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SAINT LUCIA TEA EXPLORE ADULT MINISTRY BIBLE STUDIES MINISTRIES SMALL GROUPS Saint Lucia Tea Saturday, December 13 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Each December, Trinity Lutheran Church celebrates the Saint Lucia Tea, a Swedish festival of light – a symbol of hope and peace for the Christmas season. All are invited to celebrate with music, candles, and traditional Scandinavian treats at this festive community event. This year, we invite attendees to bring a non-perishable food item to support the Gather & Grow Food Shelf in Watertown. According to legend, Saint Lucia brought food and light to villagers in Sweden during a great famine, her candles lighting the dark winter path as she carried provisions to the hungry. In that same spirit of kindness, we share her light today by helping our neighbors in need. Volunteers Needed! We are looking for volunteers for baking, decorating, serving at the event and more! Please sign up to volunteer below. (Recipes for all of the Swedish treats are available upon request.) VOLUNTEER FOR SAINT LUCIA TEA Thank you for helping to continue the tradition of the Saint Lucia Tea at Trinity Lutheran Church this holiday season! Learn more about Saint Lucia and Trinity’s annual event below. Questions about Trinity's Saint Lucia Tea Event? Contact Cindy Essen at 612-816-3823 or cessen@citlink.net . Legend of Saint Lucia Lucia was a young girl who lived in Sicily around 300 A.D. She became a Christian and gave her dowry to the poor; consequently her fiancé denounced her to the Romans. Lucia was then blinded and condemned to death by burning. According to pious legend, the flames did not harm her, but framed her body in a halo of light. This is probably the basis for the crown of lighted candles Lucia wears. A soldier then killed her with his sword. This is the reason that Lucia wears a red sash, red being the symbol of the blood of the Holy Martyrs. Lucia died December 13, 304 A.D. In popular piety, she quickly became associated with light, for she had sacrificed the light of her eyes rather than deny “The Light of the World.” Winters in Scandinavia are long and dark, so Nordic people have an almost semi-religious attachment to light. December 13th was the shortest day and longest night. This was the day Lucia came, bringing light and hope in their darkest time of year. When Christianity came to the North about a thousand years ago, it was not so strange that a saint identified with light became popular among common people. Nor was it strange that Saint Lucia was the patron saint of farmers. Saint Lucia is also associated with charity. She gave her dowry to the poor, and according to Swedish legend, during a famine in the Middle Ages, she crossed Lake Vänern with a boatload of food for the starving people of Värmland, lighting her way with a candlelit wreath on her head. In more recent times, the tradition in remembrance of that event has changed. A daughter of the house, usually the eldest, rises very early on December 13th, Lucia Day, bringing coffee and saffron buns, “Lussekatter,” to her parents and family. She wears a white dress and has a wreath of candles on her head. Lucia celebrations also take place in towns, churches, and schools throughout the country. Thus the “Saint Lucia Fest” commemorates and honors a devout Sicilian girl for her Faith and Witness. History of Watertown’s Lucia Open House In 1949, Frances & Naomi Bergman hosted the first Watertown area Lucia private house party at their home on a farm near Mayer. Margaret Horn, age 10, was the first Lucia. Her crown was made out of cardboard paper plates wired together. Her Aunt, Edna Mae, stood close by with a wet bath towel. She was positive Margaret would catch on fire as there were real candles used on the crown. In 1959 when Margaret was attending the U of M School of Nursing she was again Lucia with a “real crown”. When the Bergmans moved to town, the Lucia party took place for one year at the Albin Thompson farm and then was continued by the Bergmans in their home in Watertown until Naomi’s death in 1965. The Trinity Saint Lucia Tea Open House that is sponsored annually by the Women of Trinity began in 1969, when they took part in the community Ecumenical movement. For a few years the open house was hosted in various homes of members. Because more room was needed, the open house was moved to Trinity’s church basement and continues to be held at this location.

BULLETINS EXPLORE WORSHIP DETAILS ONLINE WORSHIP MUSIC BULLETINS WORSHIP VOLUNTEERS Worship Bulletins Click on the links below to view worship bulletins. Sunday, July 5, 2026 Sunday, June 28, 2026 Sunday, June 21, 2026 Sunday, June 14, 2026 Sunday, June 7, 2026 Sunday May 31, 2026 Sunday, May 24, 2026 Sunday, May 17, 2026 Sunday, May 10, 2026 Sunday, May 3, 2026 Sunday, April 26, 2026

SUNDAY SCHOOL EXPLORE CHILDREN'S MINISTRY BAPTISM SUNDAY SCHOOL VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL FIRST COMMUNION Sunday School 3 years old – 5th grade Sundays at 10:00 am SUNDAY SCHOOL REGISTRATION Who: Children who are 3 years old (by 9/1/2025) - Grade 5 (2025-2026 school year) Where: Trinity Lutheran Church When: Sunday mornings Time: 10:00 - 10:45 am Suggested Donation: $20 per child, $50 max/family Sunday School begins at 10:00 am, just after our church service. Children will be placed in a Sunday School classroom by age. (Preschool, Kindergarten-1st Grade, 2nd-3rd Grade, 4th-5th Grade). In each lesson, they’ll hear the featured Bible Story, watch a short learning video, explaining the Bible Story in modern, easy-to-understand language, explore the Big Idea with a game or activity, and sing songs of praise. Interested in Helping? Our Sunday School lessons are led by a rotation of wonderful parent volunteers. Each group has a lead volunteer and a helper for the week. We can always use more volunteers, so contact Chelsea if you’re interested in helping. Questions about Sunday School? Contact Children's Ministry Coordinator, Chelsea Farniok at cfarniok@trin.org .

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FIRST COMMUNION EXPLORE CHILDREN'S MINISTRY BAPTISM SUNDAY SCHOOL VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL FIRST COMMUNION First Communion 5th Grade Everyone is welcome at God's table of grace! Holy Communion is where we gather around the table to receive the body and blood of Christ through the bread and wine of this holy meal. Each year, a family-centered workshop to prepare our Fifth Graders for the reception of their first communion is offered. We teach them the basics of this Holy Meal, and how it is truly given for you for the forgiveness of sins and the new life that follows. Questions about First Communion? Contact Children's Ministry Coordinator, Chelsea Farniok at cfarniok@trin.org .

MINISTRIES EXPLORE MINISTRIES SMALL GROUPS SERVE PRAYER NEWSLETTER PARTNERSHIPS Ministries at Trinity Trinity's faith life is expressed with three goals in mind. We are committed to being church in new ways, seeing God in our daily lives, and reaching out to those living on the margins. In short, Trinity is about Faithful Living and Changing Lives. We do this individually every day, as we live out our lives shining the light of Christ wherever we are, but we also have many organized ministries where people gather together and work towards a common goal. Below is a list of various ministries in the congregation. If you would like to learn more or are interested in participating in any of Trinity's ministries, please contact the church office at 952-955-1891 or trinityoffice@trin.org . Outreach Visitors Trinity has many members who are homebound or are living in assisted living facilities. Trinity's Outreach Visitors spend time with these members to offer Holy Communion, engage in conversation, and keep these members connected to our faith community. We also send them letters regularly to offer written prayers and thoughts of encouragement! If you are interested in becoming an Outreach Visitor or know someone who would appreciate having a visitor, please contact the church office, 952-955-1891 or trinityoffice@trin.org . Social Ministry Trinity works on specific projects in order to share the Good News of Jesus Christ in concrete, tangible ways. We support The Watertown Friends for Life Food Shelf with regular food drives and donations, which also benefits "The Royal Room" at the Elementary School, providing students with healthy snacks, warm clothes, and school supplies. Trinity also works with the social service organization Love INC Heartland in Delano. Trinity has a direct connection with this ministry in that we provide onsite storage space for many of the goods that are distributed in the local community. TRINITY PARTNERSHIPS Hospitality Trinity's Hospitality Ministry is centered on the many ways our congregation gathers together for companionship, care, and just plain fun! Every Sunday morning when we gather for worship, Trinity has a rich tradition of serving coffee and treats in our Fellowship Hall. While it's important to hear the "Word of God" to stay connected in worship, it's also important to hear the "words of our friends" to stay connected with each other! Other Hospitality events include Advent and Lent suppers, meals for our Golden Agers (those 70+ years of age) and an annual Saint Lucia Tea, celebrating our church's Swedish heritage. Parish Health The Parish Health Ministry Team believes that by encouraging good health and wellness of body, mind, and spirit, we create a healthier church family. This group includes an article in our monthly church newsletter, called Parish Health Matters, highlighting health and well being information. Specific ministry events include "Listen and Learn" series on various health topics, led by health care professionals; hosting a Tour-de-Tonka Rest Stop in our church parking lot to support bike riders at this annual event; and Trinity's Giving Garden, our onsite garden that provides fresh vegetables for the local food pantry. Racial Justice Committee This Ministry Team is not afraid to tackle the tough issues related to racial issues in our community and society. This group meets to discuss racial issues in an open, honest, caring, and faithful way in order to raise awareness, admit our own shortcomings, and move ahead boldly. Their goal is that they might help us all take responsibility for our actions, praying that God will lead us forward in justice, truth, and light. Stewardship The Stewardship Team works to lift up the value of generosity in our daily lives throughout the whole year. While this group often focuses its efforts on financial stewardship, the larger goal is to help everyone see stewardship as an act of worship, an expression of faith, and a discipline for spiritual growth. Teddy Bear Ministry Trinity has Teddy Bears available for members to share with those who are going through especially difficult, even traumatic, situations. Bears can be given to all ages - to anyone who might be in need of a special "bear hug" during a difficult time. There is no fee for giving a bear, however if you wish to make a donation to the Teddy Bear Ministry to help us purchase more bears in the future, it is appreciated. Request a Teddy Bear to give to someone who needs it today. Contact Cindy Essen , 612-816-3823 to request a teddy bear.

VOLUNTEER INTERESTS Serve at Church Name (first and last) Email Phone Your Interests Please check all boxes that apply. Someone from the ministry area(s) that you are interested in will reach out to you with more information. Worship Leader / Sunday Volunteer Usher Lector / Reader Communion Assistant Altar Guild Coffee Hour Server Children's Moment Presenter Choir / Music Group Children, Youth & Family Sunday School Leader Confirmation Huddle Guide Vacation Bible School Children's Ministry Events Youth Ministry Events Ministries / Groups Worship & Music Outreach Visitor Social Ministry Hospitality Team Parish Health Stewardship Audio Visual Team (Livestream) Funeral Luncheon Helper Heavenly Housekeepers Apostles (light maintenance) Property Care (lawn mowing, snow removal) Other SUBMIT  Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Trinity Lutheran Church. We will be in touch with you soon.

BIBLE CAMP OPPORTUNITIES EXPLORE CHILDREN'S MINISTRY BAPTISM SUNDAY SCHOOL VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL FIRST COMMUNION Summer Bible Camps Youth Camps for Grades K-12 & Family Camps Water's Edge Summer Bible Camps Trinity partners with Water's Edge Ministries (formally Green Lake Lutheran Ministries). Water's Edge presents the life-changing love of Jesus in the vibrant settings of camps and retreats at three sites located along the shores of beautiful Minnesota lakes. Trinity encourages youth to attend summer camps and experience this unique way of feeling Christ's love. Family camps and retreats are also offered. Check out the Water's Edge Ministries website to learn more and to register for camp. WATER'S EDGE SUMMER BIBLE CAMPS Scholarships for Camp Trinity offers a $100 "campership" (scholarship) to Trinity youth attending a summer bible camp. If your child is attending a summer bible camp (through Water's Edge Ministries or at another camp), please contact the church office for details about the campership from Trinity toward the cost of camp.

SUNDAY SCHOOL Thank you for registering for Sunday School! Payment Options Suggested Donation: $20 per child, $50 max/family You have the option to pay online or by cash or check to the church office. To pay online, click the button below to be directed to Trinity's secure online giving site. If you would prefer to give by cash or check, please drop off or mail your payment to the Trinity church office. PAY ONLINE When your online payment is complete, you should receive two email confirmations. One for your Sunday School registration and one for your online payment. < BACK TO SUNDAY SCHOOL PAGE

PRAYER EXPLORE MINISTRIES SMALL GROUPS SERVE PRAYER NEWSLETTER PARTNERSHIPS Living Faith in Daily Life Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God. Philippians 4:6 Weekly Prayer Gatherings Wednesdays at 12:30 pm We are a people of prayer and believe God does amazing things when we simply ask Him. You are invited to join us at Trinity on Wednesdays at 12:30 pm as we gather for an informal time of prayer for our congregation and community. Submit a Prayer Request Let us know how we can pray for you. Submitted by: Phone Number (Optional): Email Prayer Request: How would you like your request to be shared? I would like my prayer request shared during worship on Sunday morning. I would like my prayer request to remain private, shared only with the pastor. I would like the pastor to contact me. SUBMIT Your request will be held in the prayers of Trinity Lutheran Church this week. God Bless.

WHAT WE BELIEVE EXPLORE ABOUT TRINITY WHAT WE BELIEVE STAFF MEMBERSHIP LIFE EVENTS CONTACT Understanding Our Faith Trinity is a Lutheran church, which means we understand our relationship with God begins with what God is doing in our lives. We are created by God the Father, reclaimed by Jesus Christ when we wander away, and guided by the Holy Spirit in our daily walk with God. We believe that we are claimed by God in Holy Baptism and that our faith is sustained by receiving Holy Communion. We worship weekly, finding hope in the presence of God in our midst. Our life of faith is expressed with three goals in mind: We are committed to Being Church in New Ways We are always looking for new and creative ways to share the new life we have found in Jesus Christ. We are committed to Seeing God in Our Daily Lives We are always on the lookout for the presence of God every single day. We are committed to Reaching Out to Those Living on the Margins We are always looking for ways to share the gifts of God with those around us – food, clothing, and support of many kinds. In short, Trinity is about Faithful Living and Changing Lives. "Faithful Living" is not perfect living, it's not flawless living, it's not faultless living. It's Faithful Living. Doing our best, making mistakes, being forgiven, and forgiving others. "Changing Lives" is about being church in new ways, seeing God at work every day, and reaching out to those living in poverty. And as lives are changed around us, we find that our own lives are changed as well. About the ELCA Trinity Lutheran Church is a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with about 4 million members in nearly 10,000 congregations across the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The ELCA shares a living, daring confidence in God’s grace. This faith comes through the good news of Jesus Christ and gives us the freedom and the courage to wonder, discover, and boldly participate in what God is up to in the world. The ELCA is a church that is always being made new and, at the same time, is deeply rooted in Scripture, Lutheran theology, and Lutheran confessions. We are also rooted in the vibrant, diverse communities and rich histories of our congregations. It’s through these roots that the Holy Spirit guides and nourishes us so that we can be a church that is both resilient and always new. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ELCA

ADVENT & CHRISTMAS EXPLORE WORSHIP DETAILS ONLINE WORSHIP MUSIC BULLETINS WORSHIP VOLUNTEERS Advent at Trinity Advent is a time of anticipation as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus at Christmas. You are invited to worship with us on Sundays and Wednesdays during Advent and attend the various celebrations we have during this season. 2025 Advent Devotional Pick up Trinity’s Advent devotional and join us in exploring this year’s theme, “The Power of Yes!”—the faithful yeses spoken by people in the Christmas story and the power your own yes can hold. This simple daily practice of scripture, prayer, and reflection can help you pause amid the holiday rush. Printed copies are available in the Narthex and at the Welcome Center, or download a digital version by clicking the button below. 2025 ADVENT DEVOTIONAL BOOK Worship Advent Midweek Services Wednesdays, December 3, 10, 17 Meal from 5:30 - 6:30 pm Worship at 7:00 pm Join us each Wednesday evening in Advent for a light meal served by the Trinity youth in the Fellowship Hall, followed by a “Holden Evening Prayer” worship service. Children’s Christmas Service Sunday, December 21 9:00 am Our Sunday School children will be leading worship this Sunday. Join us for a special service as our youngest members share the story of Christ's birth through song and celebration! Christmas Eve Candlelight Services Wednesday, December 24 2:00 pm & 4:00 pm On Christmas Eve, we will be singing classic Christmas carols, listening to familiar readings, and lighting Christmas candles. Communion will be offered at both Christmas Eve services. Please join us at worship on this most holy day! Events Saint Lucia Tea Open House Saturday, December 13 10:00 am - 12:00 pm The Swedish festival of Saint Lucia is a celebration of light, a symbol of hope and peace for the Christmas season. All are invited to celebrate with music, candles, and traditional Scandinavian treats at this community event. LEARN MORE ABOUT SAINT LUCIA Christmas Extravaganza Family Event Sunday, December 21 10:00 am Following the Children's Christmas worship service, families are invited to our annual Christmas Extravaganza! Join us for a joyful time of games, crafts, yummy treats, and hot cocoa. It’s a wonderful opportunity for families to connect, celebrate, and make special memories together. Mark your calendars, invite your friends, and get ready for a celebration full of laughter, love, and Christmas cheer.