & Notes Aug 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 03:57:56 2026 LLC Summer Services - Thursday July 2nd Welcome to 2026 LLC Summer Services! Summer Services will be held at Silver Springs in Monticello, Minnesota, July 2–5, 2026. Menahga and Brainerd serve as host congregations this year. Our motto for the services is “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you” (1 John 1:3). The services will begin Thursday, July 2nd and end Sunday, July 5th. Welcome! https://www.llchurch.org/2026-summer-services Play Video Play Video 01:02:58 Thursday 3pm Welcome to 2026 LLC Summer Services! Summer Services will be held at Silver Springs in Monticello, Minnesota, July 2–5, 2026. Menahga and Brainerd serve as host congregations this year. Our motto for the services is “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you” (1 John 1:3). The services will begin Thursday, July 2nd and end Sunday, July 5th. Welcome! https://www.llchurch.org/2026-summer-services 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

< Back Confirmation Day 4: The Holy Spirit, The Spirit of God Day 4, Lesson 1: The Holy Spirit, the Sanctifier Objective Holy Spirit calls and gathers the congregation of Christ; The Holy Spirit comforts, teaches, and guides Learning Outcome Give examples of how the Holy Spirit sanctifies. Confirmation Exercise Questions None Reference Material Booklet Song: You desire true devotion / And a heart of purity; / You hate evil and corruption / You despise hypocrisy. / Therefore, sanctify my mind, / That in me You always find / An abiding dwelling lowly, / Worthy of Your presence holy. (SHZ 127 v.6) Booklet Text: But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.(John 14:26) Additional Reference Material SCRIPTURE John 20:19-23; John 14:26; Acts 15:28 Matt. 16:15-19; Acts 10:43; Rom. 3:24,25; 1 Cor. 6:11; Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14; Heb. 4:15; 9:7-12; 1 John 1:7; 5:13; 1 Pet. 1:18, 19; Rev. 5:9; 7:14; Jer. 1:4,5; Rom. 15:16; Gal. 2:20; Eph. 5:25-27; 2 Thess. 2:13,14; 1 Pet. 1:1,2; 1 John 1:9 CURRICULUM Lesson 2.7 ADDITIONAL LESSON POINTS The Holy Spirit is the spirit of God the Father and of Christ. God is the almighty Lord, whose sphere of influence is boundless. He has given His Holy Spirit as a guide and comfort to the believer. God sent His Holy Spirit into His Congregation. The Holy Spirit speaks in our conscience and in God's congregation. The office of the keys is a function of the Holy Spirit. Forgiveness is the office of the Spirit and not the office of mere words. RESOURCES By Faith 21; Luther’s Small Catechism Apostle’s, Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds The Holy Spirit and Its Work, V. Juntunen, The Sheepfold Tender, pages 102-111. LLC Website: The Office of the Holy Spirit, W. Lampi, Summer Services Ministers and Board meeting, 2017; The Office of the Holy Spirit, C. Simonson, Summer Services Youth Presentation, 2017. VZ: The Holy Spirit’s Work, H. Jussila, May, 1994, page 3; Bible Concepts: The Holy Spirit, May, 1995, page 12; The Holy Spirit, The Comforter, P. Haataja, Feb. 2010, page 4. Previous Next

< Back December 9, 2024 Do you know your Christmas songs? Click the link below to answer questions about Christmas songs in our hymnal. Songbook Puzzle Christmas Peace Previous