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

2024 Winter Services Meals When Mar 14, 2024, 7:00 PM – Mar 17, 2024, 12:00 PM Where Cave Creek, 32424 N 43rd St, Cave Creek, AZ 85331, USA Details

Humanitarian Aid LLC Humanitarian Aid Committee Origins The LLC humanitarian aid work began in the spring of 2002 in response to requests by ministers returning from mission trips to both Togo and Ecuador. They saw that the most basic temporal and daily needs of many newly converted believers were unmet. Numerous speakers helped with their own funds and wished there was a way to help more of the brothers and sisters in these areas. After hearing these requests, the LLC decided to form a separate fund designated strictly for humanitarian aid. This separation of funds was seen as essential so that the humanitarian work would not get confused with the LLC’s main mission, “to preach the Gospel.” This new fund would ensure that contributors to the LLC would be able to designate how their donation would be used, for mission work or for humanitarian purposes. At the initial humanitarian aid meetings, the committee chose officers and drafted a charter that detailed its organization, mission statement, and short- and long-term operating plans. This charter was brought to the LLC Board of Directors meeting during the LLC’s 2002 Summer Services. The charter was approved, and the committee was encouraged by the LLC to initiate the work as described in the charter. How Funds are Raised Based on these initial meetings and the approval of the charter, the LLC Humanitarian Aid Committee (LLC HAC) started its formal activities of raising and disbursing funds. The HAC fundraising efforts to date have been at LLC-sponsored events such as summer and winter services, as well as local fundraising events in congregations. Some of the fundraisers held by the congregations have included bake sales, presentations, general collections, meals, and special coffee lunches. God has graciously provided for this work and the most acute needs have always been funded. These include medical needs, housing, subsistence needs, natural disaster relief, and primary schooling needs for the young. Other requests for post-secondary education and entrepreneurial grants have recently been able to be supported as well. How Funds are Used Raised funds are sent to the local humanitarian aid contacts in congregations in Ecuador, Togo, Ghana and Rwanda. A general grant is sent to the humanitarian aid contacts in these countries each quarter. These local HAC committees truly know where and how to best use the funds so that the greatest impact can be made with the resources available. These funds are used to assist in day-to-day requests in each country. In addition to these quarterly grants, money is sent to each country in either March or August to support the educational needs of the children. Additionally, money is sent to each country at Christmas to support the believers with a Christmas meal and a treat for the children. These grants have been greatly appreciated and these believers feel the love from North American Zion. The local humanitarian aid contacts have been crucial in this work. Historically the LLC HAC has, in addition to meeting urgent medical needs, also provided assistance to help entire communities. These projects have included a water pump replacement project for the La Merced community, providing running water for 64 homes in the Riobamba area of Ecuador, providing basic immunizations for the Togolese believers, supporting a small grocery cooperative in Quito, Ecuador to make fresh fruits and vegetables more affordable, and to support both a trout farm and a sheep farm for some of the indigenous believers in Ecuador. These small communal farm projects were initiated to help believers support themselves and their extended communities. In recent years, due to the coronavirus pandemic and its economic impact, the committee has provided supplemental food grants to the aided countries. It has also supported a water pump replacement project for the La Merced community, a storm demolished kitchen replacement and home repair as well as numerous medical requests. Make a Charitable Contribution The LLC Humanitarian Aid Committee organizes assistance efforts in Togo, Ecuador, Ghana and Rwanda, where LLC mission services are held. Laestadian Lutheran Church is a 501(c)3 organization. Contributions are accepted. Humanitarian Aid Committee Membership Current Membership of the Humanitarian Aid Committee is as follows: Kofi Agbowada Connie Byman Becca Edwards Ignace Hounwanou Brian Johnson Elisa Roiko Dara Simonson Jennifer Simonson Wendy Simonson LLC mission director Adrian Pirness supports the LLC HAC work. Contact the Humanitarian Aid Committee: Email: hac@llchurch.org

< Back Confirmation Day 6: Caring For Faith Within the Congregation Day 6, Lesson 1: Baptism, a Covenant of a Good Conscience Objective Baptism is the covenant of a good conscience with God, which obligates us to battle against sin; Jesus commanded to baptize and teach Learning Outcome Explain what baptism is and its benefit for a believer. Confirmation Exercise Questions #22. What are the sacraments? Holy Baptism and Holy Communion. #23. Will the class please stand and recite the baptismal command? "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matt. 28:19-20) #24. What is the significance of baptism? Baptism is the covenant of a good conscience. Reference Material Booklet Song: Jesus, we have come to Thee, / In our arms an infant bearing: / In the gown of white we see / What the infant’s soul is wearing. / Jesus, shield this infant tender, / Be their help and great defender, / Great defender! (SHZ 223 v.1) Booklet Text: “And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him”(Acts 8:37,38) Additional Reference Material SCRIPTURE 1 John 1:7-9; 1 Pet. 3:21; Acts 2: 38-41; 8:35-38; 9:17,18;10:44-48; Mark 16:15,16; Gal. 3:27; Rom. 6:3-6; Mark 10: 13-16; Matt.18:3-6 CURRICULUM Lesson 4.1 ADDITIONAL LESSON POINTS Student will know the scriptural foundation for child baptism. In Baptism, God speaks to the child and promises His grace every day for strength to believe RESOURCES By Faith 25 ; Christian Doctrine 59, 60; Luther’s Small Catechism Part IV; Treasure Hidden in a Field, J. Uljas, pages 61-65 The Door Opens by Faith, Not Baptism, Päivämies, The Sheepfold Tender, pages 55-56 VZ: Baptism, J. Uljas, Sep. 1998, page 5 LLC Website: The Sacraments, M. Lohi, Summer Services Ministers/Board mtg., 2017. Previous Next

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: 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

Death Recognition Form Death Annoucement Samples Many LLC congregations have adopted the practice of announcing deaths and singing in memory of the deceased. The LLC has developed a death notification form to provide a reliable and convenient way to share the news of an individual’s death with member congregations. The form includes relevant information about the deceased and his or her funeral. Guidelines for use: We recommend that the pastor that will officiate at the deceased’s funeral completes and submits the form or assigns someone to complete and submit the form. Once the form has been submitted it will be sent to LLC member congregations. When possible, submit the form at least one or two days before the Sunday preceding the deceased’s funeral. If that is not possible, submit the form as soon as possible following the death. Each congregation may use this information in accord with its own death notification practice. We have also included sample death announcements for reference. Death Recognition Form Full Name Age Date of Death Congregation Survivied By Brief Biographical Sketch (Optional) Funeral Date and Time Funeral Location Funeral Home Funeral Home Webpage Form submitted by Submit Thank you for submitting

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Hearken Hearken is the LLC Digital Publications app released in March 2022. Purchase and manage your Hearken subscription at hearken.llchurch.org . Please visit this page first to create an account and subscribe to Hearken. For a monthly fee, subscribers have full access to a broad array of digital periodicals and books, audio and video and LLC albums. Hearken was launched in March 2022 and we already have many subscribers, for which we are very thankful. Nonetheless, we occasionally hear from members wondering what Hearken is and how to access it. To provide answers to these questions, we have prepared a video to inform our member congregations about Hearken, our publications app. Subscription plans available for $12.50/month (single) or $25.00/month (family). For more information about the app, see below. Learn more and subscribe If you would like to purchase a subscription for Hearken as a gift, please purchase a gift card from our online store. Purchase a gift card for Hearken Step by Step: How to Subscribe and Download Hearken How to Log In on the Hearken App How to... How to purchase Hearken 1. Visit the website hearken.llchurch.org . All subscriptions are managed on this site. 2. Login or Sign Up 3. Purchase a plan (Single Package or Family Package) 4. Download the Hearken app using one of the app store buttons on the page. 5. Once the app has downloaded on your phone or tablet, open the app. 6. Click the user icon in the upper left corner of the app. 7. Click Log In 8. Use the same email and password that you created on the website to login to the app. 9. You are now logged into the app! Enjoy! How to use a Hearken family package 1. The administrator of the family package must first purchase the Family Package under his or her Hearken account. 1a. Visit the website hearken.llchurch.org. All subscriptions are managed on this site. 1b. Login or Sign Up 1c. Purchase a Family Package plan 1d. Take note of the Family Code. This is the code you will share with family users. 1e. Download the Hearken app using one of the app store buttons on the page. 1f. Once the app has downloaded on your phone or tablet, open the app. 1g. Click the user icon in the upper left corner of the app. 1h. Click Log In 1i. Use the same email and password that you created on the website to login to the app. 1j. You are now logged into the app as 1 of 10 available users 2. Each additional user needs to create their own account at hearken.llchurch.org 3. They will need to enter the Family Code provided by the Family Package Administrator. 4. Proceed to download the app and log in. Frequently Asked Questions How can I change my subscription from a Single Package to a Family Package? Or from a Family Package to a Single Package? 1. Visit the subscription website hearken.llchurch.org 2. Login to your account 3. Under the 'Plan Name' section, click "Cancel Subscription". 4. Make note of the date your subscription is set to expire. Once your current subscription expires, follow steps 1 and 2 above, then choose a new subscription.

Foreign Facilities To make a donation for the benefit of these project, click "Make a Donation" and select "Foreign Mission Special Project Fund" from the drop-down menu. Thank you for your donation! Make a Donation When the gospel takes root in a new area, the new congregation soon needs a place to gather for service activities and fellowship. The establishment of a regular meeting location creates a sense of stability, commitment, and home. The meeting place also provides a constant visible sign of the congregation’s presence to both believers and unbelievers.  Our experience has shown us that congregations need assistance with funding, building planning, and construction management. The MW3 Facilities Committee works with believers in foreign mission fields to identify service facility needs and find workable and affordable solutions to those needs. Each of the MW3 organizations makes an annual contribution to a foreign facilities fund that is used to pay for approved facility projects. The LLC raises money for its annual contribution to the fund by special donations. Every donation, small or large, is welcome. This web page includes descriptions and photos of pending, in-progress, and completed facility projects. Please take a look. We hope that you will consider supporting the work of the gospel with a contribution to this fund. Every donation, small and large, will help us provide places of worship for our brothers and sisters in foreign lands. If you would like to make a contribution click on the "donate" tab above. Pending Projects Taligbo, Togo The congregation in Taligbo, Togo is about four years old, and comprised of around 25 adults and 70 children. The believers have been meeting outside under a mango tree. They have oven shared their need a request for a facility of their own to call home. There are not any rental possibilities in Tabligbo at this time, and plans are being made to consider buying property to build a church of their own. Mukuma, Rwanda The Rwandan government has established rather strict building code requirements in recent years. This is, at least in part, an effort to eliminate so-called shanty churches, which are often unsafe. The restrictions appear to be quite demanding by African standards. This has significantly affected the operations of the Reformed Lutheran Church of Rwanda(RLCR). RLCR church facilities in Mukama, Cyabayaga, Rukomo, and Karama have been shut down or lost all together. The only facility that is still usable is in Bufunda. The church in Mukama was the site of our seminar during the first mission trip to Rwanda in July 2019. It was closed a few months later because the roof and foundation, the outdoor toilets, and the lot size were all deemed inadequate. There was no possibility to add property to bring the lot up to the required size. In addition, they would have had to tear down the existing facility and rebuild from the ground up. As a result, they sold the property and used the funds purchase an additional land parcel required by code at Bufunda and to complete construction of the Bufunda church. RLCR prefers Mukama as a site for its headquarters because it is centrally located among their congregations. The MW3 Facilities committee and the RLCR are working together to develop a building design, a building committee, and a construction management model, along with locating a suitable property. RLCR had initially provided an estimate for a typical stone foundation and adobe wall facility. These have an estimated life span of 10years. We will develop and estimate for construction using the MW3 model being used for the Atimé facility. The first two images show the former facility in Mukama. The following pictures show some of the new property options that are being being considered. In Progress Projects Bufunda, Rwanda In recent years, the Rwandan government has established rather strict building code requirements. Part of the reason for this is an effort to eliminate what are called shanty churches, which are often unsafe. ByAfrican standards, these restrictions are quite demanding. Right now, theReformed Lutheran Church of Rwanda (RLCR) has only one facility in operation, the Bufunda church. This facility was also in danger of being shut down for failing to meet property size requirements and run-off water requirements.Local officials gave them some time to address the problem, and MW3 approved funds for the purchase of two adjoining parcels of land that allowed them to meet the boundary requirements and for the addition of gutters and cisterns for the collection of run-off water. A recent storm also caused some damage to the roof on an outbuilding used for storage and food preparation, and funds were also provided to repair the damaged building. Atimé, Togo The believers in Atimé, Togo waited many years to begin building a church. Plans were made to begin the project in March of 2020. The proposed building size would be 28ft x 50ft, and the funds for the first phase were sent on March 10th, 2020. However, project has been at a standstill past initial site preparations. Emmanuel Ametsifé, the ELLT Board project contact, departed for an MW3mission trip to Sierra Leone on March 18th and ended up being stranded through August 11th. During his absence, here was no action on the project. With Emmanuel back in Togo, the project resumed on November 22nd. The original time estimated for construction was 5 months. The hope is to complete the project early in this year, but restrictions due to the Covid pandemic may hinder progress Completed Projects Kessibo, Togo The congregation of Kessibo is comprised of about 50 adults and 35 children (as the the last data census in 2019). The project of building a church facility for the congregation was completed in December 2018, and a dedication service was held on January 27, 2019. Kwasi, Tenten The congregation in Kwasi Tenten numbers around 50, 20 adults and 30 children. Busumbala, Gambia The newly constructed church in Busumbala, Gambia is the believers first church in Gambia, and is an important step in helping them to organize and develop a sense of identity. The project began somewhat unexpectedly in late April due to the Covid pandemic. During the initial period, many Gambians were not able to work at their normal jobs but could work on this project. Thus, there was a great deal of volunteer labor, allowing costs to be kept down. The project is now completed. Dedication services were held January 8–10, 2021. Peki, Ghana The believers in Peki, Ghana were having difficulty finding a facility to rent, so when they found a lot for rent, they decided to rent and begin building a facility using their own resources. However, they did not have adequate resources to complete the facility. MW3 provided funds to complete the project. The facility is similar to facilities in Accra and Kwasitenten and should provide a home for the Peki congregation for the foreseeable future.

LLC Operating Plan The Operating Plan outlines the work for the coming year and the video summarizes and highlights material contained in the Operating Plan. Congregation members are asked to share their input and feedback with their congregation delegates. Input from the delegates will be communicated at the LLC Annual Meeting.