Search Results

COVID-19 UPDATE EXPLORE ABOUT TRINITY WHAT WE BELIEVE STAFF MEMBERSHIP LIFE EVENTS CONTACT COVID-19 Response at Trinity April 2022 Dear Trinity Family and Friends, We are encouraged by the number of cases of Covid-19 in our midst as they continue to decrease in our community, state, and nation! In light of that, we are returning to have facemasks be optional for our in-person gatherings. Please continue to use common sense in your daily health practices, and please respect the behavior of those who might continue to keep higher safeguards in place due to personal health issues. Our hope is that our ongoing vigilance will continue to help keep the spread of Covid-19 in our congregation and community to a minimum. Thank you for your patience, encouragement, and support! Stay Calm. Stay Connected. Shine on. In the face of a global pandemic, God has led us with faith, hope, and love into a future that no one expected. We give thanks for all the ways God has kept us together in the past year, and we look forward to how God will continue to guide us into a "new normal" of vibrant ministry! Spirit SWAG Devotional Videos The spirit of God is with us everyday as we continue to SWAG (Smile, Wave and Greet) one another and shine in the light of God. PREVIOUS SPIRIT SWAG VIDEOS Leadership Thank you for your ongoing support of these leaders as we follow God's vision toward a bright and faithful future! If you see them, please thank them for their work! Church Council Diane Holmes, Corky Ibeling, Jason Koets, Carol Murray, Nick Neaton, Nancy Pickering, Nancy Stello, Ken Tufte, Tammy Vraspir COVID-19 Response Team Robyn Behrens, Alyson Blakstad, Allison Neaton, Eileen Nelson, Kari Olson, Scott Phearman, Jim Sandquist, Dan Sieling Church Staff Pastor Engholm, Robyn Behrens, Gail Cassidy, Mary Jech, Hannah Rosholt

WORSHIP VOLUNTEERS EXPLORE WORSHIP DETAILS ONLINE WORSHIP MUSIC BULLETINS WORSHIP VOLUNTEERS Worship Volunteers Good worship happens with good volunteers. Here at Trinity, volunteers are a vital part of our worship experience. There are numerous ways to volunteer on a Sunday morning — w hether you enjoy greeting people as an usher, sharing God’s story as a lector, pouring a cup of hospitality as a coffee host, assisting with communion, or helping our livestream reach those at home, there’s a place for you. Serving on a Sunday morning is a joyful way to meet people, support our worship life, and make a real difference. Ready to jump in? Sign up below or reach out to the church office or email our Volunteer Coordinator, Nancy Pickering at volunteer@trin.org to learn more. We can’t wait to serve with you! SIGN UP TO SERVE AT CHURCH Ushers Ushers are the “face” of the church – for those who attend worship every Sunday as well as for those who are walking though our doors for the first time — we want everyone to know they are welcome at Trinity. Duties include assisting with seating and general "traffic" flow for our indoor and outdoor worship services and helping people with any special needs. Training will be provided. USHER SCHEDULE Lectors Along with the pastor, lectors proclaim the Word of God by reading the scripture lessons during worship. Hearing God’s Word is one of the most important reasons for gathering to worship and the lector duties are an important part of the worship celebration. LECTOR SCHEDULE Coffee Hosts Trinity offers coffee and refreshments during Fellowship Hour each Sunday following worship. Serving coffee is a wonderful way to share your generosity through hospitality. Two Coffe Host volunteers are needed each week to prepare and serve coffee. Supplies and instructions are provided. COFFEE HOST SCHEDULE Communion Assistants A Communion Assistant is charged with one of the most important assignments of the liturgy; the distribution of Holy Communion to the congregation. Training is available. COMMUNION SCHEDULE Altar Guild The Altar Guild ministry is a gift of time and talent to serve God in His house by preparing the chancel area for worship. This includes preparing communion, monitoring paraments, candles, altar flowers and other elements needing care prior to celebrating God's saving love and grace in worship. Training will be provided. ALTAR GUILD SCHEDULE Livestream / Audio Tech Livestream and Audio volunteers play a crucial role in ensuring that worship services are accessible, engaging, and spiritually meaningful for both in-person and online participants. Duties include operating cameras and sound equipment for all of our recorded or livestreamed worship services. Training will be provided. LIVESTREAM SCHEDULE More Ways to Volunteer Ministry Teams Trinity is a lay led congregation, where congregational members take on leadership roles and our pastor provides guidance and support. Trinity’s Ministry Teams are led by volunteers who are passionate about sharing the love of Jesus Christ in various ways. They are committed to the success of the mission and ministries of Trinity Lutheran Church and welcome those who are interested in being a part of that passion. To learn more about our Ministry Teams, visit our MINISTRIES page or contact the church office at trinityoffice@trin.org or 952-955-1891. Funeral/Memorial Service Team The Funeral/Memorial Service Team facilitates a time of food and fellowship following a funeral or memorial service held at our church. A chairperson coordinates each event and volunteers are asked to provide cake or bars, set up and serve during the luncheon or clean up afterwards. If you would like to be on the Funeral/Memorial Service Team Volunteer list, please contact Eileen Nelson , 952-955-1491. Church Office Volunteers Volunteer opportunities in the church office include preparing bulletins each week, light clerical work, preparing church mailings and various other duties. If you would like to volunteer and are available daytimes during the week, please contact Robyn Behrens , 952-955-1891. Special Events There are always opportunities to volunteer at Trinity. As special events are planned, bulletin, newsletter and worship announcements will call for volunteers as needed. You are always welcome to lend a hand.

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.

GIVE EXPLORE WAYS TO GIVE GIVE ONLINE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN TRINITY FOUNDATION MISSION SUPPORT Ways to Give Thank you for supporting the ministries of Trinity Lutheran Church. Your gifts help us to live faithfully and change lives in our community and around the world. As faithful people, we tend to the needs of others and our church’s ministry when we share our gifts, talents and resources. You can give in several ways: Online Giving We offer members and visitors an easy and convenient way to support and strenghten the ministry of our church. Use Online G iving as a way to give anytime or to automate your regular weekly offering. You can make a one-time donation or set up recurring donations using your debit/credit card or checking/savings account. VANCO ONLINE HOW-TO GUIDE GIVE ONLINE Vanco Mobile App To give, download the free "Vanco Mobile" app on your Apple or Android phone. You can make a one-time or recurring donations using your debit/credit card or checking/savings account. Please note: If you already have an online giving profile set up with Trinity Lutheran Church, you will use the same login credentials on the Vanco Mobile App. VANCO MOBILE HOW-TO GUIDE Text to Give To give, text the dollar amount to 833-381-0691. In a few short moments, you will receive a link to vancopayments.com. Complete the secure form and hit submit. You will then receive a text thanking you for your donation to Trinity Lutheran Church. On your first time using Text to Give, you will need your credit card information handy. For future giving, simply send a text to the same number with the amount you wish to give, and your donation will process automatically. It may be helpful to create a “new contact” in your phone using this number so you will always have Trinity’s Text to Give number on hand. TEXT TO GIVE HOW TO GUIDE Bill Pay Bill Pay is an online service provided by most banks. You can set up one-time payments or create recurring payments from your checking or savings account through your personal banking institution. This method is the most cost efficient way to donate electronically to Trinity, as we do not incur any fees on your donation. Please contact your bank for further information on this option. Mail in the Envelope If this is most convenient for you, mail your contributions to: Trinity Lutheran Church Attn: Gail Cassidy PO Box 1177 Watertown, MN 55388 Questions? Contact Gail Cassidy, Financial Secretary, at 952-955-1891 or gcassiday@trin.org for assistance with any of the giving options above.

CONFIRMATION EXPLORE YOUTH MINISTRY CONFIRMATION YOUTH GROUP SCHOLARSHIPS Confirmation at Trinity Grades 6 - 8 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. Small group ministry is at the heart of Confirmation. In these safe and relational spaces called "Huddles", students dive into questions of faith with their "Huddle Guides" and talk about how their faith is lived out at home, in school, at church, and around the community. Engaging in discussions that lift up the importance of loving ourselves and our neighbors with grace and openness is woven into the fabric of this important ministry. 2025-2026 CONFIRMATION CLASS SCHEDULE 2025-2026 WORSHIP NOTES Questions about Confirmation? Contact the church office at trinityoffice@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.

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 .

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.

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.

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.

CALENDAR See our UPCOMING EVENTS page for specific event descriptions.

BOOK CLUB EXPLORE ADULT MINISTRY BIBLE STUDIES MINISTRIES SMALL GROUPS Trinity Book Club The Trinity Book Club gathers to discuss books that are chosen from suggestions by the group. New readers are always welcome. All are invited to join us for fellowship and engaging conversation each month. Email Diane Johnson to be added to the Trinity Book Club email list for notifications on upcoming books and meeting locations. Check out our upcoming book selections: July Date: Monday, July 11, 6:30 pm Book: The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel August Date: Monday, August 1, 6:30 pm Book: Beautiful Country by Qian Julie Wang September Date: Monday, September 12, 6:30 pm Book: The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah October Date: Monday, October 2, 6:30 pm Book: Chasing Fireflies by Charles Martin November Date: Monday, November 7, 6:30 pm Book: State of Wonder by Ann Patchett December Date: Monday, December 5, 6:30 pm Book: The Winners by Fredrik Backman