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.

SUNDAY SCHOOL EXPLORE CHILDREN'S MINISTRY BAPTISM SUNDAY SCHOOL VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL FIRST COMMUNION Sunday School 3 years old – 5th grade Sunday School begins September 13! Sundays, 10:00-10:45 am SUNDAY SCHOOL REGISTRATION Who: Children who are 3 years old (by 9/1/2026) - Grade 5 (2026-2027 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 .

UPCOMING EVENTS Check out what is coming up at Trinity Lutheran Church Click on "Show more" for specific event details.

BULLETINS EXPLORE WORSHIP DETAILS ONLINE WORSHIP MUSIC BULLETINS WORSHIP VOLUNTEERS Worship Bulletins Click on the links below to view worship bulletins. Sunday, October 18, 2026 Sunday, October 11, 2026 Sunday, October 4, 2026 Sunday, September 27, 2026 Sunday, September 20, 2026 Sunday, September 13, 2026 Sunday, September 6, 2026 Sunday, August 30, 2026 Sunday, August 23, 2026 Sunday, August 16, 2026 Sunday, August 9, 2026

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

ANNUAL REPORT EXPLORE ABOUT TRINITY WHAT WE BELIEVE STAFF MEMBERSHIP LIFE EVENTS CONTACT Annual Congregational Meeting Thank you to those who attended Trinity's Annual Congregational Meeting on January 25. Together, we celebrated where God led us in 2025 and we made plans for the year ahead. We approved the Spending Plan for 2026 and new members were elected to the Church Council and other church committees. Below you will find Trinity's 2025 Annual Report. If you have any questions, please contact the church office at trinityoffice@trin.org or 952-955-1891. Trinity Lutheran Church 2025 Annual Report Constitutional Updates In the link below are the two changes to the Trinity Lutheran Church Constitution that were approved by a congregational vote at the Annual Meeting on January 26, 2025. These amendments were ratified at the 2026 Annual Meeting. CONSTITUTIONAL UPDATES

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.

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.

SUNDAY SCHOOL EXPLORE CHILDREN'S MINISTRY BAPTISM SUNDAY SCHOOL VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL FIRST COMMUNION Sunday School 3 years old – 5th grade Sunday School begins September 13! Sundays, 10:00-10:45 am SUNDAY SCHOOL REGISTRATION Who: Children who are 3 years old (by 9/1/2026) - Grade 5 (2026-2027 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 .

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.

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 gcassidy@trin.org for assistance with any of the giving options above.

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.