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PASTORAL TRANSITION EXPLORE ABOUT TRINITY WHAT WE BELIEVE STAFF MEMBERSHIP LIFE EVENTS CONTACT Trinity's Pastoral Transition Welcome to our pastoral transition page. Trinity Lutheran Church is currently in a season of discernment as we seek a new permanent pastor to lead our congregation. We are walking this path in close partnership with the Minneapolis Area Synod of the ELCA. Central to this process is our Ministry Site Profile (MSP)—a comprehensive "roadmap" that defines who we are today and articulates our vision for the future. This essential document serves as our primary introduction to the Synod and to the candidates who may one day call Trinity home. Trinity Lutheran Church MSP Summary Exciting Steps Forward: Call Committee Approved! Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Special Congregational Meeting on Sunday, March 22 to approve our Call Committee − the team that will lead the search for our next pastor. We are grateful to these dedicated members for accepting the call to serve: Rachel Blackketter Terri Gens Tom Lindberg Richard Murray Gina Phearman Jake Rosholt A Meaningful Conversation with Bishop Nagel Following the official business, we had the pleasure of hosting Minneapolis Area Synod Bishop Jen Nagel for an informal conversation. We shared what makes Trinity such a special place and outlined our collective vision for the qualities we hope to find in our next pastor. It was a wonderful moment of reflection and unity that reminded us all why this community is so vibrant. A huge thank you to everyone who attended and contributed their voice. Your input is invaluable as we begin this journey together! Keep Trinity in Your Prayers As we navigate this transition, we ask for your continued prayers for the Call Committee, the Minneapolis Area Synod, and the pastor God is already preparing to lead us. Have questions? If you have thoughts or questions regarding the pastoral transition, please reach out to the church office.

Top of Page - Life Events LIFE EVENTS EXPLORE ABOUT TRINITY WHAT WE BELIEVE STAFF MEMBERSHIP LIFE EVENTS CONTACT Celebrating God’s Love During Life’s Journey Along with our weekly worship life together, Trinity Lutheran Church also celebrates and acknowledges a number of special occasions during the course of a lifetime. These include baptism, first communion, confirmation, weddings and funerals. We are happy to walk with you in planning and preparing for these important events. BAPTISM FIRST COMMUNION CONFIRMATION WEDDINGS FUNERALS / MEMORIAL SERVICES Baptism In baptism, God brings the newly baptized into a new relationship with God. That person then becomes part of God’s story of bringing light, life, and love to the whole world. Since baptism brings the newly baptized into the fellowship of the Church, baptisms usually take place at one of the regular worship services of the congregation. We baptize people of all ages at Trinity, although most of our baptisms are for infants. In addition to parents being involved, sponsors are also named who take on the role of supporting the baptized person in the years to come. Church membership of the parents is not required for a child to be baptized at Trinity. There is no fee for baptisms to the congregation or the pastor. To arrange for a baptism, please contact the church office either by phone, 952-955-1891, or email, trinityoffice@trin.org . ^ BACK TO TOP Baptism First Communion 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. The Bible tells the story like this: “In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me. Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.” Each year we teach our Fifth Graders 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. ^ BACK TO TOP First Communion Confirmation The Confirmation program at Trinity Lutheran Church begins as students enter 6th grade and concludes with the Affirmation of Baptism in the fall of 9th grade. Our hope is that, with the support of the students' families and the whole Trinity faith community, students deepen their relationships with God, ask insightful questions, and participate in fruitful discussion together during Confirmation. Confirmation is a time for young people to connect with peers and adults in a way that supports their spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Confirmation is a time for young people to grow in Christ, learn about God’s love, and encounter the Holy Spirit. Confirmation is a time for young people to give of themselves and serve as God’s hands and feet in the world. Students learn and practice what it means to live out their faith through connecting Bible stories and core Christian beliefs to everyday experiences. ^ BACK TO TOP Confirmation Weddings Congratulations on your engagement! You are at the beginning of an important journey, and we are honored that you want Trinity to share in your joy on the day of your wedding. You will find information regarding marriage preparation, the wedding service, and appropriate fees in our Wedding Planning Handbook. WEDDING PLANNING HANDBOOK To request a wedding date, please contact the church office either by phone, 952-955-1891, or email, trinityoffice@trin.org . ^ BACK TO TOP Weddings Funerals Celebrating the life of a loved one with a funeral or memorial service will provide comfort to you as well as others. Honoring the memory of your lost loved one creates a gathering of friends and family to mourn the loss, and provides a means to support one another. Remembering and sharing stories of our interactions with other people is an important part of our healing through the life and death experience. We offer our deepest sympathy to you and your family, and hope the information provided in our Funeral and Memorial Service Handbook will help to guide you through this difficult time of saying farewell. Please contact the church office either by phone, 952-955-1891, or email, trinityoffice@trin.org , with any questions you might have. FUNERAL SERVICE HANDBOOK ^ BACK TO TOP Funerals

FOUNDATION EXPLORE WAYS TO GIVE GIVE ONLINE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN TRINITY FOUNDATION MISSION SUPPORT Trinity Foundation The Trinity Lutheran Church Foundation manages a fund that is used to award annual scholarships to High School graduates who are about to continue their formal education on a college and university level. These scholarships range $300 to $1,000, depending on the monies available and the number of students that apply. The funds from the foundation are also used to help with special projects that the church wants to take on that are above and beyond our annual budget.

EASTER GARDEN EXPLORE ADULT MINISTRY BIBLE STUDIES MINISTRIES SMALL GROUPS Easter Garden Sale Order deadline: March 22 You can purchase a plant from the Trinity Easter Garden Sale to adorn our altar on Easter morning and then enjoy it at home all season long! Plants will be available for pick up following our Easter Sunday worship services on April 5. Easter Lily: $15 Tulips: $14 Hyacinths: $14 Daffodils: $14 Chrysanthemums: $16 Geraniums: $16 Begonias: $17 Hydrangea : $26 Boston Fern Hanging Basket: $32 ORDER ONLINE DOWNLOAD ORDER FORM Paper order forms are also available at the Trinity Welcome Center near the church office. Drop off order form and payment to the church office by March 22.

OUR HISTORY EXPLORE ABOUT TRINITY WHAT WE BELIEVE STAFF MEMBERSHIP LIFE EVENTS CONTACT The History of Trinity Lutheran Church Our Beginnings Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church of Watertown originated as Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Götaholm Congregation in 1858 with 23 charter members. They purchased three acres of land on the shore of Swede Lake, just south of town, for $10 per acre. Not long after, the congregation moved to Watertown to a site in the middle of our current cemetery, and then moved to its present location in 1890. In 1948, funds for a new organ were raised as the church celebrated its 90th Anniversary. But on Monday, June 7, tragic news flashed over the wires... "Götaholm destroyed by fire". Smoke and fire poured out of the bell tower like a chimney, and eventually the tower collapsed. When the fire was finally extinguished, what remained of the altar and the bell itself were found in the smoldering rubble in the church basement. The Parish Hall that sat across the street served as a meeting place for all activities, including services, and ground breaking was held on August 1, 1948. A general contractor was hired for the project and construction workers who had been hired were housed in the homes of church members during construction. Volunteers also spent many hours a day working to rebuild the church building. The name change to Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church was ratified at the annual meeting of 1949. The last Swedish service was held on January 1, 1949, marking the end of an era. This was no longer a Swedish church, but the Church of the Lord, extending the call and invitation to worship to all nationalities. The cornerstone of the new church was laid on May 8, 1949 and by Christmas of that year, the congregation was worshiping in the new sanctuary, only 19 months after the disastrous fire. And on February 5, 1950, the new organ was finally dedicated. Of course, the old church building and the devotion of the people who rebuilt it will not be forgotten. A special reminder of the former building can be found in the cross, candelabras, vases and book rest that we still use on our altar today. These items were made from the metal bell that was in the church at the time of the fire. Over the years, additions have been added to the building, including an Education Wing and Chapel in the 1970s. The chapel was dedicated in 1984 as Nylunda Chapel, in honor of another Swedish settlement church on nearby Lake Mary. When Nylunda Evangelical Lutheran Church closed, its congregation donated their church furnishings to Trinity, where they were used faithfully in our chapel for many years. Most recently, in 2014, our congregation completed an expansion of our current facility which included an elevator, new office space, air conditioning, and a new gathering hall, in order to enable the congregation to move forward In the light of Christ. Our Past Mission When Götaholm/Trinity first began, they helped start new churches in the area, such as congregations at Moores Prairie, Buffalo, Waverly, Maple Plain, Lyndale, and Nylunda. More recently, in May of 1969, the congregation helped start Faith Lutheran Church in Waconia. Through its history, Trinity has not only served to start mission churches but has had several pastors who have served as missionaries throughout the world. Pastors have arrived at Trinity after serving in Nepal, Tanzania, and Japan. In addition, fifteen sons or daughters of the congregation have gone on to become Lutheran pastors. And the mission of the church is not relegated only to previous pastors. Most notable is Ethel Akins from Trinity who served in China and Taiwan from 1921 until her death in 1980. In the mid to late 1990s, youth trips to Queen Louise Home for Children in St. Croix were organized for the purpose of doing service projects, mostly painting and light maintenance, although they also did arts and crafts and played games with the children at the orphanage as well. In the years to follow, Trinity also organized several medical mission trips to Jamaica. To this day, Trinity supports both local and global outreach efforts through the work of the Evangelical Church in America. Our Current Mission As Trinity moves forward, we continue to explore new ways that we can reach out with the good news of new life in Jesus Christ, both locally and globally.

SCHOLARSHIPS EXPLORE YOUTH MINISTRY CONFIRMATION YOUTH GROUP SCHOLARSHIPS Trinity College Scholarships Each year, the Trinity Lutheran Church Foundation offers several college scholarship opportunities to Trinity’s graduating seniors. DOWNLOAD 2026 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION Return your completed application to the Trinity Lutheran Church office by May 1, 2026. Paper copies can be dropped off during office hours or you can submit your application as a Google Doc (preferred) to trinityoffice@trin.org . Note: You will receive email verification upon receipt of your application. If you do not receive an email after a day or two, please contact the church office to make sure your application was received. The Trinity Foundation Scholarship The Trinity Foundation awards one or more graduating seniors this scholarship based on academic accomplishments, community service, and a personal essay about his/her experience at Trinity Lutheran Church and what they have learned that will help them be successful in the future. Trinity Preschool Scholarship Trinity Preschool was a beloved addition of Trinity Lutheran Church from 1975 to 2018. This scholarship awards a current Trinity Lutheran Church member that is graduating from high school and furthering their education at a post secondary college, particularly to study in the field of education/teaching. Elsie Sandquist Memorial Music Scholarship In memory of Elsie Sandquist, Trinity Lutheran Church's Organist/Pianist from 1964-2001, this scholarship was created to financially help a current Trinity member that is graduating from high school and furthering their education at a post secondary college. The recipient will have a love for music. Bergstrom Family Memorial Scholarship This scholarship is given to one or more Trinity seniors to perpetuate the memory of the Bergstrom family and commend involvement in our church and community. Frank Kaduk Memorial Scholarship The Frank Kaduk Scholarship is given to perpetuate the memory of Frank Kaduk, who was active in the faith formation of children at Trinity through teaching, enthusiastic support, and meaningful children’s messages. This scholarship will be given to a student who has shown an active interest in Trinity over the years. Preference will be given to those interested in pursuing a degree in education. C. P. Thompson Scholarship The C. P. Thompson Scholarship is given to assist a student who is pursuing a career in ministry and to commend involvement in the Trinity Lutheran Church and the community. This scholarship may be given to an eligible student who plans to pursue a career in Christian ministry.

ADULT MINISTRY EXPLORE ADULT MINISTRY BIBLE STUDIES MINISTRIES SMALL GROUPS Trinity Ministries for Adults Adult Ministries at Trinity Lutheran Church offer opportunities to gather together for learning, service, outreach, prayer, and fellowship. As we continue to learn what God's grace and forgiveness means in each of our lives, these opportunities help us to strengthen our relationship with God, foster our relationships with each other and create a feeling of belonging and connection with those we share these moments with. Check out our UPCOMING EVENTS page for more details on these opportunities.

YOUTH MINISTRY EXPLORE YOUTH MINISTRY CONFIRMATION YOUTH GROUP SCHOLARSHIPS Trinity Youth Trip to Valleyfair Grades 6 - 12 Trip Details: What: Valleyfair Youth Event Who: Youth of Trinity Lutheran Church who will have completed grades 6th-12th (2024-2025 school year) and invite your friends! When: Friday, June 13, 2025 Times: Arrive at Trinity Lutheran Church at 9:00 am; the bus will depart the Trinity parking lot at 9:15 am. The bus will depart Valleyfair at 4:00 pm, and we will return to the Trinity parking lot by 4:45 - 5:00 pm. Please pick up your child(ren) promptly by 5:00pm. Cost: $30 per child, which includes transportation and admission to Valleyfair (both rides and water park). ** If you have a season pass there is no cost for admission. Be sure to bring your pass on June 28. Please still register your child(ren) for the event and indicate they will use a season pass. Lunch: Valleyfair is cashless - please plan accordingly and see their website for details. Chaperones: Mary Gallus (952-215-8645), Thomas McMahon (952-237-6041) & Shelly Becker (612-437-0699) will chaperone this trip. Other parents are welcome to chaperone, too. Depending upon attendance numbers, chaperones may have to drive separately. If you are interested in chaperoning, provide your name and email on the permission form below; Shelly or Mary will contact you to discuss details. Background checks are required for chaperones. Other Details: Dress for the weather as we will be outside all day. Wear a bathing suit & bring a towel (and ziplock bag for phone) if you plan to go on the water rides. We recommend that you bring sunscreen and a bottle of water. Backpacks are permitted in the park. Questions? Contact: Shelly Becker: shellyabbecker@gmail.com , 612.437.0699 Mary Gallus: maryrgallus@live.com , 952.215.8645

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL EXPLORE CHILDREN'S MINISTRY BAPTISM SUNDAY SCHOOL VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL FIRST COMMUNION Vacation Bible School 3 years old – 4th grade June 15 - 18, 2026 5:30 - 7:30 pm Optional Family Dinner: 5:00 - 5:30 pm VBS ONLINE REGISTRATION This summer, kids are invited to a fun-filled week of Vacation Bible School at Trinity Lutheran Church. Join us for Rainforest Falls VBS, where we will explore the nature of God—discovering who God is and how much he loves us! E ach evening will include a Bible story, singing, prayer, games, snacks, explorations, friendships, and more! Who: Children who are 3 years old (by 9/1/2025) - Grade 4 (2025-2026 school year) Where: Trinity Lutheran Church When: Monday, June 15 - Thursday, June 18, 2026 Time: 5:30 - 7:30 pm (Optional Family Dinner: 5:00 – 5:30 pm) Cost: $20 per child, $50 max/family (payment to Trinity Lutheran Church) Registration Deadline: Please register by June 1. To guarantee a VBS T-shirt, register by May 1! Registration & Payment Options You can register for VBS online (click the button above). You have the option to pay online after registration via Trinity's secure online giving site or, if you prefer, you can pay by cash or check to the church office at your convenience. Volunteer Opportunities There are many opportunities to help out with VBS. We'll need volunteers to help prep items before VBS as well as lots of helpers during the event itself. Adults and youth in 5th Grade and older are invited to volunteer. Sign up to be a VBS volunteer by emailing Chelsea Farniok at cfarniok@trin.org . Questions about Vacation Bible School? Contact Children's Ministry Coordinator, Chelsea Farniok at cfarniok@trin.org .

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.

LENT & EASTER EXPLORE WORSHIP DETAILS ONLINE WORSHIP MUSIC BULLETINS WORSHIP VOLUNTEERS Lent at Trinity During Lent, Trinity will be using a series from Church Anew. The series theme is Unbound: Longing for Wholeness . Together we'll explore the idea of the opposite of being bound is being whole. Our world is filled with things that hold us captive. These things that bind us prevent us from living the whole, abundant life that God has promised us. Through the stories of regular people encountering Jesus, and being drawn to the wholeness that Jesus provides, we can learn about our own longings and be drawn into wholeness. Worship Ash Wednes day Wednesday, February 18 Worship at 7:00 pm ~ Onsite & Online The Season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. We’ll gather to hear a word of hope and peace, even as we are reminded of our limited lifespan here on earth: “Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” Lenten Midweek Services Wednesdays, February 25, March 4, 11, 18, 25 Light meal from 5:30 - 6:30 pm Worship at 7:00 pm ~ Onsite & Online We will be gathering each Wednesday evening for prayer, music, and a message from one of our faithful Trinity members on the theme of "Unbound: Longing for Wholeness. Join us for these services each week and feel free to come early for a light meal served by our Confirmation students in the Fellowship Hall. Holy Week Palm Sunday, March 29 9:00 am Worship ~ Onsite & Online Maundy Thursday, April 2 7:00 pm Worship ~ Onsite & Online Good Friday, April 3 7:00 pm Worship ~ Onsite & Online Easter Sunday, April 5 9:00 am Worship ~ Online 9:00 & 10:30 am Worship ~ Onsite Prayer Practices for Lent Contemplative Practices for Lent Through the Church Anew theme, Unbound: Longing for Wholeness , you are invited to explore a contemplative practice for Lent. Written by former Trinity member Rev. Susan Engholm, this unique resource guide offers weekly reflections and prayer practices. Try out this meaningful opportunity to slow down, create space, and discover where God is leading you. Booklets will be availalbe in the narthex and the Welcome Center or you can downloaded a digital version by clicking the button below. 2026 LENT PRAYER PRACTICES Events Palm Sunday Continental Breakfast Sunday, March 29 10:00 - 11:00 am Join us for a Continental Breakfast on Palm Sunday, March 29 in the Fellowship Hall as we shout “Hosanna!” and launch into Holy Week. Easter Egg Hunt Palm Sunday, March 29 10:00 am Families are invited to grab your baskets and head to Trinity to search for treat-filled eggs that remind us of the new life we receive in Christ. Meet in the Trinity parking lot for a short message before the big hunt! Drive Thru Prayers Monday - Friday, March 30-April 3 7:30 - 8:30 am During Holy Week, Trinity will be offering prayers and free coffee to morning commuters driving by the church. All are invited to stop by the Trinity parking lot for a cup of coffee and a prayer to start your day.

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY EXPLORE CHILDREN'S MINISTRY BAPTISM SUNDAY SCHOOL VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL FIRST COMMUNION Children at Trinity Birth – 5th grade Trinity Lutheran Church welcomes all children and their families. We encourage children to grow in their relationship with Jesus through stories, activities, events, and fellowship. Jesus wanted to spend time with the little ones, get to know them and didn't want them to be taken away. We, at Trinity feel the same. Children are invited to our group gatherings and events to learn more about the love that Jesus has for them and just how special they are in His eyes! Questions about Children's Ministry? Contact Children's Ministry Coordinator, Chelsea Farniok at cfarniok@trin.org .