STORIES
The Summer Services is the largest annual gathering of conservative laestadians in Finland. The SRK (The Central Organisation of the Associations of Peace) Summer Services were held, in the Southern part of the Province of Oulu, in Sievi, on June 27th - 30th, 2008. The service location was on a large field area where approximately 70 000 people spent the week. Both STRAP photographers went to the Services area for short stints during work hours. This story is combined of moments encountered during those short hours on assignment. Photographer Petri Uutela Jussi Leinonen DISCLAIMER All photographs and other work are property of the artists, approach them via e-mail if you have questions concerning the work portrayed on this website. COPYRIGHT NOTICE In this particular story, photographs are property of Keskipohjanmaan kirjapaino OY and Alma Media OY / Pohjolan Sanomat newspapers. Published here with permission. |
SUMMER SERVICES
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 Lines of caravans spanned over a kilometer, if not more during the late hours of the first days. Leinonen |
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 Instead of preparing their own food almost all families buy the food from kitchen in bucket size portions. It is cheaper and easier that way. The downside is the long lines and waiting. Uutela |
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 The motto for the Services: "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven" (Psalm 32;1). Uutela |
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 photo: Uutela |
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 A boy wandering around the main tent. Leinonen |
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 Weather was a problem during the first days of the Services. Leinonen. |
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 For youngsters a popular way to spare the time is by collecting trash. By doing that they will be later rewarded by ice-cream and candies. Uutela |
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 The kitchen prepares as much as 15500 portions of food per one hour. Uutela |
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 Praying through sign language is provided for the hearing impaired. Leinonen |
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 Restingplace for the elderly. Leinonen |
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 During heavy rain, crowds disappear to their caravans and tents. Leinonen |
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 Most of the visitors solved problems with the weather by wearing rubber boots. Leinonen |
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 photo: Uutela |
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 All trash and waste are organized for proper recycling. Leinonen |
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 Boys from the Hiltunen family leaving their tent after dinner. To big family parents the event is like a holiday: children come home to eat, but the rest of the time they are free to meet their friends and to be on their own. Uutela |
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 In the summer service village you find everything you need for a few days visit. Included is a medium sized convenience store. Uutela |
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 photo: Leinonen |
                
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