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< Back Confirmation Day 5: I Need the Word Of Grace Each Day Day 5, Lesson 4: Sexuality Issues Objective God gave sexuality for man and woman in marriage, to continue human life; The enemy of souls tempts to misuse our sexuality Learning Outcome Explain how my sexuality is a gift from God Confirmation Exercise Questions None Reference Material Booklet Song: Master, the times are corrupt and enticing. / Grant us Your Word of instruction and blessing. / Ne’er let our hearts to this world be conforming, / That from Your kingdom not one would be drowning. (SHZ 479 v.2) Booklet Text: Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.(Luke 21:36) Additional Reference Material SCRIPTURE Genesis 38:10; Lev. 18:22; 2 Sam. 11; Prov. 7; Eccl. 1:9; Luke 5:8, 21:36; 1 Jn. 1:8,10; Rom. 1: 26,27; 3:23, 7:17; 1 Cor. 10:13; Col. 3:5,6; 2 Tim. 2:22; James 1:14,15; CURRICULUM None ADDITIONAL LESSON POINTS Sexuality is intended for marriage, between a husband and wife It is in marriage only that sexual life is realized with a sense of responsibility. (V to V) Believers need to be very watchful and battle against temptation Masturbation is a sin It is sin to live a gay, lesbian lifestyle Appeal to creation and genetics does not justify homosexual relations If you have personal questions and fears about sexuality, talk to a trusted believer The gospel is the power of God Discuss Dress: How we dress may arouse fleshly desires in others Attitudes towards the opposite sex Avoid physical contact that arouses the flesh Man’s glorification of the body (sex symbol) Casual dating – Sexual contact, casual sex Sins of the flesh – Masturbation, pornography, other RESOURCES LLC Website: LLC Position Statement Homosexual Behavior is Sin Victory to Victory, Sexual Life and Its Irregularities, E. Pelkonen, pages 69-74; He Created Them Male and Female, L. Värynen, Fortifying the Foundation, pages 74-75; Male and Female, At the Crossroads of Choosing, pages 37-42. Previous Next

< Back December 20, 2024 Click the audio link below to hear a poem titled A Child Questions. To read the poem, click the link. A Child Questions A Child Questions Previous

< Back Confirmation Day 2: God, the Triune God Day 2, Lesson 1: God, the Triune God Objective God is our Creator; God hates sin, but loves the sinful person Learning Outcome Explain how God created everything; Give an example of how God hates sin but loves the sinner Confirmation Exercise Questions #2 What is the most important matter in your life? To be a believer. Living faith. Getting to heaven. Having my sins forgiven. #3 How has God created the visible and the invisible world? By His Word. Reference Material Booklet Song: We know that God is our Creator / Who made the earth and heaven by His Word, / The light, the darkness, land and water / He spoke and it was done; he is the Lord / Unseen or seen, by Him all things consist. / Praise God, who in eternity exists. (SHZ 208 v.1) Booklet Text: The Lord is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens. Who is like unto the Lord our God who dwelleth on high. (Psalms 113:4,5) Additional Reference Material SCRIPTURE Gen. 1-2; Gen. 1:27,28; 2:18,21-24; John 1:1-3; Ps. 19:1-3; Matt. 6:8,25-34; 7:7-11; Heb. 11:3; Ps. 68:5; Col. 1:16; Isa. 43:1-4; Jer. 17:10; Job 14:5; Ps. 8:3-6; Acts 17:26-28; 2 Tim. 2:19; Ezek. 33:11; Exod. 4:22; Job 12:7-9; Job 34:11 CURRICULUM Lessons 2.2, 3.2, 3.3 ADDITIONAL LESSON POINTS God has created the universe and all that is in it. God has created man from the dust of the earth and gave him an undying spirit. God has created man, both male and female God knows all our needs, both temporal and spiritual, and provides all that is necessary. For those who trust in God the future is always open, for God in His wisdom guides world events and creates new things. God loves His children like a good father loves his own children. Everyone will have to answer for his/her deeds and omissions before God. While God is almighty and holy, He is, nonetheless, near us in His love. None are here by accident, but by the will of God, and that God takes care of him/her. RESOURCES What is God Like?, The Sheepfold Tender, p. 14-15 A Scriptural Concept of God, The Sheepfold Tender, p.78-79 What is God Like? J. Lehtola, 1999 LLC Summer Services The Triune God, R. Waaraniemi, 2011 LLC Summer Services Previous Next

How We Believe The Holy Bible and the Lutheran Confessions are the doctrinal foundation in Conservative Laestadianism. Centermost is the sermon of Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection. The work of Christ continues in this world as the work of the Holy Spirit in His congregation. In Conservative Laestadianism it is taught that the Holy Spirit performs the work of salvation through the gospel. God sanctifies a sinner within His congregation. The congregation and its members have been entrusted with the word of reconciliation. The proclamation of the gospel is the office of the Holy Spirit. His followers use this authority. While preaching this gospel to all people, they also proclaim the remission of sins, which is the essence of the gospel. Therein the forgiveness of sins in Jesus’ name and blood is proclaimed to the sinner. Faith comes by hearing and through hearing the word of Christ. In the content of our teaching, the principles of the Reformation are regarded to be the most important. According to these principles, the Holy Bible is the highest authority in questions regarding faith and life and man is made righteous alone by faith, alone by grace, alone by the merits of Christ. Faith is a gift of God. God has given the gift of faith to everyone born into this world. Baptism is the covenant of a good conscience with God. In baptism God strengthens the child's faith and lifts him into the care of the congregation. An individual who has fallen from the grace of baptism can receive the gift of faith anew through repentance. Repentance is a change of heart. According to Luther, it includes penitence and distress on account of sin, but at the same time believing the gospel or the absolution of sin. The essence of the gospel is the forgiveness of sins. Communion is a memorial meal established by Jesus. It is intended for believers for the strengthening of their faith. The kingdom of God is to be found on earth according to the teachings of Jesus. It is a kingdom of grace on earth and a kingdom of glory in heaven. The kingdom of God is one-minded in faith, doctrine, and love. Treasure Hidden in a Field Read excerpts from the book The Treasure Hidden in a Field, by Juhani Uljas by clicking the "Read" button above.

< Back December 22, 2024 Happy Fourth Advent Sunday! Click the link below to see a video featuring song of Zion 33, An Angel Came from God Above. An Angel Came from God Above Still, Still, Still Previous

Our History The Laestadian Lutheran Church takes its name from Martin Luther and Lars Levi Laestadius. The name of the reformer Martin Luther and his teachings are well known around the world. The name of Laestadius is less familiar. Lars Levi Laestadius was a Lutheran pastor who served in northern Sweden from 1825-1861. In 1844, after nineteen years in the ministry, Laestadius was helped into living faith by a woman named Milla Clementsdotter, a member of a group known as “Readers.” Following his conversion, Laestadius's sermons were instilled with a new power, the power of the Holy Spirit. A revival movement began and soon spread far beyond the borders of Swedish Lapland. The movement reached North America with Finnish immigrants in the 1860s. Congregations were first formally organized in Cokato, Minnesota in 1872 and Calumet, Michigan in 1873. Since 1890 a number of schisms have splintered the movement on this continent. The subjects of disagreement have primarily been the understanding of justification, God's congregation, and the sacraments. The last division occurred in 1973 and was the impetus for the establishment of the Laestadian Lutheran Church. The Laestadian Lutheran Church (LLC) was organized on June 9, 1973 under the name “Association of American Laestadian Congregations” (AALC). The association changed its name in 1995 in order to better convey its spiritual heritage and the nature of its organization. Today the Laestadian Lutheran Church has over thirty member congregations in the United States and Canada. The highest concentrations of members are in Minnesota, Washington, Arizona, Michigan, and Saskatchewan. The congregations are served by approximately ninety ministers. The teachings of Laestadianism are based on the Bible and the Lutheran Confessions. Centermost among these teachings is the sermon of Jesus' suffering, death, and victorious resurrection. The work of Jesus Christ continues in this world as the work of the Holy Spirit in Christ's congregation. Thus the Laestadian Lutheran Church teaches of God's kingdom and preaches repentance and the forgiveness of sins. We hold, in accord with the Lutheran Confessions, that the Bible is the highest guide and authority for Christian faith, doctrine, and life.

< Back December 14, 2024 Click the audio link below to hear a poem titled There Was No Room. To read the poem, click the link. There Was No Room There Was No Room Previous

< Back Confirmation Day 4: The Holy Spirit, The Spirit of God Day 4, Lesson 3: Conscience, God's Voice In Us Objective The conscience guides us to do what is right, warns of sin, and instructs to repent when we have fallen; The conscience works properly when it is bound to God’s Word and the voice of the congregation Learning Outcome Describe what the conscience is and how it functions Confirmation Exercise Questions None Reference Material Booklet Song: Listen, precious young believer, / To your heart your Friend is speaking: / “Friend, I know that you are tempted. / It is you that I am seeking.” (SHZ 486 v.1) Booklet Text: “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9) Additional Reference Material SCRIPTURE Gen. 39:7-12; Dan. 1:8; Ps. 103:8-13; Gen. 3:7,8; 1 Sam. 24:5; 2 Sam. 24:10; Job 15:20-25; 27:5,6; Ps. 32:3,4; 38:1-22; 40:11,12; 51:1-19; Prov. 16:25; Jer. 6:15; Luke 11:33-36; Acts 24:16; Rom. 2:14, 15; 7:15-23; 1 Tim. 1:18,19; 3:9; Heb. 9:14; 10:22; Isa. 1:16,18; 1 Pet. 3:15-17; 1 John 3:20-21; 1 Cor. 4:3-5; Ps. 139:23,24 CURRICULUM Lesson 3.5 ADDITIONAL LESSON POINTS It is significant that God wishes to forgive and cleanse the conscience. Student will know how to care for his/her conscience. RESOURCES Christian Doctrine 16; Keep Faith and a Good Conscience, J. Bloomquist, Phoenix Winter Services, Feb 1998; VZ: Faith and Good Conscience Discussed, H. Huhdanpää, Feb 1999, page 7; Decision-Making Tied to God’s Word and Good Conscience, J. Stewart, Mar. 2015, page 2 Previous Next

Our Organization The Laestadian Lutheran Church (LLC) is a nonprofit corporation organized exclusively for religious purposes and is qualified as an exempt organization under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The LLC is the central organization of 32 member Laestadian Lutheran congregations in North America. The operations of the LLC are structured around four main areas of work in serving its membership and promoting its mission (see “Our Mission”). If you have any questions, please Contact Us. The areas of work are defined as follows: Pastoral Work Sacred Acts, pastor support, spiritual counseling, resource to member congregations. Mission Work Domestic and foreign mission trip coordination, supportive resources and media resource development. Christian Education Different programs that teach, instruct and guide both the youth and elderly of our congregation. These include Sunday school, Bible study, confirmation, youth camp programs; educational resources; camp facilities; Opisto scholarship program. Sunday School Teachers Resources A collection of resources designed to assist in instructing Sunday school lessons. Opisto Scholarship Program The LLC has joined with it's sister organization, the SRK, to provide 14 annual scholarships for students to attend one of three schools in Finland. Publications The LLC publishes a variety of publications to support the work of the LLC in furtherance of its Mission Statement, nurturing lives of faith and preaching the message of salvation through the redemption work of Jesus Christ. Publications include periodicals, books and music and audio products. Publications are developed under the auspices of the Publications Department and the Publications Committee. Many products are translations in mutual work with the SRK in Finland. PERIODICALS The Voice of Zion, a monthly paper with devotional and event articles. The Shepherds Voice, a children's magazine published seven times per year. Christmas in Zion, an annual Christmas magazine. Easter Messenger, an annual Easter magazine. BOOKS Books include devotional, historical and novel writings for all ages. MUSIC AND AUDIO Congregational singing, children's singing, and choir recordings based on music from the church's hymnal, Songs & Hymns of Zion, both teach as well as provide enjoyable listening. MOBILE HYMNAL The LLC-published Songs and Hymns of Zion contains all the songs in the current Songs and Hymns of Zion. PURCHASE/RENEW SUBSCRIPTIONS Contact Ruth DeLacey at ruth.delacey@llchurch.org with any questions about your subscriptions or if you wish to receive our periodicals. VOICE OF ZION ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ADS To place birth, engagement or wedding announcements in The Voice of Zion, please fill out the forms below. Birth Engagement Wedding Death To place ads or other announcements in The Voice of Zion, please fill out the form below. Place an Ad Please note, only ads for non-profit organizations can be placed in this publication. C ontact Annette Johnson at annette.johnson@llchurch.org with questions. 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 complete the following form. Change of Address SRK PUBLICATIONS The LLC carries a variety of publications, both written and audio, produced by the SRK in Finland. These publications are not available online but may be purchased through congregation bookstores or the LLC office directly. Contact the LLC office to check availability or to place special orders. General Operations support the noted areas of work in finance, technology, and administration. Board of Trustees The LLC Board of Trustees consists of 15 members representing member congregations allocated to three regions of the North American continent – Eastern, Midwestern, and Western. Trustees serve for three-year terms and are elected annually at the Annual Meeting. The Board of Trustees meets regularly five times throughout the year. Board Committees A Board Committee structure closely involves trustees in the work of the LLC and provides direction and support to staff. Each committee is comprised of at least three trustees, along with staff/directors associated with the committee’s areas of responsibility. Board Committees currently are as follows: Personnel, Finance, Christian Education, Mission Work, Pastoral Work, Publications. LLC Staff The LLC employs both full- and part-time personnel in areas of pastoral support, mission work, Christian education, publications, and administration. Staff works closely with the Board of Trustees and coordinates and relies upon the service of numerous volunteers in carrying out its duties and responsibilities. Other Boards and Committees The LLC Board of Trustees appoints boards of directors to oversee operations of each of the LLC camp facilities: Hasscib Lake Camp, Champion, Michigan Kamp Kipa, Prescott, Arizona Stony Lake Camp, Park Rapids, Minnesota Other Committees include: Mission Committees for each of three North American regions Scholarship Selection Committee to support the Opisto Scholarship Program Music Committee, a subcommittee of the Publications Committee Humanitarian Aid Committee If you have any questions, please Contact Us

Sister Organizations Finland SRK (Suomen Rauhanyhdistysten Keskusyhdistys) The LLC works closely with its sister organization, the SRK, with central offices in Oulu, Finland. Mutual work includes minister exchanges, language courses, Opisto folk school student exchange program, written and music publications, and foreign mission work. Sweden SFC (Sveriges Fridsföreningars Centralorganisation) The LLC works closely with its sister organization, the SFC, in Sweden. Mutual work includes minister exchanges and foreign mission work. Africa The LLC serves sister congregations in the countries of Togo and Ghana, West Africa with several mission trips annually conducted jointly with the SRK. Trips include, for example, worship services, Sunday School lessons, and confirmation camps. The Laestadian Lutheran congregations in Togo are members of the national organization, ELLT. Ecuador The LLC serves members in six locations of Ecuador with regularly scheduled mission trips. Trips include, for example, worship services, Sunday School lessons, and confirmation camps.