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.

Camp Locations The LLC owns and operates three camp facilities: Stony Lake Camp located near Park Rapids, Minnesota, Hasscib Lake Camp located near Champion, Michigan, and Kamp Kipa located near Prescott, Arizona. Prairie Shores Camp is an affiliated camp located in Saskatchewan, Canada. Stony Lake Camp 15240 209th Ave Park Rapids, Minnesota 56470 Hasscib Lake Camp 102 County Road 607 Champion, Michigan 49814 Kamp Kipa 2780 E Poland Road Prescott, Arizona 86305 Prairie Shores Camp NW-18-24-06-W3

Member Congregations State Congregation Address Website CA: Alberta Lethbridge Laestadian Lutheran Church Lethbridge, Alberta https://www.llchurch.org/member-congregation/lethbridge-laestadian-lutheran-church CA: Ontario Laestadian Lutheran Church of Toronto 5579 Hwy 27, Cookstown, ON Canada L0L 1L0 http://www.llchurchtoronto.org CA: Saskatchewan Dunblane Laestadian Lutheran Church Mail: Box 160, Macrorie, SK Canada S0L 2E0 https://outlookllchurch.org/dllc-schedule CA: Saskatchewan Outlook Laestadian Lutheran Church 400 McKenzie St N, Outlook, SK Canada S0L 2N0 http://www.outlookllchurch.org CA: Saskatchewan Saskatoon Laestadian Lutheran Church 11 Poplar Rd, Riverside Estates, Saskatoon, SK S7T 1A1 http://www.saskatoonllc.org/ USA: Alaska Alaska Laestadian Lutheran Church 1341 E Sue Ln, Wasilla, AK 99654 http://alaska-llc.org USA: Arizona Phoenix Laestadian Lutheran Church 32424 N 43rd St, Cave Creek, AZ 85331 http://pllchurch.org USA: Arizona Laestadian Lutheran Church of Prescott Valley 3120 Mountain View, Prescott Valley, AZ 86312 http://pvllchurch.info USA: California Coastal California Laestadian Lutheran Church California USA: Colorado Laestadian Lutheran Church of the Roaring Fork Valley 1859 N 1st St, Silt, CO 81652 http://llcrfv.org USA: Florida Laestadian Lutheran Church of Florida Florida http://www.llchurchoffl.org USA: Illinois Laestadian Lutheran Church of Illinois Waukegan, Illinois https://www.llchurch.org/member-congregation/laestadian-lutheran-church-of-illinois USA: Michigan Detroit Laestadian Lutheran Church https://www.llchurch.org/member-congregation/detroit-laestadian-lutheran-church USA: Michigan Ishpeming Laestadian Lutheran Church 567 Washington St, Ishpeming, MI 49849 http://ishpemingllc.org USA: Michigan Pelkie Laestadian Lutheran Church 15439 Pelkie Rd, Pelkie, MI 49958 https://www.llchurch.org/member-congregation/pelkie-laestadian-lutheran-church USA: Minnesota Brainerd Laestadian Lutheran Church & Manor 1501 S 8th St, Brainerd, MN 56401 https://www.llchurch.org/member-congregation/brainerd-laestadian-lutheran-church USA: Minnesota Cokato Laestadian Lutheran Church 16144 - 20th St SW, Cokato, MN 55321 https://www.cllchurch.org USA: Minnesota Laestadian Lutheran Church of Elk River 8595 201st Ave NW, Nowthen, MN 55330 http://llcer.org USA: Minnesota Laestadian Lutheran Church of Menahga 25 Juniper Ave NW, Menahga, MN 56464 http://llcmenahga.org USA: Minnesota Laestadian Lutheran Church of Monticello 1860 County Rd 39 NE, Monticello, MN 55362 http://llcmchurch.org/ USA: Minnesota Rockford Laestadian Lutheran Church 741 Ibarra Ave NE, Buffalo, MN 55313 http://rllchurch.org USA: Montana Flathead Valley Laestadian Lutheran Church 1203 US Hwy 2 W, Kalispell, MT 59901 https://fvllchurch.org/ USA: North Dakota Rolla Laestadian Lutheran Congregation Rolla, North Dakota https://www.llchurch.org/member-congregation/rolla-laestadian-lutheran-congregation USA: North Dakota Laestadian Lutheran Church of Williston 6767 133rd Ave NW, Williston, ND 58801 https://llcwilliston.org USA: South Dakota Laestadian Lutheran Church of the Black Hills 320 N 4th St, Rapid City, SD 57701 https://www.llcbh.org/ USA: Utah Laestadian Lutheran Church of Utah Valley Utah http://llcuv.org USA: Washington Longview Laestadian Lutheran Church 261 Wohl Rd, Longview, WA, 98632 http://llc-longview.org USA: Washington Seattle Laestadian Lutheran Church 22420 - 102nd Ave SE, Woodinville, WA 98072 http://seallc.org USA: Washington Laestadian Lutheran Church of Spokane 35213 N Dalton Rd, Deer Park, WA 99006 https://www.llc-spokane.org USA: Wyoming Laestadian Lutheran Church of Gillette Gillette, Wyoming

2026 LLC Summer Services Monticello, Minnesota July 2–5 Hosted by the Menahga and Brainerd congregations at Silver Springs. Listen Service Brochure Purchase Meal Tickets Setup Photos Thursday Photos Watch Donate Broadcast Schedule Service Site Map Work Shift Sign Up Camping Sign Up Friday Photos Saturday Photos Sunday Photos 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). Services will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday and conclude at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. We welcome willing helpers from all North American congregations to sign up for work shifts. SignUpGenius will be our primary forum for organizing help; additional information will be shared soon. We ask for your prayers that God would bless the planning and preparation for these festive services. On behalf of the Summer Services Planning Committee, I extend a warm welcome to everyone! LLC Board of Directors Meeting Services Opening Ceremony Youth Song Services Youth Service LLC Annual Meeting Services Services Song Services Children's Service Congregation Evening (Presentation) Youth Service Services Song Services Communion Service Services Youth Evening (Presentation) Sunday School Services Closing Service Service Schedule Thursday, July 2 9:00 3:00 6:00 9:00 9:30 Friday, July 3 9:00 10:30 2:00 4:00 4:30 7:00 9:30 Saturday, July 4 10:30 1:30 2:00 6:00 8:30 Sunday, July 5 9:00 10:30 2:00 Food Service Food service will be similar to prior years at Silver Springs. Lunch and supper menus will include a variety of grill options, pizza, and salads. There will not be a continental breakfast available, as was mistakenly advertised in the February Voice of Zion. Coffee and concessions will be available throughout the weekend. A detailed menu and ticket purchase information will be published at a later date and made available online at www.llchurch.org . Lodging Information Onsite RV Parking and Tenting The RV camping area has a total of 270 sites. Members with long-term reservations will be given preference to early site selection. Forty one-time RV reservations ($250 each) will be available for selection and purchase on March 2 at 12:00 CST. Tent camping is available south of the main service area on the property of the Laestadian Lutheran Church of Monticello. As in previous years, non-electric RV sites ($100 each) will be available for reservation beginning in March 2026. Hotels There are many hotels within a 15-mile radius of the service site. Options include: Super 8 by Wyndham – Monticello Best Western Plus Chelsea Hotel – Monticello AmericInn / AmericInn by Wyndham – Monticello Riverwood Inn or Becker Inn & Suites – Becker Country Inn & Suites by Radisson – Buffalo / Elk River Hampton Inn & Suites – Rogers Camping (Off-Site) Early registration is highly recommended. Nearby camping options include: Oaks on the River – Big Lake Bertram Chain of Lakes Campground – Wright County Minneapolis Northwest KOA Journey – Maple Grove Clearwater RV Park – Clearwater BACK TO TOP

< Back Confirmation Day 3: Jesus, the Son of God Day 3, Lesson 4: The Gospel, the Message of Victory Objective The core of the gospel is the forgiveness of sins; The gospel is the power of God to the person who believes it Learning Outcome Explain what the core gospel is and why it is important to me, a believer. Confirmation Exercise Questions #16. What is the Gospel? The Gospel is the joyous message of Jesus Christ. #17. What is the core message of the gospel? The proclamation of the forgiveness of sins. #18. To whom is the Gospel preached? To the penitent and remorseful. Reference Material Booklet Song: And therefore Jesus gave command: / “Go forth and preach in ev’ry land / To contrite hearts, forgive their sin; / O’er Satan’s strength my work will win.” (SHZ 409 v.2) Booklet Text: For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. (Romans 1:16) Additional Reference Material SCRIPTURE Isa. 55:1; Jer. 31:31-34; Matt. 4:23; Mark 1:14-15, 16:15; John 8:11; Rom. 1:16:15, 10:4, 13-17; Gal. 2:16; 1 Thess. 1:5; Tit. 2:11-14; Heb. 4:15-16. CURRICULUM Lesson 3.6 ADDITIONAL LESSON POINTS The Gospel promises man the forgiveness of sins and salvation in Christ without the works of the Law. In the gospel a new man is born. Those who have come into faith through the Gospel cannot be touched by the condemnation of the Law. When the Holy Spirit sanctifies man, the grace of God teaches him to forsake sin and live in obedience to God's will. RESOURCES Christian Doctrine 55; The Treasure Hidden in the Field, J. Uljas, pages 49-54 LLC Website: The Law and the Gospel, D. Rintamaki, Summer Services, Ministers and Board Meeting, 1994; Gospel of Christ – Power of God, J. Stewart, Winter Services Youth Presentation, 1994. VZ: Counsels and Rebukings of the Gospel, W. Havas, Jan/Feb 1974 page 22; The Gospel Provides Power to Battle Sin, Phoenix Winter Services, April 1994, pages 6-8; Previous Next

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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 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

< Back December 1, 2024 Today is the first day of our new church year. Happy First Advent Sunday! Click the link below to see a video featuring song of Zion 11, A Candle We Are Lighting Now. A Candle We Are Lighting Now Christmas Peace Previous

< Back Confirmation Day 7: Mission Work: Go Ye Therefore and Teach All Nations Day 7, Lesson 1: In the World, Not of the World Objective A believer is a citizen of the Kingdom of God and this world; A believer is a light unto the world and a salt of the earth Learning Outcome Write down a few examples of how a believer lives according to God’s word in the midst of this world. Confirmation Exercise Questions None Reference Material Booklet Song: When evil’s power round the world is growing, / O God, oppose it with a greater might, / That we would hear it: Music overflowing / Your people’s hymn from realms of gentle light. (SHZ 540 v.4) Booklet Text: I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. (John 17:15,16) Additional Reference Material SCRIPTURE Matt. 6:33; Matt. 10:16; John 3:19; 17:9-11, 14-17,19,25; 18:36,37; 2 Cor. 6:14-18; James 4:4; 1 John 2:15-17; Gen. 39:9; 2 Cor. 7:1; Col. 3:17; Jer. 29:7; 2 Cor. 5:9; Matt. 6:24; Matt. 5:13-16; 10:32,33; 2 Tim. 2:12; 1 Pet. 3:14-17; Matt. 18:20; 28:20; Mark 16:18; Luke 10:19 CURRICULUM Lesson 6.1 ADDITIONAL LESSON POINTS A Christian's conscience is bound to God's Word, he/she cannot always do something because, "Everyone else is doing it." A Christian wishes to live as he/she believes at home and in public and work constructively in the society in which he/she dwells. God also wishes them to fulfill His will in the various situations of social life. God wants us to confess faith in word and deed in life's situations and thus confess the Lord. Christ has promised to be with His own every day, everywhere. RESOURCES The Treasure Hidden in a Field, J. Uljas, pages 95-99 VZ: A Citizen of Heaven in the World, Bible Class Lesson, Jun. 1979, page 90 In the World, But Not of the World, M. Kamula, Jan 1982, page 3 In the World, But Not of It, Confirmation students, Sept. 2007, page 9 In the World, But Not of the World, D. Wuollet, Sep 2012, page 5 LLC Website: Love Not the World, T. Stewart, Summer Services Youth Presentation, 2009 Blessed are They that Hear the Word of God and Keep It, H. Parks, Winter Services, 2011; Be Ye Not Unequally Yoked Together with Unbelievers, R. Haapala, Winter Services, Youth Presentation, 2015 Previous Next